Parish Staff

On Monday April 25, 1988 Bishop Mugavero notified Father Cassato that our Holy Father. Pope John Paul II, has made him a Domestic Prelate of Honor, Monsignor. June 18, 1992 Bishop Daily wrote to Monsignor Cassato describing him as a dedicated and committed Shepherd. He also expressed his gratitude for the spiritual leadership and administrative strength he has exhibited as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In view of this, the Bishop was pleased to renew his appointment as Pastor for an extended period of six years. On September 8, 1992 Msgr. Cassato was able to perfect the promise to the parishioners by opening the school as Mount Carmel Academy, a Middle School serving the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, with a full academic schedule including Italian. In January 1998 a dialogue between St. Vincent DePaul School and Mount Carmel Academy began. The discussion was about the future of Catholic Education on the Northside of Williamsburg. It was decided that a merge of the two schools would be in the best interest of all. In September of 1998 Msgr. Cassato assumed responsibility of St. Vincent DePaul School and in September of 199 Northside Catholic Academy was born with grades pre-K to 5 at the St. Vincent site and grades 6 to 8 at the Mount Carmel site. Both locations were under the direction of one principal, with Msgr. Cassato actively involved much of the school life. On September 14, 1998 Bishop Daily appointed Msgr. Cassato Administrator of the parish of Annunciation, believing it would bring new life to the parish. A Spanish Mass was begun at Annunciation, and after about a year, the Spanish speaking community of Mount Carmel joined the newly forming community of Annunciation. A religious education program, providing catechesis in English and Spanish was begun at Annunciation and both parishes worked more closely, worshipping together at Corpus Christi and Pentecost. On June 16, 2001, Msgr. Cassato was appointed New York City Police Chaplain by Police Commisioner Bernard Kerik. On November 1, 2001, Msgr. Cassato was assigned as Pastor to the parish of St. Athanasius in Bensonhurst Brooklyn. In May 2002, Msgr. Cassato earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Mercy College. (M.S.Ed.)

Fr. Ron came to Saint Athanasius in June of 2004 from Saint Fidelis in College Point. His great personality and wonderful smile is uplifting. Fr. Ron was born to Laura and Joseph D’Antonio here in Brooklyn’s Flatbush area. He is the eldest of three children. His brother Bill, who is a pharmacist, is married to Sandy and has two children, a son Tony and a daughter Hannah. Carolyn, his sister, who recently died after a long struggle with cancer, lived with their mother and Shaka her beloved cat. Most recently, Shaka died. Fr. Ron's dad passed away in 1997 and left a wonderful legacy behind. His family all knew that Fr. Ron would become a priest one day, especially his two grandmothers. He was especially influenced by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Crown Heights, and always had a sense of the Lord’s calling. He attended Saint Francis of Assisi grammar school and Erasmus High School. Fr. Ron continued his education and received a BA in Philosphy from Brooklyn College in 1971. He worked for Citibank in the mortgage
department and then entered the Immaculate Conception Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1976. He served for a year and a half at Our Lady of Angels where he was ordained as a priest on April 23, 1977. Fr. Ron was then assigned to Saint Robert Bellarmine for 8 years and the parish of Saint Claire for 7 years. In 1992 he served at Saint Fidelis and in 2004 he returned back to Brooklyn and came to Saint Athanasius.
Besides being an inspiring celebrant, he has many other responsibilities at Saint Athanasius. He is the moderator for the senior citizens and Eucharistic Ministers and also helps out in our Religious Formation program. Fr Ron teaches 7th and 8th grade Religion to our Saint Athansius students. He enjoys bowling, swimming,reading and watching movies. But, what he enjoys most is getting together with his friends and family. He loves animals and shares his rectory room with his loyal cat, Rusty. At one time he had a German shepard named Heidi for 12 years but saddly Heidi died because of illness.

Rev. Dr. Gerald Emem Umoren is the first of the four children born to Mr. & Mrs. Boniface Udo Umoren, both retired school teachers in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State – Nigeria. Fr. Emem, as many people like to call him, was ordained by The Most Rev. Dr. Camillus Etokudoh on August 24, 1996 for the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria. His academic pursuits have earned him the following Degrees: B.A. (Honors) in Philosophy from the Federal University of Uyo, Nigeria; B.Phil (Bachelor of Philosophy degree, here in the U.S. this is the Master of Philosophy degree) and a B.D. (Bachelor of Divinity- here in the U.S. this is the Master of Divinity degree), from St. Joseph Major Seminary (An affiliate of Urban University Rome). Fr. Emem also has a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) with specialization in Biblical Studies from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas – Angelicum in Rome. He recently received his Doctorate in Old Testament Biblical studies in the same University in Rome. Before he went for studies in Rome in 2003, he served in the following capacities in his home Diocese. Auxiliary Teacher (here in the U.S. we use the term Adjunct Professor) at Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, Nigeria 1986-198, Teacher at Queen of Apostle Seminary, Afaha Obong, Nigeria 1991-1992, Priest-Formator (here in the U.S. we use the term Spiritual Director working in Vocational Formation) at Queen of Apostle Seminary 1996-1997, Associate Pastor at St. Peter’s Parish Ekparakwa 1997, Pastor, St. Peter’s Parish Ekparakwa 1998-2000, Diocesan Director of Music, 1996-2000, Pastor, St Peter’s Parish Urua Edet Obo, 2000-2003, Principal, Notre Dame College Urua Edet Obo, 2000-2003, Chaplain of Diocesan Church Wardens (here in the U.S. Church Wardens are called Trsutees), 2000-2003, Chaplain of Diocesan Evangelization Fellowship, 2000-2003, Chaplain of Diocesan Catholic Workers Volunteer Force, 2001-2003, Member, Diocesan Education Board 2000-2003. Fr. Emem, who likes working with the people of God in the Parish setting, also loves teaching and lecturing in Catholic formation centers. Since 2004, on the invitation of the pastor – Msgr. David Cassato, Fr. Emem has been giving pastoral service every summer in St. Athanasius Parish Brooklyn, New York. He is happy working with the clergy, religious, lay staff and all the wonderful parishioners of St. A’s. He plans, with his Bishop’s permission, to return to St. Athanasius for some months after he is awarded the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology and before he heads home to serve the Church in his Diocese. His hobbies include music, reading and spending some quality time with good friends. Significant of his name (Emem), he is peace-loving and friendly.

DEACON DANTE COLANDREA

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Deacon Dante emigrated to the United States in 1966 after serving in the Italian Navy. He and his wife, Carmela, have been married for 35 years and have 3 children, Michael, 30, Marc, 29 and Marisa, 26. They have 2 daughters-in-law, Maria and Cristal and 2 grandchildren, Anthony 10, and Samantha Maria, 2 ½ years old. Dante and Carmela lived in Pennsylvania for several years where they owned and operated a pizzeria. They returned to Brooklyn in 1982 and joined St. Dominics parish. In 1988 Dante entered the Diaconate Preparation Program and was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Daily on May 15, 1993. Deacon Dante has also worked for the Union Welfare Fund and was a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Deacon Dante currently works at Ginos restaurante on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. Deacon Dantes wife Carmela is employed by the New York State Department of Education as a paraprofessional for children with special needs. She was commissioned as a Lay Pastoral Minster [Lay Ecclesial Minister] on May 2, 2003. At St. Dominic's Carmela was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and a catechist in the C.C.D. program for children with special educational needs. Carmela was also the R.C.I.A. Coordinator and Director of the Adult Confirmation Program. Deacon Dante's favorite things are music and dancing. Carmela enjoys spending time with their grandchildren. Deacon Dante is very excited about his assignment here at St. As and looks forward to a happy and fruitful ministry here.

SUNDAY MASS ASSISTANT

The Rev. Dr. Andrew Sioleti, IV Dei, M.Div, M.S.W. , D.Min

Director of Chaplain Services

The Veteran's Administration, N.Y.

Nicoletta was born in Italy but then, as a small child, moved to the States; she attended Visitation Academy Elementary School. From there she went to New Utrecht High School. Nicoletta then decided to become a catechist, therefore, completing her Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Catechist certification under the supervision of Mrs. Sue O`Connor, DRE at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Nikki, as she is called, became a catechist at Our Lady of Guadalupe (called "Guadalupe here in Bensonhurst) and taught sacramental preparation classes. Her other duties consisted of assisting Mrs. OConnor in her office and being the coordinator of the sacramental classes. Nikki was there for about 15 years and then came to St. As. Here Nikki started as an assistant to our then DRE Mrs. Marilyn Trabulsi. Nikki became the DRE in 1999 after Mrs. Trabulsi retired.

Lorraine is the oldest child of Carol, her mother, and Anthony, her father. She enjoyed a happy childhood with her sister, Dolores and her brothers, Anthony and William. Her husband, Joseph and she has been married for 23 years and they have one son, Matthew who is 17 years old. They are parishioners at St. Clare in Staten Island. Lorraine knew she wanted to be a teacher since the age of 5. She remembers sitting in her classroom in Kindergarten dreaming about the idea of it all and she grew to pursue that dream. Lorraine began teaching shortly after graduating college in 1978. Lorraine taught at Saint Therese of Lisieux, Saint Thomas Aquinas (Flatlands), Saint Mary Mother of Jesus, Saint Joseph By The Sea High School and Our Lady of Guadalupe. After teaching for 20 years, Lorraine then became Principal of Saint Athanasius School. She was encouraged by her colleague, Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, to pursue a career change and she says she is glad she made that change; she loves her ministry here at St. A's and that is apparent!

Steven LaPlante is a native of Canada and a recipient of over a dozen scholarships for academic excellence, including the prestigious Canada Scholar award. Steven complete dboth bachelors and masters degrees in organ performance at McGill University, Montreal, studying with John Grew and Raymond Daveluy. In 2000, Steven completed post graduate studies at Boston Conservatory with James David Christe. Steven has distinguished himself in several competitions both at the national and international levels, winning the 1996 John Robb Competition, second prize at the 1997 Royal Canadian College of Organists National Competition, and becoming the only North American in the finals at the 1997 Bach International Competition held in Lausanne, Switzerland. Concert appearances have included the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Boston, The Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, Princeton University Chapel, St. Josephs Oratory, Montreal, and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City. Fall of 2003, Steven will began his duties as accompanist for the Poly Prep Country School, Bay Ridge, organist for Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn Heights and as piano teacher at the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. In October 2003, he was installed as one of the officers for the AGO (American Guild of Organists ) Brooklyn Chapter. Enjoying singing as much as playing the organ, Steven performs concerts with various ensembles in Manhattan specializing in early music.

John grew up in Maspeth, Queens and was introduced to parish ministry by playing guitar in the parish Folk Group. After being awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, John taught sixth grade at St. Joseph's School in South Jamaica, Queens while ministering on a part time basis as Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Pius V in South Jamaica, Queens. At St. Pius V, he was introduced to the R.C.I.A. process and became interested in Religious Education. John then taught seventh and eight grade at St. Cecilia's in Greenpoint, Brooklyn before entering full time parish ministry. After St. Ceclia's, John became Director of Liturgy, Music, R.C.I.A. and Parish Outreach at St. John the Evangelist in Park Slope, Brooklyn and went on to serve at Our Lady of Grace in Gravesend, Brooklyn as Director of Religious Education. From Gravesend he went to Williamsburg Brooklyn to serve as Pastoral Associate at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. During that time John, went back to college and earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Master of Science in Human Services. Also at Mt. Carmel, he began studies for a Master of Clinical Social Work and Master of Arts in Theology, which was awarded in May of 2004. As part of the Social Work degree, John needed to go back to full time teaching, enabling him to complete internship requirements so he taught eighth grade at Most Precious Blood School in Bensonhurst. There, John was part time Director of Religious Education. In September 2003, he came to St. A's as its first Pastoral Associate. In March 2003, John was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society, is a member in the National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and National Catholic Educators Association while also working as a consultant for William H. Sadlier's Catechetical Programs, providing in-service trainging for catechists and Catholic School faculties. (Sadlier's Catechetical products can be viewed at http://www.sadlier.com/home.cfm) John is studying for the another degree with a focus on Urban Ministry and Educational Administration and Supervision. As a Clinical Social Worker, John worked at St. Vincent's Services and at Canarsie Aware, Inc in their Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Programs and Mental Health Clinics. John is a therapist at Realizable Hope for Creative Change Pastoral Counseling (http://RealizableHope.tripod.com), prepares students with mental illness and severe emotional disturbance for their G.E.D. test while serving here as part time Pastoral Associate. John teaches 8th Grade at St. Margaret Mary School in the South Bronx while working part time for us here at St. Athanasius along with his duties as a Clinical Social Worker.

Joe is a life long parishioner of St. Athanasius. He is one of the first graduates of the Brooklyn Diocese's Lay Ecclesial Minstry Preparation, now renamed by our present Bishop, Lay Ministry Formation Prgram. The formation of Lay Ecclesial Ministers, now renamed Lay Pastoral Ministers, was begun by the Diocesan Pastoral Institute in January of 2001 and concluded on Dec. 14, 2002 at a commissioning ceremony of some 40 participants by Bishop Daily. The 130 hours of course study over four semesters also included days of prayer and reflection. The aim of the courses was to broaden theological preparation and to prepare the participants for leadership roles in particular parish ministries. The curriculum encompassed studies in Theology of Lay Ministry, Ecclesiology, Liturgy and Sacraments, Moral Theology, Old and New Testament, Christology, Ecumenism, Inter-Faith Relations and Pastoral Studies. There were required readings in each course as well as the preparation of reflection papers. The classes were taught by priests, religious and lay people. Each student was encouraged to reflect on which ministry he or she would like to serve and to discuss this with the parish staff or mentor. In addition to the continuing class work, this was a focus of the third and fourth semesters. Joe attended classes in the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Astoria. The majority of students were from the borough of Queens. However, this was an excellent opportunity for the sharing of mutual experiences and to develop new friendships needed for the support of the challenges of Lay Ministry. Joe worked my years in business and ministers full time here at St. Athanasius. Joe is a graduate of St. Francis College in Brooklyn.

LAY PASTORAL LEADER [Lay Ecclesial Minister]

CARMELA COLANDREA

Coordinator the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

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For the past fourteen years Carmela has been employed by the New York State Department of Education as a Paraprofessional for children with special educational needs. She has been a Catechist for seventeen years ministering in the Parish Religious Education Program, The Rite of Christian Initiation and Adult Sacramental Formation. Here Carmela will serve as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, as she has been doing for the past fifteen years. On May 2, 2003 (the Feast of St. Athanasius) Carmela was commissioned as a Lay Pastoral Minister. With the completion of her ministerial responsibilities at St. Dominic's, Carmela says she is very happy to formally join the parish family of St. Anthanasius and looks forward to many years of fulfilling ministry here. Deacon Dante and Carmela are most appreciative of the warm and welcoming reception they have received from all the parishioners and staff members of St. A's.

A friend of Sr. Barbara's, due to a car accident, has been disabled for many years. When her Pastor chose her to attend the Catholic Charities workshops which would enable her to be the Parish Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, she convinced Sr. Barbara to volunteer for St. As. That was almost ten years ago and Sr. Barbara has been advocating ever since. At times it has been a lonely, yet often, a successful journey. St. A's has a Eucharistic minister who distributes Communion from her wheel chair; a gentleman in a motorized chair who, since the gate leading to the accessible ramp is now always open for Church services, no longer needs to be lifted into Church; a blind parishioner, elderly and others on walkers and canes who faithfully attend Mass; ministers of the Eucharist and ushers who move toward those who are unable to move quickly to the front for Communion; and a better lighting and sound system, thanks to the awareness of our Pastor. Sr. Barbara rejoices in the AWARENESS the parish now has to better provide services for all people. There is still so much more to be done and through Bulletin announcements, people are coming forth to get involved. Being an advocate, Sr. Barbara says, does not mean solving all the problems, but having information as to resources and where to find answers. Most important is to continue to raise awareness and to increase INCLUSION in the Parish. Her dream is that when the parish completes an accurate database of the Parishioners who are forced to be homebound because of lack of transportation, the parish may find a core of chauffeurs to bring people to Church. With the team that is forming, she believes the elderly, hard of hearing, mobility challenged, visually challenged, and developmentally disabled will find St. As to be truly the Family Parish we are proclaiming it to be in this 90th Anniversary Year.