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From our Pastors
Buddy and I were taking our usual walk through Cadman Plaza the other day and I overheard a conversation between two people. The two were doing their usual loop, and one was saying “…this guy has these three dogs, all sort of small and they bark a lot…the guy is black…”. I reflected on that small interjection of “black” as I walked. I have been wondering, how often do I see, hear or think in categories that are based on race or ethnic perceptions, color, skin tone. If I am honest, I often think in categories, it is how I have learned and managed the world around me most of my life. But it wasn’t always that way. When I first started school my family lived in North Carolina. We were outsiders: from the north, Catholics in the Bible Belt, my father was a federal agent sent to investigate civil rights and KKK activity. Our parish was the first recently integrated church and school in the county, perhaps the diocese. Our pastor was black and half of my classmates were black, but I did not really see that at 6 years of age. What I saw were kids that liked to play and run. I saw the priest who came to our house, welcomed us to the parish and ate at our kitchen table. Our differences did not seem to matter. Seven years later at 13, I returned to be altar server for the funeral of a dear family friend. I did not recognize the priest. My mother said “Don’t be silly that’s Fr. Hadden, he was our pastor. He’s a monsignor now.” I felt badly for not seeing the man who hoisted me in the air after Mass. He had not really changed, I had. A part of me still grieves that loss of innocence.
I think on all of this as I reflect on the scriptures from this past Feast of the Holy Trinity and the coming one of Corpus Christi. The scriptures speak to us of a Godhead of Persons, existing in unity yet also existing in diversity, a Godhead which offers that same intimate friendship to us to deliver us from all that enslaves us and divides us. Categories of differentiation may have a place in organizing the world and may even inform us in understanding each other better, but they can’t be the boxes to which we assign others and in which we assume we know one another. Jesus says: “... the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever." It is challenging to mark the feast of Corpus Christi without being able to share the Bread of Life together sacramentally, especially when we need to feed on the One who saves us from ourselves and the divisions we have learned. So this week I ask you to reflect on the scriptures so that together we can be fed by the Word of God as we hunger to be one body, one spirit in Christ. (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061420.cfm). In the end, the Bread of Life is not a thing we get, or even a sacrament we share and receive. Rather we are called to become the living bread of Christ in our world today. Together let us keep the feast.
Fr. Michael Callaghan, c.o. and Fr. Mark Lane, c.o.
Live Streaming of Mass at Assumption
This week we begin live streaming of Mass from the Assumption campus. Mass will be live in two places currently:
YouTube Channel: BrooklynOratory
Facebook: The Brooklyn Oratory Parish of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am Tuesday through Friday and every other Sunday prior to the opening of the building for private prayer. Sunday Mass will be on YouTube from St. Boniface on alternate Sundays. Sunday Mass this week will be live-streamed at 9:00am for the feast of Corpus Christi.
Masses will be recorded and viewable on YouTube after the Live Stream ends for any time thereafter. Many thanks to Joe Vanderpool for his assistance in getting our sound to be of superior quality.
If you are interested in helping us manage the live stream efforts, please contact Fr. Michael. We are looking for people who can monitor and make the camera adjustments during liturgies. Contact Fr. Michael and email at [email protected]
Come to a Virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom on Sunday, June 14, 11:30am
YOU WILL NEED TO DOWNLOAD ZOOM. If you need help with download or basic Zoom instruction, email the Oratory Women’s Community @ [email protected].
Please check Friday’s e-newsletter for the link.
The Social Justice Committee offers the following tips for saving energy
It is a good idea to turn off computers and other equipment like printers and monitors when they are not in use. Use power management settings on computers and monitors which will send your equipment into low-power “sleep mode” after periods of inactivity. Avoid using screen savers as this keeps the screen active even when you are not using it.
Use advanced power strips that can prevent electronics from drawing power when they aren’t being used. And unplug battery chargers and other equipment that you are not using. Many consumer electronics continue to draw power even when they are switched off. This could add an extra 10% to your monthly utility bill.
New Address for the Parish Office of the Brooklyn Oratory Parishes
Please direct all letters, checks, and inquiries by postal mail to:
The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St. Boniface
64 Middagh St.
Brooklyn NY 11201
Stewardship
Please remember, if you are able, to keep supporting our parishes as we try to maintain staff, clergy and operations during this time. You can make your donation online through PushPay by clicking on one of the links.
For Assumption https://pushpay.com/g/oratorychurch?src=hpp
For St. Boniface https://pushpay.com/g/oratorychurchbrooklyn?src=hpp
Or mail checks to:
64 Middagh St Brooklyn NY 11201
Attn: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or St. Boniface
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Upcoming Collections
• Monthly Utilities – Assumption
• Father’s Day Remembrance
• The Holy Fathers’ – Peter’s Pence, June 28
Donations for special collections can now be made via Pushpay.
Please keep the sick of the community in your prayers:
Michele Key, Dominic Lauricella, Patty Evers, Kyle McCluskey, Estelle Miller, Dolores Leon, Phyllis Condon, Deacon Rich Gilligan, Ed Acerra, Marie Smith.
Rest In Peace:
Francis Lau, Patricia Hoffman, Adrienne Trackey, Bill Lennon, George Floyd, Msgr. John Tosi, Peter Kasuba, Michele Grant, Dick and Nancy Schiup, Suzanne Redda, Domenico Creanzo, Helen Potenzano and sister, Br. Joe Guyon from the Rockhill Oratory.
If you would like add someone to the prayer list email the parish office at [email protected] or go to the website https://oratorychurch.org/contact-us and complete the information there.
Prayer & Meditation Church Hours for the Oratory Parishes
Assumption
Weekday hours Monday to Friday 10-12 and Sundays 10-12. Everyone must wear a mask at all times and stay socially distanced. Closed on Saturdays.
Confession available Tuesday and Friday during 10-12.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at Assumption
On Sunday along with live music, we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10-12.
St. Boniface
Weekday hours Monday-Friday 12:00-2:00pm and Sundays from 10:00am-12:00 noon.
Closed on Saturdays. We can only host 10 individuals at once during this time.
Everyone must wear a mask at all times and stay socially distanced.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Boniface.
On Wednesday we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 12-2 and opportunity for Confession.
Corpus Christi Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we worship you living among us
In the sacrament of your Body and Blood,
In Your Pilgrim Church,
In Your life giving Word.
We offer you our love, my it be undivided
So that we may be willing to make present in the world Your love.
May we offer to our sisters and brothers lives poured in loving service of your Reign
Blessed Trinity, One God now and Always. Amen