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SAINT AUGUSTINE - SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Located in Brooklyn, New York, Park Slope

EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

March 31, 2024

From the Pastor

Glorifying the Lord by our lives

All through the Lenten Season, our prayer, fasting, and works of charity are meant to help us identify and listen to God’s voice so that we may follow where God leads us. Regardless of our circumstances, whether we failed in our Lenten sacrifices, are coming back after being away from the Church, or have always been connected to God, the light of Christ leaves no room for darkness.

The days of the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday) have allowed us to place renewed interest in the paschal mystery in our midst, that is, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This renewed interest can enable us to love God completely and totally and more readily serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. The purpose of all ministry is to bring others to Christ and, once there, provide strength and renewal so that we may grow ever more profound in the light of Christ, which we celebrate and in which we live and move and have our being.  

We will be known by our love

Over the last few weeks, especially last week on Palm Sunday, many expressed great excitement in the numbers joining us at Mass. Enlivened by the generous service of the ushers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and choir serving Saint Augustine~Saint Francis Xavier, we experienced a prayerful start of the triumph over sin and death that the loving sacrifice of Jesus brings to our lives individually and communally. I am particularly grateful to those whose generosity has helped us proclaim the light of Christ without reservation, especially the members of the Parish Staff.  

This week, the Easter Mass Remembrance will enable us to pray for our loved ones with renewed Easter Joy. Gratitude is expressed to those who remembered loved ones with Easter Gifts to the Parish and with the flowers that adorn our already magnificent places of worship.  

In the midst of this joy, please join me in praying for those who live in darkness and those held captive by fear.

Please pray for all those whose lives have been so disfigured by hate that they cannot see what God sees in each of us. May our faithful response help us and others to say YES to the light of Christ more easily!

Wishing you and those you love a Blessed Easter,  

Fr. Frank Tumino

Pastor  

Join us for Way of the Cross Good Friday

The Way of the Cross: Praying the Psalms with Jesus

Experience the way of the cross as you never have before. Rather than meditating about Christ's journey to the cross, pray with him.

Jesus, as an observant Jewish man, would have prayed the Psalms throughout the day, and drawn strength and peace from them.

In The Way of the Cross: Praying the Psalms with Jesus, Fr. Toups invites us to step closer to Christ and pray beside him, drawing strength from Scripture during his last moments before the crucifixion.

Each station features:

• A short reading from Scripture

• A brief meditation

• A Psalm to pray with Christ

Easter  is the greatest celebration in the Catholic church as we commemorate Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Sunday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year.  This collection is an extra holiday offering which our parish depends upon to cover our expenses over the year.

Thank you for your generosity.

The flowers that will decorate our church at Easter are a sign of our joy in the Resurrection of Christ. 

Thank you for your generosity.

WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION/RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’” (John 20:21-23).

EXPERIENCE PEACE AND LOVE

If you haven’t been to Confession in a while, the Catholic Church wants to welcome you back, and invites you to participate in this beautiful sacrament of healing. Take a step in faith. You’ll be surprised about how free you feel after taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. So many Catholics describe incredible feelings of peace, joy, relief, and love that they never expected. Jesus is calling you to experience His mercy in this way too.

Confession Times:

Wednesdays following 9:00am mass - Saint Francis Xavier - 225 6th Ave., Carroll and 6th Ave.

Saturdays: 4:00pm - 4:45pm - Saint Francis Xavier - 225 6th Ave., Carroll and 6th Ave.

Reconciliation Monday - March 25, 2024

3:00pm - 5:00pm Saint Augustine - 116 6th Ave., Sterling Place and 6th Ave.

6:00pm - 8:00pm - Saint Francis Xavier - 225 6th Ave., Carroll and 6th Ave.

*In the Sacrament of Confession, we demonstrate our repentance by bringing our sins before Christ in the person of the parish priest. While the priest may offer us some guidance, the proper use of the sacrament is to bring our sins to Jesus and ask his mercy.

*Personal problems, spiritual guidance, and making a complaint, are also part of the pastoral work of the priest but Confession is not the appropriate time to bring these to him. Please do not abuse this most holy sacrament and plan ahead by making an appointment with the priest by contacting the parish office. 

DO I NEED TO GO TO CONFESSION?

WHAT SHOULD I NOT CONFESS?

How to go to Reconciliation/Confession

Reconciliation may be face-to-face or anonymous, with a screen between you and the priest. Choose the option that is the most comfortable for you.  Just wait in the pews until the priest is finished with the person before you.

• The priest gives a blessing or greeting.

• Make the Sign of the Cross and say, “Bless me father, for I have sinned. My last confession was…” (give weeks, months, or years).

• Confess all your sins to the priest. (If you are unsure or uneasy, tell him and ask for help.)

• Say, “I am sorry for these and all my sins.”

• The priest gives a penance and offers advice to help you become a better Catholic Christian.

Say an Act of Contrition, expressing your sorrow for your sins.

• The priest, acting in the person of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.

Act of Contrition

God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace to confess my sins, do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Confessions  Saint Francis Xavier Church 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, Park Slope

Saturdays at 4:00pm - 4:45pm

Wednesdays following the 9:00am mass

FORMED - The Three Temptations with Dr. Brant Pitre

Reflect with Dr. Brant Pitre on the temptations of Jesus in the desert as he gets to the heart of the meaning of Lent.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Readings for the Week (April 1-7)

Monday: Acts 2:14, 22-33/Mt 28:8-15

Tuesday: Acts 2:36-41; Jn 20:11-18

Wednesday: Acts 3:1-10; Lk 24:13-35

Thursday: Acts 3:11-26; Lk 24:35-48

Friday: Acts 4:1-12; Jn 21:1-14

Saturday: Acts 4:13-21; Mk 16:9-15

Sunday: Acts 4:32-35; 1 Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31

Daily readings and reflections can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

MASS INTENTIONS

Saturday, March 30, 2024

9:00AM Morning Prayer—Saint Francis Xavier

8:00pm +The People of Saint Augustine—Saint Francis Xavier Parish

Sunday, March 31, 2024—Easter Sunday— of the Resurrection of The Lord

9:30am  +Blanche & John Messina

12:00pm +Nicola Sciacovelli

               +Nicholas Okibiya

Monday, April 1, 2024

9:00am  +Easter Mass Remembrance

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

9:00am  +Easter Mass Remembrance

Wednesday, April 3,  2024

9:00am  +Easter Mass Remembrance

Thursday, April 4, 2024

9:00am   +Easter Mass Remembrance

WEEKLY MEMORIALS

The Bread and Wine

In Memory of Millie and Charlie Taranto

The Altar Candles

In Memory of Nicola Sciacovelli of

The Sanctuary Lamp

In Memory of Nicola Scicovelli

Parishioners may request these memorials at either Saint Augustine or Saint Francis Xavier, for one week, in memory or in honor of a loved one. Intentions will be published in the weekly bulletin and on the email blast. Please contact the parish office to schedule. 718/638-1880 or email info@sasfx.org.

Checks can be mailed to our parish office 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

IN OUR PRAYERS

May God strengthen and give peace to all of our sick parishioners, relatives and friends, especially for:

Sarah Hawas, Neil Napolitan, Elscena M. Rickman, The Leger family, Mary Owens, Denise Keys, Jordan Louis, Suzanne Ramdial, Archento Anzil, James Leger, Pat DeVito, Bob Beaumont, Jenny Whetstine Hoffman, Sister Maryann Abrose, CSJ, Claire Scanlon, Karen Intintoli, Josephine Oliga, Peter Sun Woo, Christine Grochocki Myrin, Flavia Langan, John Garone, Kenneth Leger, Edward McCrory, Marge Miller, Robert Schlegel, Daniel Joseph, David Harrison, Maritza Arroyo, Aida Cuin, Dasan Broadnax, Anne M. Thompson, Andrew Quinn, Angel Rosa, Luna Victoria Pena, John Hurtado, Estella Chan, Ann Gucwa, Joe Guzman, Dominick Votto,  Sylvia Garland, Olga Matinsen, Helen McCann & those in Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation facilities.

And for all those who have entered eternal rest,

May they rest in peace.

DONOR STATEMENTS -2023

Donor statements are available by request by calling the Parish Office 718.638.1880.

• We invite you to log into your secure GiveCentral profile to view your record of electronic contributions to our parish.

• You can download a PDF report for your records at any time—now and in the years to come.

Thank you for your generous sacrifices and support.

ANNUAL CATHOIC APPEAL 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal: a journey of faith, unity, and purpose. This year, we are Called to Communion, Participation, and Mission – a powerful theme that encapsulates the essence of our shared commitment to make a meaningful impact.

Individually, none of us can fully address the needs of our diocese. However, when we come together, we have the power to accomplish remarkable things! The Annual Catholic Appeal offers us the chance to continue spreading Christ's love throughout Brooklyn and Queens, providing hope in the process.

This year, we urge you to become a beacon of light and hope for those facing challenges. Assume a leadership position by actively participating in the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal, setting a model of Christian stewardship for others to follow. Acknowledge the abundance in our lives and demonstrate gratitude through dedicated support for the mission and initiatives of the diocese, as they work tirelessly to bring the Gospel to those in greatest need.

If you choose to become a sustaining donor, opting for the "Recurring" option when pledging online, you will further advance the Church's mission. Your monthly commitment will automatically renew each year, offering convenience and efficiency, ensuring that more of your gift goes towards supporting the crucial ministries outlined on this webpage.

We appreciate your partnership in the Lord's work and invite you to join forces with your neighbors again in this year's Annual Catholic Appeal. Together, we can make a significant impact.

Thank you to those who have sacrificed to support the programs funded through the Annual Appeal.  For more in depth information on the campaign, and who it assists, please see https://catholicfoundationbq.org/annual-catholic-appeal/ 

For those able to donate, pledge cards will be available at the entrances of the Church.  Help us meet and exceed our assigned goal of $69,821, with a pledge payable until the end of the year or a one-time gift.   

SECOND COLLECTIONS MARCH

Maintenance Fund donations: Can be added to any collection throughout the month.

Each week, our individual sacrifice is gathered during the collection at Mass.  The first collection helps with the costs associated with the operation of Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier.  Second collections are usually to share our sacrifice with other announced needs extending our generosity.

*Easter Mass Remembrance and Easter Flowers donations should be in no later than March 22, 2024 so that they can be put in the bulletin.

• March 10, 2024—Easter Flowers & Mass Remembrance

• March 17, 2024—Easter Gift

Maintenance Fund Donations: $1,488.00

Catholic Relief Services &1,518.00

Thank you for your generosity with the maintenance fund collections and all other collections throughout the month. We appreciate your continued support.

Maintenance fund: This collection helps Saint Augustine-Saint Francis Xavier parish meet the high cost of maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for prayer at Mass and in the parish buildings.

*These envelopes can be put in any collection during the month.

We invite you to remember all loved ones, living and deceased, during Masses celebrated each day in the First Week of Easter. The names of your loved ones will be placed at the Altar of Saint Joseph in Both Saint Augustine and Saint Francis Xavier where we can remember our family living and experiencing Easter Joy in Heaven! Please enter the name(s) in the box above. 

Thank you for your generosity.

What is a Mass Intention/Memorial Intention?

When a priest celebrates Mass each day, he offers each celebration of the Eucharist for a particular person, or intention. By doing so he applies special graces from God upon that person or intention.

Similar to how we are able to intercede for others by our personal prayers, the Church is able to intercede for us through the celebration of the Mass. However, since the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life” the Mass possess a power that our personal prayers do not.

The practice of offering Mass for particular intentions is an ancient one, dating back to the early Church.

The 2024 Mass book for Saint Augustine –Saint Francis Xavier is open for Mass Intentions and Memorials.

The dates are scheduled on a first come basis. Saturdays and Sundays will continue to list several intentions, while we will limit weekday masses with only one name, to the best of our ability.

• Mass Intentions: $20.00 per intention/per name

• Bread and Wine: $20.00

• Altar Candle: $20.00

• Sanctuary Lamp: $20.00

Due to construction the office is closed to outside visitors, therefore you can either place the payment and a list of desired mass intentions or memorials in an envelope. Put Attn: Mona on the envelope.

• Drop off at office, put it in the mail slot.

• Place envelope in collections on the weekend.

• Email info@sasfx.org Subject line “Mass Intentions or Memorials” and pay online. Once I confirm the dates I will send you the link to pay online.

• Mass cards for your intentions are available by calling the office and setting a time to come and pick them up.

  
  

We will do our best to accommodate your requests. Please understand that we may have to schedule other dates if the date that you want is not available. We will call you to discuss if this happens.

JOIN ONE OF OUR BOOK CLUBS

St. Vincent dePaul

EGERIA - Holy Saturday – The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday –The Resurrection of the Lord

Holy Saturday – The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday –The Resurrection of the Lord

“In accord with ancient tradition, this night is a night of vigil for the Lord, and as the memorial of the holy night of Christ’s Resurrection, the Vigil celebrated is the mother of all holy vigils. The Church this night awaits the Lord’s resurrection and celebrates it with the sacraments of Christian Initiation.” (Ceremonial of Bishops)

The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, which St. Augustine described as the “Mother of All Vigils,” has four parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Even though it is longer than Sunday Mass, it has something for everyone, with some of the Church’s most ancient rituals.

While “the Easter Vigil is the supreme, most exalted of all solemnities in the liturgical year” (Ceremonial of Bishops), it is only the first Mass of Easter. There is an additional Mass text for Easter Sunday during the Day.

In the USA, in all the Masses of Easter the recitation of the Creed is replaced by the Renewal of Baptismal Promises and Sprinkling of the Faithful with Easter Water. Beginning at the Vigil, the practice of dismissing the congregation at the end of Mass with the double “alleluia” continues on all the Sundays of the Easter season.

BECOMING CATHOLIC — OCIA (FORMERLY RCIA) ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS 

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for adults who desire to join the Catholic faith and for those seeking more information on the Catholic Church.  OCIA can also be a method for Catholics to complete their reception of the initiation sacraments. 

WHO IS OCIA FOR? 

• Non-Catholics who want to find out more about the Catholic Faith

• Those who want to join the Catholic Church through Baptism, or Profession of Faith

• Those who were baptized Catholic as infants but never received religious education, Confirmation, or First Eucharist.

Registration for Adult Faith Formation (OCIA) is always open. Please contact Ms. Parra at 718-857-2903.

SAINT AUGUSTINE CHURCH TOURS

Do you have family visiting? Curious about this beautiful church in Park Slope? No appointment needed. Just show up!

Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church Tours are available each Saturday at 3:00pm!  It is so important for us to have the support of our community. Please share this with your family and friends.

Beautiful Historic Gothic Revival Church was built in 1888. For more information about our parish visit our website at sasfx.org.

DIOCESAN NEWS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH

SACRAMENTS

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that all Sacramental information is sent to your church of record?

• Church of Record = Church where the Sacrament of Baptism took place.

• EX: If your child was baptized at either Saint Francis Xavier or Saint Augustine, when they receive the Sacrament of First Communion, Confirmation or Marriage at another Church, that church will send us a notification and it will be recorded in our Church registry.

• When requesting a Sacramental Certificate or Certificate of Baptism we require a formal request.

• All records are kept in Church registry books. We do not have a digitalized system.

We can provide sacramental records for Baptisms, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Marriage. These records are confidential and sacred to our parish. If requesting for a minor, only the parents of the child can request these records. If requesting for an adult, that adult must contact us for the records. You must provide all of the information requested to better help us locate your records. Please allow our parish an ample amount of time to locate the records and prepare the certificate(s) you are requesting.

Sponsorship Form Request

If you are asked to be a sponsor for a child/adult receiving a Sacrament a form must be completed. It can be scanned and emailed to us at info@sasfx.org, mailed in: 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 or brought to our church parish office.

Some of the questions that are asked:

In accepting this responsibility, I truthfully state the following:

__________ I am at least 16 years of age.

__________ I have been fully initiated into membership in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

__________ I attend Mass regularly on Sundays and receive the Sacraments of the Church.

__________ Single

__________ If married/living with someone, I was married in the Catholic Church.

*If you have been away from the church we want to invite you back. Go to mass so that your church can answer these questions truthfully. Go to mass so that you can in fact be the best sponsor for the child making their Sacrament. By receiving the Sacrament the child has been asked to follow the rules of the Catholic Church.

See the form below:

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

2024 National Eucharistic - Congress and Monstrance Receive Special Papal Blessing

On June 19, 2023, the Holy Father extended his Apostolic Blessing on the 10th National Eucharistic Congress and the monstrance that will carry Jesus in the Eucharist into Lucas Oil Stadium as the four National Eucharistic Pilgrimage routes converge in Indianapolis on July 16, 2024, the day before the five-day Congress opens next summer. The Mexican-made 4-foot monstrance, similar in construction to one used in a Los Angeles Eucharistic procession recently, is an homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the National Eucharistic Revival.

Jesus Is Calling Us Deeper

HE PROMISES TO RESTORE AND RENEW HIS PEOPLE

Our world is hurting. We all need healing, yet many of us are separated from the very source of our strength. Jesus Christ invites us to return to the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States by helping us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Why Now?

BECAUSE THE CHURCH NEEDS HEALING. AND THE WORLD NEEDS JESUS.

Scandal, division, disease, doubt. The Church has withstood each of these throughout our very human history. But today we confront all of them, all at once. Our response in this moment is pivotal.

In the midst of these roaring waves, Jesus is present, reminding us that he is more powerful than the storm. He desires to heal, renew, and unify the Church and the world.

How will he do it? By uniting us once again around the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist. The National Eucharistic Revival is the joyful, expectant, grassroots response of the entire Catholic Church in the U.S. to this divine invitation.

The Eucharist is the heart of the Church. Where Eucharistic life flourishes, there the life of the Church will blossom.

St. John Paul II

SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH

God of wisdom and mercy, grant us patience to listen; compassion to be open to other views and opinions; generosity to forgive and grace to change. As you taught us to love our dear neighbor, we pray that you give us strength to be healing instruments of unity and reconciliation.

Day 64: Sunday, March 24

PALM SUNDAY - Lord of love, guide me to be in right relationship with You and with those in my community. Let this extend to compassionate care of those migrating to flee poverty and persecution.

Day 65: Monday, March 25

God of creation, help me find sustainable ways to live my life that takes long- term effects on the environment into consideration. May choices to break free from eco-destructive practices be successful for the sake of our descendants.

Day 66: Tuesday, March 26

Today I pray to see past political mudslinging and demonizing large groups of people. Enable me to view all people as my dear neighbor.

Day 67: Wednesday, March 27

God of peace, transform the hearts of those pushing aggression in parts of the world like Ukraine and Gaza. Help them to see an end of war and the start of reconciliation and rebuilding as their best actions to take.

Day 68: Thursday, March 28

HOLY THURSDAY - Today I pray that I may rely on my closest friends, and if they fail me, that I may continue to love them anyway.

Day 69: Friday, March 29

GOOD FRIDAY - Open my eyes to see past my personal standing or status, and to make difficult choices for the sake of love, even if it is painful.

Day 70: Saturday, March 30

HOLY SATURDAY - Though I may grieve from loss - whether it is a loved one, a friendship, a purpose in life, or an injustice that hinders right relationships with You - may faith, hope and love lift me up and guide me forward.

Meditations on Laudato Si: An Evening with Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ

Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Virtual gathering via Zoom

Elizabeth Johnson will share some meditations from her recently published book, Come, Have Breakfast, Meditations on God and the Earth. In a series of 30 meditations, this book views planet Earth, its beauty and threatened state, in relation to God. 

The book is now available for purchase! The Zoom link will be sent to all those who register 24 hours before the start of the evening.

Here’s how to get more involved in the parish!

MAILING ADDRESS

Although the consolidation to one Parish is still not complete —it is critical to continue the mission of these historic Catholic Parishes in Park Slope.

Parish Office Address

The Parish Office for Saint Augustine~Saint Francis Xavier is located at 225 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.

Since there are no longer two staffed offices, please do not leave envelopes, offerings or donations of any kind at Saint Augustine Rectory.

Weekly Offering

While we rely on the generous weekly sacrifice of those who call Saint Augustine~Saint Francis Xavier their spiritual home, please remember that until the consolidation into one parish is complete, donations in check form, as well as online, need to be made to either Saint Augustine or Saint Francis Xavier Church.

Diocesan Collections

In order to facilitate the transfer of funds collected in the 2nd collection for various collections of the U.S. Bishops or the Diocese of Brooklyn—those using checks are reminded to make the check payable to Saint Augustine OR Saint Francis NOT the collection taken (as in The Bishop’s Overseas Aid Appeal).

Thank you for your patience while we work out all of the details of building maintenance and repairing damage to our buildings.

WILL YOU BE TRAVELING?

Catholic Mass Times for Travel

Will you and your family be traveling? Don’t miss mass. Click on the link below and enter your location to find a mass while you are on vacation.

Please visit masstimes.org to find local and international mass times when you are away from home. Phone app is also available.