The opening of the Diocese of Brooklyn’s new SS. Peter and Paul Spirituality Center will be commemorated at a Mass to be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius A. Catanello in the Immaculate Conception Center Chapel in Douglaston Monday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Msgr. Thomas G. Caserta, whose appointment to direct the spirituality center was announced by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio in February, will preach the homily at the Mass. Msgr. Caserta is also the director of the diocesan Office of Ministry and Life of Priests and is the spiritual director of the Cathedral Seminary Residence.

The SS. Peter and Paul Spirituality Center, located at the Immaculate Conception Center, succeeds the St. Paul’s Center, which served the Diocese for more than 40 years. SS. Peter and Paul’s will continue to offer the Cursillo and Christian Awakening programs long associated with St. Paul’s Center.

            An expansion of spirituality offerings is planned for SS. Peter and Paul’s, including programs for youth, young adults, married couples and single Catholics. The goal is for the center to become “a full-service spirituality and retreat center for the Diocese,” said Msgr. Caserta.

            “We also hope that programs for persons who are away from the practice of the faith will also be part of our mission,” he said.

            Recognizing the cultural diversity of the members of the parishes of Brooklyn and Queens, the spirituality center will collaborate with the ethnic apostolates of the Diocese to develop retreats and days or evenings of prayer in various languages.

            The center will seek to “be of direct assistance to parishes in fostering the spiritual growth of our people,” Msgr. Caserta said.

            He said he is completing a search for a full-time associate director, who will respond to the daily administrative needs of the center.

            SS. Peter and Paul’s is an agency of the Vicariate for Evangelization and Pastoral Life, whose vicar is Msgr. Frank J. Caggiano.

            Msgr. Caggiano led a study group commissioned by Bishop DiMarzio last year to review the work and mission of St. Paul’s Center. The panel  recommended the formation of SS. Peter and Paul Spirituality Center and a broadening of programs available to clergy, Religious and laity.

            The Bishop also formed two study groups on the diocesan Pre-Cana program and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults respectively. The committees will present their recommendations later this Spring, Msgr. Caggiano said.