The Link
The newsletter for The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes

"I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons."
-St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, C.O.
 The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Boniface
October 5, 2021
Visit our website for more information: www.oratorychurch.org
From Your Pastors
The word “church” can evoke varied and even disparate concepts about faith and community. It may lead to a notion of parish buildings or ecclesiastical organizations such as a diocese or religious orders. Or it may reference an international community of believers of every race, language, and way of life. For many Catholics in the 20th century, the sense of “church” was a large, anonymous parish where people went once a week for an hour-long service and then retreated to their homes and private activities. This of course was an inadequate expression of “church” and over the course of the last 60 years, we have developed various ways to reclaim and strengthen the
experience of “church” as the living Body of Christ.

Following the Second Vatican Council, The German theologian Karl Rahner, S.J., wrote at the time, “The Church in the future will be one built from below by basic communities as a result of free initiative and association.” Across the world, this has become the case, small groups or base communities have become the lifeblood of the faith. In reality, small groups, intimate circles of companionship, help us flourish in the midst of what can be a complicated world. Our Oratory parishes flourish in part because of the sense of commonality and shared faith that has been fostered over the years in small group settings. Whether in social moments, meals, coffees, prayer groups, sharing circles or mini retreats, interpersonal connections have made us richer as a community.

Some years ago, we began to grow and encourage small faith groups, first with Renew and then with a focus on the charisms of the Oratory. We have the prayer groups for men, Oratory Women’s Community, Charism groups, RCIA and more.

Oratory Small Groups continue to flourish and Season 5 begins soon: Humility: Becoming Our Truer Selves in Christ” Please see the information below to participate in a group this season. Many groups continue after the season ends in various formats. We are identifying additional materials to support groups between the seasons. The find our more email us at affc@oratorychurch.org and see the information contained below.

The RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults) is another opportunity for seekers to grow in faith. The process happens in a small group that shares our Catholic faith to help others prepare for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Perhaps you or someone you know wants to be Confirmed or learn more about the faith to be received into the church. If so contact us at: faith@oratorychurch.org to join our new RCIA small group which kicks off this Wednesday. Details are below.

Whether for a season of the Charism of the Oratory, or another faith opportunity let us follow the exhortation of St. Paul: “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.” 1 Thes. 5:11

Fr. Michael Callaghan, c.o. and Fr. Mark Lane, c.o.
RCIA: we plan to start on Wednesday, October 6 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Zoom.
Baptism Preparation for Parents
If you are expecting your first child or are new to our communities and would like to have your child baptized in our parishes, please register for the next Baptism Preparation Session. Preparation sessions are conducted on Zoom, check the website for Baptism/preparation dates. Email info@oratorychurch.org
Brooklyn Oratory Small Groups presents
Spirituality of the Oratory: Knowing Our Charism
Season 5 “Humility: Becoming Our Truer Selves in Christ”
 
This original program about Oratorian spirituality is written and edited by Fr. Anthony Andreassi and Fr. Michael Callaghan.
 
Further details and the sign up form:
Contact: affc@oratorychurch.org with questions or if you are unable to attend a group, but would like a copy of the booklet.

Beginning the week of October 11 through the week of November 15.
Gaudium 2021 (Virtual Event)
To all attendees and supporters, here's the link for the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owd3exM7t2s

Click here to see this years program with a list of our honorees: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vO2UbTAVyxR66IZVACQf__UMwBI43H3b/view

October 6, 6:30pm, virtual
Blessing of Animals
Fr. Michael will offer the annual Blessing of Animals at Assumption Parish. You are invited to bring your animal companions for this time of prayer and blessing.

October 10, at 1:00pm
Academy of St. Joseph in New York is an independent Catholic school offering high quality education and formation for its students. Follow this link to find dates for
OPEN HOUSE visits this fall.
Prayer List
If you would like add someone to the prayer list email the parish office
at info@oratorychurch.org or go to the website https://oratorychurch.org/contact-us and complete the information there.
Mass Intentions
If you would like to request a Mass for someone living or deceased, mass intentions are available for the weeks or months ahead. Email info@oratorychurch.org. The 2022 Mass book is open as well. The offering is $20. Please pay by using Pushpay or by mailing a check to 64 Middagh St. Brooklyn, NY 11201.

The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes 
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Boniface
Roman Catholic Communities in
Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights
Both parishes operate from one office:

64 Middagh Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.875.2096