Evangelii Gaudium – Chapter 4: The Social Dimension of Evangelization
“With respect to the autonomy andculture of every nation, we must never forget that the planet belongs to all mankind and is meant for all mankind; the mere fact that some people are born in places with fewer resources or less development does not justify the fact that they are living with less dignity. It must be reiterated that ‘the more fortunate should renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others.’
To speak properly of our own rights, we need to broaden our perspective and hear the plea of other peoples and other regions than those of our own country. We need to grow in a solidarity which ‘would allow all peoples to become the artisans of their destiny’, since ‘every person is called to self fulfillment.’”
Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11
Click the image below to RSVP to this event on Eventbrite:
THE Migrant Center, LGBT+ Ministry & Young Adult Ministry of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi present:
A Special Book Event with author Kevin Tuerff:
CHANNEL OF PEACE: STRANDED IN GANDER ON 9/11
Hear Kevin Tuerff talk about his book and the true story of being stranded in Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11, which inspired the Broadway hit, “Come from Away!”
Also, Kevin will speak about his Pay It Forward project as well as his present work for immigrants and refugees.
RSVP and attend to receive a special Broadway ticket deal to see “Come from Away!”
All who attend will be given a promotional code to receive a discount on tickets to see the show in March. More details at the event, so pleace come!
Blessing of Throats on the Feast of St. Blaise
We will have the blessing of throats for the Feast of St. Blase on Saturday, February 3, after the 8:00 and 11:00 AM and 4:00 and 5:15 PM Masses.
The Pastor’s Corner
Last Sunday we heard Jesus say, “the kingdom of God is at hand.” In today’s Gospel he shows that the kingdom is indeed at hand: he teaches with authority and he drives out an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue. The kingdom is happening before the very eyes of his listeners. Jesus is using the authority and power that has been given him to broaden their idea of God and to teach them that they don’t have to be afraid of unclean spirits and the power of evil because they have a greater power available to work with them. He uses his power to make lives better. It is so important to make the ways and the attitude of the Lord Jesus our way of handling the various situations that we come across daily.
On Sunday, February 11 at 3 PM, we will host a presentation by Kevin Tuerff who was on Air France heading to the US the evening of 9/11. His plane and 67 others were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. 7,000 people were fed and housed by the people of this small town. Kevin will relate his story and what he learned from it. The story is the basis for the Broadway musical, Come From Away. His book will be available for purchase. It will be an inspiring presentation and is free. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
Don’t forget that next week we will have a Week of Prayer in honor of Our Lady, Untier of Knots. There will be special prayers after the 11:30 and 4:30 Masses. If you have any intentions that you would like included during these Week of Prayer, ll out one of the envelopes in church and drop it o at the reception desk.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
P.S. We will have the blessing of throats for the Feast of St. Blase on Saturday, February 3, after the 8:00 and 11:00 AM and 4:00 and 5:15 PM Masses.
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Treasures from Our Tradition: Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
This is the year of St. Paul, and so one of the most visited churches of Rome is also one of the most beautiful: the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Like so many other churches, it was founded by the master-builder (or financier) Emperor Constantine about the year 315. Paul was martyred outside the walls of the City of Rome at a place called Tre Fontane, probably on June 29, in the year 65, perhaps the first anniversary of St. Peter’s crucifixion. Christians buried him in a quiet place about two miles away, and visited to pray. Constantine was running low on bricks, apparently, because the first church was tiny. In 386 it was demolished and today’s basilica begun. This vast and towering space looks much the same today as it did in the fourth century.
The centuries have not been kind to ancient Rome, but until the early 1800’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls survived beautifully, perhaps because it has been assigned for nearly a thousand years to Benedictine monks. It was therefore a vibrant place of daily prayer even through the centuries when Rome was a poor and nearly abandoned city. In 1823 a great fire resulted from a botched repair job to lead on the roof, and St. Paul’s was destroyed. It is said that the whole world contributed to its restoration. Even the Russian czar and the viceroy of Egypt gave alabaster, malachite, and lapis lazuli for the pillars and the tabernacle. Several of the precious mosaics were able to be restored, bringing the ancient basilica back to life. One of the great treasures of the basilica is a set of prison chains, said to have been worn by the Apostle in the last days before his martyrdom. Unlike other Roman churches, St. Paul’s stands in a garden-like suburban neighborhood, surrounded by stately palm trees, gardens, and parks.
Rev. James Field
© J. S. Paluch Co.
Spring 2018 Adult Education course offerings open for registration
The Adult Education center at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi offers courses in theology, scripture, spirituality, history, literature, and a variety of other topics. The classes are all tought by highly qualified people in their field.
Who takes these courses?
The courses are taken by any adult who wants to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Faith. Most are Catholic, but all people are welcome and often people who are not catholic take our courses because of their interest in the topic. Catechists, lectors, eucharistic ministers take our courses. Young people and retirees take these courses. There is something for everyone!
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN CLICK HERE.
You can also click HERE for a PDF list of the courses that will be offered. Brochures are available in the church also.
Take a look, invite a friend, expand your mind!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Schedule
On Monday, January 15, 2018 our nation will commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Masses will be celebrated at 8:00 and 11:30 AM.
There will be no confessions, and the church offices will be closed for the day.
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