St Athanasius Church

St Athanasius Church Roman Catholic Church in Bensonhurst Parish History
On December 7, 1913, Fr. With that sacred act, St. Athanasius Parish was born. At that time, the Sisters of St.

Eugene Donnelly celebrated Mass in a building on 62nd Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Thanks to the support and sacrifice of area families, the first parish church was built less than a year later. Building continued through the Great Depression as a school, community center and convent were added to the parish. Joseph, Brentwood, began their long association with the St. Athanasius family. By th

e late 1950s, it became clear that the little church, as it was affectionately known, was no longer big enough to handle the parish's needs. A new church was needed. In 1961, our magnificent current church was built and finished in 1963. It is now on Bay Parkway and became the center of parish life. During the turbulent years of the early 1960s, St. Athanasius parish adapted to the ever-changing needs of its people and embarked on a period of outreach. Mass began to be celebrated in English instead of Latin, giving the congregation a real sense of participation. The Folk Mass was introduced. Singing to the strum of the guitar and the beat of a tambourine laid the ground work for an expanding Music Ministry and the establishment of two vibrant Charismatic Prayer Groups. Today our Folk Mass is still celebrated at 10a.m. and our Choir provides music for the 11:30a.m. Mass. Soon after, St. Athanasius started an Italian apostolate, celebrating Mass in Italian in the Lower Church with an Italian Choir. As the years progressed and the demographics of the community changed, Korean and Spanish Apostolates were added. Today, St. Athanasius is pleased to offer Masses in English, Italian, and Spanish. The Korean Community recently moved to the neighboring parish of Holy Spirit on 45th Street and 17th Avenue. St. Athanasius has a thriving grammar school serving Catholic and non-Catholic children alike with an innovative Religious Education Program, serving children, their families and adults. The parish additionally offers many opportunities for fellowship, spiritual growth, and community service. Athanasius continues to clearly live the theme for its Jubilee year -- Celebrating 95 Years of Faith and Family!

🕊 SAINT OF THE DAY 🕊🙏🏻 ST. NICHOLAS TOLENTINO 🙏🏻(Feast Day: Sept. 10,)Pray for us! Born in answer to the prayer o...
09/10/2026

🕊 SAINT OF THE DAY 🕊

🙏🏻 ST. NICHOLAS TOLENTINO 🙏🏻
(Feast Day: Sept. 10,)

Pray for us!

Born in answer to the prayer of a holy mother, and vowed before his birth to the service of God, Nicholas never lost his baptismal innocence. His austerities were conspicuous even in the austere Order -the Hermits of St. Augustine- to which he belonged, and to the remonstrances which were made by his superiors he only replied, "How can I be said to fast, while every morning at the altar I receive my God?"

He conceived an ardent charity for the Holy Souls, so near and yet so far from their Saviour; and often after his Mass it was revealed to him that the souls for whom he had offered the Holy Sacrifice had been admitted to the presence of God.

Amidst his loving labors for God and man, he was haunted by fear of his own sinfulness. "The heavens," said he, "are not pure in the sight of Him Whom I serve; how then shall I, a sinful man, stand before Him?" As he pondered on these things, Mary, the Queen of all Saints, appeared before him. "Fear not, Nicholas," she said, "all is well with you: my Son bears you in his heart, and I am your protection." Then his soul was at rest; and he heard, we are told, the songs which the angels sing in the presence of their Lord.

He died September 10, 1310.

We invite you to join us at the 9/11 Remembrance Mass on Friday at 7:00pm, as we honor and remember the lives lost, the...
09/09/2026

We invite you to join us at the 9/11 Remembrance Mass on Friday at 7:00pm, as we honor and remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the heroes who responded with courage on that day.
Let us come together in prayer and unity, seeking peace and hope for our nation and our world. All are welcome-let us never forget.

09/09/2026

Daily Mass

*SAINT OF THE DAY* *St.Peter Claver*Feast Day: September 09This Spanish priest of the Society of Jesus was born in 1580...
09/09/2026

*SAINT OF THE DAY*
*St.Peter Claver*
Feast Day: September 09

This Spanish priest of the Society of Jesus was born in 1580. He is known as the "apostle of the slaves." While he was still studying to become a Jesuit, he felt a burning desire to go to South America as a missionary. He volunteered and was sent to the seaport of Cartagena. There great shiploads of African slaves were brought to be sold.

At the sight of those poor people all crowded together, sick and suffering, Peter felt great pity. He made up his mind to help them and to convert them. As soon as a shipload arrived, he would go among the hundreds of sick slaves. He gave them food and medicine. He baptized the dying and the little babies. He nursed the ill. It was hard work in terrible heat. One man who went once with St. Peter could never face the heart-breaking sight again. Yet Peter did it for forty years. He baptized some three hundred thousand people. He was there when the ships came in. He cared for and loved those who were treated so unjustly by society.

Although the slave owners tried to stop Father Claver, he taught the faith to the slaves anyway. It was slow, discouraging work. Many people criticized him, saying it was all a waste of time. They thought the slaves would never keep the faith. But St. Peter was patient and he trusted that God would bless his people. He also went to visit his converts after they left Cartagena. The priest never stopped urging the slave owners to take care of the souls of their slaves and to be better Christians themselves.

During the last four years of his life, Father Claver was so sick that he had to stay in his room, He could not even celebrate Mass. Most everyone forgot about him, but he never complained. Then suddenly at his death on September 8, 1654, it was like the whole city woke up. They realized that they had lost a saint. From then on he was never forgotten again. Pope Leo XIII proclaimed him a saint in 1888.

"We must speak to them with our hands before we try to speak to them with our lips."- St. Peter Claver

🕊 SAINT OF THE DAY 🕊🙏🏻 Today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 🙏🏻(Feast Day: Sept. 8,)🌸Happy Birth...
09/08/2026

🕊 SAINT OF THE DAY 🕊

🙏🏻 Today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 🙏🏻
(Feast Day: Sept. 8,)

🌸Happy Birthday, Blessed Mother!

Pray for us!

The Story of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century. A September birth was chosen because the Eastern Church begins its Church year with September. The September 8 date helped determine the date for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.

Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth. However, the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James fills in the gap. This work has no historical value, but it does reflect the development of Christian piety. According to this account, Anna and Joachim are infertile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. Such a story, like many biblical counterparts, stresses the special presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning.

Saint Augustine connects Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work. He tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” The opening prayer at Mass speaks of the birth of Mary’s Son as the dawn of our salvation, and asks for an increase of peace.

Congratulations to Fr. Carlos Quijano, SJ on the 40th anniversary of his entry into the Society of Jesus on September 7,...
09/07/2026

Congratulations to Fr. Carlos Quijano, SJ on the 40th anniversary of his entry into the Society of Jesus on September 7, 1986!
Thank you for four decades of profound dedication to living out the call of Ad maiorem Dei gloriam—for the greater glory of God. We are so grateful for your priesthood, your leadership, and your enduring devotion.
May the Holy Spirit fill you with joy, health, and peace as you continue your sacred journey, and may God bless you as you celebrate this incredible milestone of faithful service.

¡Felicitaciones al Padre Carlos Quijano, SJ, por el 40 aniversario de su ingreso en la Compañía de Jesús el 7 de septiembre de 1986!
Gracias por cuatro décadas de profunda dedicación a vivir la llamada de *Ad maiorem Dei gloriam* —para mayor gloria de Dios. Estamos profundamente agradecidos por su sacerdocio, su liderazgo y su constante entrega.
Que el Espíritu Santo le colme de alegría, salud y paz al continuar su sagrado camino, y que Dios le bendiga al celebrar este extraordinario hito de servicio fiel.

Congratulazioni a P. Carlos Quijano, SJ per il 40 anniversario del suo ingresso nella Compagnia di Gesù, avvenuto il 7 settembre 1986!
Grazie per quattro decenni di profonda dedizione nel vivere la chiamata all'*Ad maiorem Dei gloriam* — per la maggior gloria di Dio. Ti siamo immensamente grati per il tuo sacerdozio, la tua guida e la tua costante dedizione.
Che lo Spirito Santo ti colmi di gioia, salute e pace mentre prosegui il tuo sacro cammino, e che Dio ti benedica mentre celebri questo straordinario traguardo di fedele servizio.

✨Happy Labor Day from St. Athanasius - St. Dominic Parish!✨Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and persevera...
09/07/2026

✨Happy Labor Day from
St. Athanasius - St. Dominic Parish!✨

Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of so many who contribute to their families, communities, and our church. 🙌

In Colossians 3:23, we are reminded: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.“ As followers of Christ, we see our work not just as a job but as an opportunity to serve God and others. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or volunteering, your labor has purpose and value in the Kingdom of God.

Today, we pray that you find rest, renewal, and encouragement as you enjoy the fruits of your labor. May God bless the work of your hands and continue to guide you in his purpose.

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

09/06/2026

Sunday Mass (Spanish)

Address

Brooklyn, NY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm

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