Mission Statement
 
At St. Charles, we seek to emulate Jesus, our shepherd, by living our lives in service to others.  From our rich multicultural roots, we form a strong and loving community, growing spiritually together as a parish and school.
 

Reasons to sign up for Electronic Giving:

• No need to write checks or bring cash to Mass.
• Peace-of-mind knowing that the church is receiving your contribution even if you are unable to attend.
• More secure than checks.
• All contributions are recorded for you on your bank statement with date of settlement.
• IT COSTS YOU NOTHING! 

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. ~ 1 Peter 4:10
 

To set up electronic giving please visit: My Own Giving.

 

May 19th, 

Good afternoon,

  We have done extensive calling from our Parish Family List and many numbers have changed, are disconnected or no answer.  We are continuing to take reservations for mass for the weekends (Saturday at 5pm; Sunday at 9am and Sunday at 11am).  If you have sent us an email for your 3 options your 1^st option was put on the list.  Reservations will take priority at mass up to 5 minutes before mass after that your seat will be given to someone waiting.  We will have a first come first serve for those that don’t make reservations.  The doors will be locked for everyone’s safety as soon as mass begins so please by here early.  You can call the office, 242-3462,  between 9-2 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday this week to make reservation, or email office2@stcbabq.org.  Father is asking that at this time children under the age of 6 not come to mass.  Thank you for your understanding.  Safety for them and us is very important.  We will keep you informed of any further changes.  Confessions will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00pm.  Weekday masses will be on Tuesday at 6pm and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9am.  You do not need reservations for weekday masses or confessions. Thank you for your

Pamela Wheeldon

Parish Office Assistant

May 18th,

Good evening,
 To expedite calling this week we would like you to send in 3 choices for mass times that you would prefer for the week.  We will try to get your first choice but keep in mind that parishioners are going back to work so we would like to keep weekends for them.  If it is possible for you to come during the week, we would greatly appreciate it.  This way we hope to be able to get everyone to a mass at least once a week.  The mass times are:
Saturday-------9am communion service by Deacons
Saturday-------5pm
Sunday---------9am
Sunday---------11am
Monday--------6pm communion service by Deacons
Tuesday--------6pm
Wednesday---9am
Thursday------9am
Friday----------9am

Please respond with this information please.
Family Name    
Name of persons coming to mass    
option 1      
option 2      
option 3

Reminder that we are committed to accommodating all of our parishioners and the kinks will be worked out as we go along.  Thank you so much for your support of St. Charles, your patience and your diligence in making St. Charles the little church with a big heart.
See you soon.
Pamela Wheeldon
Parish Office Assistant

May 15th,
Dear St. Charles family,
 
I pray this finds you safe and well. Please know that your Deacons and I continue to pray for you every day as we continue to deal with the effects of this Pandemic and we are confident, with the Grace of God, this too will pass.
 
As I am sure most of you have heard, the number of cases and deaths in New Mexico continue to fall. Because of this, the Governor has decided to lift some of the restrictions imposed to keep people safe. Although the public health order to stay at home remains in effect, the State has now moved into Phase 1 of reopening. What does that mean for us?   It means that “Houses of worship may operate at 10% occupancy”.  Yesterday, we received notice from Very Reverend Glenn Jones, Vicar General, that mass can resume within this stipulation.
 
We know that it has been very difficult not to celebrate mass as a community and we are encouraged that, although restricted, masses can begin to resume. The capacity of St. Charles as set by the fire marshal is 299 persons.   So, to remain compliant with this order, any mass we celebrate at St. Charles cannot exceed 30 persons.   As you can imagine, there are many logistical elements to work out in order for this to safely and effectively happen. Because of this, we are going to take the week to coordinate and discern the best way to resume mass, adhere to the order, and keep everyone safe here at St. Charles. The plan is to resume mass next Saturday, May 23. I ask for your continued patience as we too prepare to enter into Phase 1 of reopening. You can see the guidelines from the diocese on their website at archdiosf.org  Click on the News/Covid19. Scroll down to the 200514 Directives for the Public Celebration of the Eucharist and click on that link.  It will bring up the 3 page directives. 
 
We will continue to communicate via e-mail, phone calls, and on our website as we get closer to next Saturday. 
 
Again, thank you for your continued support and understanding.
 
Here is a list of directives that we will  be using at St. Charles beginning May 16.
-There will be 9 masses each week by appointment only.  You will be called next week to set up a day and time for you to attend mass.  As directed by the Archbishop, dispensation for Sunday Masses is still in effect.  All Masses will count as a Sunday mass. 
-You must wear a mask to enter the church for anyone over the age of 3.
-Seating will be assigned using the 6 feet distancing protocol
-Ushers will have baskets at the door for envelopes.  Please put them in the basket as you enter or leave.  They won’t be collected during mass.  
-Confessions will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:00pm (beginning May 20) in the Parish Hall.  You can remain in your car until your turn to go in.
-Communion will not be given until the end of Mass in the hand only.  The ushers will direct you to the front, your mask must remain in place; receive communion in the hand; step to the side (it will be marked);  lift your mask and consume the host.  Then you will leave the church.  There won’t be any lingering after Mass.
-We will not be using holy water fonts, books or envelopes in the pews.
-We will keep you informed of any situations that change.  It is important that we have a correct email. 
 
We are pleased that we will once again be able to celebrate the Eucharist together again.  It will be different for some time.  Our capacity is limited because of the 6 feet distancing.  Thank you for your patience as we work out the problems in the reopening.  We are concerned for our parishioners and their safety.  Remember that if you are not feeling well please stay home.   Continuing to stay home is still recommended for those at high risk.  Dispensation is still in place by the Archdiocese.  Masses are being televised from many churches.  EWTN has 2 masses each day and you can find others on the internet.
If you have any questions, please email or call the office.  We do not have the office open or staff to monitor the phones but someone is checking messages at least 3 times a week.  God bless each of you.

Pamela Wheeldon
Parish Office Assistant

May 13th, 

Good afternoon,

 We wanted to share this letter from our superintendent, Susan Murphy, at the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Catholic Schools. We have been planning for several weeks now for the future, and we want our families to know that we are planning for several scenarios to help protect your child's education for the 2020-2021 school year.

As the 2019-20 school year comes to an end, I want to thank you for your support, assistance and patience as we navigated these past nine weeks of online learning. I know that the principals and teachers worked extremely hard to ensure that your children are ready for the next level of their education. These have been unprecedented times and together we were able to succeed.

As we look toward the 2020-21 school year I want to keep you informed of how we are proceeding. The health and safety of your children are utmost on our minds. For this reason, we have convened a task force to look at how we will plan for the opening of the new school year. The task force is comprised of representatives from the following communities - principals, teachers, nurses and parents. Since we do not know what things will look like in August we will be addressing various scenarios:
   1. Virus is fairly contained
   2. Virus recurs
   3. Virus escalates (return to stay at home)

We will also be addressing:
   1. Cleaning and Maintenance of buildings
   2. Use and cleaning of educational materials
   3. Policy regarding sick students and/or teachers
   4. Policy regarding compromised individuals
   5. Use of protective equipment and social distancing
   6. Policy and procedures if we return to distance learning

We will be gathering information from CDC, educational experts, National Catholic Education Association and local agencies. We will keep you informed of our progress and as the guidance from these agencies evolves. You will also receive information from your school that will address the specifics of each building.

We pray for better treatment of this virus and a possible vaccine in order to return to some sense of normalcy. I hope your families stay healthy and that you get to enjoy your summer.

Sincerely,
Susan M. Murphy Superintendent of Catholic Schools Archdiocese of Santa Fe 

May 12th,

Good afternoon,

  We are very appreciative of your online giving and support of St. Charles.  We are looking at ways we can decrease unnecessary spending so beginning in July online givers will no longer receive envelopes in the mail.  Your online contributions will be entered in the computer weekly and we can print off a list of contributions if you need it at any time.  Thank you so much for all you do for St. Charles.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  God bless you and keep you safe.

Pamela Wheeldon

Parish Office Assistant

May 10th,

Hello, my brothers and sisters in Christ!

I hope everyone is in good health of Spirit, mind  and body. I want to thank all of our Mothers and those who act in a dual capacity as a father and mother for their children or any child they may care for! I pray and ask the Holy Family, but most especially, Our Blessed Mother, to intercede on behalf of all who are or who have had to be a mother at any capacity in their lives. May Our Spiritual Mother and the Mother of Lord Jesus Christ place her mantel of wisdom, strength, peace, and protection over all our Mothers!  Also, may she intercede on the behalf of all our mothers' intentions that have recourse to her, and by the merits of her Son Jesus Christ, may our Heavenly Father pour out his blessings on all those we pray for and all our Parishioners.

I came across this poem a number of years ago, the author is unknown:

Mothers have a way with them
    Only mothers know;
    Just a secret, heavenly
   God has taught them so.

Arms that know the way to make
       Softest cradle-bed,
  Giving shelter from the world
        To a baby's head.

Hands that know no weariness
  Forgetful of sickness or pain,
  Hands blistered to the bone;
Mothers' hands are made of love
   Made of love and stone.

Eyes that leave the sunshine in
        For a rainy day,
   Dropping memories of light
      All along life's way.

God bless each and everyone of you with a blessed and peaceful week.

Your brother in Christ,

Father Vincent

May 5th,

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray all is well for your families and you! I have been offering up everyone's special intentions in my weekly Masses and prayers. I’d like to personally thank all of our Parishioners for their prayers, support, and contributions to the St. Charles Parish. I’m so grateful that we have such faithful loyal parishioners. 

On a personal note: My brother who was diagnosed with cancer and under going chemo treatments is responding well and his tumor is shrinking rapidly.  Also, my 22 year old godson, who we have been praying for and was diagnosed with cancer and tumors, was supposed to be on chemo for 4-6 months.  After only 2 months, he will soon be cancer free. The third person we have been praying for is 22 year old Iyean,  a college wrestler and born with a heart defect, is doing very well also due to your prayers.  I have been tending to them during their time of need. My stepdad is a nurse at St. Vincent’s and as old as he is amazing.  My mom just turned 81 so they are in strict isolation and I’m their errand man and only visitor.   Because of this,  I have  isolated myself except at the church.  This is why I have been bringing in our faithful helper Father Ignatius CFR. 

 May God bless each of us and keep us safe Spiritually and physically.  Again, I miss you all.  Please be careful,  stay safe and keep praying. Your prayers are powerful. 

Sincerely, 

Your brother in Christ, 

Father Vincent 

Mother Mary

This is the month dedicated to our Blessed Virgin.  I am attaching an article by Donald deMarco about the "Ten Virtues of Mary" for you to reflect on as we celebrate Mary.  I am also including a link you might like on the" virtue of reverence".
https://catholicexchange.com/virtue-of-reverence

​We also want to remember our Mother's this weekend on Mother's Day.  Here is a prayer to share with your Mother.

I thank you, Creator of us all, for my mother.
I thank you that she gave me life and nurtured me all those years.

She gave me my faith, helping me to know you and to know Jesus and his ways.
She taught me how to love and how to sacrifice for others.
She taught me that it is okay to cry and that I should always tell the truth.
Bless her with the graces she needs you want to give her today;
Help her to feel precious in your eyes today and to know that I love her.
Give her strength and courage, compassion and peace.  Bless her this day with your love.
Mother, you are the angel in my life.

Remember that every day should be Mother's Day not just one day a year.  
 

May 2nd,

Good afternoon,

   We will be having confessions this Saturday, May 9th, 2-4:30 pm.  We will do it the same as we did last time except one person will be waiting at the door to go in.  We will have someone there directing you where to go.  Please be prepared to wait.  So sorry but we have quite a few people going to confession so it may take awhile to get to your car.  Please stay in your car until asked to get out. We had such great success the last time.  We will also be there to collect any envelopes you want to bring and the love cans also.  Please be sure to bring mask and gloves if you have them.  God bless each of you and know that Father and the St. Charles staff keep you in our daily prayers.

Pamela Wheeldon
Parish Office Assistant
 

April 21,

    Confession: Saturday, April 25, 3-5 pm in parish hall

    Confessions will be in the parish hall and you are asked to stay in your car until your turn.  Enter the parking lot on Coal PL next to the gym, and follow those directing you.
    Confession will be face to face, 6 ft. apart.  We are grateful for Fr. Ignatius from the Friars of the Renewal, who will be doing the confessions.  Please come closer to the 3 pm time as Father has to leave right at 5 pm.

    Please stay safe, and know you are all missed here at St. Charles.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Vincent and St. Charles staff

April 7th, 

Blessed Holy Week.  Just a reminder that the Divine Mercy Novena starts on Good Friday.  Here is a link where you can see the prayer for each day of the Novena.  God bless you.

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-13366

Pamela Wheeldon

Parish Office Assistant

April 5, 2020 (Palm Sunday)

Good morning.

I hope all is well for everyone, rise and shine and rejoice! Today we reflect on the Lords Passion and begin Holy Week praying’ reflecting’ meditating on the Paschal Mystery.  Jesus who came in the name of The Heavenly Father out of Love and Mercy for Humanity.

Click here for a nice meditation on today’s readings, I hope you find it fruitful!

April 4, 2020

Dear Parishioners,

We are very appreciative for your faithfulness to St. Charles Church. Because of your kindness we have been able to pay our bills and staff. You are the life of St. Charles and we have been moved by your generosity. St. Charles is definitely “the little church with a big heart”.

We miss each and every one of you. We will be very thankful when we can once again be back in our church celebrating the Mass. We are very concerned about the elderly of our parish as they are at high risk. We are following the guidelines expressed by Pope Francis and the Archdiocese and in keeping with the Governor’s mandate for social distancing, so our church remains closed.

We will be sending the Sunday and Weekday readings each week with the Mass intentions. Mass is being said privately every day and all of your intentions are being remembered at the Masses.

If anyone is having trouble getting food or groceries because family members aren’t able to help or if you are in need of our assistance spiritually, please call and leave a message at 242-3462. We will return your call as soon as possible.

You will find attached to this letter the readings for the week of April 4-10 and the mass intentions. Here are the websites for Lectio Divina information on how to pray with the readings (https://catholic-link.org/images/infographic-how-to-pray-the-lectio-divina/) and information and prayers for the Easter Triduum (https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-easter-triduum-entering-into-the-paschal-mystery.html).

It is very difficult not to be able to celebrate Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter Sunday liturgies with our congregation, but know you will all be remembered at the private mass. We continue to pray for all those that are putting their lives on the line to see this pandemic come to a close and help those that are affected. Please stay safe and know that God holds us in the palm of His hand and loves us deeply.

In Christ,

Father Vincent Dominguez and St. Charles Staff

April 1st, 2020

Dear Parishioners, School Families and Staff,

I hope this finds you well despite the sudden unexpected impact that our Country and the world faces with this epidemic of the Corona virus. Pope Francis expressed his hope by the grace of God in “humanity” in the drama that is playing out in the coronavirus pandemic. He was asked by a reporter if he were “optimistic” in face of this pandemic. The Holy father stated, “that’s a word I don’t like, because optimism to me, I’m not saying it is, but it sounds like makeup, putting a good face on things that are difficult. The Pope is saying I place my hope in God and humanity. I have hope in men and woman.” The Pandemic was something unforeseen and Governments and people were caught off guard. It is easy to criticize what others are doing and what they should have done, but life is about lessons. This an opportunity for us to reevaluate our lives and draw closer to God, to our families, and realize what we should treasure in life. Hopefully, we will grow from this crazy situation. Many are sick and will get sick. Pray for those who are sick and in need that they can feel God’s Presence. Prayer is everything. We have all had to deal with unexpected difficult situations and trials in our lives. The unknown and uncertainty of things can be difficult, but remember what Jesus said many times in scripture; “have faith do not be afraid…I’m with you until the end of the age ..,my grace is sufficient for you who believe.” Fear and worry do not help anything. We must pray with faith like those who have gone before us. We will come out the better from this situation. I ask that we pray that God grant us the Wisdom, prudence and strength to persevere; especially with the unique situations and challenges we each may face. Also, pray for all families’ Spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. Pray especially for all those who are sick and suffering in any way spiritually, physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Pray for all those who care for the sick, the suffering and lonely. Pray for our scientists and those who are working on a vaccine. I am offering private Masses and the mass intentions for the week included in the Prayers of the Faithful. Know that you all are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. May God be with you all, and I hope to see you all when that opportunity arises. This will pass as all things do in Gods time. I miss you all!

Sincerely with Love,

Fr. Vincent Dominguez

March 30th, 2020

Father is including the mass intentions for the week in his daily private masses.  The list of intentions can be found on the website.  We will keep you posted by email or on the website of changes as they come.  Thank you for you financial support is has been very helpful.  God bless you and give you peace.

Pamela Wheeldon

Parish Office Assistant

 

Divine Mercy

Father would like you to have this information for Divine Mercy.

The Divine Mercy Novena which starts on Good Friday:  https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/2824/documents/DM%20Sunday%202014/Nine%20Day%20Novena%20to%20the%20Divine%20Mercy.pdf

For the Divine Mercy Indulgence:

Three conditions for the plenary indulgence

And so the Supreme Pontiff, motivated by an ardent desire to foster in Christians this devotion to Divine Mercy as much as possible in the hope of offering great spiritual fruit to the faithful, in the Audience granted on 13 June 2002, to those Responsible for the Apostolic Penitentiary, granted the following Indulgences: 

a plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!");

A partial indulgence, granted to the faithful who, at least with a contrite heart, pray to the merciful Lord Jesus a legitimately approved invocation.

For those who cannot go to church or the seriously ill

In addition, sailors working on the vast expanse of the sea; the countless brothers and sisters, whom the disasters of war, political events, local violence and other such causes have been driven out of their homeland; the sick and those who nurse them, and all who for a just cause cannot leave their homes or who carry out an activity for the community which cannot be postponed, may obtain a plenary indulgence on Divine Mercy Sunday, if totally detesting any sin, as has been said before, and with the intention of fulfilling as soon as possible the three usual conditions, will recite the Our Father and the Creed before a devout image of Our Merciful Lord Jesus and, in addition, pray a devout invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you).

If it is impossible that people do even this, on the same day they may obtain the Plenary Indulgence if with a spiritual intention they are united with those carrying out the prescribed practice for obtaining the Indulgence in the usual way and offer to the Merciful Lord a prayer and the sufferings of their illness and the difficulties of their lives, with the resolution to accomplish as soon as possible the three conditions prescribed to obtain the plenary indulgence.

Lastly, the use of the the Divine Mercy image for protection in these times:

Watch the 4 minute video on utube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot3tVMXnOzI&feature=youtu.be

 

March 25th, 2020

My dear family of St. Charles Borromeo,

I know that these uncertain times can be filled with fear, anxiety, isolation and confusion. As we know, to know God is to read His Word and in the John’s Gospel we read, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do, I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Although having a peaceful spirit may be difficult, through faith and prayer, we ask for the Spirit of God to fill us with His peace.

Yes, as we follow the directives of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe our church is closed. It will remain closed until we are told it is safe to open as we do our part to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Unfortunately, the expenses to keep up our parish home continue to come in. We need to continue to pay our staff during this time and our parish utilities and insurance expense. We understand that this is a hard time for everyone but, if you can, we ask that you continue to tithe weekly either through Online-Giving (https://www.myowngiving.com/Default.aspx?cid=838), mailing in your envelope contributions or dropping them in the mail slot on the handicap door.

Please know that your Deacons, John, Paul, and Louis, and I are praying for you daily and are here for you. If you need to contact us, please leave a message at the parish office (505) 242-3462. This crisis has brought to light how very difficult it is to communicate with our parishioners. The quickest and easiest way for us to get information to you is via e-mail. If you have been receiving emails, then we have your correct information. We are asking our parishioners to send in updated information which includes a good phone number and e-mail address; either by e-mail to office2@stcbabq.org, to mail it to the church or call the office and leave a message. Messages are being monitored. We will also continue to post updates on our website https://stcharleschurchabq.org.

Father will be having confessions on Palm Sunday beginning at noon in the church parking lot. They will be drive-up confessions. Please enter on the north west entrance by the gym. There will be someone directing you where to go. You must stay in your car. We will have a collection bin available for envelopes if you wish to bring them. We will also be distributing palms at that time. We will let you know, either by email or on the website, of the date and times of upcoming confessions during Holy Week.

Because we cannot meet as a community for mass, does not mean we cease in our prayers and devotion. Now more than ever we need to spend time with God and pray for all those that are sick or caring for the sick. We need to remember that we are self-isolating and responding to the call for Social Distancing, not for ourselves but for those that are most vulnerable in our society. This, in many ways, mimics our Pro-Life movement where we rally for the most vulnerable in our society. Through our adherence to the call to Shelter-at-Home, we are protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

Together in Christ we will get through this and be a closer stronger parish!

I thank you for your understanding and support!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Vincent Dominguez – Pastor

We are enrolling students for grades Pre K- 8th.  If you are interested in joining the St. Charles Family, please call the school at 505.243.5788.  We look forward to meeting your family at your scheduled tour! 

Office Hours:

Our office is currently closed due to COVID-19.  Please call or email our staff with any questions.

Office2@StCBAbq.org

Office Phone: 505.242.3462
Office Fax: 505.247.1292

According to the Archbishop of Santa Fe, all masses, Confession and Adoration have been cancelled.