The Link
The newsletter for The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes

"I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons."
-St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, C.O.
 The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Boniface
January 4, 2022
From Your Pastors
As we enter this new year, we want to keep you up to date on the capital projects at each parish. This week we focus on Assumption’s Renaissance project.

If you are new to the Link or the parishes, we started a phased capital restoration project in 2019. Phase One was to create office and meeting spaces, upgrade the sacristy and the church bathroom. Phase Two was to renovate the hall, including air conditioning, new zoned heat for the hall and church, new accessible bathrooms, kitchen, coffee bar and storage. In all of this, nearly all the wiring and plumbing in the church and hall have been replaced to ensure long term sustainability and fully code compliance.

Phase Two was the renovation of the parish hall. As it was nearing completion hurricane Ida struck in September 2021, flooding the basement, and causing extensive damage. This necessitated the removal of the wood floors and subflooring, with other mitigation to prevent mold and mildew from the moisture. Last week, we were able to make steps forward with the diocesan insurer on the scope and depth of repairs required so that we will be fully funded for the work to be done. This has been an arduous process and we are grateful to parishioners Arnie Mascali and his team at Procur and Adam Zimmerman our architect for their support in this process. Our contractor–United Contracting, has been stalwart and we appreciate their diligence as well. They are ready to restore the great work already done over the last year. There was concern over asbestos in some materials under the original floor, so we had that tested last week. We are pleased that the testing showed no evidence of asbestos. With the previous asbestos abatement done in Phase One to prepare for the new heating system, this will provide an asbestos free environment for our community’s future use.

In July we started Phase Three, which will see the installation of an elevator to make the building completely accessible and a new side entrance, with enhanced east side yard and new architecturally significant windows and doors that bring the hall into the same design as the church windows and bricking. The windows on the east side will be larger and arched to increase natural lighting to the hall space. There will be a larger plaza off Cranberry Street for outside gathering, along with security cameras and new lighting. The work is well underway. This past week the slab was poured for the base of the elevator shaft in the tower. The new window openings are being installed with beautiful brickwork arches as you can see in the photos that follow this narrative.

Once we have completed Phase Three we will move to restoration work in the church with plaster and painting repair, flooring, pew refinishing and alignment for full accessibility, lighting, and restoration of the Sanctuary, Stations of the Cross and St. Joseph’s altar. Beginning in January, we will provide a monthly update on the Renaissance project at Masses, complete with pictures and details of next steps and ways you can be involved. Capital work on buildings and campuses is time consuming and complex. We are grateful for your support along the way.

In the end what is most important about our community spaces and sanctuaries is the people who gather to worship, learn, grow and journey with one another. Everything we do to the physical space is done with the community’s use and enrichment in mind. If you have specific questions we can address or you would like to know how you can help support this process, please reach out to Fr. Michael, mcallaghan@oratorychurch.org, who will be more than happy to speak with you about the process and goals.

Fr. Michael Callaghan, c.o. and Fr. Mark Lane, c.o.
Thank you!
Many thanks to all who purchased handmade ornaments, cards, and other crafts from Kenya on the last two Sundays of Advent. With your support we will be able to send an additional $800 to our Sister Parish in Turkana to assist with their community projects. Sharing helps to sustain our ongoing relationship, a journey in friendship and faith. Thank you all for being part of it.
Clothes for College Students Needed
In collaboration with St. Francis College, our Oratory Newman Ministry is hosting a collection of Professional clothing for college students who will be involved in interviews for jobs and internships and career related events.

You are invited to contribute lightly used professional attire for women and men to support students with limited resources to grow confidence as they prepare for the upcoming spring 2022 recruiting season.

Items being collected include professional Blazers/Cardigans, Purses, Blouses, Dress Shirts, Briefcases, Skirts, Dresses, Skirt Suits, Dress Coats, Stockings (new), Pants/Slacks, Scarves, Pant Suits, Dress Shoes, Ties, Women's Suits and Men's Suits.

Please be sure that the clothing is clean and in good shape. Please no business casual items. Thank you!

We will collect the following items at Masses at both St. Boniface and Assumption on the weekend of January 29–30, 2022
Baptism Preparation for Parents
If you are expecting your first child or are new to our communities and would like to have your child baptized in our parishes, please register for the next Baptism Preparation Session which is offered through Zoom at 7pm. Send your inquiry to: info@oratorychurch.org and we will follow up to register you and send you the print materials.

Baptism Dates: 2/27, 4/24, 5/15
Baptism Preparation Dates: 2/9, 3/9, 5/11
Oratory Prayer List
If you would like add someone to the prayer list email the parish office
at info@oratorychurch.org 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 info@oratorychurch.org.
The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes 
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Boniface
Roman Catholic Communities in
Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights
Both parishes operate from one office:

64 Middagh Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.875.2096
718.625.1161