Former CYO Sports Director Named in Two Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits

By Erin DeGregorio, Paula Katinas and Emily Drooby

WINDSOR TERRACE — The former executive director of The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) in the Diocese of Brooklyn is accused in two civil lawsuits of sexually abusing underage boys when he was a CYO basketball coach at St. Joseph’s Church in Astoria in the 1990s.

The lawsuits, filed in New York State Supreme Court in Queens in May, were made public on July 14.

In response to the lawsuits, The Diocese of Brooklyn released a statement saying the diocese’s Independent Reporting Line received an allegation of inappropriate behavior by Robert Caldera on Oct. 14, 2020, and quickly acted on it.

“This was the first allegation ever made against Caldera to the diocese. As is the policy of the Diocese of Brooklyn for all employees, Caldera had undergone comprehensive and periodic background checks. Immediately, on October 15, 2020, Caldera was placed on suspension from his position and restricted from all areas at CYO and any other parish, school, or diocesan property,” the statement reads.

On Oct. 19, 2020, a second allegation involving Caldera was called into the reporting line.

“The diocese has provided outreach to both claimants and has been in contact and cooperated fully with the NYPD Special Victims Unit,” according to the statement.

On April 14, 2021, the diocese terminated Caldera, according to the diocese.

“The protection of children is the most important priority for the Diocese of Brooklyn, and our policies ensure that we inform authorities when we receive allegations of inappropriate behavior. The Diocese of Brooklyn has fully complied with law enforcement authorities and will continue to do so in this matter. The diocese cannot provide any specific details and the status of the investigation into the allegations as they are part of an ongoing investigation that involves law enforcement,” the statement read.

The plaintiffs are identified in court documents only by their initials, J.K. and M.T., due to the sensitive nature of the accusations.

In addition to Caldera, the defendants named in the lawsuits are the Diocese of Brooklyn, St. Joseph Church, Catholic Charities Community Services, and the Archdiocese of New York.

The lawsuit filed by M.T. also lists St. Joseph Catholic Academy as a defendant. M.T. was a student at St. Joseph’s School and played basketball for CYO, court documents said. Caldera was employed as a basketball coach for the CYO and for St. Joseph’s School. St. Joseph’s School is the former name of St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy.

The plaintiffs claim Caldera repeatedly abused them and are seeking monetary damages, both compensatory and punitive, although the amounts are not specified.

The lawsuits were filed under the New York Child Victims Act, a law that extended the time for people who were victims of child sex abuse years ago to file suit against sue abusers.

The Child Victims Act, passed in 2019, raised the statute of limitations for civil cases brought by people who say they were sexually abused as children up until they reach the age of 55. Victims over the age of 55 are allowed a one-year grace period to file their claims.

The law also includes what is called a “look-back window” — a one-year period for adult victims who had previously been prohibited by the statute of limitations, to file suit. In 2020, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order extending the deadline to file lawsuits to Aug. 14, 2021, and cited the pandemic for the extra time allowance.

Caldera grew up playing CYO basketball and baseball at St. Joseph’s, where he attended elementary school. He later served as the parish’s athletic director for baseball and basketball before taking over as its parish athletic representative (PAR) and overseeing the entire sports program there.

Caldera was St. Joseph’s PAR for 17 years before accepting the job as CYO director in 2013. He also previously coached and taught in schools throughout the diocese — including teaching physical education, junior high school social studies, English, and religion at St. Gabriel in East Elmhurst; teaching English and coaching freshman basketball and baseball at St. John’s Prep in Astoria; and teaching at Our Lady of Sorrows in Corona.

The Tablet’s calls to Caldera for comment went unanswered.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 7/20/21

Attaboy Conaboy! A Catholic man’s heroic deed is recognized by two bishops. The good samaritan saved a woman’s life when she was attacked in the subway.

Could it be the beginning of the end for dreamers? A federal judge calls for a DACA stop.

The final frontier – the world’s richest man blasts off to it.

St. Michael’s Parishioner Sean Conaboy Honored for Stopping Union Square Subway Attack

By Jessica Easthope

Sean Conaboy doesn’t consider himself a hero, he says his act of bravery wasn’t an act at all – it was instinct.

“I’ve come to the conclusion there was no alternative and I’m glad I didn’t stop to think – because if I had it would have been too late to act,” he said.

Now that instinct is being recognized by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Bishop Kevin Sweeney of Paterson, the priest Conaboy heard preach for years at his home parish, St. Michael’s in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

“As St Francis said we should all preach and only when necessary use words and Sean gave an incredible homily by responding to the need of someone who was being hurt,” said Bishop Sweeney.

Conaboy was presented with a medal, Tuesday, to honor the way he put God’s words into action. Back in May a man with a knife stabbed a woman on a subway platform. Conaboy didn’t just step in – he tackled him and stopped the attacker from going back for more, even though he tried.

“It simply comes from compassion to help another person who at that point is defenseless,” Conaboy said.

The entire incident lasted just 60 seconds. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio says he showed all New Yorkers can be Good Samaritans.

“We can be kind of gruff sometimes as New Yorkers but deep down when people are in need we come to the rescue, I’ve seen the good side we can’t just look at the façade,” Bishop DiMarzio said.

Conaboy’s spent his career behind the camera as news photographer, so the attention he’s garnered from his selfless act is foreign. But he is using his new found platform to offer those on the platform some advice.

“Had I been engrossed in my headphones or phone and responded to a scream it would have been too late, I think people need to be a bit more alert in their daily comings and goings,” said Conaboy.

Thankfully the victim, Kelli Daley has made a full recovery. Reflecting on the attack, Conaboy says moments to put faith into action happen every day – all you have to do is look up.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday, 7/19/21

The hunt is on for a woman seen smashing statues. Once wasn’t enough – the suspect came back to Our Lady of Mercy twice in two days.

What can churches do to stop the sprees? Do we have to conceal our faith? Hear from the pastors with plans.

And Cuba’s rallying cry heard around the world started as a hip-hop song. The co-creators have been arrested or are missing.

After Vandalism: Pastors Refuse to Let Hate Keep Them From Public Displays of Faith

By Jessica Easthope

Religious statues broken into pieces and hurled violently from a shrine – this scene has become increasingly common for Catholic churches, but what happens when the financial cost and emotional toll of vandalism are too much to bear? Will churches and schools be forced to keep displays of faith out of public view?

It has been two years and Father Josephjude Gannon says it still hurts. Under the cover of darkness, a woman tore down the rosary stations at St. Gerard Majella parish in Hollis, Queens. The damage costed his parish upwards of $20,000.

Things can be replaced, but Father Gannon says the feeling lasts, which is why his solution is more security and education.

“We should invite people to understand what they are, why we have them,” he said. “An education campaign.”

Many religious artifacts are precious in more ways than one. That’s because some are made of real gold, exquisite detail, they’re handmade or imported. A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe destroyed at Our Lady of Solace in Coney Island cost $7,000 and another statue at St. Adalbert’s in Elmhurst, Queens dates back more than a century.

In May, a wooden crucifix at St. Athanasius in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn was toppled to the ground and broken. It cost the parish a $20,000 price tag as collections suffered during the pandemic. Pastor, Msgr. David Cassato has replaced it, but says removing it is not an option.

“Good conquers over evil, love conquers over all,” he said. “We have to build and rebuild in order to show how much we love our faith.”

Protecting property is important, but Msgr. Cassato wants faith to get right up in the face of hate – instead of building up the fence that protected the crucifix higher, he wants to take it down.

“When you watch people stop in front to make the sign of the cross or look up at the image of Jesus on the cross and say a prayer, that’s what it’s all about,” monsignor said. “Allowing our faith into the streets and people to have access to Jesus in those little moments.”

The vandalism might still happen, but the statues remain a powerful symbol, welcoming people in. If they disappeared, who would it serve?

After Two Statues at Our Lady of Mercy Were Destroyed, NYPD Searches for the Vandal Caught on Camera

By Emily Drooby and The Tablet Staff

WINDSOR TERRACE —Police released a video of a woman destroying a statue of the Blessed Mother and one of St. Therese, The Little Flower, that had stood at the church for 84 years.

The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in finding an individual responsible for destroying two statues outside Our Lady of Mercy Church in Forest Hills during the early morning hours of July 17. The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating the incident.

The attack took place outside the church at 70-01 Kessel St. at approximately 3:30 a.m. A person can be seen in the video dragging the two statues 180 feet across 70th Avenue and repeatedly slamming them into the ground, causing them to break, police said.

The individual sought by police is described as a female in her mid-20s, with a medium complexion, medium build, and wearing all-black clothing.

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT

Saturday was the second time the same two statues were targeted by a vandal, according to the diocese. Earlier in the week, on July 14, the statues were toppled over but not damaged. The diocese said that it’s believed that the same person is responsible for both acts of vandalism.

Father Frank Schwarz, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy, said the statues have stood outside the church since the church was built.

“It is heartbreaking, but sadly it is becoming more and more common these days,” Father Schwarz said in a statement. “I pray that this recent rash of attacks against Catholic churches and all houses of worship will end, and religious tolerance may become more a part of our society.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477).

The statues were smashed to bits by a vandal who dragged them more than 150 feet.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast Day Procession Returns After Pandemic Pared Down Celebrations

By Jessica Easthope

A float carrying Our Lady of Mount Carmel weaved through the streets of Brooklyn once more. Her following followed closely behind. Those who have a devotion to her can proudly show their love again after the pandemic robbed them of this joyous day last year.

“I’m so thrilled, my whole life is dedicated to the Blessed Mother and being able to honor her in our traditional Southern Italian way is a joy for me,” said Stephen LaRocca.

Of the hundreds who walked the more than two-hour route in the blazing sun, La Rocca’s not just another face in the crowd. He’s been following this same path for 35 years – barefoot. Now he gets to share the promise he made to devote his life to Our Lady with Catholics from all walks of life.

“This is what Brooklyn’s all about, the Haitian community is always united with the Italian community in this devotion, it’s a beautiful thing, she’s given me everything Our Mother so I have to give it back,” La Rocca said.

Traditionally during the procession, people wear scapulars to remind them of their devotion and love for Our Lady of Mount Carmel. And with every one that was passed out – a tradition is passed on.

“She appeared to Saint Simon Stock and made promises to protect people who wear the scapular,” said Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio.

This time last year the celebrations were drastically pared down – and even though he didn’t know what the future would hold – Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel predicted it would come back bigger and better than ever.

“The crowds we’ve had for the Giglio, the novena, every night of the feast, it’s been just jammed and it’s wonderful to see,” he said.

This year as the band played and people prayed as they walked the streets Monsignor Jamie proudly said his prediction came true.

Catholic News Headlines for Friday, 7/16/21

Pope Francis is putting stricter rules on the Traditional Latin Mass in all areas.

There is a blessed in Brooklyn – a relic from the first millennial servant of God – Carlo Acutis is in the diocese.

Could life in Cuba soon change forever? The people are now in a massive battle for freedom as they protest against the island’s communist government.

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio sends a plea to Catholics across Brooklyn and Queens: pressure Capitol Hill to keep the Hyde Amendment.

How You Can Join Millions of Catholics on a Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Currents News Staff

Through a virtual pilgrimage beginning on Friday, July 16, you can now travel to Lourdes without leaving your home. Last year, 80 million people participated.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is organizing the virtual pilgrimage for the second year in a row to mark the anniversary of Mary’s final Apparition at Lourdes on July 16.

Its website is hosting activities all day long, from Rosaries prayed in various languages, Masses offered for different countries, Marian prayers, and candlelit processions.

Participants will be able to pray, make offerings, light candles, and send prayer intentions online at anytime.

French President, Emmanuel Macron, will be among those present at the grotto, and will go to the shrine at Lourdes on Friday.

To join the virtual pilgrimage, head to www.lourdes-france.org and www.lourdes-france.org/lourdes-united-2021

The Museum of Family Prayer Wants You to Enter Their Second Annual Mary Garden Contest

The Museum of Family Prayer in Massachusetts is now accepting entries for its second Annual Mary Garden Contest – and they want Brooklyn and Queens to join in.

Joining Currents News to share more about Mary Gardens and the competition itself is Father Jim Phalan, the national director of Family Rosary.

If you would like to join in on the fun and show off your Mary garden, just head on over to MuseumofFamilyPrayer.org and click on “Mary Garden Contest.” The deadline to join is July 26.