Save Visitation

05/10/2024

Today, the school shared that the statue was returned as a kind gesture to a family who donated it years ago in memory of their mother. This is beautiful.

However, children saw this. We confirm that families had NO prior knowledge and did not know what to tell their kids.

As the school and monastery close, the community will have to get used to the sight of this beautiful monastery being carted away on a flatbed.

05/09/2024

Visitation Academy Sisters of the Visitation Brooklyn Monastery Roseann Paradiso Fodera Carlo Scissura

We are shocked and saddened to have received so many images and messages from outraged and upset parents and neighbors. Please explain.

05/08/2024

Did you get the letter?

The community is buzzing about an anonymous letter sent to Visitation Academy and homes in the surrounding area.

We also received a copy and recommend anyone even tangentially linked to Bay Ridge read it, share it, and speak UP.

04/17/2024

The story is always changing.

We have been watching the press coverage. Now that the diocese is finally acknowledging that the closure was primarily due to financial reasons, We believe it’s crucial for Visitation Academy to provide parents, alumnae, and community members with a point of contact to explain why steps were not taken to make this school viable.

The school board should explain why they were unable to keep this land and school to benefit the Bay Ridge Community and Catholic families.

Who failed our community?

Ever-changing principles, underpaid teachers, teachers who leave mid-year, crumbling buildings, and a lack of transparency, do not contribute to the financial success of Brooklyn Catholic schools.

04/13/2024

Affordable housing in our community should not be at the expense of Catholic Elementary Schools.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is divesting in Catholic Education to become landlords?

If you are concerned ➡️ reach out to our public elected officials.

Ask for solid plans on how they intend to ensure this land, which has been apart of the local Catholic community for over 100 years, will be preserved.

04/13/2024

This Catholic school closer is one too many.

We have spoken to many families who have shared that the Diocese of Brooklyn has done nothing to support them during this time.

They have shared tales of being met with silence, treated with distain for feeling anger and frustration, told by those at the school leadership level to move on.

Who is advocating for these families, where is their School Board asking for answers?

As a community we will NOT move on.

We ask the Bishop of Brooklyn to explain why he was unable to sustain the only all girls Catholic elementary school in Brooklyn and Queens. This land should be used for Catholic education.

There are mounting concerns over the future of some Catholic schools in New York City after historic Visitation Academy, an all-girls school in Brooklyn, announced it is shutting down.

04/12/2024

FACT: The Bishop of Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan has yet to address the families of students and the Catholic Bay Ridge community as a whole about the closing of the Visitation Monastery and Visitation Academy.

It’s been over two months and he been SILENT.

Where is our Bishop?

04/11/2024

What is faith based housing?

Visitation becoming faith-based housing is a REAL possibility if legislation is passed to allow religious organizations to build affordable housing on their properties.

Our public elected officials are working hard to make this happen.

Faith-based housing refers to residential properties owned or managed by religious organizations, often with a focus on providing affordable housing options for individuals and families within their community.

https://citylimits.org/2024/03/05/amen-to-new-housing-faith-based-development-bill-looks-to-secure-legislative-blessing/

03/13/2024

It’s not uncommon for old buildings, including former educational institutions like Visitation Academy, to be repurposed into hotels or other establishments.

Do we need another hotel in Bay Ridge at the expense of single s*x education?

Concerns about overdevelopment and preserving historical and religious landmarks are valid. It’s essential for our community to engage with elected officials and religious leaders to voice their concerns and advocate for responsible development that respects the neighborhood’s character and history.

As for the Bishop’s silence, it’s possible that there may be ongoing discussions or considerations behind the scenes that haven’t been made public yet?

On beams in a wooden attic space high atop the former site of the Visitation Academy, next to the hatch that leads to the bell tower with its view of

03/12/2024

We have heard a lot about how the school and the monastery are separate from our local dioceses. We still have NOT heard from Bishop Robert Brennan on the closing of this important part of our Catholic Community and Neighborhood.

Why is our local collection going to a community that is separate from the diocese? The sisters need millions of funding from the sale of the property for their retirement yet they also are receiving it from our offertory?

The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) announced the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection is scheduled for Dec. 9-10 in the Diocese of Brooklyn parishes.

03/07/2024

With the prospect of city zoning changes related to City of Yes and the future arrival of a new city council member in Bay Ridge in just a few short years, we urge current Council Member Justin Brannan to articulate a concrete strategy to prevent the conversion of this space into condominiums, Now! It’s not enough to say it. We need action by our public elected officials.

The odds are against our Bay Ridge community.

We implore Justin to ask the Dioceses of Brooklyn to do all that they can to ensure a sale of the property to another Catholic elementary school is facilitated NOW and that the school continues to offer a single s*x program for women.

Council Member Justin Brennan said he was assembling a committee. Who from the community, particularly those who do not stand to gain from condominium development, will be represented on this committee?

03/06/2024

We have had members of the community, including families and local businesses, reach out questioning if their donations to Visitation Academy were solicited under false pretenses.

This is heartbreaking. It’s deeply upsetting to know people feel this way and we understand. No community should have to go through this.

We want to underscore the importance of conducting thorough research before donating to any organization. Checking for annual reports, financial statements, and clarity on fund allocation can help donors make informed decisions and avoid potential misrepresentation of intentions.

This situation serves as a reminder for donors to exercise diligence and ensure transparency in charitable giving.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education has a donor bill of rights. You can read more here: https://www.case.org/resources/donor-bill-rights

We ask the Diocese of Brooklyn to ensure all school in their geographic region be held accountable for donations made in the name of educational advancement.

We remind our community to ask questions BEFORE supporting an organization. Give generously and be smart with your giving.