April 30, 2026

📰 News

Saturday, May 2, 11:00am, corner of Henry and Pineapple Streets

Pineapple Street Becomes "Dorothy Day Way"

Join fellow Oratory Parishioners, the Dorothy Day Guild (for her canonization), and the Dorothy Day Center of Manhattan University on Saturday, May 2 at 11:00am at the corner of Henry and Pineapple Streets for this honorary street naming. Light refreshments will follow in Assumption Hall. Dorothy Day was born on Pineapple Street in 1897.

Sunday, May 3, 1:00pm, St. Boniface

Annual Joan Sexton Memorial Women in the Church Presentation

We are delighted to welcome Sr. Jenn Schaaf, OP, Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Dominican University, in conversation with Oratory parishioner Ginny Woods on the graces and challenges of ministry and leadership in the Church today. All are warmly welcome, whether you are joining us after the 11:15am Mass or coming specifically for this presentation.

October 9–16

Pilgrimage: Rome in the Footsteps of St. Philip Neri

Come join Fathers Mark Paul and Anthony, together with fellow Oratory parishioners and friends, for a grace-filled pilgrimage to Rome in the spirit of St. Philip Neri. More than a visit to the Eternal City, this journey offers the opportunity to pray where St. Philip prayed, walk the streets he walked, and visit the churches and sacred places where his joyful witness shaped the life of the Church and gave birth to the Oratory. Celebrating Mass together in Rome, especially in the places so closely connected to our Oratorian heritage, promises to be a deeply moving spiritual experience.

This pilgrimage will be a beautiful time of prayer, fellowship, history, and renewal in the heart of the Church, allowing us to deepen our faith as we walk in the footsteps of our spiritual father, St. Philip.

If you register by April 30, you will receive a promotional $100 discount. So please keep that in mind. If you plan to come, then why not register now?

Again, if you like, here is the link to register for the pilgrimage:

https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/rome-brooklyn-oratory

(Please note that you can choose a "Land Only" version and book your own flights.)

Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Intentions for May

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, is committed to avoiding food waste and ensuring that everyone has access to quality food.

Thursday, June 4, 6:30pm, Assumption Hall

The Progress of an American Pope

What have we learned about Pope Leo XIV during his first year in office? Is he “Pope Francis’ last surprise” who will follow through on his vision, or is he carving his own path? How will he steer a church whose future may no longer lie in the West but in the Global South?

America Magazine has been covering the Leo XIV pontificate since day one. Join editors Tim Reidy and Kerry Weber for a conversation about what they have learned so far and what to expect from Leo as finds his voice at the Vatican.

Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Openings

The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes Pastoral Council (Assumption & St. Boniface) is seeking a diversity of candidates to run as new members. The two-year term begins in September 2026. The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body that advises parish priests on parish issues and events. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings (primarily by Zoom) between September and June. The only experience necessary is a love for our parishes. Self-nominations are quite normal, so don't be shy. To nominate yourself or a fellow parishioner, please send a one-paragraph bio with a headshot photo to Fr. Anthony at aandreassi@oratorychurch.org by May 1.

Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA)

We would like to thank all the generous individuals who have made pledges to the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal in our parish. We are asking each family to consider making a tax-deductible gift today, if you have not already.

As you know, funds from the ACA support critical programs, institutions, and ministries that further the Church’s mission in Brooklyn and Queens, including Catholic Charities, Catholic Migration Services, Catholic chaplaincies in hospitals and prisons, and faith formation for young people and seminarians. A full description of the organizations and people helped by the ACA can be found by clicking here.

Assumption	$28,139	Parish ID #1019
St. Boniface	$71,183	Parish ID #2034

If you are on PushPay, you can participate by selecting the ACA fund.

For Assumption, click here to donate.

For St. Boniface, click here to donate.

Once we exceed our goals, we receive 100% of all funds above this back directly to the parishes. Thank you as always for your generosity!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

Friday, May 1, 6:00pm, Assumption Hall

👋 Oratory Teen Group Meeting

PULSE, the new Oratory Teen Group, will have its monthly meeting on Friday, May 1 at Assumption Hall at 6:00pm. Whether you've been at the parish forever or you're just checking things out, you belong here. For more information and to RSVP, have your child join our BAND group by clicking here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Joe O'Brien at jobrien@oratorychurch.org

Saturday, May 2, 9:00am, Assumption

⛪ First Saturday Mass Assumption

Saturday, May 2, 11:00am, corner of Henry and Pineapple Streets

✝️ Pineapple Street Becomes "Dorothy Day Way"

Details in the news section above.

Sunday, May 3, both parishes

🙏 First Communion Sunday

Our children will be receiving their First Communion on Sunday, May 3 at the 9:30am (Assumption) and 11:15am (St. Boniface) Sunday Masses at our parishes. Congratulations to our children!

Sunday, May 3, 1:00pm, St. Boniface

⛪ Annual Joan Sexton Memorial Women in the Church Presentation

Details in the news section above.

Monday, May 4, 6:15pm, Assumption Hall

🙏 Oratory Evening Prayer

Tuesday. May 5, 6:30pm, Assumption Hall

📕 Book Talk: Painting Prayer: Why Faith Needs Art—and Art Needs Faith

Come to hear author and parishioner Alfonse Borysewicz in conversation with Erin McAtee from ArtHouse2b about Alfonse's new book. The event will be followed by a book signing. Some of Alfonse's works are permanently installed in the Church of St. Boniface.

Wednesday, May 6, 7:00pm, Zoom

🙏 End-of-Life Decision-Making

Few of us enjoy thinking about end-of-life decisions. Yet advances in modern medicine mean that we are living longer than ever, making it especially important for us, no matter our age, to reflect on our values and to share our wishes with those we love. These conversations can be difficult—but they are also an expression of care, faith, and responsibility. The Catholic Church offers clear and compassionate guidance on end-of-life care, helping us honor the dignity of every human life while making prudent medical decisions. Do you have questions about what the Church teaches? Are you unsure how those teachings apply in real medical situations or under New York State law? Join retired chaplain and healthcare ethics consultant Sarah Spieldenner, BCC, HEC-C, for a thoughtful, practical, and interactive presentation on Catholic principles for end-of-life care, what to look out for, and what you need to know legally in New York State. Come away better informed—and with greater peace of mind. Please click here to register.

Saturday, May 9, 5:00pm Mass, Assumption

✝️ The Sacrament of Confirmation

Bishop Paul Sanchez will be conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation on a group of young people from Assumption, St. Boniface, St. Charles parishes, and St. Edmund Prep.

Sunday, May 10, both parishes

🌸 May: A Month Dedicated to Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church

May is one of the months traditionally dedicated to the honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During this month we will have our Novena of Masses for our mothers, living and deceased, starting on May 10 (Mother’s Day). Please send in your names to the office at info@oratorychurch.org this week.

On Sunday, May 10 we will have a May Crowning at the 9:30am Mass at Assumption and the 11:15am at St. Boniface.

Sunday, May 17, Joy-Us Together Mass, following 10:30am Mass, Assumption

🎊 Mass Together & St. Philip Neri Picnic

Both parishes will have a joint celebration of Mass on Sunday, May 17 at 10:30am at Assumption Church. We will all gather after Mass in front of Assumption Church on Cranberry Street to celebrate our Saint of Joy. There will be delicious food, exciting children's activities, cotton candy, a dog dress-up contest, and more. This year, we will have a GameTruck for the children. The success of our picnic greatly depends on the efforts and dedication of volunteers like you. We need volunteers to help with setup and breakdown, grilling, baking, food transport, and more. To volunteer, email Bill Vinicombe at williamvinicombe@mac.com

Note: No 11:15am Mass at St. Boniface on Sunday, May 17.

Thursday, June 4, 6:30pm, Assumption Hall

The Progress of an American Pope

Details in the news section above.

⛪️ Weekly Mass Intention Schedule

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Weekly Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/readings

ASSUMPTION

5/2	5:00pm	Albert Lanauze
5/3	9:30am	People of the Parish
5/4	8:00am	Open Intention
5/5	8:00am	Mary Jean Tindor
5/6	8:00am	In Honor of the Blessed Mother
5/7	8:00am	John and Elaine Vekassy
5/8	8:00am	Clayton Walden

ST. BONIFACE

5/3	11:15am	People of the Parish
5/3	6:00pm	Holy Souls in Purgatory
5/4	12:10pm	Maureen Fraser
5/5	12:10pm	Open Intention
5/6	12:10pm	Haydn Denalli
5/7	12:10pm	Open Intention
5/8	12:10pm	Open Intention

Mass Intentions

It has been a long tradition in the Church to offer Masses for people to pray, especially for the dead, seeking God’s grace, mercy, and spiritual benefits through Christ’s sacrifice. Usually a modest donation is given for this. In the coming weeks we have several Masses with no particular intentions. If you would like to have a Mass offered for someone (living or deceased), email the parish office at info@oratorychurch.org or click here.

🙏 Prayer List

Please keep the sick of the community in your prayers

Alexandra Rogers, Michael Smith, Richard Vekassy, Maryanne Muhs, Kristen Jordan, Msgr. Don L. Fischer, Cian Morales, Alexander Endacott, Michelle Falcone-Wolf, Debbie O’Connor, Cathleen Harvey, Elizabeth Hooper, Eileen Acheson Bohn, Mary Cella, Janice Clarke, Alice Mulholland, Mary Simon Charles, Kim Manzi, John Michael, Carol Poppke

Rest in Peace

Maureen Fraser, Mollie Schnoll, Cynthia Gorrin, Robert Heelan, Sammy Matthews, Joseph DeLeo, Anita Bello, Mary Jean Tindor

If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, email the parish office at info@oratorychurch.org or click here.