Farewell Mass at St. Bernard for departing Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello

Msgr. Jamie is heading to new parish at Mt. Carmel

January 24, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello with children in front of the altar. Eagle photos by Arthur De Gaeta

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Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello is taking on the role of pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and administrator of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Williamsburg while remaining vicar for development and director of parish giving programs for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn.

He is leaving St. Bernard in Mill Basin, which will now be under the guidance of Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Grimaldi. As vicar for development, Gigantiello also oversees the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens and Futures in Education. Prior to joining St. Bernard, Gigantiello was pastor at Mary Queen of Heaven Church for 12 years. After his ordination in 1995, Gigantiello served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s Parish in Bay Ridge.

Gigantiello, the host of the popular NET cooking show “Breaking Bread,” celebrated a farewell Mass at St. Bernard on Sunday, as parishioners and dignitaries attended to wish him well in his new role at Mt. Carmel.

Gigantiello asked all children to join him in front of the altar. He explained that while it is said that children should be seen and not heard, church is a place where they should be seen and heard. He requested that all the children remain at the front of the church during communion. Later, the children of the parish gave Gigantiello a thank you card which they all signed.

State Sen. Roxanne Persaud presented Gigantiello with a citation commemorating his service to the parish, while Gigantiello recognized members of the 63rd precinct, who were in attendance, for their continued support through the years.

Judge Mark Partnow attended the service, as did Kings County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Seddio, who thanked Gigantiello for all the positive impressions he left on the people he came in contact with.

Msgr. David L. Cassato of St. Athanasius Church spoke warmly about Gigantiello, while ribbing him about having his own cooking show, his own wine and always bragging about his Italian cooking, claiming to make the best lasagna in the world.

After the Mass Gigantiello greeted all parishioners who wanted to thank him for his years of service to the community. There was a farewell party for him in the gym with a giant cake to wish him well on his new assignment.

As Gigantiello prepared to cut the cake a parishioner ran up to him, dabbed his nose with frosting, and said “now, smile for us.” Gigantiello good-naturedly complied and posed for photos.