The Autumn 2017 session of the St. Francis Adult Education program gets underway after the Feast of St. Francis.
Brochures are available at the entrances of the church.
Please note that, due to illness, the following courses have been cancelled:
St. Francis & St. Clare of Assisi in Art (Dr. Francis Greene);
Irish Film Festival and
James Joyce’s Ulysses (Edward Kent, O.S.F.).
This year’s theme is “Runner Up” and the cabaret will feature hidden Broadway gems that were nominated as best musical but did not get the Tony.
Friday, September 29th in the San Damiano Hall
Doors open at 7:00 PM
Show begins at 7:30 PM
Join us for great music, some wine and light fare!
TICKETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING!
Please join the Ugnayan Filipino Ministry on the Feast Day of San Lorenzo Ruiz
Thursday, September 28, at 6:30 PM
Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Upper Church)
135 W. 31st New York, NY 10001
Prayer Intention envelopes are available at the reception desk.
They will also be distributed before the Mass.
Find out about St. Lorenzo Ruiz here.
In today’s second reading, St. Paul says: “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.” A good, positive attitude is so important and yet it is not always easy to have one. When we step out into the world each day, there are many forces that challenge and influence us, and many are destructive. This is why it is important to always pray to have the “attitude of Christ Jesus.” Striving to have this attitude helps us filter out the negative forces and open ourselves to the positive force of Christ’s love that awaits us. It can be a force waiting for us to “tap” into because our world was created by the goodness of the Lord. The presence of the Lord is in our world, although hidden at times. This is why we have to have “eyes that truly see,” and “ears that truly hear,” and a heart that is open to accept the positive gifts that God offers us daily.
There is much more to learn. Come and celebrate with us this week!
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
On Tuesday, September 5, the Trump administration announced the dismantling of the DACA (Deferred Action for Child Arrivals) program and threatened some 750,000 Dreamers with the possibility of deportation and a life in the shadows. By its decision to end DACA, the Trump administration sows uncertainty and anxiety among law-abiding Dreamers, young people who have been able to live productive lives and who call this country home. Their hopes of pursuing opportunities for a brighter future have been dimmed, if not entirely extinguished. We stand with the Dreamers and will defend them against this attack!
Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 3:00 PM
San Damiano Hall, 129 W. 31st Street
To register, call The Migrant Center at 212-736-8500, Ext. 305/328 or Cris Hilo at 347-342-2702.
The parables of Jesus were meant to teach a lesson to his hearers, and he would often tell a parable to those who opposed him. There is always a surprise in the parables and today’s is a good example. One thing to avoid when reading a parable is focusing on the details because they can be confusing or not make sense. The main point of the parable is to look for the “message” that Jesus is trying to get across to his audience. The Pharisees and scribes were often his audience; however, in today’s Gospel, he directs the parable to his disciples. There must have been tension among them and the parable pointed out that the landowner was “generous.” There is another “Landowner” who is generous that Jesus was pointing out.
Today at Mass the speakers remind all of us that we don’t just “attend” Mass, but that we are part of a faith community; we are committed to this church at this time. To keep our church running and providing Masses, confessions, programs and ministries daily, your nancial commitment is necessary. Many people responded in years past to the One Hour Program either by increasing their weekly donation or by signing up for online giving. By signing up online, you don’t have to worry about having cash for the collec- tion. This has helped our income greatly. Still, I find that the number of $1 bills in the collection is surprising. If this is all that you can afford, I am grateful, but consider what $1 means in today’s economy in Manhattan. It is rare that you can find anything for $1 – not even at Jack’s. All of our expenses are more than last year. We have worked together over the year to take care of necessary repairs and expenses. I know that I can count on your continued participation now.
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
Join us for our annual Ministry Fair in San Damiano Hall this Sunday, September 17, after the 11:00, 12:30, 5:00 and 6:15 Masses for hospitality and the final Sundae Sunday for this year.
Take a few moments to explore some of the many opportunities to get involved at St. Francis!
Representatives from various ministries will be available to answer your questions.
We are looking for qualified members of our worship community to serve as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and Ministers of Hospitality.
Training sessions will be held on the following dates:
• September 25 (Introduction for all liturgical ministers)
• October 16 (Sunday Eucharistic Ministers)
• October 23 (Weekday Eucharistic Ministers)
• October 30 (Lectors)
Come to our Ministry Fair on Sunday, September 17 in San Damiano Hall to get more information and to sign up!
