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
August 24, 2021
Visit our website for more information: www.oratorychurch.org
Congratulations to David Denton and his wife Corinne Snow whose daughter was baptized Saturday August 14. Congratulations to grandmother Reena Raggi as well!
Registration is now open!

Family-Based Faith Formation and Sacraments
at the Oratory 2021 - 2022
Oratory families are invited to join a hybrid program this year, including Family Masses, Faith Pods, Small Family Gatherings, and weekly resources at home. Children preparing for First Communion will also join a First Eucharist class meeting once a month with a parent or guardian.

Confirmation kids will participate both online at their own pace and in person/online once a month to do service together.

For more information, please contact Christina Matone, cmatone@oratorychurch.org.
An Appeal For Your Input On Women’s Roles in the Church
The Oratory Women’s Community, is delighted to inform you that The Women Who Stayed ministry at St. Francis Xavier Church, NYC is celebrating a Feast of Saint Phoebe liturgy. The group is requesting your input on a questionnaire they have developed. Click here to begin conversations about women’s roles.

Their project handbook focuses on women’s historic role in the Church as deacons, and their current status. Their questionnaire stems from discussions at their July meeting, and it invites input through three questions. The responses will be consolidated in their report to the Commission meeting in Rome in the fall.

Actions   
  • Virtual St. Phoebe Liturgy September 3.
  • Read the history of women diaconate in the project handout.
  • Write what could be considered a 30 second response to 3 questions and contribute to the report for the Commission on Women.
  • Consider hosting a “Home Watch Party” (can be Zoom/virtual event) and conversation group on September 3.

When the Synod requested a papal commission on women, Pope Francis responded that he would pick up the challenge. Let’s join him through the St. Francis Xavier’s Feast of St. Phoebe Liturgy.

Register and email completed questionnaires to rbonadia@yahoo.com. Questions or Comments? Email oratorywomen@gmail.com.

To view the project handbook, click here. 

Feast of Saint Phoebe liturgy is on Friday, September 3, at 7:00pm
Food Donations
Parishioners have generously donated to food collections for those in need conducted by Social Justice Action. These on-going collections will be paused until community space is available in the new building. There are still many opportunities to donate, including local groups, click here to view a PDF. Hospitality ministers will have information on local food banks to share with anyone seeking assistance. Thank you for your generosity.
Volunteers Needed
The Brooklyn Heights Interfaith Clergy Association (BHICA) needs volunteers to staff a table to help with our Interfaith 9-11 Observance. The table will be set up on the Promenade, at the end of Montague St.

We need 2 volunteers per 30 minute shifts who can hand out supplies. Please use this sign up link, if you can take a shift during the day on Saturday, September 11. The Interfaith Service will be at 7:15pm.

We will offer supplies (pens, card stock paper, tie ribbons) to allow walkers to stop by during the day (8:30am - 7:00pm) and leave a written prayer or message tied to the fence. This has been a popular offering in recent years.

Please contact the Rev. Erika Meyer emeyer@gracebrooklyn.org if you have any question.
Mass Intentions
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 2022 Mass book is open as well. The offering is $20. Please pay by using Pushpay or by mailing a check to 64 Middagh St. Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Prayer List
If you would like to 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.

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