May 8, 2025

Congratulations to our newly baptized and their families! 



📰 News

Mass and Gathering in Memory of Gertrude Conway

A large crowd of friends gathered this past Saturday at Assumption Church to share memories and give thanks to God for the life of Gertrude Conway who was a devoted and generous member of Assumption for more than half a century. Below is an interview of Gertrude which was done by Currents News for her 100th birthday in May 2023. If you would like to donate to a special fund in memory of Gertrude for the continued upkeep and beautification of a church she loved so much, you can do so here. 


Lenten Loose Change Collections

Thanks to the generosity of so many, the following amounts were raised and distributed to these organizations:

  • CHiPS Soup Kitchen: St. Boniface: $1,165 | Assumption: $693
  • Homeboy Industries: St. Boniface: $936 | Assumption: $605
  • St. Mary Star of the Sea (Thrift Shop): St. Boniface: $677 | Assumption: $570
  • Catholic Relief Services: St Boniface: $1,060 | Assumption: $1,185
  • Music Ministry: St Boniface: $1,117 | Assumption: $604



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 11, Mother’s Day. Please send in your names to the office at info@oratorychurch.org this week. On Sunday, May 11, we will have a May Crowning at the 9:30am Mass at Assumption and the 11:15am Mass at St. Boniface.



Parish Pastoral Council Openings

Both St. Boniface and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Pastoral Councils are seeking a diversity of candidates to run as new members. The two-year term begins in September 2025. 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 16.



Celebrating Women at the Oratory

This past Sunday a gala coffee hour was held following the morning Mass at St. Boniface to celebrate the many significant contributions women have made to forming and supporting the community at the Brooklyn Oratory for several decades. While special recognition was given to Elaine Donlin, Mary Cella, Sonya Fry, Sr. Honora Nulty, OP, and Cathie Srour, all the many women leaders, living and deceased, were remembered and thanked.  


SMSS Donation Request

St. Mary's Star of the Sea pop-up shop for recently arrived migrants is very grateful for the generous support from the Oratory community. The pop-up shop asked that we let parishioners know that there is still need for the following items at this time:


We are only taking spring & summer clothing.

  • Clothing for school-aged children is needed, with a focus on pants and sneakers. New underwear, all ages, sizes, genders is in steady demand.  
  • Men's sizes Small and Medium clothing, particularly clothing useful for outdoor work (jeans, sweats, light-weight jackets & hoodies, good sneakers, etc.) is in demand. 
  • Toiletries: Including standard bathroom supplies, feminine hygiene products, and infant diapers.  
  • Shoes: Casual, functional shoes, especially sneakers, are needed in all sizes, ages, genders. 
  • Most recent requests: Large reusable shopping bags such as Fresh Direct Bags, Suitcases (all/any sizes), Hangers


Donations can be dropped off Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues from 8:30am to 12:00pm at 467 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.



Lottery Launches for Affordable Units in New Residential Tower at 111 Willoughby Street

The new building on property leased from St. Boniface (site of old residence and Newman Hall) will include 70 units of affordable housing based on income and family size. Click here for more information and to apply.



Used Oriental Rug for Sale 

Approximately 12'x20'. Best offer. Email Fr. Anthony at aandreassi@oratorychurch.org for a picture.



🗓️ Upcoming Events


Saturday, May 10, 5:00pm, Assumption

✝️ The Sacrament of Confirmation

Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, S.J., Emeritus Archbishop of Ottawa-Cornwall in Canada will be conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation on a group of 35 young people from Assumption, St. Boniface, and St. Charles parishes, as well as St. Edmund Prep.



Saturday, May 17, 4:00pm, Assumption

✝️ Sacrament of Reconciliation

The youth of our parishes will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. First Communions will take place on Saturday, May 31 at the 5:00pm and Sunday, June 1 at the 9:30am and 11:15am Masses. We are so proud of our children.



Sunday, May 18, 11:15am, St. Boniface

🎊 Mass Together & St. Philip Neri Picnic

Both parishes will have a joint celebration of Mass at St. Boniface. We will all gather after Mass in front of the church on Duffield Street to celebrate our Saint of Joy. There will be delicious food, exciting children's activities, a rock climbing wall, cotton candy, dog dress-up contest, and more. 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. If you are able to assist, please email Bill Vinicombe at williamvinicombe@mac.com 


Note: No 9:30am Mass at Assumption on Sunday, May 18, 2025.


Tuesday, May 20, 7:00pm, Assumption Hall

🕊️ Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

Please join clinical psychologist Dr. Ralph Nofi for an opportunity to reflect on the many ways we can maintain our optimism, faith, and values in the face of rapid and uncertain changes in our city and society. Good self-care, healthy habits, and loving kindness can continue to sustain us through most difficult times as we draw strength from each other. Click here to register.



Wednesday, May 21, 6:00pm, Merkin Hall

🎼 Concert in Support of Opportunity Music Project 

Assumption Music Director Maureen Kelly also runs a nonprofit called Opportunity Music Project, where children from low-income families are provided with full scholarship, pre-professional level music training. The organization has a season finale concert on May 21 at Merkin Hall that is also part of its spring fundraiser. A cocktail reception with drinks, light bites, and a performance by a Latin Grammy award-winning artist will be followed by a concert featuring three student orchestras. All the proceeds from the ticket sales directly fund the organization's mission. Tickets can be purchased here (be sure to choose an orange highlighted seat!) Read more about the event here.



Wednesday, May 21, 7:00pm, ABVM Community Room

📖 AFF Scripture Study with Fr. Kishore

As part of our Adult Faith Formation, we invite you to join us for a monthly scripture study series focusing on the Gospel of Luke, which is the main Gospel for the liturgical year (Year C). For any questions, please reach out to Fr. Kishore at knagothu@oratorychurch.org



👪 Family Faith and First Communion Resource Guide


Click here to learn more about the Oratory Parishes' Family Faith Formation (F3) and First Communion Classes.



⛪️ Weekly Mass Intention Schedule


Fourth Sunday of Easter

Weekly Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/readings

ASSUMPTION

5/10

5:00pm

Mary and John Addeo

5/11

9:30am

People of the Parish

5/12

8:00am

Maura Elizabeth Ryan

5/13

8:00am

George C. Grasso

5/14

8:00am

Mothers' Novena

5/15

8:00am

Mothers' Novena

5/16

8:00am

Gil Vasquez


ST. BONIFACE

5/11

11:15am

Kathleen Garber

5/11

6:00pm

People of the Parish

5/12

12:10pm

Mothers' Novena

5/13

12:10pm

Mothers' Novena

5/14

12:10pm

Open Intention

5/15

12:10pm

Fanny Cardona

5/16

12:10pm

Mothers' Novena

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

Francine Mastini, Lisa Williams, James J. Carney, Lou Acerra, Ann McDoughal, Dawn Hewitt, Msgr. Don L. Fischer, Robert Nixon, Mary Cella, Janice Clarke, Maria Fusco, Alice Mulholland, Mary Simon Charles, Kim Manzi


Rest in Peace

James O’Neil, Ruth Sanchez, Br. Gary Gaynor, Pope Francis, John Hayes, Fran Alferman, John Dalton, Eddy Graves, Gertrude Conway, Ron Swierski, Tim Cronin, Jorge Civico, William Gould, Janine Curran, Isabel Alvarez


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



🏙️ Beyond the Oratory


Free Spiritual Direction through St Francis Xavier Parish in Manhattan


God asked Adam and Eve: “Where are you?” Jesus invited the disciples with these words: “Come and See.” Journey with a spiritual director from September 2025 to May 2026 to discover God’s invitation to you.  


Spiritual direction is a one-on-one monthly conversation with a director to see how God is inviting you to live your life more fully. We have several spiritual directors who have been in training in our Spiritual Direction Formation Program since September 2024, who are seeking individuals to direct for the next 9 months. While meeting with directees, they will be supervised by a qualified supervisor. If interested, please contact Gerry at spiritualdirection@sfxavier.org



🕯️ Candle Dedications at Assumption


  • Sanctuary candle offered by Connie Leone
  • Blessed Mother candle offered by Kathy Reynolds
  • St. Joseph candle offered by Connie Leone
  • St. Jude candle offered by Kathy Reynolds



👋 Get Involved


Become a member of the Oratory community by joining some of our many volunteer groups and ministries. Learn about opportunities to connect here.



Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

55 Cranberry St.

Brooklyn Heights


Church of St. Boniface

190 Duffield St.

Downtown Brooklyn


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Mass Times, Adoration, and Novenas


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Sacraments




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