Saturday June
27, 2009, Fr. Bob was ordined to the Priesthood.
His First Mass and Mass of Thanksgiving
was celebrated here
at St. A's on Sunday
June 28, 2009.
Here is a little bio of Fr. Bob that appeared on
the Diocese of
Brooklyn’s Vocation Website.
While I loved my life and career and was very successful by just about any of our
society's measures, deep within me I had the feeling that God had other plans for me. Since abandoning myself totally to His
will, I have found a sense of freedom, happiness and peace.
A vocation to serve God as a priest is an invitation to an ever more intimate relationship
of love and friendship with the Lord. It is not something to be ashamed of or feel guilty about, nor should it be a
cause of anxiety. While one might feel unworthy, one should know that we are all unworthy, it is God's grace that makes
it possible. It is all about God, not about us.
God loves each one of us into existence and has a role for each of us to play in
the plan of salvation. Discovering that vocation, whether it be to married life, the single life, the priesthood or
religious life is the key to personal happiness and living life to its fullest. When I look back at my own life, I am
awed by what the Lord has done for me. I could never be clever enough as to design, or so bold as to ask, for the
wonderful life God has created for me.
I graduated from Dartmouth College with a BA in Mathematics in June of 1979.
From there I embarked on a career as an actuary. I worked for Prudential Property and Casualty Insurance Company in Holmdel,
New Jersey from 1979 -1982. In October of 1982 I joined the American International Group as an Actuarial Assistant.
I worked twenty-two years for that organization, eventually becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary for
their reinsurance subsidiary, Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, where I was also a member of the Board of Directors. My
professional designations include being a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a member of the American Academy of
Actuaries and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries.
I entered priestly formation in August of 2004 at Cathedral Seminary Residence of
the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston. After completing Pre-Theology, I was assigned by the bishop to the Pontifical North
American College, where I earned a S.T.B. from the Pontifical Gregorian University. I am currently studying Canon Law
in Rome.
I will be assigned right here at St. Athanasius for the Summer. It's great
to be home and an honor to serve here.
As different as my life as a seminarian is from what is was as a business executive,
the transition has gone smoother than makes any human sense. I can only attribute it to the grace of God. I want
to share the "Good News", the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with everyone in Brooklyn and Queens so that they might experience the
abundant life God wants them to enjoy.
I can remember feeling a special connection with the Lord even as a child.
I thought then that I would one day be a priest, but I never imagined the journey would take me down such a long, winding
road. I did not feel comfortable at the time sharing my feeling with anyone. I had always done well academically,
and once I began my actuarial career success came quickly and easily, so I tried to convince myself that perhaps that was
what God wanted for me. I stayed close to the faith by my association with the Wall Street Catholic Young Adult Club,
and by becoming more and more active in my home parish as a lector, Eucharistic minister and member of the parish council.
Eventually I spoke to one of my parish priest, Father Bryan Patterson. He managed to bring to the surface the
many feelings I had been carrying around inside of me for so many years. After much prayer and consultation with other
priests I confirmed to myself that God indeed was calling me to serve Him by serving his people in Brooklyn and Queens as
a priest.
For a man considering the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, I would encourage a man to
stay close to the Lord in Prayer and to listen to the Lord with an open mind and heart. I would also suggest he contact the
Vocation Office to learn about any vocation retreats which might be available. It might also be helpful to visit the
seminary or house of discernment.
On July 5, 2009Junhee Lee was officially accepted as a candidate for Priestly Studies for the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Junhee will study in Rome at
The
Pontifical North American College.
Do not worry if you are not sure about your call to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, because no one is 100% certain
when they enter the seminary. But take that leap of faith, enter the seminary and continue to discern God's call. Congratulations,
the call to the priesthood is truly a precious gift from God.
Many usually ask, what is the life of a seminarian? Life as a seminarian has
been a blessing. Over the past few years as a seminarian I have learned and experienced many things that helped me grow physically,
emotionally, and spiritually. The seminary is a place of formation and a place of discernment where groups of young men, just
like you and I, come and live together by helping and encouraging each other to do the will of God. Always be open to
God's call. Whatever it may be, be open to it and once you find out what it is, follow that calling to the best of your ability
always with love.
I entered priestly formation in August 2005. At that time I entered Cathedral
Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception. I just finished my college degree with a Major in Philosophy and minor is
Theology. I will now begin my theological studies at in Rome for the degree of Bachelor of Theology which
is called a Master of Divinity here in the United States.
For me, the first step towards enter the seminary was prayer. I have found
that what has helped me the most to continue to discern God's calling in my life was having a personal relationship with God.
Having a relationship with God does not just happen. Like all relationships, a relationship with God requires time,
patients, and being willing to accept guidance in times of confusion and even in times of uncertainty. Always be open to whatever
God has planned for you. God will never let you down.
God calls those who are willing to listen. God calls all sorts of people.
For instance, I love skateboarding, snowboarding, and many other activities. I have a black belt in Taekwondo and taught self-defense
as master's assistant. As you reflect on God’s call, talk to your parish priest, you just might be surprised by
his story.
I am truly blessed to have a loving and supportive family who loves me unconditionally.
Through my family, especially my parents, I was introduced to God's love. Realizing how much God truly loves me and my family
all I wanted to do in return was to love Him and do His will.
Finally, you might be asking yourself, why the Diocese of Brooklyn? Simply
because I truly believe that Church of Brooklyn and Queens is the best. What makes the Diocese of Brooklyn so great is the
unity among different cultures. Regardless of language and cultural differences there is always a sense of unity during the
celebration of the Eucharist.
While I have been an active parishioner at Holy Spirit, I heard my call when
I was involved in ministry here at St. Athanasius. To celebrate my called to candidacy, St. A's was the only place to begin
the next step of my journey. Please keep me in your prayers each and every day!
We celebrate Morning Prayer, Monday through Saturday. Those congregants will be asked
to pray for your intentions. Your prayer intentions will be given to our home bound parishioners who are members
of our Prayer Partners Ministry. Additionally, we will ask members of the Lay Carmelites to pray for your intentions.
Your intentions will also be written in our
St. Anthony of Padua Shrine
Book of Intentions.
Know that you are united with us in prayer.
Our St. Anthony of Padua Shrine in the Narthex.
The St. Anthony Book of Petitions is opposite the Shrine.
WHO IS WELCOME IN ST. ATHANASIUS CHURCH?
Are you a sinner? Have you been away from the church for a long time? Are you divorced or separated?
Are you physically or mentally challenged? Are you from a different culture? Are you not accepted because of your sexual orientation?
Are you elderly, a teen or young adult? Are you discriminated against because of your color? Are you feeling broken? Are you
poor or out of work? Have you been imprisoned? Have you a feeling that you are left out? You are welcome here! This is
your home, and we are your family!
Do you suffer from Celiac Sprue Disease?
ST. ATHANASIUS CHURCH IS CELIAC FRIENDLY
and, after requesting and receiving permission from Bishop DiMarzio,
we can provide you with low gluten hosts and a pyx,
in order to enable you to receive Holy Communion
at daily Mass and Sunday Mass.
To begin the process, please call Fr. Ron D'Antonio at 718-236-0124 Ext.
13.
We,
the Parish of St. Athanasius, are a faith-filled worshiping Roman Catholic community, where Jesus Christ is recognized as
Lord and Savior in our journey and made present through our joyful celebration of the sacraments, our proclamation and living
of the gospel, and our loving outreach and service, especially to those in most need. We acknowledge the need for God's grace
in our unfinished lives. We acknowledge our incompleteness and pledge our faith lives to work for the creation of a community
where the equality of God's people that flows from Baptism is celebrated with hope and passion. We pledge our commitment to
the creation of a community where seekers and questioners are welcomed, where the forgotten and marginalized are recognized,
where God's people are refreshed, reconciled and renewed.
Affermazione
della Nostra Missione
Noi, la parrocchia di Sant'Atanasio, siamo una comunità cattolica piena di fede,
in cui Gesu Cristo è riconosciuto come il Signore ed il Salvatore nel nostro viaggio quoditiano e presente nella nostra gioiosa
celebrazione dei Sacramenti, nella nostra proclamazione e vita a secondo del Vangelo, e nel nostro amore di raggiungere e
servire particolarmente a quelli che ne hanno piu bisogno. Riconosciamo l'esigenza per la Grazia di Dio nelle nostre vite
incompiute.Riconosciamo la nostra incompletezza ed impegniamo la nostra vita
di fede nel lavorare per la creazione di una comunità in cui l'uguaglianza della gente di Dio che nasce dal Battesimo, è celebrata
con speranza e passione.Impegniamo il nostro impegno nella creazione
di una Comunità in cui i cercatori ed idubbiosi sono accolti favorevolmente,
doveidimenticati ed i marginati
sono riconosciuti, dove la gente di Dio è rinfrescata, riconciliata e rinnovata.
Afirmaciòn de Nuestra Mision
Nosotros, la Parroquia de San Atanasio,
somos una comunidad Católica , llena de fé que alaba, que reconoce a Jesucristo como Señor y Salvador en nuestro camino y
lo hace presente por medio de nuestra alegre celebración de los sacramentos, nuestra proclamación y nuestra vida en el Evangelio,
nuestra buena disposición y servicio, en especial a aquellos que mas lo necesitan. Reconocemos la necesidad de la gracia
de Dios en nuestras vidas incompletas. Reconocemos que somos incompletos y comprometemos nuestras vidas con fé a trabajar
para formar una comunidad donde la igualdad del pueblo de Dios que flue desde el Bautismo sea celebrada con esperanza
y pasión. Nos comprometemos completamente a la creación de una comunidad donde los que tienen preguntas y buscan respuestas
sean bienvenidos, donde los olvidados y los marginalizados sean reconocidos, y donde el pueblo de Dios sea refrescado, reconciliado
y renovado.
WHO
IS ST. ATHANASIUS?
St. Athanasius was born in Alexandria, about the year 296, of Christian parents. In 315, St. Athanasius went to the
desert to spend some time in retreat with St. Anthony, a hermit. In 319, Athanasius became a deacon, and he was
called upon to take an active part against the rising heresy of Arius, an priest of the Alexandrian Church who denied the
Divinity of Christ. This was to be the life struggle of St. Athanasius. In 325, he assisted his Bishop at the Council
of Nicaea, where his influence began to be felt. In 326 Athanasius was unanimously elected Bishop. His refusal to tolerate
the Arian heresy was the cause of many trials and persecutions for St. Athanasius. He spent seventeen of the forty-six years
of his episcopate in exile. Athanasius died on May 2, 373. St. Athanasius was a Bishop and is a Doctor of the Church.
If
people ask, "Why did he not appear by means of other parts of creation, and use some nobler instrument, as the sun or moon
or stars or fire or air, instead of merely man?" let them know that the Lord came not to make a display, but to teach
and heal those who were suffering. --Athanasius of Alexandria--
OUR SANCTUARY IN THE UPPER CHURCH.
Construction began in 1961; dedicated July 13, 1963; renovated & rededicated Pentecost May 30,2004
HERE AT ST. ATHANASIUS...
WE VALUE FAMILIES.
The family is the source of both our greatest loves and greatest sorrows. It is our central and most enduring commitment
beyond self.
WE VALUE MARRIAGE,
an equal partnership, based on shared commitment, compromise, responsibility, and love.
WE VALUE CHILDREN.
We see in them their ability to contribute to
our present and we see in them our hope for the future.
WE VALUE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS,
who are a child's first and foremost influentiall teachers and the child's primary provider of love, guidance, and protection.
WE VALUE OUR SENIORS.
Caring for our seniors is one of our most important ministries.
WE VALUE OUR COMMUNITY.
The church, synagogue, mosque, school, workplace and neighborhood are enriched by strong families.
WE AFFIRM BASIC JUDEO-CHRISTIAN MORAL VALUES.
As part of the rich religious heritage we received from our ancestors, we pass on to our children a respect for others
and for the law along with the responsibilities of living in a democracy.
WE SEE THE NEED FOR SOCIETAL CONCERN,
which strengthems families to realize and build upon Judeo-Christian moral values, forming a cornerstone of the American
culture.
ST. ATHANASIUS PARISH
Now Celebrating 90 Years of Faith and Family
On December
7, 1913, Fr. Eugene Donnelly celebrated Mass in a building on 62nd Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.With that sacred act, St. Athanasius Parish was born.Thanks to the support and sacrifice of area families, the first parish church was
built less than a year later.Building continued through the Great Depression
as a school, community center and convent were added to the parish.At that time,
the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, began their long association with the St. Athanasius family.By the late 1950s, it became clear that the
little church, as it was affectionately known, was no longer big enough to handle the parish's needs.A new church was needed.In 1961, our magnificent current
church was built and finished in 1963. It is now on Bay Parkway and became the center of parish life.During the turbulent years of the early 1960s, St.
Athanasius parish adapted to the ever-changing needs of its people and embarked on a period of outreach.Mass began to be celebrated in English instead of Latin, giving the congregation a real sense of participation.
The Folk Mass was introduced. Singing to the strum of the guitar and the beat of a tambourine laid the ground work for
an expanding Music Ministry and the establishment of a two vibrant Charismatic Prayer Groups. Today our Folk Mass is still celebrated at 10a.m. and our Choir provides music for the 11:30a.m. Mass. Soon
after, St. Athanasius started an Italian apostolate, celebrating Mass in Italian in the Lower Church with an Italian Choir. As the years progressed and the demographics of the community changed, Korean and
Spanish Apostolates were added.Today, St. Athanasius is pleased to offer Masses in English, Italian, and Spanish. The Korean Community recently
moved to the neighboring parish of Holy Spirit on 45th Street and 17th Avenue. St.
Athanasius has a thriving grammar school serving Catholic and non-Catholic children alike with an innovative Religious
Education Program, serving children, their families and adults. The parish additionally
offers many opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and community service.St. Athanasius continues to clearly live the theme
for its Jubilee year -- Celebrating 95 Years of Faith and Family!
All our programs, services and ministries begin with
prayer and worship.
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR PRAYER AS WE CELEBRATE
THE EUCHARIST AT THESE TIMES:
Saturday evening: 5:30p.m.
(Mass with Organ and Cantor)
Sunday morning:
8:30a.m. (Mass
with Organ and Cantor)
10:00a.m. (Folk Mass, Mass with Guitar and Piano)
11:30a.m. (Choir Mass, Mass with Organ and Choir)
6:00p.m. (Mass with Piano and Cantor)
Spanish Mass: Sunday at 1p.m. in the Upper Church with
Choir. (Guitar, Bass Guiatr, Drums, Trumpets, Keyboard)
Italian Mass: Sunday at 11:30a.m. in the Lower Church with
Choir. (Organ)
DAILY MASS EACH MORNING, Monday through Saturday, 7a.m. and 9a.m.
MORNING PRAYER, Monday through Saturday at 8:45a.m.
HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION
Eve: 7:30p.m. in English
During the morning: 7a.m., 9a.m. and 11a.m. in English
Night: 7:30p.m. Italian (Upper Church) & 7:30p.m. (Lower Church)
CONFESSION ( Reconciliation/ Penance)
Saturdays 4-5p.m. or any other time by appointment with one of the priests.
Please call the rectory to arrange an appointment.
FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
after the last morning Mass concluding with Benediction at 7:30p.m.
Italian Mass at 8p.m. the First Friday of each month in the Upper
Church.
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP Every Tuesday at 8p.m.
in the Lower Church.
SPANISH CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP every Friday at 7:30p.m. in the Lower Church.
ST. ATHANASIUS' FIRST CHURCH
A picture of a 1957 Wedding
The Presider's Chair (where the priest sits) was restored for
our 90th Anniversary Celebration by parishioner Nick Cagliuso. Now it's in our Upper Church and in use as our Deacon's
Chair.
AN AREAL VIEW OF OUR FIRST CHURCH & SCHOOL.
Notice that construction is just beginning on our new Church. (See the bottom right corner of photo)
