Labor Day is Monday, September 2, 2024.
Here is our Holiday Schedule:
Mass at 12:00 PM
There are no confessions on Labor Day.
Church offices and the Adult Education Center will be closed for the day.
Have a restful and safe holiday!
These giants in the Carmelite tradition will be our guides for this course. They will show us how to deepen our prayer life, how to deal with darkness and addiction and how to live simply in this complex world. We will delve into their writings and capture their vision to help us in our spiritual journey and the issues we face today.
Instructor: Fr. Anthony Ciorra, PhD
Wednesdays, Oct. 16 – Nov. 6
12:30-2:00
Clare Room
Fee: $ 60.00
In this course we will consider the works of this Carmelite saint. We will explore major episodes from her life, family, and the development of her spiritual theology especially in the developments of her themes on praise of glory, the Trinity, her retreat work and guidance to others. We will examine excerpts from her diary, letters, and poems to help facilitate this task.
Instructor: Dr. Mary Gennuso, PdD
In this course we will study and contemplate the writings attributed to the French Jesuit, de Caussade. We will examine the famous classic Abandonment to Divine Providence, and his Spiritual Letters of advice to the nuns of the Visitation in Nancy, France. He also preached in southern and central France and directed theological students at the Jesuit House in Toulouse, where he ultimately died. We will also examine his writings in the context of his day, what is and isn’t abandonment, and how his teaching may apply to our current lives.
Instructor: Dr. Mary Gennuso, PdD
Through excerpts of various recordings we will explore the world of women composers from Kassia in the 9th century to Zwilich in the 21st century. Some of the featured music will include Hildegard of Bingen/Barbara Strozzi/Amy Beach and others. This short survey will give some idea of how great and talented women overcame many obstacles to have their music published and performed.
Instructor: Charles Powell
Tuesdays, Oct. 8 – Nov. 12
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
First Floor Conference Room, St. Francis House
Fee: $60.00
On August 15th the Church around the world, both Catholic and Orthodox celebrate Mary’s entrance into eternal life in heaven.
Vigil Mass: 5:30 PM Mass on Wednesday, August 14th
Feastday Masses: 7:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM Masses on Thursday, August 15th.
Mary had said yes to the Father’s call. She enjoyed all of the joys and blessings that came with the mission God gave her and she endured all of the hardships and sadness that it also brought her. When her life’s journey was complete, like all of the saints, she was granted a share in the fullness of her son Jesus’ victory over death.
Mary is the Mother of God. She is also a devoted disciple. She is a prophet and a faithful servant of God. Her prophetic words still echo through history and inspire believers in each generation:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour
for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
The Power of Now
The folks over at Climate Action Now have done the hard part. They’ve gathered all the information and put it in one place. They’ll even plant some trees for you. Now all you have to do is swipe and click. In less than 5 minutes a day and all from your phone – in line at the store, on the bus, waiting for the coffee to perk – you can take powerful actions to care for the planet.
For a sneak peek at how it all works, watch this short video, then download the Climate Action Now app and begin.
“There’s nothing worse, as a climate scientist, than seeing your predictions play out… This is the face of climate change. It’s not subtle anymore. It’s not far off, distant. It’s here now.”
Dr. Michael Mann
For more information about the Laudato Si movement, email stfrancislaudatosi@gmail.com.
Joseph Nuzzi joined the staff of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi February 2007 as the Director of Evangelization.
Over the past 17 years Joe has directed our RCIA ministry, developed and led our Young Adult Ministry, our Converge Ministry, taught many Adult Education classes and took over leadership of our Adult Education ministry in 2021.
Joe is moving on to assume leadership of RENEW International in Plainfield, NJ.
About his departure Joe said, “This was a very difficult decision for me to make. Â I love the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The people of this community are truly loving and welcoming. Â Working with the Franciscan Friars has been amazing, and I will especially miss my colleagues Meredith and Edward with whom I have been blessed to serve this community for 17 years. Â While I’m excited for the work and opportunity that I am taking on at RENEW, this church will always have a huge place in my heart.”
We will say farewell to Joe officially at the 5 PM Mass on Sunday, August 18th and his last day will be August 23, 2024.
Joe asks for prayers for success in his new ministry as he goes forward from the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is
This is a tough one. The financial industry’s involvement in the climate crisis is complicated. Here is where you’ll want to do your own research and see what works for you while still taking even a small step in the right direction. A recent report from https://www.bankingonclimatechaos.org/ shows that U.S. banks dominate fossil fuel financing. JPMorgan Chase remains the world’s worst funder of climate chaos and Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are still among the top 5 fossil financiers.
If your money is with these banks, it might be time to move it to where your heart is. Learn more and compare environmental banks at www.mightydeposits.com .
Start small. Move only some money. Start new accounts for babies and students with a new bank. Switch your credit card(s). The bottom line is that your money does talk. Banks wield tremendous power. So do you.
“All it takes is one good person to restore hope.” Pope Francis (LS71)
For more information about the Laudato Si Circle here at St. Francis or to share your own tip of the week, email stfrancislaudatosi@gmail.com
