June 26, 2025

Parishioners from Assumption and St. Boniface represented us so well at the Deanery Corpus Christi Mass last Sunday. We had a beautiful and prayerful day with folks volunteering, helping, welcoming others, participating in the liturgy, and attending the Mass from both parishes. It was a great day to be a Catholic and an Oratorian!

📰 News

Results of Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Elections

Congratulations to the following parishioners who each have been elected to a two-year term on the PPC for the Oratory Parishes beginning this fall. Thanks also to the others who ran for their generosity in willing to step forward to serve the community.

• Jim Booth (Assumption)
• Christiano Ferlini (St. Boniface)
• John Woods (St. Boniface)

Summer Fridays

Beginning tomorrow, Friday, June 27 and running through August 29, the physical Parish Office will be closed on Fridays. However, the phone will be open between 9:00am and 1:00pm.

New Director of Faith Formation for Oratory Parishes

In addition to his regular pastoral responsibilities, for the past year Fr. Kishore has been directing all faith formation for children in the parishes. However, we are thrilled to announce that starting in mid-August, Mr. Joe O'Brien will become the permanent Director of Faith Formation for the Oratory Parishes. A native of Long Island and a recent graduate of Boston College with two master's degrees (in education and theology), Joe comes to us from Cristo Rey Boston, where he has taught for the past three years. Here is a link to a brief bio as well as a video in which Joe introduces himself. Please join us in welcoming Joe later this summer!

Registration for Faith Formation will open mid-August.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Donation Request

There is still need at the Pop Up Shop for the following items at this time:

• Summer clothing: given the volumes we have seen, we can use some women's clothing, although men and children remain more of a priority.
• 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. Currently, we have virtually no jeans or sweatpants for men.
• Clothing for school-aged children: with a focus on pants and sneakers.
• New underwear: all ages, sizes, genders is in steady demand.
• Toiletries: this is a year-round constant, including standard bathroom supplies, feminine hygiene products, and infant diapers.
• Shoes: casual, functional shoes, especially sneakers, are needed in all sizes, ages, genders.
• Backpacks: for both children and adults.
• At the moment, we have ample clothing for infants and do not need anything additional.

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

Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA)

We would like to thank all those generous individuals who have made a pledge to the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal in our parish. We are asking each family to consider making a tax-deductible gift today if you have not done so. A full description of the organizations and people helped by ACA can be found here.

The goals for this year are:

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

• Assumption Pushpay
• St. Boniface Pushpay

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

🗓️ Upcoming Events

July 1–August 19, 6:30pm, Zoom

🙏 Meeting Christ in Prayer

Meeting Christ in Prayer is modeled on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. By means of prayer, reflection and sharing, participants will have an opportunity to meet Christ anew and to experience support in our Christian way of life. The program asks you to commit to spending 20–30 minutes each day in prayer, to keep a journal of your thoughts and reflections, and to attend eight weekly meetings for prayer, discussion and sharing. Regular attendance at these meetings is highly recommended.

Meetings will take place via Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm starting July 1 and continue on eight consecutive Tuesdays through August 19. If you are interested, please register by clicking on this link or by emailing Fr. Vin at vbiagi@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

Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul

Weekly Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/readings

ASSUMPTION

ST. BONIFACE

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

Marietta Banogon, Elizabeth Hooper, Rosemarie Zito, Marilyn Ross, Becky Lewin, Edward Silver, Mike Dishaw, Lynn Burke, Amelia Moser, Eileen Acheson Bohn, Francine Mastini, Lisa Williams, James J. Carney, Lou Acerra, Ann McDoughal, Dawn Hewitt, Msgr. Don L. Fischer, Mary Cella, Janice Clarke, Maria Fusco, Alice Mulholland, Mary Simon Charles, Kim Manzi

Rest in Peace

Patricia Langsdale, Michael Ball, Michael Stallone, Robert Nixon, Olga Renzi, James O’Neil, Ruth Sanchez, Br. Gary Gaynor, Pope Francis, John Hayes, Fran Alferman, John Dalton, Eddy Graves, Gertrude Conway

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

Summer EXCEL Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship

The EXCEL (Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Leadership) program provides 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students a safe, challenging, and affirming environment to learn and refine their leadership and innovation skills. Dean J. Fusto, author and designer of youth leadership labs across the globe, is excited to bring this 2-week immersive experience to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The experiential, project-based curriculum challenges students to birth an idea for an innovative start-up business, non-profit, or invention that provides a creative, actionable solution to a modern day problem or challenge. Students will be guided through a rigorous process that teaches them how to confidently bring an idea they are passionate about from “seed to flower.” EXCEL includes real-world, contextualized practice in building organizational, time management, project management, public speaking, strategic marketing, and research skills. Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate of completion, and have their product or company logos featured in future school media. The cohort experience culminates in a student-led EXPO conference where all final pitches and projects will be unveiled to an audience. Space is limited. Click here to register.

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

St. Saviour Catholic Academy, Park Slope

For more information on early childhood programs, elementary grades, and middle school, click here.

🕯️ Candle Dedications at Assumption

• Altar flowers offered by Girlie Genabe
• 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 Notre Thomas

👋 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