Pastor’s Commentary – A Jubilee of Hope

Pope Francis has called for a Jubilee of Hope in 2025, a significant event for the Catholic Church that aims to inspire and renew faith among believers worldwide. This Jubilee, officially proclaimed through the papal bull “Spes Non Confudit” (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024 and conclude on January 6, 2026. We here in the Diocese of Brooklyn will begin our celebrations on December 29, 2024 with a special Jubilee Mass celebrated by Bishop Brennan at 11 AM, a procession to St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, and a special Jubilee Mass in Spanish at 1:30 PM.

The Jubilee of Hope is rooted in the tradition of Holy Years, which occur every 25 years, offering a time for spiritual renewal, pilgrimage, and the reception of special graces. Pope Francis has emphasized that this Jubilee is particularly focused on hope, a theme he believes is crucial in today’s world, which is often marked by despair and uncertainty. In his proclamation, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of hope as a transformative force. He urged Catholics to become “pilgrims of hope,” spreading this message through their actions and words. The Pope’s vision for the Jubilee includes not only spiritual renewal but also practical steps towards peace and reconciliation. He has called for a global ceasefire and encouraged governments to consider amnesty and reintegration programs for prisoners, reflecting the historical aspects of Jubilee years that included the forgiveness of debts and the freeing of prisoners.

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Gaudete Sunday / 3rd Sunday of Advent

Join us for to celebrate the Advent season in person or on line. Mass times on Sunday are 9 am, 11:15 am and 7 pm EST.

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Today’s readings will be from Cycle C.

Christmas and New Year’s Mass Schedule

Below is our Christmas Mass schedule for St. Charles Borromeo:

  • We will have a Christmas Vigil Mass on Tuesday, December 24 at 4 PM.
  • On Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, we will have Masses at 9 AM and 11:15 AM.
  • There will be no 7 PM Masses on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

You are also invited to the Christmas Midnight Mass at the nearby St. James Cathedral Basilica (250 Cathedral Place in Downtown Brooklyn).

January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holy day of obligation. Below is our Mass schedule:

  • We will celebrate a Vigil Mass on Tuesday, December 31 at 5 PM.  
  • On January 1, we will have Masses at 9 AM and 11:15 AM.
  • There will be no 7 PM Masses on either December 31 or January 1.

No 11:15 AM Mass on Dec. 29

On Sunday, December 29, we will not celebrate a 11:15 AM Mass at St. Charles Borromeo. Fr. Gibino invites you to join him at the nearby Cathedral Basilica of St. James on December 29 at 11 AM for a Jubilee Mass for the beginning of the Jubilee Year.

Jubilee years happen every 25 years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and climate crisis. For more on the Jubilee Year see: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html.

Pastor’s Commentary for the 3rd Sunday of Advent

The third week of Advent is a special time in the Christian liturgical calendar, marked by a focus on joy. The traditional name for the third Sunday is Gaudete Sunday: Joyful Sunday. This we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, known as the “Shepherd’s Candle.” The Advent wreath consists of four candles arranged in a circle, with a fifth candle in the center. Each candle has its own meaning:

  1. First Candle (Hope): Also known as the “Prophet’s Candle,” symbolizes the hope and anticipation of the coming Messiah.
  2. Second Candle (Peace): Known as the “Bethlehem Candle,”  the peace that Christ brings to the world.
  3. Third Candle (Joy): The “Shepherd’s Candle,” which is rose or pink, symbolizes joy.
  4. Fourth Candle (Love): The “Angel’s Candle,” represents the love of God.
  5. Fifth Candle (Christ Candle): Often white, is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to signify the birth of Jesus.
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Christmas Gift to the Parish

We ask for your support of our annual Christmas donation that goes to support the activities of St. Charles, and St. Charles only. You can donate online at https://stcharlesbklyn.weshareonline.org/ParishChristmasGift, via the Christmas Gift to the Parish envelope, or in your own envelope marked “Christmas Gift to the Parish”.

Your financial support makes a difference. Your generous sacrifice will help us to continue bringing the light of Christ to Brooklyn Heights and beyond. Below is a list of items we would like to purchase with donations received to decorate our church and provide vestments for our deacon.

Wishing everyone a most blessed Christmastide. We are grateful to celebrate Christmas together as a parish family.