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!

Volunteering with Catholic Charities

Bag packing at Catholic Charities: I would like to thank those who have volunteered to pack groceries for the food insecure on Thursday Mornings at 8:45 at the main office of Catholic Charities. (191 Joralemon Street). This is a wonderful way for people who live within walking distance to help our neighbors. This location feeds about 200 families throughout the week with the largest number on Thursday Mornings. Please let me (Fr. Smith) know if you wish to help. It is about 90 mins of intense work.

 Pop up Centers: The weekly ‘Pop up” food pantries however dispense food for over 1700 families. This is growing and more volunteers are needed every week to pack and distribute the food. The next “Pop ups” will be Continue reading “Volunteering with Catholic Charities”

7th Sunday of Easter – Sharing in Suffering and a Connection to Jesus

The Women at Christ’s Tomb and the Ascension (The “Reidersche Tafel”), Rome c. 400 AD
(About this image)

Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 24, 2020
1 Peter 4:13–16

There is much that separates us from St Peter’s original audience. They lived almost 2,000 years ago in what is now Turkey. They would have originally been pagans and owed obedience to the Roman Emperor. But perhaps the key difference, spiritually, is that they expected to suffer for their faith, while we are shocked at the very thought of suffering for our faith. Continue reading “7th Sunday of Easter – Sharing in Suffering and a Connection to Jesus”

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].