Rev. Robert J. Brennan Bishop | Diocese of Brooklyn

The Diocese of Brooklyn has announced a merger between two parishes in Queens, New York. This decision follows changes in spiritual practices among the faithful, a decrease in available clergy and consecrated individuals, shifts in the general population within the Diocese, and concerns regarding temporal matters.

Reverend Gordon P. Kusi, Pastor of Christ the King at 145-39 Farmers Boulevard, Springfield Gardens, New York 11434, and Administrator of Saint Mary Magdalene at 218-12 136th Avenue, Springfield Gardens, New York 11413, petitioned for the canonical merger. The aim is to evangelize more effectively within the community and manage the temporal goods of the faithful more efficiently.

In accordance with Church law (Canon 515 §2), the Presbyteral Council was consulted on April 11, 2024. After reviewing the reasons for the proposed merger, council members expressed their support. Consultations were also held with territorial Episcopal Vicars, clergy, pastoral ministers, and other parish members.

The Bishop of Brooklyn has decreed that Christ the King and Saint Mary Magdalene parishes will merge to form one parish effective July 1, 2024. The public juridic persons of both parishes will be unified under this decree. Recourse action may be sought according to Canons 1732 to 1739 of the Code of Canon Law.