Faith In Brooklyn for Oct. 14

October 14, 2014 By Francesca Norsen Tate, Religion Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Members of the judiciary community participate in the Red Mass.

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Brooklyn’s Judiciary and Law Communities Gather for Annual Diocesan Red Mass

As the new judicial season began for both the United States Supreme Court and the more local courts here in New York State and Brooklyn, the legal community gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at St. James Cathedral-Basilica for the annual tradition of the Red Mass.

An ancient practice dating back to the 13th Century in Catholic Europe, the Red Mass was a votive liturgy in honor of the Holy Spirit, according to the liturgy booklet that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn published for the Oct. 8 Red Mass. And, for centuries, the Sacred Roman Rota, the supreme judicial body of the Roman Catholic Church, has been identified with the Red Mass.

Pre-Tudor England also had its Red Mass tradition, with the Lord High Justices vested in scarlet to represent the colors of wisdom, martyrdom and love to open the Michaelmas term. Michaelmas refers to the feast of St. Michael and all Angels, which is observed on Sept. 29 each year. For several centuries, the Red Mass sporadically endured the test of time. It was revived in the United States in 1928 when Cardinal Hayes of New York convened the law profession in worship, with Catholics, Protestants, Jews and others joining him in prayer at the start of a new court term.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, presided at the Oct. 8 concelebrated Mass at St. James Cathedral-Basilica. This service, as is the custom in Brooklyn, was also interfaith in its welcome; the intercessions included prayers for the judiciary and citizens of all three Abrahamic faiths — Muslim, Jewish and Christian.

Members of the judiciary, Catholic Lawyers Guild, Columbian Lawyers Association and Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre joined the clergy in the liturgical procession and recession and served as lectors and in other liturgical functions.

Joseph S. Rosato, president of the Kings County Chapter of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, read the first Scripture passage from Isaiah. Bartholomew T. Russo, president of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn, read the Letter to the Romans. Justices Matthew D’Emic and Joseph Pesce, representing both organizations, presented the offering of the gifts. Gregory T. Cerchione of the Catholic Lawyers Guild read the Intercessions.

The Very Rev. Patrick J. Keating, Kings County chaplain of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, preached the homily based on the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 16, focusing on the inter-relationship of wisdom, truth and action.

“In all that we say and do, you and I are called to give testimony [emphasis his] by the way we live our lives, by the kindness, by the fairness we show to each and every person that we encounter. May the wisdom that you pray for this evening lead us to truth, and may that truth always lead you and I to action. As we strive to live out our faith, and we strive each day to do what we can — whether it is as a member of the court, of the legal profession,” said Fr. Keating, who then offered a prayer: “May the guidance of looking for the whole, of being able to distinguish facts, of the quest of justice for everyone, lead us to be instruments of peace.”

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B’nai B’rith Honors CEO of Brooklyn Nets, Barclays

B’nai B’rith International last week honored Brett Yormark, CEO of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, with its Distinguished Achievement Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of key community and corporate leaders from around the world. The event was held at the St. Regis Hotel in Manhattan.

“It’s an honor to bestow the Distinguished Achievement Award on Brett Yormark. In the short time that the Nets and Barclays Center have been in Brooklyn, Yormark and the organization have quickly and impressively established themselves as an indelible leader in the community,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said.

Since he joined the Nets in 2005, Yormark’s mission has been to make it the most accessible, inventive, fan-friendly and community-active team in sports. As CEO, Yormark spearheaded the Nets’ relocation from New Jersey, highlighted by the popular “Hello Brooklyn” marketing campaign — a multifaceted effort that built a connection between the borough and its new home team, capturing the attitude, pride and history of Brooklyn.

Yormark also oversees all facets of Barclays Center, including operations, event programming, sales and marketing. Under Yormark’s leadership, Barclays Center has redefined the arena customer service and culinary experience. Its more than 2,000 employees are trained by Disney Institute, the business advisory arm of The Walt Disney Company, and its BrooklynTaste food program features selections from 55 well-known restaurants and vendors in the borough.

In addition to the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center community initiatives, Yormark started the Yormark Family Foundation to help re-develop basketball courts at Boys & Girls Clubs in Brooklyn. He also sits on the board of the City Parks Foundation to help improve New York’s vital outdoor spaces.

B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said, “It’s clear that, when discussing the sports entertainment industry, Brett and the Brooklyn Nets are at the forefront. Brett and the Nets are not only leaders and innovators, but have also demonstrated a commitment to the community that has resulted in an overwhelmingly positive impact on Brooklyn and its residents — exactly what B’nai B’rith looks for in a Distinguished Achievement Award winner.”

For more than four decades, B’nai B’rith has presented the Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of the accomplishments of key community and corporate leaders around the world. These exceptional individuals and companies are honored for their community service, dedicated leadership and commitment to improving the lives of the individuals they serve. B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843.

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Heights Synagogue Launches Crafts Group to Work, Socialize

The Brooklyn Heights Synagogue is launching a knitting and crafting group for people who love to be both creative and part of a social group.

Brooklyn Heights Synagogue’s knitting and crafting group invites crafters of all kinds to socialize while they work. Those who do crochet, needlepoint, origami, carving and who work with felt, among other handicrafts, are welcome. Leaders bring much experience in handmade items and there will also be the opportunity for group projects. The group convenes on Tuesday, Oct. 21. For more information, contact the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue at 718-522-2070.

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Brooklyn Museum To Host Hope Reichbach Memorial Concert

The Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra will perform at a Hope Reichbach Memorial Fund Benefit Concert at the Brooklyn Museum on Oct. 26. The concert will honor the memory of Hope Reichbach (1988-2011), a member of Congregation Mount Sinai, who died unexpectedly three years ago while still in her early 20s.

Brooklyn Friends of Chamber Music presents the 2 p.m. concert on Sunday, Oct. 26. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Hope Reichbach Fund, which provides fellowship stipends to Brooklyn-based student interns who are involved in civic leadership and grassroots community groups, according to the websites of the synagogue and the fund.

Nicholas Armstrong, artistic director of the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, will conduct. The performance will include Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 in C major and Brahms’ Concerto for violin and orchestra in D major, Opus 77.

Tickets are $20 online and at the door and $10 for seniors and museum members. The concert will be held at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway. For more information, call 718-855-3053, 347-915-5141, or email [email protected].