From Our Pastors:

Dear Friends,
Last year the fathers and brothers of the Oratory gathered in Rome for then Brother Mark Paul’s deaconate ordination. Immediately prior to which we had the memorable opportunity to do our annual retreat together in Assisi.

It was inspiring to share the stories of Francis’ life in the very place they occurred. The radical purity and utter simplicity of his life continue to inspire many, not only Catholics. (In this new Covid-19 world the thought of flying anywhere seems remote and certainly the crowds that teemed in the streets of the gorgeous small hill town of Assisi feel as if they belong to a different age.)

From the moment Francis took off his clothes in the Basilica square, he cast himself on the providence of God in a direct and total way that few others have. Francis took Jesus at his word and lived it thoroughly. He wore only a beggars robe. He ate no food except what he could beg. He (and eventually his first followers) lived in the simplest of dwellings, the open air or in caves. He worked for no one except God and his people; he was especially devoted to the poor among whom he proudly numbered himself.

Francis embraced a simple and at times solitary life not in order to meet some prescription but because it is the surest way to a deeper and richer life. It was the path to life that Jesus had lived and preached.

Francis was free because he had no attachments, material or otherwise. He was joyful because he had no fixed expectations. He was at peace because he had no possessions.

In these days many of us feel stripped bare of much we may have taken for granted: visiting with family and friends, going out to restaurants and shows, and even church. We have been forced into isolation or confinement like Francis. Unlike Francis much of this is not of our making. But like Francis we have the choice how to respond to our circumstances, whatever they are. Perhaps Francis suggests a way for us to access new-found peace, joy and freedom. And maybe we will begin to see the wisdom of those lines attributed to him:
“For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."

Fr. Michael Callaghan. C.O. & Fr. Mark Lane, C.O. 

Please keep the sick of the community in your prayers:
Peter Quinn, Phyllis Condon, Brendan McKeown, Deacon Rich Gilligan, Mary Peterson, Stephen Potter, Ed Acerra, Eleanor O’Neill, Fr. Mike Gibbins, Laura Greeney, Joseph Rontino, Bob Mollman, Conor O’Reilly, Huberman Louis, Marie Smith, Raymond Muhs, Rachel Potter, Linda Anderson-Honsa.

Rest In Peace:
John Walter, Betty Wright, Cindy Bullens, Sis Bresnahan, Rosemary Rontino.

Mother’s Day Mass Remembrance
Geraldine Blaber, Isabelle H. Bacon, Sybil Napolean, Sr. Claire Napolean, Sra. Elena Santana

St. Philip Neri Novena on YouTube May 17-25
Let’s pray together daily.
May 26 is an important date for Oratorians as on it we mark the feast of St. Philip Neri, our Founder and Patron Saint of Joy. In anticipation of his feast, we pray a Novena each year which reflects on some aspect of Philip's life each day and includes the prayer to St. Philip, the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary and Glory Be. Perhaps we can pray this novena together for the spiritual and temporal needs of our Oratory Parishes, those on the front lines of Covid -19 response and your own personal intention. Please tune into the YouTube channel to pray together, see and hear the novena, and the beautiful presentation prepared for our community.

Thanks to Joe Vanderpool and Ben Niemcyzk, Frs. Mark and Michael for their efforts on this.

Prayer to St. Philip Neri
O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, you who trusted Scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand and that
we need not have anxiety about anything, in your compassion
heal our worries and sorrows
and lift the burdens from our hearts.
We come to you as one whose heart swells with abundant love for God and all creation, hear us we pray especially in this need....
Keep us safe through your loving intercession, and may the joy of the Holy Spirit
which filled your heart St. Philip,
transform our lives and bring us peace.
Amen

Holy Day
Thursday, May 21, Feast of the Ascension of the Lord Mass on YouTube 9:00am

Oratory Virtual Coffee Hour To Celebrate St. Philip Neri
Sunday, May 24
Come to a “Virtual” Coffee Hour on May 24 at 11:30am via Zoom. St Philip Neri is the “Saint of Joy” and in honor of his feast day, May 26, Oratorians will certainly want to talk about what can bring us Joy, even during these difficult times—hopefully, our community. Fr. Mark will share a few words and then we will have the opportunity to break off into small groups.

If you would like to get some tutoring on how to use Zoom, no problem—just email the Oratory Women’s Community  [email protected] and a volunteer will help you learn how to use Zoom or refresh you on basic instructions.

What better way to “Find Joy In Each Day”—a commonly shared St. Philip Neri quote—than to begin a Sunday morning with Oratory friends. As we have often done in the past, share in the spirit of St. Philip Neri and wear a funny hat.
Co-sponsored by the St. Boniface Hospitality Committees and the Oratory Women’s Community.
Join Zoom Meeting ID: 652 582 3597
One tap mobile +19292056099,,6525823597# US (New York)


OWC Drop-In Conversations: Connecting & Coping With The Pandemic & Lockdown
Please join the Oratory Women’s Community for one of our Drop-In Conversations to further our mission of building a community of women within the Brooklyn Oratory. Our focus will be on how we are experiencing and coping with the pandemic and lockdown. The schedule below includes 15 minutes of a pre-meeting for those who would like some help using Zoom.

Limited to 10 women per session. Wait list and second series possible upon demand.

May 21 8:00-9:00 PM. 7:45pm Zoom Instruction
May 22. 11:30–12:30 PM. 11:15pm Zoom Instruction

https://mailchi.mp/oratorywomen.org/owc-drop-in-conversations-connecting-coping-with-the-pandemic-lockdown

Blythe Randolph Interview By Ashley McKinless
Dorothy Day: Dissenting Voice Of The American Century
The Oratory Women’s Community & Social Justice Action welcomes you to their continued conversation about Dorothy Day. Ashley McKinless, accomplished podcaster & editor, interviews Blythe Randolph, co-author of Dorothy Day: Dissenting Voice of the American Century.

Join us for what Commonweal magazine reviewer, Michael Baxter, applauds as “an appreciation of the ‘seemingly conflicted life of Dorothy Day.’

Ms. Randolph visits our Brooklyn community and as Mr. Baxter remarks—“[she] places [Day’s] life in fuller context, filling in some gaps...and adding many vivid details.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blythe-randolphdorothy-day-dissenting-voice-of-the-american-century-tickets-104216321824

Zoom Instruction Upon Request 
Need Zoom instruction? Feeling disconnected from a “virtual” world? Patient & loving instructors available. Contact  [email protected]

The Social Justice Action Committee offers Energy Tips this month about using your refrigerator.
With so many people using the refrigerator throughout the day now, we thought it might be helpful to offer some tips for reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses. First, check the temperature setting in your refrigerator. For most, it should be between 35 degrees and 38 degrees to keep everything fresh. Stand-alone freezers should be set at 0 degrees. Make sure your refrigerator door seals are tight. You can test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill - hold the paper so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjusting or the seal may need replacing. Wipe the seal down gently with a moist cloth or paper towel to remove any food particles that may be on the seal and try the paper/dollar bill test again. This may resolve the seal tightness issue. Generally, keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Cover all liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor in the refrigerator work harder and use more energy.
If possible, place the refrigerator away from the oven or dishwasher and out of direct sunlight. And leave a few inches between the wall and the refrigerator. If you have an older model, check the manual for instructions on how to keep the condenser coils clean.

Upcoming Collections
    • Holy Day - Thursday, May 21-The Ascension of the Lord

    • Diocesan Collection Sunday, May 24 – This local collection benefits Communications in the Brooklyn Diocese.

    • 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

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. 

Mass Intentions Available
If you would like to request a mass for someone living or deceased, mass intentions are available for the weeks or months ahead. Email  [email protected]. Cards can also be mailed out.

New Mailing Address for the Parish Offices
The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes of ABVM & St. Boniface
64 Middagh St.
Brooklyn NY 11201