The Tablet, Brooklyn’s diocesan newspaper, covered our parish’s faith-based discussions on race in an article “Parishioners’ Goal: Eradicate Racism One Conversation at a Time.” It includes quotes by Tevin Williams, Josephine Dongbang, Fr. Bill Smith, and Fr. Gribowich.
Fr. Smith on Romans: Surest Way to End with God is to Begin with Him
Paul Writing His Epistles, attr. Valentin de Boulogne, 17th century, Museum of Fine Arts (Houston)
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
June 14, 2020
It has been my custom to examine the first reading of the Mass in some detail for our emails and website. This is usually from the Old Testament. The passages are unknown to many Catholics and the wisdom contained in them can be quite a revelation. For most of the year the second reading is from St Paul. It is surprising that he too is often unknown and even when acknowledged usually misunderstood. From next week to mid-September we will be reading the Letter of Paul to the Romans and I have decided make this a summer project.
It is in some ways a very good choice to look at Paul through Romans. It is the most comprehensive letter: it covers the most topics. These topics are among the major issues of our faith. He also speaks in calm and disciplined manner and does not go off on tangents. This letter is so critical that some theologians have called all subsequent theology footnotes on Romans. By the end of the summer, I hope you will understand why. Continue reading “Fr. Smith on Romans: Surest Way to End with God is to Begin with Him”
Reflections from Our Confirmation Class
Photo by Olivia Snow on Unsplash
The Confirmation Class of 2020 has continued their preparation for the sacrament throughout the lockdown. Today we are sharing some of their reflections on how being unable to participate in the Mass has affected them:
Although we are not able to attend Mass during these times, which makes me feel disconnected from God and my faith, I feel very close to my family and I am spreading my love through them.
– Nicholas N. Continue reading “Reflections from Our Confirmation Class”
Evening Prayer Tonight at 5 PM
Please download the worship aid to participate in tonight’s evening prayer at 5 PM, which will be followed by the final night of our novena to St. Anthony:
TV Interview with Tevin Williams and Fr. Bill Smith
Jessica Easthope of Currents TV interviewed Tevin Williams and Fr. Bill Smith about how our parish is working to discuss and act against racial injustice.
The segment, “St. Charles Borromeo Church Works to Combat Racism Through Open Dialogue on Race in America,” aired last night and be watched below or on Currents site.
Follow-up Materials to Prayer Service on Justice and Equality
Following last Friday’s prayer service on justice and equality, a number of parishioners reached out asking for suggestions on reading and viewing materials to explore these topics in more depth. Below are our suggestions. Continue reading “Follow-up Materials to Prayer Service on Justice and Equality”
Most Holy Trinity – Homily (Fr. Smith)
How strong is love? Let us make it personal “How much do any one of us make decisions because of love”. Do we think that love is nice but real-world decisions are based on how much we will make or how we can appease or use the prevailing social and political powers? Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity. This is God’s answer to this question, and it comes none too soon. Continue reading “Most Holy Trinity – Homily (Fr. Smith)”