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Pope Leo's Message for Lent
The Lenten journey is a welcome opportunity to heed the voice of the Lord and renew our commitment to following Christ, accompanying him on the road to Jerusalem, where the mystery of his passion, death and resurrection will be fulfilled. Click here to read the rest of the Holy Father's message.
Saturday, March 7, 9:00am, Assumption
Lenten Retreat
Join together with other parishioners from the Oratory Parishes for a prayerful start to the Lenten season. We will begin with Mass in the Church, followed by time for personal reflection, communal prayer, and meaningful conversation. Fr. Steven Neier, C.O., from the New York Oratory, will help us step away from the busyness of life and enter more deeply into the season of Lent. The retreat begins at 9:00am with Mass and will conclude by noon. Suggested offering: $20 (in-person or via PushPay). All are welcome. Click here to register.
Lenten Regulations
Abstinence: All the faithful who have reached 14 years of age are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.
Fasting: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive are bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal and avoiding food between meals. Light sustenance may be taken on two other occasions during the day. Coffee, tea, and juice are permitted at any time.
Easter Duty: After they have been fully initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, all the faithful are bound to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. (February 22 until Pentecost, May 24).
Opportunities for Prayer & Reflection
Stations of the Cross
Assumption: Lenten Fridays, immediately following the 8:00am Mass
St. Boniface: Lenten Mondays, immediately following the 12:10pm Mass
Lenten Second Collection for Black and Indian Missions
There will be a second collection for Black and Indian Missions, which reflects the Church’s commitment to evangelizing Black and Indian peoples in the United States. Your generosity is appreciated.
SJA (Social Justice Action) Seeking Mentors for Asylum Seekers
Seeking mentors for 18–20 year-old asylum seekers. Nearly a dozen Oratory parishioners have already gotten involved, but the need remains urgent as the juveniles are gradually aging out of eligibility. These incredible—and incredibly vulnerable—young people benefit greatly when supported by trusted adults who can help them navigate life in a new city. The partnerships between mentors and mentees have proven to be mutually life-changing and meaningful. To learn more, please contact Lou Kuhlmann at lrkuhlmann@gmail.com
Saturday, March 7
OYA: “Encounter” Event
The Oratory Young Adults (OYA) invites you to our next "Encounter" up in Harlem on Saturday, March 7. Join us and City Relief for a block party-style outreach for people experiencing homelessness. Only three spots left! Please RSVP by Saturday, February 14. Click here to RSVP.
Tuesday, February 24, 6:30pm, Assumption Hall
OYA: Theology by the Slice
The Oratory Young Adults (OYA) invites you to our next "Theology by the Slice." Join us on Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30pm at Assumption for a bite-sized lecture and conversation over some pizza and drinks. Come explore the faith with us! Click here to RSVP.
Thursday, February 26, 6:30 pm, Assumption Hall
Book Talk: Why I Am Not an Atheist: The Confessions of a Skeptical Believer
Author Christopher Beha in conversation with Phil Klay about his new book. The event will be followed by a book signing, with books for sale from Books Are Magic.
Monday, March 2, 6:15pm, Assumption Hall
Oratory Evening Prayer
All are invited to join in this simple service of prayer, song, scripture, and shared reflection. We will be reading the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent (Woman at the Well). This interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman shows Jesus disregarding social and religious barriers to offer salvation to everyone.
Oratory Women's Community
Members of the Oratory Women's Community will be present at the March Oratory Evening Prayer, and invite all who attend that evening to dinner after at Fortune House (82 Henry Street). If you plan to attend the meal, please email oratorywomen@gmail.com
Friday, March 6, 6:00pm, Assumption Hall
Join PULSE
Our new youth group for high school students here at the Oratory Parishes. We're having our kick-off event on Friday, March 6 at 6:00pm in Assumption Hall. Join us for some great food, great conversations, and an opportunity to meet others. Come for the food, stay for the friends. Come alone or bring a buddy—either way, we have plenty of seats at the table. Click here to RSVP.
Wednesdays, starting March 4, 7:00pm, Zoom
The Sunday Survival Guide: A Four-Part Walkthrough of the Mass
Have you ever wondered why we do what we do at Mass? Where do we get the scripture readings? What are the main parts of the Mass? Whether you've been Catholic your whole life or are just curious, this series will help you move from being a "spectator" to a "participant" in the greatest prayer on Earth. Join us on Zoom for this series, The Sunday Survival Guide, starting Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 7:00pm, and continuing for the next three weeks (March 11, 28, and 25)—an excellent idea for Lent. Click here to register.
RESCHEDULED – Sunday, March 8, after 9:30am Mass, Assumption Hall
Pageant Pancake Family Breakfast
The Pageant Family breakfast has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 8. Please join us in the Parish Hall after the 9:30am Mass. Click here to RSVP for the new date.
Summer Mission Trip to Kenya
Join the parish of St. Boniface on a pilgrimage to our sister parish of St. Mark’s in Turkana, Kenya. The trip will be led by Br. Andy Richards, with approximate dates of June 14–26, with the option to extend for personal travel. The estimated cost, including flights, will be about $4,000. Deepen your Catholic faith in solidarity with our friends in Turkana, and learn about their daily lives. Please indicate interest in learning more via this form or contact Marcela at marcela.hahn@gmail.com
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
As part of our nation's celebration of this milestone, Fr. Anthony has been writing a series of articles (one each month) on the Catholic origins of each of the 50 States. You can read the first two here:
Jesuit Missionaries and a Log Chapel: Exploring the Catholic History of Delaware
A Quaker, a Bavarian Monk and a Catholic King: Exploring Catholic History in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey
Assumption Men's Shelter
The Respite Bed Program (Shelter) is resuming this year. Assumption will participate in the program in March. We will welcome 10–12 guests (men) four nights a week (Monday–Thursday). For the shelter to be successful, volunteers are needed to open, cook, and stay overnight. If interested in volunteering, please click here to email Kathy Reynolds at kbridgeview@aol.com (subject: Shelter 2026).
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