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From our Pastors
It has been three and a half months since we have been able to celebrate liturgy or gather in other ways with most of our community members. We assumed our roles as pastor at the end of last June. So much has happened in the public square that moves our hearts, we want to take a moment to speak to our parochial needs, where our hearts are always centered.
A number of you have asked us when will we be able to have Mass and communion again? That’s a great question that we keep asking ourselves. Despite the limits and constraints under which we are working, we continue to endeavor to find ways to bring sacrament, pastoral care and community connection to all of you. We are grateful for your collaboration, support and efforts in these areas in care for our communities. Church does not happen without “U”.
On a practical level, we are ready to resume public Masses. We have already been using best practices in our filming and live streaming and in reopening the parish churches for private prayer. When we resume Masses, it will be a modified liturgy (which should come as no surprise) and capacity will be limited to 25% of seating capacity per liturgy with 6-foot social distancing and other precautions required. We believe we can do this as safely as possible and are confident all of you will work together when we are able to resume public Mass. We also know that some of our community may find travel by subway problematic, or potential exposure in groups still a risk for them. We will find ways to help you receive sacraments even if you cannot join us in the worship space. Please tell us what you need so we can plan and meet those needs.
A directive received from the diocese yesterday indicated that we remain at stage 1 which permits private prayer for up to 10 people for limited periods. Please know we are ready to resume weekday and Sunday Masses and make adjustments as needed to meet the needs of the parishes. Thus, until we receive clear instructions otherwise, we are bound to follow the directives of the diocese.
Some good news: The hall and residence at St. Boniface is now in the control of the developer. A number of the fixtures in the buildings have been repurposed by non-profit reclamation groups. Thanks to Sofia Zimmerman for her help on this. Water and electric have been re-routed. We are working on internet for live streaming and other connectivity. Progress is slow but steady. At Assumption, the repair of the apse exterior and windows is complete and light streams through them once again. Following a wonderful presentation on Zoom by Adam Zimmerman and his team, Landmarks unanimously approved our proposal for the elevator and side yard renovations to improve ingress and egress and general use of the church and hall.
We miss you, love you and thank you for keeping faith with us.
Fr. Michael Callaghan, c.o. and Fr. Mark Lane, c.o.
Live Streaming Ministry for the Oratory Parishes
As we refine our live stream ministry and look at ways to effectively engage social media, we will be developing a new ministry to support these tools and help us grow them forward. Live streaming requires someone to manage camera transitions and ensure uploads are timely. We also plan to use the live stream function for talks, concerts, weddings, funerals and baptism. As Fr. Michael has said if he can manage the technology most anyone can! So please consider weekday or Sunday Mass, special event support, social media engagement and let us know so we can create circles of knowledgeable and trained support for the sustainability of these forms of communication. Send an email to Fr. Michael if you want to consider being a part of the Live Stream/Social Media Ministry: [email protected].
Live Streaming Mass Schedule
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.
Piano Reflections by Tucker Wheatley
Tucker Wheatley, the organist at St Boniface, has been offering short piano reflections each week since lockdown began. This week’s offering, “Tomorrow's Song" - Ólafur Arnalds, seems particularly poignant given the times we are living through. Take a moment to listen and reflect.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/jyrqswownuiek2d/Tomorrow%27s%20Song.MOV?dl=0
Father’s Day Mass Remembrance
Please send in your mass remembrance intentions (Living or Deceased) for Father’s Day. Email names to: [email protected]
Private Prayer Church Hours
Assumption
Weekday hours Monday to Friday 10:00am-12:00pm and Sundays 10:00am-12:00pm. Everyone must wear a mask at all times and stay socially distanced. Closed on Saturdays.
Confession available Tuesday and Friday during 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at Assumption
On Sunday along with live music, we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10:00-12:00pm.
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
12:00pm -2:00pm and opportunity for Confession.
Please keep the sick of the community in your prayers:
Lyn Montgomery, Mary-Fred Bausman-Watkins, John Nerjes, Fred Goodwin, Michele Key, Dominic Lauricella, Patty Evers, Anthony DeLuca, Kyle McCluskey, Estelle Miller, Dolores Leon, Phyllis Condon, Deacon Rich Gilligan, Ed Acerra, Marie Smith.
Rest In Peace:
Jim Sherwood, Captain David Dorn, John Ng, Julie Redmond, Francis Lau, Patricia Hoffman, Adrienne Trackey, Bill Lennon, George Floyd, Msgr. John Tosi, Peter Kasuba, Michele Grant, Dick and Nancy Schiup, Suzanne Redda.
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.
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.
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