By Katie Vasquez
Just to the left of the sanctuary of the Oratory Church of St. Boniface, an unfinished space is beginning to take shape as a future hub for parish life.
Though still in its early stages, the raw concrete area is filled with promise, according to administrative vicar Father Anthony Andreassi.
“It’s been hopeful and exciting,” Andreassi said, recalling a Dec. 8 visit from Bishop Robert Brennan and members of his staff. “It’s still obviously raw — it’s just concrete — but envisioning how things are going to start to lay out and look.”
For longtime parishioner Mary Maloney, the project represents more than construction — it’s about restoring a sense of community.
“After Mass, we used to go there and have coffee and all of that,” Maloney said. “We can’t do all that. We have it on the sidewalk, and so you miss out on a lot of things.”
The renovation also addresses a challenge caused by nearby development. Three stained-glass windows in the downtown Brooklyn church have been left dark due to new construction. Andreassi said the redesign will incorporate lighting solutions.
“The space will actually get a little natural light, but not any direct light,” he said. “So it’s going to still need artificial light to support it.”
Residential tenants moved into the building’s upper floors over the summer, allowing church leaders to now focus their attention on completing the space intended for parishioners. Plans include an event area, a garden, and a campus ministry.
“At this point, we’re fully finished with the design of the ground floor, about to finish the design of maybe the next three floors,” Andreassi said.
Maloney said she is hopeful the final result will meet the community’s expectations.
“I hope they give us something good,” she said.
Andreassi said he is optimistic the parish will begin using the new space by the end of the year or in early 2027.