The following letter was issued to parishioners of Maspeth’s Transfiguration Church:
Over the past few years, our diocese has been undergoing a Reconfiguration Process and studying the sustainability of several parishes and churches. One of these has been Transfiguration Church.
In February 2025, Reverend Monsignor Joseph Calise wrote to you about the condition of the buildings in the parish, the costs of repairs, and the financial stress facing the parish. At a Town Hall Meeting held in March 2025, these conditions, as well as the pastoral needs of the parish were discussed in greater detail. Options were presented, including the sale of the property and the closing of Transfiguration Church.
Since then, Monsignor Calise and I have considered all the options in light of the pastoral needs of Transfiguration-St. Stanislaus Kostka, which includes the need for adequate meeting space for parish activities. It is for this reason, that we will keep the church building at Transfiguration open on a limited basis at this time, as we continue to discuss future pastoral planning in Maspeth. Please know that the weekday Masses which had been previously celebrated at Transfiguration, will continue to be celebrated at Saint Stanislaus Kostka church on a permanent basis. The Masses on Saturday evening and Sunday morning will continue to be celebrated at Transfiguration on a temporary basis, anticipating that in the future the Mass schedule will need to be adjusted. The church will also be available for weddings and funerals as requested. The Lithuanian Mass will move to the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Williamsburg on a permanent basis effective September 1, 2025.
We are exploring the possibility of selling part of the property at Transfiguration, not including the church building. This will help meet the financial needs of the parish of Transfiguration – Saint Stanislaus Kostka and allow us to continue to provide the necessary pastoral care of the entire parish community.
I wish to express my gratitude to the clergy, staff, and volunteers that have endeavored during these past few years to reinvigorate Transfiguration Church. Your pastor, Monsignor Calise, has sought ways to evangelize and to attract more worshippers. Like many neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, Maspeth has experienced significant demographic changes in recent years. At the same time, broader trends of secularization across our city, state, and nation-along with the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-have altered the religious practices of many Catholics.
As many of you probably know, our diocese is facing a declining number of priests available for parish service. Of the approximately 250 diocesan priests in active ministry, a high percentage is at or near the age of retirement. The number of new priests being ordained is not enough to sustain current levels. Many pastors are now responsible for two, three, or even more churches and a multitude of other parish buildings. Priests are at risk of burnout and other health problems due to excessive administrative burdens.
The situation at Transfiguration church will continue to be evaluated regularly and I will keep updated regarding any new developments.
Be assured of my prayers and support during this time.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan
Bishop of Brooklyn
