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Laudato Si: The Elephants Are Coming!

The Laudato Si Circle at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is organizing another group walk on the High Line. This time there will be a giant treat waiting for us at our destination in the meatpacking district. The Great Elephant Migration is arriving in New York City. This powerful and captivating art installation features 100 life-size elephant sculptures that are making their way across the country raising awareness about conservation. Join others who share your passion for nature and art.

No registration is necessary.  Just show up at 9am on Saturday, September 21st at the entrance to the church on 32nd Street. The raindate will be Saturday, September 28.

Curious about becoming Catholic?

Are you or someone you know interested in exploring Catholicism?

    • If you or someone you know is not Catholic but is interested in learning about our beliefs and practices, feel free to contact us.  There is no pressure whatsoever to join.  Curious people are welcome to ask questions, learn, investigate and then choose to either stay or go.
    • If you are already Christian but raised in another Christian community and are interested in possibly becoming Catholic, call us.
    • If you are an adult Catholic who never received Confirmation or First Communion and are thinking about completing your sacraments, we can prepare you for that.

If any of these apply to you or someone you know, feel free to contact us.

The process by which people explore our faith and prepare to join the church is called the “Order of Christian Initiation of Adults” (OCIA).  All you need to do if you are curious about Christianity in general or Catholicism in particular is contact us and we can help.

What is the Schedule?

Our OCIA will begin Tuesday, September 16, 2025.  We meet every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

The OCIA at St. Francis of Assisi is free of charge.

If you would like to find out more about our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, click here

Or fill out this form:

Do you need to make Confirmation?

Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and First Eucharist. Most Catholics in the US receive Confirmation in their teen years. Some Catholics, for one reason or another, find themselves needing to receive this sacrament as an adult. This is totally fine, and we can help!

At the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, we regularly assist Catholic adults who want to receive Confirmation.

Here are some reasons why you should complete your Confirmation:

  1. It is part of Catholic initiation and celebrates the Holy Spirit dwelling within us
  2. While not absolutely necessary, Catholics should receive Confirmation prior to getting married
  3. It is necessary to be a godparent or a sponsor for Confirmation

Our confirmation preparation will begin Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM.  Classes are held every Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

To find out more about our Confirmation preparation, please fill out this form below:

CONVERGE Book Club Fall 2024: Building a Bridge

The Converge @St. Francis Ministry invites you to a 4-week book club.  We will be reading:

Building a Bridge by James Martin, S.J.

Jesuit priest and NYT bestselling author James Martin issues an impassioned plea for Catholic leaders to relate to their LGBT flock in a new way, one characterized by compassion and openness. In this inspiring book, Father Martin turns to three virtues from the Catechism of the Catholic Church—“respect, compassion, and sensitivity”—as a model for how Catholic leadership and LGBT Catholics can move together on a “two-way bridge” toward reconciliation and love.

This groundbreaking new book includes spiritual and biblical resources for LGBT people and their families, friends, and allies. Building a Bridge is a compassionate book desperately needed in today’s climate of divisiveness.

Details:

MONDAYS, September 9, 16, 23, 30
6:30 PM
Francis Room

This is a free event, but registration is required.

Labor Day Holiday Schedule

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!

TERESA OF AVILA, JOHN OF THE CROSS AND THERESE OF LISIEUX

TERESA OF AVILA, JOHN OF THE CROSS AND THERESE OF LISIEUX

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

The Life and Spiritual Theology of Elizabeth of the Trinity

UPDATE: this course has been cancelled for Fall 2024.

The Life and Spiritual Theology of Elizabeth of the Trinity

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

The Spiritual Wisdom of Jean Pierre de Caussade

UPDATE: this course has been cancelled for Fall 2024.

The Spiritual Wisdom of Jean Pierre de Caussade

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

A Brief Survey of Women Composers Through the Ages

A Brief Survey of Women Composers Through the Ages

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       

© St. Francis of Assisi 2018. All Rights Reserved.
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