Psalm by 6th Grade Family Faith Class

This year, Antonia Fusco and her 6th Grade Family Faith Program Class wrote this beautiful psalm that we wished to share with the parish.

A Praise to the Almighty

Joy of the earth, Father Almighty all powerful—
You who dwell in the farthest heights.
Praise to You, Creator of beauty and light.

We glorify You, who are invincible.
Your mercy is endless,
Your love, infinite.
Bring us peace,
Rain down Your goodness.
Come be with me
So I may shine Your light on others.

Thank you, Chloe, Vikram, Annabel, Jacob and Antonia for this joyous prayer!

Church Open for Private Prayer on Tuesday, May 26

In accordance with the recent announcement by Bishop DiMarzio, St. Charles will be open for private prayer and devotion this coming Tuesday, May 26 between 11 AM and 1 PM. The following protocols must be followed in accordance with the diocese’s guidance:

  • masks must be worn inside the church
  • anyone who feels sick in any way should not to come to church for prayer
  • entry to the church will be limited to 10 people, as per New York State guidelines
  • all who enter the church must maintain the 6 ft. social distancing regulation at all times

Fr. Smith is hearing confessions at the rectory. Please contact him to arrange a mutually convenient time.

This is Phase 1 of a multi-phase diocesan plan that will ultimately lead to the resumption of Mass based on government regulations for public gatherings.  Please contact the rectory with any questions.

We hope this provides an outlet for spiritual nourishment as we move towards a full reopening.  A regular schedule for private prayer in the church will be announced soon.

Volunteers Needed:

We are seeking volunteers to help facilitate the private prayer hours by ensuring that we adhere to no more than 10 people at a time in the church and that visitors use hand sanitizer and wear masks, and wiping down pews after use. If you are able to assist, please let us know which days and which times you would be available during Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 1 PM.

Once we are allowed to resume public Masses, we will need more ushers and greeters given the enhanced health and safety protocols. We will not be able to resume public Masses until the Diocese of Brooklyn determines it is safe to do so. However, we want to ensure that we are prepared when that day comes.

If you are interested in serving either during private prayer hours or once public Masses resume, please email Jane Olson, [email protected].

Sixth Sunday of Easter – Homily (Fr. Smith)

 

If you told me in January that the entire world would essentially shut down because of a pandemic I would have assumed that it was the return of the black plague which could kill over half the population of a city in weeksIf you clarified that although many would be afflicted by the virus it would kill a relatively small percentage of those infected, I would have assumed that it must target children. Yet at the very beginning it was thought that children would be relatively protected from it and that its main targets would be the old, the poor and people with preexisting conditions. This is extraordinaryIndeed, it is an act of almost unimaginable “pro-life” generosity. And as someone who woke up one day and found himself in the elderly category, I want to thank you for your consideration. But something is missing. The generosity may be worldwide, but the vision somewhat myopic.  Continue reading “Sixth Sunday of Easter – Homily (Fr. Smith)”