This week we will celebrate the first of the Scrutinies at the 11:15AM Mass. These are important for the Parish but can be difficult to express. The article by Carl McColman at Patheos was the best that I have read and wish to share it with you.
Fr. Smith
Please download the worship aid to participate in Friday’s evening prayer. It will begin at 5 PM.
Instructions on how to join are available here.
Response to 2020 Appeal – Thank you very much for your generosity to last year’s appeal. Not only did we support many wonderful ministries, but we went so far over goal that we received $12,075.50 back for the needs of the Parish.
Contributing to 2021 Appeal – We ask you to be as generous this year. Please remember that the money collected for the Annual Catholic Campaign does not support the administrative needs of the Diocese, but specific and necessary ministries that help the people of Brooklyn and Queens. Do you want to be part of a Diocese that does not adequately provide Chaplains for Hospitals and High Schools or care for elderly Priests? We will look at these ministries over the coming weeks but ask you to think and pray about it now.
We encourage all to watch the brief 2021 video to learn about the faith of the Church at work in Brooklyn and Queens. You can access it online at: https://catholicfoundationbq.org/ACAVideo/#. The work and services made possible through your donations to the Annual Catholic Appeal help people in Brooklyn and Queens in ways that no one parish can do alone.
You can donate by going to https://catholicfoundationbq.org/annual-catholic-appeal/ or texting ACAto 917-336-1255. Please remember to select our parish, St. Charles Borromeo – Brooklyn (1043), from the alphabetized list of parishes when making your donation.
Father Augustus Tolton (1854-1897), Ex-Slave, Priest, and Devoted Servant of God
By Alicia Washington
The story of Father Augustus Tolton is a twist on the classic rags to riches story. Though born into slavery (“rags”), he grew to be rich beyond compare. His riches did not come from monetary wealth, though; instead, he was rich in faith, an unrelenting faith that has led him to the road to sainthood.
Continue reading “Black Americans on Their Way to Sainthood: Fr. Augustus Tolton”Sacrifice of Isaac, Caravaggio, c. 1603, Piasecka-Johnson Collection (Princeton)
(About this Image)
Fr. Smith’s Commentary on the First Reading
Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 22:1–2, 9a, 10–13, 15–18
February 28, 2021
Our reading today from the book of Genesis is usually called the “sacrifice of Isaac.” It is important to the three great monotheistic religions. The Jews call it the Aqedah (the binding) and it is important for liturgy, especially Rosh Hashanah and mysticism. Christians see it as forerunner of the sacrifice of Jesus. For Muslims Isaac is the perfect Muslim as, for them, he willingly submits to being sacrificed. These developments are important, but not as important or as immediately meaningful, as the original intent. We need first however look at two aspects of the story.
This is the dramatic center of the four stages of the relationship between Abraham and God.
Continue reading “Second Sunday of Lent – God’s Power and Love”Please join us to celebrate the 2nd Sunday of Lent on Sunday, February 28th:
Today’s readings and hymns are available to download here:
Please download the worship aid to participate in Friday’s evening prayer. It will begin at 5 PM.
Instructions on how to join are available here.
