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Starting March 18: The Writings and Wisdom of St. Paul

Instructor: Fr. Anthony Ciorra, IV Dei
Dates: March 18-April 1, 2026 (on Wednesdays) NEW START DATE
Time: 12:30PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Clare Room
Fee: $ 60.00

This course will explore the writings of St. Paul, his theology, his spirituality, and relevance for our lives today. His conversion experience opened the door of his heart to the experience of Christ which he passionately and brilliantly shared in his letters. We will journey with St. Paul into the adventure of the early church that shaped his mind and energized his preaching.

March 7: Spirit of Compassion with Father Kenneth Himes, OFM, Ph.D

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Our Lenten Day of Reflection’s topic is “The Spirit of Compassion.” The speaker will be Father Kenneth Himes, OFM, Ph.D. Father Ken has taught for many years at the Washington Theological Union and concluded his teaching career at Boston College. He is an international scholar as a moral theologian whose specialty is Catholic Social Teaching. He has written and edited many books plus writing numerous articles for many journals around the world. Presently, he is a scholar in residence at Siena University in upstate New York. Father Ken’s talk will be composed of a social analysis to comment on the social ills of our present society and how we can address them on a local level. This is guaranteed to be a worthwhile experience. Please join us on Saturday, March 7 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in San Damiano Hall. Light refreshments will be served. A free will offering is suggested. All are welcome to join us in solidarity. Please RSVP through the form below for your attendance for this meaningful reflection.

Started February 26: Carson McCullers (1917-1967) : Telling Tales

Instructor: Sr. Fran McManus, RSM
Dates: February 26-April 9, 2026 (on Thursdays) (6 classes) No class on April 2nd
Time: 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Location: ZOOM
Fee: $ 60.00

The usual characterization of Carson McCullers’ writings as Southern Gothic is both accurate and too limiting. The author describes her expansive writing process as an imaginative mix of memory and insight, reality and dream. After an introductory class, we will explore McCullers imaginative world through the following texts: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, The Member of the Wedding, The Ballad of the Sad Café and The Clock without Hands. Note: Several of these works have been adapted for stage and screen, but our class discussion will be based on the original novels and novellas.

Started March 2: Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979) Poetic Sights and Insights

Instructor: Sr. Fran McManus, RSM
Dates: March 2-April 20, 2026 (on Mondays) (7 class sessions total)|No Class on April 6
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: ZOOM
Fee: $ 60.00

One of the most influential poets bridging modern and postmodern poetry, Elizabeth Bishop presents us with detailed personal observations and descriptions of the animals, persons and places she encountered during her many international travels. Personal, though not confessional, expressed in established poetic forms and free verse, Bishop’s poems demonstrate her extraordinary ability to see and present the ordinary in a new light. For the first hour and a half of the class, we will discuss the poems and then in the last half hour all who wish to participate will spend some time writing poems in the style or theme of the evening’s discussion. Those who do not wish to participate in the writing are welcome to remain online and listen to optional sharing of the first draft poems or to leave the session around 7:30PM.

Please note that the original posting noted that the class time was 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM. We apologize for any confusion that this change may have caused.

March 13: Women Saints and Holy Women from Asia Celebrating World Youth Day Seoul, Korea, 2027

Instructor: Denise De Vito
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Room: Clare Room
Fee: $ 60.00

This is an all-day seminar that will introduce some of the illustrious women saints, laywomen and martyrs from South Korea, China, India, Japan, the Philippines, and other areas of southeast Asia. Through a history of the rise of Christianity in South Korea, discussion of cultural and historical resources, readings, and a short film presentation, participants will explore the history and spiritual quests of the individuals presented as well as their achievements and tribulations.

New Start Date March 2: Lenten Soup and Scripture

The Converge @ St. Francis Ministry is delighted to revive Soup and Scripture this Lenten Season. Join us for Soup and Scripture on three Mondays of Lent at 6:00 PM in the Francis Room:
~~February 23~~ (no session due to inclement weather forecasted for February 22 and 23)

March2 (New Date)
March 9
March 23

Come for a simple meal, Scripture reflection, and faith-filled fellowship.
RSVPs are encouraged so we know how much soup to prepare.

Please RSVP below.

February 18: Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is February 18th this year. Here is our schedule of Masses, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and distribution of Ashes. Let us begin the journey of Lent together.

Mass:

7:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:15 PM
4:30 PM (en español)
5:30 PM
6:30 PM

Distribution of Ashes:

We will impose ashes in the Lower Church from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Sacrament of Reconciliation:

8:00 to 9:00 AM
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Please note that the original posting of this page did not include the 1:15 PM Mass.

Colorful Mardi Gras mask with feathers on a purple background.

February 15: Mardi Gras Hospitality Sunday

The Converge @ St. Francis Ministry invites you to join us for Mardi Gras Hospitality on Sunday, February 15, immediately following the 5:00 PM Mass at the Clare Room.

Come enjoy festive treats and good fellowship as we celebrate together.

All are welcome!

Group photo of winter retreat attendees with a serene snowy tree background.

January 30-February 1: Annual Parish Winter Retreat for Ministers, Volunteers, & Parishioners

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

Step away from the busy-ness of life and find renewal in God’s presence. Join us for our parish retreat—a time to rest, reflect, and reconnect in faith.

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.

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

WHEN:
Friday, January 30- Sunday, February 1, 2026 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)

WHO:
The retreat is for parishioners of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and their friends.

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.a

TRAVEL INFORMATION & PREPARATION FOR RETREAT:
Upon completion of your registration, you will be sent more information regarding travel to and from the retreat center and items to bring.

QUESTIONS:

For more information contact our Pastor – Fr. Brain Jordan, OFM at bjordan@stfrancisnyc.org.
The Converge @ St. Francis Parish Life Ministry is the Ministry lead for this retreat.

Registration is now closed.

Hands of different skin tones join together, promoting unity for a Catholic Social Teaching workshop.

January 24: Catholic Social Teaching

Please join us for an adult education seminar entitled “Catholic Social Teaching.” This seminar will focus on the seven primary points of Catholic Social Teaching. The presenters for this seminar are Father Brian Jordan, OFM, our pastor and Professor Ronald Schramm of Columbia University and also the chairperson of the Social Concerns Committee of the parish. The seminar is free and all parishioners and friends are welcome to participate. Light refreshments will be served.

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