The news this summer has been rampant with violence in the form of terrorist attacks, police shootings and ambush attacks on police officers. These hot topics have undoubtedly led to a great deal of nationwide tension. We asked several local clergy members to weigh in on the situation.
Monsignor Joseph Nugent, pastor of both St. Agnes and St. Paul’s Catholic Churches, commented that during the Prayer of the Faithful at each Mass offered at both churches, they pray “for an end to terrorism, violence and abuse of all kinds; for those who watch over and protect us, that God may watch over and protect them.”
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, came to St. Agnes Church on Sunday, July 17th for a special Mass in French for the victims of the Nice terror attack on Bastille Day. According to Msgr. Nugent, the purpose of the Mass was “to show our solidarity with the people of France, to offer our support to the French people living in the area as well as to pray for an end to violence everywhere and especially in our country.”
For the French community
There is a French Mass at St. Agnes each Sunday for the sizable local French community and the church had hosted an interfaith prayer service last November following terror attacks in Paris. Msgr. Nugent expressed his gratitude to the 76th Precinct for dispatching an anti-terrorism task force to be present at the recent Mass.
At the multiethnic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Carroll Street, rector Father Peter Cullen noted that his “parishioners have taught me much about mutual trust and love.” Of late, Father Cullen has been preaching more often on the Biblical principle that recognizes that each and every human being has been created in the Image of God.
“I have tried to proclaim the Gospel message of God’s Incarnation—that the Word actually ‘became flesh and dwelt amongst us.’ Every human life is sacred,” says Cullen. He went on to say that in their Baptismal Covenant, vows are made that, with the help of God, they may “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as our self,” and that they promise to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”
Father Johannes Siegert of Visitation Parish said that prayers have been added to their liturgy for the fallen police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge as well as all victims of violence. He also mentioned that some members of the parish, including church sacristan Robert Berrios, had attended an interfaith vigil for peace at Grand Army Plaza on Monday, July 11th. Organized by the Diocese of Brooklyn along with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, the vigil was attended by over 1,500 people including hundreds of local police officers and Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Sikh leaders.
Among the religious leaders present was Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Mount Sinai, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, and an FDNY Chaplain. Rabbi Potasnik spoke of a need to eradicate the “us versus them mentality” and to promote conversation which he feels Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is effective in doing.
“We need to sit down and talk to each other” said the Rabbi, adding “the time to know each other is before the crisis.”
While prayer is a good place to begin, Rabbi Potasnik noted that the windows in houses of worship symbolize the idea that efforts for peace should be extended beyond the walls, or that “what you say on the inside should be seen on the outside.”
He added that in talking to police officers and members of the black community, “everyone wants the same thing: to come home safely at night and to be with their family.” The Rabbi summed up his feelings by saying “we cannot allow inappropriate actions of a few to define the many.”
On July 27, the day after a Catholic priest was brutally slain in Normandy while saying Mass, Pope Francis said that “The world is at war and we don’t have to be afraid to say it.” The pontiff stressed it was not a war among religions, but a war nonetheless.
While prayers for peace are as old as time, they will surely continue to be offered most earnestly by local clergy and their congregations – fervent prayers for peace, healing and change – locally, nationally, and globally.
Happenings/Upcoming Events
Congregation Mount Sinai
250 Cadman Plaza West
Under the Bridge – Monthly community Shabbat celebration at BridgeView Lawn, Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park on Friday, August 19 at 6:30 pm. Challah and grape juice will be provided. All are welcome.
Hebrew School registration is now open.
River of God Christian Center
110 Wolcott Street
A Big Hat Affair on Saturday, August 27 (note change of date). Donations are welcome!
Women’s Retreat on November 4-6, will include a trip to the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. Save the date.
Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church
Summit & Hicks Street
Newlywed Fellowship hosted by SHSS/St. Agnes and St. Paul Adult Ministries, for couples married three years or less on Friday, September 16 at 7 pm at SHSS church. To RSVP call Laura at 718-596-7750.
150th Anniversary Gala on November 13, 2016, 4:00 pm cocktails, 5:00 pm dinner at El Caribe Country Club. Cost is $135 per person. For information e-mail 150@SacredHearts-StStephen.com.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) – Learn more about the Catholic faith, become baptized, complete the sacraments. For information, call (718) 596-7750 or email NArkin@SacredHearts-StStephen.com.
St. Agnes/ St. Paul’s Parish
Hoyt & Sackett Streets
Painting With a Purpose – Channel your inner Van Gogh and enjoy an evening of painting, refreshments and socializing. A professional artist will lead you in a step-by-step painting class and you will leave with a masterpiece! No experience necessary! 50/50 raffle and ticket proceeds will support both St. Paul & St. Agnes Churches. On August 20 from 7-9 pm. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased online paintnite.com/events/1087658.html.
St. Mary Star of the Sea Church
467 Court Street
Religious Education Registration has begun for 2016 – 2017. Forms are available in church, at the rectory and may be downloaded from www.stmarystarbrooklyn.com. Classes begin on Sunday, September 18.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church
234 Congress Street
St. Paul and Visitation Youth Ministry present Movie Night – Miracles From Heaven on Saturday, August 6 at 6 pm at St. Paul Hall. Free admission, snacks available. For information, call (718) 624-3425.
Young Adult Group – Are you a young adult between 21-39 and feel misunderstood and alone? Well, you are not alone. Come and join our young adult group. For more information, please call the rectory (718) 625-1717 or email stpaulandstagnes@gmail.com.
Visitation BVM Church
98 Richards Street
Healing Mass on August 10 at 7:00 pm in Spanish and on August 19 at 7:00 pm in English.
Gran Evento Concert, El Poder y El Amor de Jesus, featuring “Gela” on August 26 from 7:30-11:00 pm, organized by the Guadalupe Committee. Tickets are $10.
