Wyandanch church rebuilding outreach unit

Nearly four years ago, an arsonist struck in one of the poorest Roman Catholic parishes on Long Island, destroying the rectory, part of the church and an outreach center that helped thousands of families a year.

On Wednesday leaders of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Wyandanch finally broke ground for the last phase of rebuilding -- this time, for the badly needed Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center.

When the arsonist set the fire on Dec. 30, 2007, "many of us were hurt and taken aback," Suffolk County Legis. DuWayne Gregory told a crowd of about 150 people. "But today, we are back."

They are back thanks to a campaign dubbed "Rising from the Ashes," but it was not easy. The parish and the Diocese of Rockville Centre had to overcome a long process of government bureaucracy, zoning requirements and, especially, fundraising. The impoverished parish had to come up with $1.3 million for the outreach center.

The money came through a grant of $750,000 from the Diocese of Rockville Centre, along with other large contributions such as a $100,000 matching donation from Robert B. Catell, former chairman of National Grid, said the Rev. Bill Brisotti, pastor of the parish. A synagogue in nearby Melville, Temple Beth Torah, donated $20,000.

Donations also came from what Brisotti called the "little folks." They included teenagers in Amityville who held a dance-a-thon, other teens in Nassau County who did a walkathon, and students at high schools, including St. Anthony's in Huntington, who raised funds through "dress-down days." Those students donated money in exchange for wearing street clothes instead of school uniforms.

Some children literally emptied their piggy banks to help out, said Noelle Campbell, head of the outreach center, which serves about 1,200 people a month.

SEE PHOTOSFire destroys Catholic church in Wyandanch

The Diocese of Rockville Centre stepped in because of the parish's crucial work among the poor, said diocesan spokesman Sean Dolan. "It's clear Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is just an outstanding example of a parish carrying out the gospel message and helping those in need," Dolan said. Bishop William Murphy "believes in the vital work being done here."

Brisotti and Campbell said they hope the prefabricated building will be in place by November. Since the fire, a makeshift outreach center has operated out of trailers, a shed and large storage containers. The suspect in the blaze, Wendell J. Gerald of Wyandanch, was convicted.

"I am beyond words. I am so excited for this day," Campbell told the crowd, adding, "You are standing on holy ground."