April 3, 2025

SJAC film screening of Cabrini at Assumption Hall. The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and their Associates joined us.

📰 News

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.

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.

Chrism Mass

During the celebration of the Chrism Mass in Holy Week, the bishop blesses the oils of the catechumens, the sick, and Sacred Chrism. The three oils are then distributed to the diocesan parishes and used during sacramental celebrations throughout the year. Bishop Brennan is encouraging two parishioners from our parishes to attend. It is on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4:00pm–5:30 pm at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, 856 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238. If you'd like to attend, please reply here. There are only two spots from each parish available.

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!

Lenten Greetings from St. Mark's in Turkana

As your Sister Parish, we wish you a fruitful Lenten season. When we reflect on the life of Jesus, we are strengthened by his Passion. This makes us forge ahead. We continue to be very grateful for your love as you support us both in your prayers and in material aid. God bless you abundantly. We pray for blessings for you as you enter the refreshing season of spring.

Back in Lokitaung, we now have rain. Recently, we have put the Way of the Cross outside around the church. Secondly, the grotto of our mother Mary is almost complete. Thirdly, we are putting up a roundabout where we will put a statue of St. Mark. Generally, we are steadfastly progressing.

Please pass our regards to our dear brothers and sisters, and please remind them that we hope they can visit soon.

Kind regards,

Fr. Edwin Tumuhaise, FMH (Pastor)

St. Mark's Catholic Church

Lokitaung, Turkana, Kenya

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.

🗓️ Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 5, 9:00am, Assumption

⛪ First Saturday Mass

Sunday, April 6, following 11:15am Mass, St. Boniface

☕📚 Coffee Hour and St. Frances Cabrini Book Discussion

Join the Social Justice Action Committee for coffee as well as a book discussion in honor of the life and work of Mother Frances Cabrini, patroness of immigrants, and continue the conversation relating to the SJAC's film screening of Cabrini on March 28. In lieu of financial donations to Coffee Hour, SJAC asks parishioners to bring donations of toothpaste and soap which will be given to the pop-up shop for migrants that is hosted at St. Mary Star of the Sea. We will be discussing The World Is Too Small: The Life and Times of Mother Cabrini and God's Messenger: The Astounding Achievements of Mother Frances X. Cabrini. All parishioners are welcome to the book discussion whether or not they have read either book. For any questions, please contact: stbonifacesjc@gmail.com

Sunday, April 6, both parishes

🤲 Lenten Second Collection for CHiPS

We will have a second collection for CHiPS which is a soup kitchen, food pantry, and shelter for women with young children in Park Slope. Your generosity is appreciated. Donations can be made on Pushpay.

Monday, April 7, 6:15pm, Assumption Hall

🌃 Oratory Evening Prayer

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.

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.

💐 Easter Flower Offerings

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.

👪 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

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Weekly Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/readings

ASSUMPTION

4/5	5:00pm	Asuncion Trinidad
4/6	9:30am	People of the Parish
4/7	8:00am	Frank J. Macchiarola
4/8	8:00am	Timothy Lynch
4/9	8:00am	Priest's Intention
4/10	8:00am	Gertrude Conway
4/11	8:00am	Community Prayer

ST. BONIFACE

4/6	11:15am	People of the Parish
4/6	6:00pm	Priest's Intention
4/7	12:10pm	Priest's Intention
4/8	12:10pm	Gertrude Conway
4/9	12:10pm	Community Prayer
4/10	12:10pm	Healing: Msgr. Don L. Fisher
4/11	12:10pm	Mary Jane Jones

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

Dawn Hewitt, Msgr. Don L. Fischer, Eddie Graves, Tom Janczys, Treva Taylor, Walter Buesner, Lisa Gatlig, Nicholas Paccione, Susan Rehberg, Elizabeth Valenti, Mary Cella, Riley Forelli, Laurie Rising, Janice Clarke, Maria Fusco, Alice Mulholland, Mary Simon Charles, Kim Manzi

Rest in Peace

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.