Category: Messages from the Pastor

Homilies, Messages from the Pastor

4th Sunday of Lent – Addressing the Real Needs of Our Time

| St. Charles Borromeo

Samuel Anoints David, François Victor Eloi Biennourry, 1841, École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts.

Fourth Sunday of Lent
1 Samuel 16:1B, 6–7, 10–13a
March 22, 2020

The relationship between King Saul and the Prophet Samuel is one of the most interesting in the Old Testament. The tensions are always there, but the reasons are hidden under a veneer of piety. Its relevance to our present situation as a church may indeed be obscured for the same reason.

Our opening line this week says:

The LORD said to Samuel: “How long will you grieve for Saul,
whom I have rejected as king of Israel?
Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way.
I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem,
for I have chosen my king from among his sons.”
(1 Samuel 16:1)

It may seem that Samuel was fond of Saul as the LORD asks him how long will he grieve for him. Yet in the next verse (Sa. 2a), Samuel tells the Lord: “How can I go? Saul will hear of it and kill me. With friends like this who needs enemies?” Continue reading “4th Sunday of Lent – Addressing the Real Needs of Our Time” →

Messages from the Pastor

Message from the Pastor on Coronavirus

| St. Charles Borromeo

Note: The below letter from Fr. Bill was posted on March 13. Since that time, the Diocese of Brooklyn has suspended public Masses. Please refer to the more recent postings for the most up-to-date information on the steps that St. Charles Borromeo is taking to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

Sunday’s Gospel admonishes us to worship in “spirit and truth.” We should also add common sense. With the spread of the coronavirus, common sense will be very important. The parish has implemented the preventative measures recommended by the Diocese. Beyond that, the Church will be thoroughly cleaned again on Saturday by a professional cleaning company. Please note that our church is large enough and our attendance small enough that we should be able to provide the recommended social distance space for everyone.

Common sense however also is necessary to decide if you should attend Mass. Bishop DiMarzio announced today that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is suspended until further notice. People in the at risk groups, senior citizens (parishioners over 70 and certainly those over 80), people with underlying conditions, e.g. diabetes, or less than robust immune systems are encouraged to stay home. This does not mean that you should not worship especially on Sunday but that you should explore other means. Continue reading “Message from the Pastor on Coronavirus” →

Messages from the Pastor

Update from the Diocese on Coronavirus

| St. Charles Borromeo
The Bishop has sent a statement for the entire Diocese in regards to the coronavirus emergency – the full text is below.
In summary:
1. The Bishop has dispensed with the obligation of attending Sunday Mass until further notice.
2. Public Masses, sacraments, and funerals will continue to be held with caution to protect personal health, with the goal of limiting large public gatherings.
3. Family Faith Formation, RCIA, and other group activities and events are suspended in person. We will be organizing opportunities to continue these activities online.
4. Diocesan schools and academies will be closed next week.
Further details about how we working to keep everyone safe and continue our ministry will be sent out in our regular Saturday email.
Please exercise caution in preserving the health of yourself and each other.
With our prayers,
Fr. Bill

Continue reading “Update from the Diocese on Coronavirus” →

Messages from the Pastor

Preparations for Lent

| Fr. William Smith

Bishop Robert Barron has retooled his weekly homily “Word on Fire” to examine the first readings for at least Lent. These are homilies so they emphasize other aspects than we do here but are very interesting. https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/choosing-to-keep-the-commandments/26592/

The Parish is gearing up for Lent as well. There will be faith sharing sessions and morning weekday adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Please check the bulletin, emails and website for further information.

Events, Messages from the Pastor

Upcoming Celebration of Candlemas (Feb. 2)

| St. Charles Borromeo

THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

Next Sunday, February 2, is 40 days after Christmas and we commemorate the presentation of Jesus and his ransoming as the firstborn son. We will read the beautiful passage from Luke’s Gospel and special prayers of the day. It is also called Candlemas day because the candles for the year are blessed and there is a procession with lit candles from the narthex to the sanctuary. This will be enacted at our 9 AM Mass with the children in our Religious Education program. If you have candles at home which you wished blessed, you are invited to bring them to that Mass. Instructions will be given beforehand.

Messages from the Pastor

Baptisms During Lent

| St. Charles Borromeo

This year Ash Wednesday occurs on February 26. It is the beginning of Lent which will continue to Holy Thursday on April 9. Baptisms are not celebrated at Sunday Masses during Lent. Therefore, there will be no Baptisms at the 11:15 AM Mass on March 22.

The most perfect day for Baptism is Easter, April 12. We encourage families to have your child baptized on that day at the 11:15 AM Mass or to wait until May 24.

As there are many reasons why either of these alternatives might be impossible, there will be a Baptismal Mass on Saturday, March 28 at noon.

Baptismal classes will be Sunday, February 9 and March 8 in the church at 2 PM. There will be no Baptismal Class on April 12 (Easter).

Please contact the rectory to reserve a place at the classes or for further information about baptismal times.

Front Page, Messages from the Pastor

Representative Homilies 2019

| St. Charles Borromeo

As the parish’s year-end gift to you, we have compiled 6 remarkable homilies from this year from all three of our priests. This study of the Gospel of Luke provides vignettes of Catholic faith life in today’s world.

  • Fr. Smith talks about going to visit the sick, and how people can find community here.
  • Msgr. LoPinto describes the wonder of the Moon landing 50 years ago, and a child’s Christmas today.
  • Fr. Gribowich recounts an unusual bus ride from the airport, and asks who is God?

We hope this will be enriching and thought-provoking as we enter a new year and a new decade. PDF: St. Charles Brooklyn Homilies 2019