Assumption/Brooklyn Oratory parishes continue ‘Giving Tree’

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS/DOWNTOWN — OUTREACH TO NEEDY PERSONS IS THE FOCUS OF ADVENT PROJECTS as a new liturgical year begins for many Christian denominations. 

Advent, which dates back to the 4th century A.D. (C.E.) has a dual observance: preparing one’s soul for Christmas and for the return of Christ and the Last Judgment. Many Christians observe Advent with increased generosity to their parish’s charitable projects. 

The Brooklyn Oratory Parishes, Assumption (on Cranberry Street) and St. Boniface (on Duffield Street) are holding their annual Giving Tree tradition, partnering with Hour Children, which the Sisters of St. Joseph​ founded in 1995, according to the Congregation of St. Joseph’s website. Hour Children provides care and support to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn (encompassing Queens). The parishes aim to collect at least 125 gifts for children and youth.

The Brooklyn Oratory’s Social Justice Action Committee will also host an Advent collection for the pop-up shop at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Carroll Gardens. The Oratory will post in its weekly newsletter, Oratory Connection, a “wish list” of urgently-needed items for migrant neighbors within the area.

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