Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello Removed as Vicar for Development Over Music Video Filmed in Church – The Tablet

Pop musician Sabrina Carpenter released a music video to her song “Feather” on Oct. 31, which includes scenes of the singer dancing and performing inside and outside the church, including in the sanctuary where the altar is located. 

Earlier this week, Bishop Robert Brennan was said to be “appalled” by what was filmed. 

“Bishop Robert Brennan strongly condemns the filming of the music video inside Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. A review of the documents presented to the parish prior to the filming, while failing to depict the entirety of the scenes, clearly portray inappropriate behavior unsuitable for a church sanctuary,” a diocesan statement read.

Msgr. Gigantiello will remain pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish. However, Bishop Robert Brennan has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski as the temporary administrator.

“An administrative review will immediately commence and during this time, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello’s status as pastor will continue with all administrative oversight delegated to Bishop Mroziewski,” the statement added.

John Notaro, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of Brooklyn and Queens and Futures in Education, has taken over administrative responsibilities of both organizations from Msgr. Gigantiello, according to the diocese. 

Msgr. Gigantiello has been a priest in the diocese since 1995, beginning as the parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s Parish in Bay Ridge. He has been pastor at Our Lady Mount Carmel-Annunciation since 2017, and he became the diocese’s vicar for development in 2011. He is also a chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. Bishop Brennan will preside over a Mass of Reparation at the church over the weekend, in order “to restore the sanctity of this church and repair the harm,” the diocese said.