St. Francis of Assisi will observe the Independence Day Holiday on
Monday, July 3, as well as Tuesday, July 4.
Our summer holiday schedule will be in effect both days with just one Mass at 11:00 AM.
There will be no confession; the church offce and the St. Francis Adult Education Center will be closed both days.
Our regular schedule will resume on Wednesday, July 5.
We wish everyone a happy and safe Independence holiday weekend!
“The new Jerusalem, the holy city, is the goal towards which all of humanity is moving. It is curious that God’s revelation tells us that the fullness of humanity and of history is realized in a city. We need to look at our cities with a contemplative gaze, a gaze of faith which sees God dwelling in their homes, in their streets and squares. God’s presence accompanies the sincere efforts of individuals and groups to find encouragement and meaning in their lives. He dwells among them, fostering solidarity, fraternity, and the desire for goodness, truth and justice. This presence must not be contrived but found, uncovered. God does not hide Himself from those who seek him with a sincere heart, even though they do so tentatively, in a vague and haphazard manner.”
A big thank you to everyone who helped make our United in Love liturgy and BBQ a huge success. Our LGBT Core Committee worked tirelessly to make this an event to remember. We are grateful for the support of our pastor, Father Andrew, and all of the friars who were able to attend, as well as members of our LGBT ministry and their guests. A special thank you to Keith Kemp, who volunteered his time, talent, and treasure and took these amazing photos. And finally thank you to all of the wonderful people who make up the community of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi who make our church a welcoming environment for all people.
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“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”This is a shocking statement that needs to be unpacked. While Jesus tells us that there is “the cost of discipleship”, this doesn’t mean that we have to think less of our fathers and mothers. Following Jesus in his time meant that people had to break from many things, even parents, to be his followers. This is true today for many people when we are often looked upon as “odd” by family and friends because we are believers, go to church, and have a unique set of values and mode of conduct. All of this may seem odd to some, but it may be an invitation to others to look again at what it means to believe.
This is probably a long weekend for many people. Take time to relax and spend time with family or friends. Also remember why we celebrate the 4th of July. Remember those who fought and worked for freedom and those who continue this work. Today, there is much that we can do to let those in positions of leadership know what we think. We have to believe that every voice counts because, joined together, we can make a difference. Whatever we do, we do it in response to the Gospel: “Whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.” In God’s kingdom, no one is “least” and we have the ability to stand up for those who may appear to be “least.”
Happy 4th of July!
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
“Inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ, and rooted in the charism of St. Francis of Assisi, we actively welcome all people.”
This is the first declaration in our parish mission statement. It is how our community at St. Francis thinks and acts.
We are again celebrating this radical welcome to all at our United in Love Celebration. This is a Weekend of Prayer for and with our LGBT Brothers and Sisters.
The high-point of the weekend will be a festive Mass at 5:15 on Saturday, June 24, 2017.
This is an opportunity for our whole parish community to remember that the Lord invited all people to follow him, regardless of race, ethnicity, economic background, gender or sexual orientation.
It is also an opportunity for all of us to invite to Mass any of our friends who many not feel welcome at the table of the Lord for whatever reason, but especially if they are gay or lesbian. Take the opportunity to bear witness to the unconditional love of God by reaching out and inviting back a brother or sister who hasn’t been home in a while.
“It is imperative to evangelize cultures in order to inculturate the Gospel. In countries of Catholic tradition, this means encouraging, fostering and reinforcing a richness which already exists. In countries of other religious traditions, or profoundly secularized countries, it will mean sparking new processes for evangelizing culture, even though these will demand long-term planning.
We must keep in mind, however, that we are constantly called to grow. Each culture and social group needs purification and growth. In the case of the popular cultures of Catholic people, we can see de ciencies which need to be healed by the Gospel: machismo, alcoholism, domestic violence, low Mass attendance, fatalistic or superstitious notions which lead to sorcery, and the like, Popular piety itself can be the starting point for healing and liberation from these deficiencies.”
“…Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but not the soul.”Throughout this Gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the phrase “do not be afraid” is repeated several times. Jesus affirms our worth and value in this Gospel, but he is also aware of the dangers that exist. While some are dangers to our bodies, Jesus emphasizes that those which can destroy the soul are more dangerous. This is God’s world and God has given us freedom, but many times this freedom has been abused and evil exists. As Christians, even though we have “put on Christ”, we must be aware of those things that can “kill that spirit” that has been given to us.
Last Sunday, we had hospitality after six Masses. During the summer months, our monthly hospitality becomes “Sundae Sunday” with ice cream sundaes and all the toppings. The ice cream is provided by generous donations from a number of our parishioners. More people who come to Sundae Sundays than any other time that we have hospitality. I want to thank our generous benefactors for this treat and I also want to thank all the volun- teers who work each time we have hospitality.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
Seven Franciscan Friars will celebrate their Jubilees of Profession of Vows this week on Thursday, June 22, at 5:30 PM. Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., our Franciscan Provincial Minister, will lead the friars in the renewal of their vows. All are welcome to participate in the Mass.
Several Jubilarians have served at
the Church of St. Francis of Assisi:
Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.,
Fr. Eric Carpine, O.F.M.,
and Brother Anthony LoGalbo, O.F.M.
The other Jubilarians are:
Br. John Capozzi, O.F.M.,
Fr. William McConville, O.F.M.,
Fr. Robert Menard, O.F.M.,
and Fr. Jacques LaPointe, O.F.M.
