Transitional Deacons Ordained Nine students at St. Joseph’s Seminary were ordained to the transitional diaconate November 7 by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn. Five of the new deacons are from the Archdiocese of New York and are expected to be ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 2021: the Reverend Messrs. Matthew Breslin, Robert Carolan, Carmine Caruso, Steven Gonzalez and Kevin Panameño. Previously ordained was the Reverend Mr. Wesbee Victor. May Christ the Good Shepherd continue to accompany, bless guide and shape their hearts after His Sacred Heart with great pastoral zeal in the service of the Church.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Due to overwhelming health concerns with our current COVID-19 pandemic, His Eminence will not be celebrating an Archdiocesan Rite of Election at St. Patrick’s Cathedral this coming 2021. Instead, Cardinal Dolan is directing all parishes who have catechumens (unbaptized) who participated faithfully in their parish catechumenate (RCIA) process and are ready to celebrate the three sacraments of Christian initiation this coming Easter Vigil to formally participate in a parish celebration of the Rite of Election on February 21, 2021, the First Sunday of Lent. It may be at one of the Sunday Masses or at a Liturgy of the Word outside of a Mass. A suggested ritual in both English and Spanish that may be used at your discretion. Visit www.archny.org/rite-of-election for more information. Parish baptized candidates who are ready for their Confirmation and first Holy Communion this coming Easter season may participate in a parish celebration of the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion on any appropriate time during the beginning of Lent. You may contact Mr. Oscar Cruz, director of the catechumenate (RCIA) at rcia@archny.org or at 646-794-2581.
Required Announcement on the Protection of Children The Archdiocese of New York is committed to doing all that is can to protect children and young people from sexual abuse. As part of that effort, we periodically write to the Catholic community to advise them whom they may contact and what steps they can take if they have suffered abuse by someone representing the Catholic church.
Please include this announcement in both English and Spanish in your Sunday bulletin. Its wording was approved by the presbyteral council. If your parish uses another language, i.e., Chinese, French, German, Italian or others, I am asking that you have it correctly translated and send a copy of your bulletin with these translations to my office. Additionally, publish this announcement every May, September and January.
“To report an alleged incident of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest, deacon, religious or lay person serving in the Archdiocese of New York may contact the victims assistance coordinator, Mrs. Eileen Mulcahy at 646-794-2949 or victimsassistance@archny.org. Information can also be found on the archdiocesan website www.archny.org. In keeping with archdiocesan policy regarding sexual abuse of minors, this is provided to ensure that our children remain safe and secure.”
“Cualquier persona que necesite reportar algún incidente de abuso sexual de un menor por un sacerdote, diacono, religioso/a, o laico sirviendo en la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, se le pide que por favor contacte al coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas, Seňora Eileen Mulcahy al 646-794-2949. Ella también pueden ser contactada vía correo electrónica: victimasassistance@archny.org. Para más información pueden visitar la página en la red de la arquidiócesis: www.archny.org. De acuerdo con las normas de la arquidiócesis sobre el respeto al abuso sexual de menores, esta información se provee para asegurar que nuestros niños permanezcan seguros.”
Catholic War Veterans (CWV) A campaign is being launched to recruit membership in this organization. The CWV and auxiliary belong to the people they serve and the communities we live in. Requirements: Specific “war time” service is not a requirement to become a member. Any baptized Catholic serving in the Armed Forces or discharged under honorable conditions for a period of 90 days or longer (includes time for Reserves and National Guard) is eligible for membership in the CVW. The Catholic War Veteran’s Auxiliary is open to any baptized Catholic man or woman, related within 2 degrees to a veteran or currently serving in the Armed Forces member of any faith. All active duty men and women will have the dues waived until separated from their active service. For further information and membership application visit the web site cwv.org or call 516-316-4221 or email joshea112 @hotmail.com.
New York State Office for Unclaimed Funds NYS has $16.5 billion in lost money and wants to give it back. Contact the office at https://ouf.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/?wicket-crypt=KMPkTr45BME to see if your parish is eligible.
Bringing Your Kids to Work? As a reminder, for insurance and safe environment issues, employees are not permitted to bring their children to work. This is especially so in times of a pandemic. Although one can understand the pastoral considerations involved in this situation, having a child present at work is a violation of safe environment, risk management and COVID-19 protocols. It also makes it virtually impossible for the employee to dedicate full attention to job responsibilities.
Catholic Schools COVID Response Team Superintendent of schools Mr. Mike Deegan is announcing an expansion of this team by welcoming Kevin F. Thompson in the new position of testing and vaccine coordinator to efficiently and effectively streamline the current testing process required by state mandate for schools to remain open. Government testing and safety protocols are constantly changing as COVID-19 spikes throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Sacraments for Students in 2021 As we continue our quarantine, we are faced with the challenge of engaging parents and children in confirmation and first penance and communion programs like sacramental preparation meetings, community service projects, and participation in Sunday Mass and classes. Pastors may decide to defer these liturgies until the fall to allow more time for catechesis, similar to what was done in 2020. A caution – avoid creating competition among parishes within your cluster.
2021 Dates for Your Calendar (subject to change)
- Ash Wednesday, February 17
- Lenten Day of Recollection, Wednesday, February 24
- Priesthood Retreat Week I, Monday, March 1
- RCIA Rite of Election, Sunday, March 21
- St. Patrick’s Day Mass and Parade, Wednesday, March 17
- Lenten Reconciliation Monday, March 29
- Mass of the Chrism, Tuesday, March 30
- Priesthood Retreat Week II, Monday, May 3
- Jubilee Mass and Brunch for Religious, Sunday, May 16
- Ordination to the Priesthood, Saturday, May 29
- Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, Saturday, June 5
- Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass, Sunday, June 6
- Priesthood Retreat Week III, Monday, October 4
- Columbus Day Mass and Parade, Monday, October 11
- Advent Reconciliation Monday, December 20