April 10, 2025

What Is Passiontide?

Passiontide begins on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. This first week is known as “Passion Week” and leads us to Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion; the second is known as “Holy Week” and leads us to the glory of Easter.

Why are the Saints and Statues Covered?

The passion of the Lord dominates these solemn days. The tradition of covering statues reminds us that it is Jesus’ death and resurrection that makes saints possible. We stop our normal devotions for a while to remember that Jesus is the model of all sanctity. Put simply: if Jesus was not risen from the dead there would be no saints. Indeed the very practice of devotion to the saints is to lead us more readily to Christ. A cloth may also be used to drape the Cross. This draws our attention even more clearly to the drama of the Cross as relayed in the reading of the Passion Narrative in the Gospel: the central mystery in the drama of our salvation. Catholics can also cover statues and icons in their homes during this time.

What is the Triduum?

The Paschal Triduum is three-days-in-one that begins on the evening of Holy Thursday, flows through Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday.

📰 News

Communion Under Both Kinds

During the Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday) and the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), we will offer Communion under both kinds, the bread and wine, as a fuller sign of participation in the Eucharistic banquet. We must be careful about the misconception that the reception of both species of Holy Communion is necessary. It is not. When receiving only the host, we receive the whole Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. However, receiving Communion under both forms (when practicable and safe) is laudable and important because it signifies the fullness of Christ's sacrifice and the complete offering of his Body and Blood as mandated by Jesus at the Last Supper.

We will not be offering Holy Communion by intinction (the practice of dipping the consecrated host into the Precious Blood and then receiving the "intincted" host in Holy Communion). Only a priest or deacon may administer Holy Communion by intinction, and never done by a communicant or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Each of us must decide whether to receive one or both species. If someone is immunocompromised, has respiratory symptoms, or believes they may have been exposed to COVID or flu, it may be best to receive only the host.

We hope that restoring this practice will enhance participation in the Sacred Triduum.

Easter Flower Offering in Memoriam and Best Wishes 💐

If you would like to dedicate altar flowers in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone, please send in the name(s) to info@oratorychurch.org or include the names on your parish giving envelopes. We will print the names and remember them at Mass on Easter Sunday. The suggested donation for altar flowers is $20.00. You can make your payment on Pushpay by selecting the appropriate dropdown menu.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Pop-Up Shop 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. There is still a need for the following items at this time:

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.
Casual, functional shoes, especially sneakers.
(Also, please no book donations!)

Note: Spring & Summer clothing only. Donations can be dropped off Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues from 8:30am to 12:00pm at 467 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231. If you'd like to arrange an alternate drop-off, or have a question, please contact Mary Carriero at mcarriero19@gmail.com. Due to limited space at the pop-up shop, please only donate the noted needed items at this time. Thank you!

Memorial Mass for Gertrude Conway

On March 24, 2025 in Delaware, Gertrude Conway entered into eternal life. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for her on Saturday, May 3 at 10:00am at Assumption followed by a light reception.

Thank You from the Social Justice Action Committee

The Social Justice Action Committee (SJAC) gratefully acknowledges parishioners and guests for enthusiastically supporting Coffee Hour on Sunday, April 6, after the 11:15am Mass at St. Boniface. Committee members generously supplied brunch, all of which was consumed—no leftovers! The Committee also thanks attendees who were able to donate toothpaste and soap (as well as made financial contributions) which will be given to the pop-up shop for migrants hosted at St. Mary Star of the Sea.

Immediately after Coffee Hour, Fr. Anthony warmly welcomed parishioners to the book and film discussion. Parishioners appreciated the gracious attendance of Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC, whose captivating stories about Mother Cabrini held everyone's attention. Both events honored the life and work of Mother Frances Cabrini, patroness of immigrants. Contact: stbonifacesjc@gmail.com

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), please contact the Parish Office.

2025 Holy Week and Easter Schedule

As we continue to prepare for Easter, connect with the Oratory community on retreats, vespers, the sacraments, and Holy Week Masses. See the full schedule here or download a PDF version.

No weekday 8:00am or 12:10pm Masses at both parishes on:

Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Monday

🗓️ Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 12, 9:00am, Assumption

👪 Family Faith Formation (F3) Class

Click here for more information.

Saturday, April 12, 9:00am, both parishes

🧹 Community Service Day

Join the Fathers and fellow parishioners for a day of service as we beautify our churches for Easter. Bagel breakfast at 9:00am at both Assumption Hall and St. Boniface Church. Please sign up here.

Sunday, April 13, both parishes

🤲 Lenten Second Collection for Oratory Music Ministries

We will have a second collection to support the excellent music ministries in our parishes. Your generosity is appreciated. Donations can be made on Pushpay.

Monday, April 14, both parishes

✝️ Sacrament of Reconciliation

As we prepare for Easter, in addition to our regular weekly times for confession, we will observe “Reconciliation Monday" on April 14, 2025. Churches throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, Rockville Centre, and the Archdiocese of NY will offer extended periods for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as the sacrament of “Confession” or “Penance”). Confession will be available in both parishes, and we will celebrate a communal penance service (with confessions) at St. Boniface at 7:00pm. Click here for the schedule.

Wednesday, April 16, 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 click here or 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

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Weekly Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/readings

ASSUMPTION

4/12	5:00pm	Acerra Family
4/13	9:30am	People of the Parish
4/14	8:00am	Open Intention
4/15	8:00am	Prayer Service
4/16	8:00am	Paul Webb, Sr.
4/17	6:30pm	People of the Parish
4/19	8:00pm	Easter Flower Dedications

ST. BONIFACE

4/13	11:15am	Francis J. Cavanaugh
4/13	6:00pm	People of the Parish
4/14	12:10pm	Open Intention
4/14	7:00pm	Prayer Service with Confessions
4/15	12:10pm	Open Intention
4/16	12:10pm	Open Intention
4/18	12:00pm	Stations of the Cross
4/18	3:00pm	Liturgy of the Lord's Passion

If you would like to request a Mass for someone living or deceased, Mass Intentions are available. Email info@oratorychurch.org. The offering is $20. Please pay by using Pushpay or by mailing a check to 64 Middagh St. Brooklyn, NY 11201.

🙏 Prayer List

Please keep the sick of the community in your prayers

John Dalton, Ann McDoughal, Dawn Hewitt, Msgr. Don L. Fischer, Robert Nixon, Tom Janczys, Elizabeth Valenti, Mary Cella, Laurie Rising, Janice Clarke, Maria Fusco, Alice Mulholland, Mary Simon Charles, Kim Manzi

Rest in Peace

Eddy Graves, Gertrude Conway, Ron Swierski, Tim Cronin, Jorge Civico, William Gould, Janine Curran, Isabel Alvarez, Angelo Norelli, John Gargano, Stephen Janove, Pina Gallaro, Ayako Saji, Henry Cortes, Elaine Grygo, Mike Hawkins, Michael McComiskey, Sharon Anderson

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

Saturday, April 26, 8:00pm, Carnegie Hall

A Concert For This Time: Brahms' A German Requiem and Hailstork's The World Called

We are a handful of Oratory parishioners (including members of the St. Boniface and Assumption choirs) who are singing in the 150+ strong Cecilia Chorus with full orchestra and stellar soloists in Carnegie Hall on Saturday, April 26 at 8:00pm. Come hear us perform Brahms' achingly beautiful German Requiem, as well as the NYC premiere of Adolphus Hailstork's wonderfully melodious cantata The World Called based on former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove's iconic poem of the same title. Dove will also read her poem. Text (718 490-1694) or email (torkilheggstad@gmail.com) for information and the best possible discount on tickets. One night only! We would love to see you there.