For several years, the period between mid-September and mid-October has been designated as National Hispanic Heritage Month. In the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens, we recognize the vibrant and diverse history that the Hispanic population has contributed to this diocese of immigrants. Recently, for the most part, the Hispanic immigration has given our diocese a new face and new energy.
Put Out into the Deep
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, the seventh Bishop of Brooklyn, has led the Diocese since 2003. He is a forceful voice on behalf of migrants and immigrants, whose causes he has worked for through most of his priestly ministry. Complete Bio
Serving the Local Church Through Catechesis
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,
Our parishes in Brooklyn and Queens will join over 17,000 other parishes throughout the United States on Sunday, September 15 to celebrate Catechetical Sunday. The theme for this year is “Stay with Us,” as announced by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Our Greatest and Best Inheritance
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,
The summer months are over, and students all across Brooklyn and Queens returned to school this past week. The Diocese of Brooklyn, our pastors, principals, and directors of the Academies kicked off a great beginning to the 2019-2020 Academic Year.
Labor Day and Welcoming Immigrants
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,Who will kill our chickens or dress our beef? Perhaps this seems a strange question for us on the East Coast, since we are so far away from the processing centers for the chicken we love to buy so cheaply and the beef that today is a bit more expensive.
Summer of Faith: Vacation Is Time for Renewal
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,Many families have already taken their summer vacation; however, the end of August seems to be the time when most families take their annual vacation. Families do need vacations; they need a change of scenery and, hopefully, they find the time to take their vacations together. This is so important, especially for families with young children, that the family has an opportunity at least once a year to be close together as a family and to be able to do some of the relaxing things that families should do together.
Assault Weapons Have No Place in a Civilized Society
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,Two mass shootings in one weekend that killed dozens of people in El Paso, Texas and in Dayton, Ohio have left many people feeling disgusted and hopeless about the senseless violence that is too commonplace in America. The unfortunate reality is that violence is, in fact, a part of our history and gun violence really is the worst part of it. But it does not have to remain this way. People have the power to pray for change and make it happen.
The Continuing Fight vs. Sexual Abuse
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,The Child Victim’s Act (CVA) passed in New York state earlier this year will put the crime of sexual abuse across all of society front and center next week. The one-year window for victims to file civil lawsuits opens on August 14. The statute of limitations previously put a time limit on allegations. Now victims can bring lawsuits against individuals or entities, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred, and seek damages for the harm they suffered.
The Original Sin of America
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,The events of Charlottesville, now almost two years ago were a wakeup call to our country because the horrific images on display and messages of racism were more than alive in our own country. Charlottesville was a complicated issue. Yes, for some, it was about preserving a statue of a Civil War hero, even if he worked against the Union.
Ministering to Youth in Our Church
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,Each year, for the past several years, the Diocese of Brooklyn has hosted a major youth program sponsored by the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.
Two Beautiful Italian Traditions
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,Brooklyn celebrates many patronal feasts, but for Brooklyn and Queens, the Feasts of St. Paolino and Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Williamsburg are what the Italians call the “la festa di tutte le feste.” San Gennaro uses that expression for its feast in Manhattan, but in Brooklyn, it is Mount Carmel-St Paolino, that creates the great Italian festival each year.