Christmas trees, wreaths and poinsettias will again adorn our sanctuary this Christmas.  We offer them to honor the birth of Christ and to glorify God.

It is also a way to remember your loved ones and share the beauty of the season with the whole community.  We invite you to memorialize members of your family, friends or other loved ones with a donation for our Christmas decorations. Donations and the names of those received by December 20th will posted on our parish website for Christmas.

“Look to the East and See Your Children”

Some day this week, get up extra early while it’s still dark. Sit in the dark and wait. Watch the way God’s light comes into the world — slowly and generously.

Let this be our cue to slow down, consume less, and conserve more for our children and for those who will come after us. Let this be our new tradition, to unplug a little more each day. Take advantage of the dark to enjoy a few hours of living by candlelight. Meditate on the beauty of lights in windows and on trees.

Come Emmanuel! Make us ever more hopeful people for a hopeful planet. Let us be part of Your light of hope to the world. — from the Laudato Si advent prayer

To learn more about the Laudato Si Circle at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, email stfrancislaudatosi@gmail.com.

The next in-person meeting of the Laudato Si Circle will be Thursday, December 26th 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the St. Francis House. All are welcome.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is again offering a
WINTER RETREAT FOR MINISTERS, VOLUNTEERS & PARISHIONERS.

In keeping with a centuries-old tradition of celebrating a Jubilee Year every 25 years, Pope Francis has proclaimed a Jubilee for 2025. The Jubilee has its roots in ancient Israelite tradition.  During the ancient Jubilee, prisoners would be released, slaves would be set free, and justice would be restored. It was a time of remembering and living God’s grace. On this retreat we will reflect on this special time of Jubilee and how God sets us free to be people of peace, justice and equality.

Join us to spend time with other parishioners to pray, reflect and reconnect with God and each other.

January 31-February 2, 2025

(Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)

WHO:

The retreat is for parishioners of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and their friends. There is a limited number of spots available for the retreat.

WHAT:

This retreat is a chance for parishioners to escape the city for a couple of days to connect with one another and reconnect with God. There will be time to pray, hear talks, discuss the faith, and enjoy quiet time on the beautiful property of the Mt. Alvernia Franciscan Retreat Center in Wappingers Falls, NY.

WHERE:

The Mt. Alvernia Franciscan Retreat Center is located in Wappingers Falls, NY, about a two-hour train ride from Grand Central Station. Travel details will be given to all registrants.

WHEN:

Friday, January 31st (check in from 5 to 7 PM)
to Sunday, February 2nd after lunch.

WHY:

Because sometimes it’s good to get away and pray. Jesus went up to the mountains to pray often… and so shall we.

HOW:

Upon completion of your registration, you will be sent more information regarding travel to and from the retreat center and items to bring.

Please Note: 

We need at least 20 people registered and paid by January 15, 2025 in order to hold this retreat. If you would like to reserve your spot, you can register now with a deposit of $100.00. You can make partial payments as fits your budget so long as your payment is complete by January 15, 2025.

Maximum number of spots available:  50

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW – FOR NOW, JUST SAVE THE DATE

QUESTIONS:

For more information contact Father Frank Critch at 212-736-8500 or fcritch@stfrancisnyc.org