Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Fr. Ronald Stark, ofm. Fr. Ronald was pastor here from 1996-2002. He is a gifted preacher, confessor, pastor, and spiritual director. Fr. Ronald also has an incredible sense of humor. He is presently in Hospice Care. We are certainly grateful for his ministry here at St. Francis.

Thank you for your early contributions to the Cardinals Annual Stewardship Appeal. We are at $1,200 of the $73,000 goal. Do what you can to support the work of the Archdiocese of New York. As you know, Catholic Charities is overwhelmed by the work with the recently arrived migrants from Ecuador, Venezuela, and other countries. Families are arriving in New York daily seeking hospitality. Your donation to this appeal is greatly appreciated.

The Spring Adult Education/Formation brochures are available. Please consider registering for a course. This can be a great way to engage in the Lenten-Easter-Pentecost pilgrimage. Instead of giving something up, gear up with something new. This is an opportunity to expand your horizons and deepen your understanding of the many ways of God’s self-revelation. Information is also available on our website HERE.

Please keep your Monday nights open for soup and scripture as we prepare for Lent together. As we did in Advent, we will offer an opportunity for you to reflect on the Gospel each Monday of Lent as you enjoy a cup of soup and community. Please register so that we can be sure to have enough soup and space for everyone. We can also make access available for folks who need to avoid the steps. (We just need to know that you are coming.)

Jesus tells his hearers and us: “You are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world.” What was said in the early days of Jesus’ ministry during what is known as the Sermon on the Mount is a proclamation for our reflection. We are wonderfully gifted by God, sharers in God’s healing, preservation, flavoring, and radiance.
Imagine, it is Jesus who says that we are brilliant! Our call is to let our light shine, to reflect God’s goodness in our fragile and often fragmented world.

Thank you for all sharing your gifts with such generosity.

Blessings and peace,

Thomas M. Gallagher, ofm