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Assumption Masses Return to the Church
Beginning Thursday, September 11, all Masses at Assumption will return to the church.
Writing Spirituality: Finding God in the Stories of our Lives
Are you a writer looking to make better sense of the Spirit at work in your daily life? Are you someone who finds God through journaling? Maybe you’re a person who simply wants to adopt a new prayer practice. In this three-part online series offered by the Jesuit Media Lab, Eric Clayton will lead participants through exercises and discussions to help discover and articulate the working of God’s Spirit in our lives. You’ll walk away better equipped to share your story with others—and in so doing, share God at work in your life. Themes include: embracing our belovedness, finding God in the details, writing our vocation.
Sessions will take place on Tuesdays, October 7, 21, and November 11 from 7:30–9:00pm on Zoom. Fr. Anthony and Virginia Navarro will be coordinating this activity. Cost is $50 per participant and the group is limited to 15 people. To register, email vnavarro@oratorychurch.org
Eric A. Clayton is an award-winning author of three books on Ignatian spirituality and everyday life, including his most recent Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness (Brazos Press). He is the deputy director for communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. Learn more at ericclaytonwrites.com
Annual Baronius Lecture: "John Henry Newman: Why a Doctor of the Church?" by Sr. Kathleen Dietz, FSO
Join us on Thursday, October 9 at 7:00pm in Assumption Hall to hear Sr. Kathleen explore what she sees as Newman’s specific contributions to theology and the life of faith which prompt the Church to declare him a Doctor of the Church. Sr. Kathleen has been a member of the Spiritual Family "The Work" since 1993. Her interest in John Henry Newman stems from her student days at Cardinal Newman College in St. Louis, Missouri. After joining The Work, she obtained her doctorate in theology with the dissertation John Henry Newman and the Fathers of the Church: The Birth of an Ecclesiology. She has given numerous talks, published several articles and co-edited a book on Cardinal Newman entitled Blessed John Henry Newman: A Richly Illustrated Portrait. She currently resides with her community in Erie, Pennsylvania and serves as Adult Faith Formation Coordinator at Our Lady of Peace Parish.
Carlo Acutis Program
Are you yourself high school or college-aged and never completed the sacraments of Holy Communion or Confirmation in the Catholic faith? Or perhaps do you know someone in this situation? We are trying to determine if there is any interest in our Oratory Parishes in the “Carlo Acutis Program.” The program aims at assisting young members of our community in their faith journey by preparing them for the reception of Holy Communion and Confirmation. If you yourself are interested or know someone who might be, please get in touch with Fr. Vin Biagi, S.J. at vbiagi@oratorychurch.org
Family Faith and Sacramental Prep Registration is Open
Family Faith Formation and Sacramental Prep courses help the entire family grow closer to God and deepen their understanding of faith. Registration for Family Faith, First Communion, and Confirmation for the 2025–2026 program year is now open. We encourage you to enroll your children today! (Families must be registered and active parishioners in order to participate.) You can conveniently access the registration form here. For additional details about the program, including meeting dates for the 2025–2026 pastoral year, please visit our website. After you register, be sure to check your email for updates and information about the year ahead. Don't miss this chance to foster your family's spiritual growth!
Volunteer Opportunity: Family Faith
Are you or someone you know interested in helping out with Family Faith Formation?
If so, please reach out to Mr. Joe O’Brien at jobrien@oratorychurch.org
Adult Christian Initiation
Adult Christian Initiation begins weekly meetings on Sunday, September 21 following the 11:15am Mass at St. Boniface. The program, formerly known as RCIA, prepares adults to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and to be received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. If you are interested, please contact coordinators Rob and Nadine at faith@oratorychurch.org
Volunteer Opportunity: Adult Christian Initiation Sponsor
Becoming a sponsor in the Adult Christian Initiation ministry is an opportunity to enrich your own faith while making a lasting impact on others. As a sponsor, you'll have the privilege of guiding and supporting individuals who are on their journey to becoming Catholic. Sponsors provide support, share their faith, and help candidates integrate into the Catholic community. Specifically, sponsors attend the Easter Vigil (April 4, 2026) or Pentecost Sunday (May 24, 2026), with their candidate, participate in the retreat from 1:00–4:00pm on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and are encouraged to attend the weekly sessions held at St. Boniface after the 11:15am Mass. Sponsors set aside some time to get to know their candidate so they can offer friendship and support throughout the year. Your involvement can make all the difference in someone's spiritual growth and can be an incredibly rewarding experience for you as well. Interested? Please get in touch with Nadine and Rob at faith@oratorychurch.org
Volunteers Needed for Catholic Charities Program
Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers for their WIPA program (welcome, integrate, promote, accompany). WIPA is developing a comprehensive integration program to support vulnerable migrant communities, helping them achieve social, economic, and legal stability. Please reach out to Oratory parishioner Fran Buchinsky at fbuchinsky@aol.com if you can help with their local food pantry, legal assistance and accompaniment, childcare during ESL classes on Saturdays, or general administrative assistance and client scheduling. Spanish is helpful but not required for most needs, and Virtus training is required for the childcare role. Thank you for considering!
Baptisms at the Oratory Parishes
Are you welcoming a new addition to your family, or are you interested in having your child baptized at Assumption or St. Boniface? You can find details on our website about how to proceed. We welcome families with children and look forward to celebrating your child’s baptism!
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