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Daily Mass moving to the lower church.

Starting Monday, July 3 we will celebrate the 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM daily Masses, Monday through Friday, in the lower church.  The daily Mass will return to the upper church after Labor Day.  The Saturday and Sunday Masses are not affected by this move.

We do each year in the summer to keep the air conditioning off in the upper church Monday through Friday. By only turning on the air conditioning in the upper church on weekends, we are able to be better stewards of creation and parish funds.  This saves us tens of thousands of dollars each summer in electric bills.   The lower church is much less costly to keep cool.

For those who come in person we hope you enjoy the change of venue and the intimacy that the lower church offers since it is a smaller worship space.

Those of you who join us vitally on livestream will notice a slight difference in quality as we only have one camera in the lower church.  The upper church has three cameras and better sound integration which allows for a better livestream experience of Mass.  You will be able to see and hear the Mass however. We thank you for your patience. We hope you understand that this small sacrifice is part of our efforts to responsible with our energy consumption and for the greater good.

Thank you.

4th of July Holiday Schedule


The friars and staff wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day!

Holiday Schedule for Tuesday, July 4, 2023:

Mass:  12 Noon

There are no confessions; the church offices and the St. Francis Adult Education Center will be closed.

Our regular schedule is in effect for Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday, July 5th.

Man lighting a candle inside a church with stained glass windows.

A look back at our United in Love, Pre-Pride celebrations 2023

Below are photos of our United in Love Pre-Pride Festive Mass and rooftop BBQ which took place Saturday, June 24, 2023 at our regular 4:00 PM Saturday Mass.  It was a wonderful celebration of our community and our faith that God calls all people and everyone is welcome in the Father’s house.  Thank you to our LGBT+ Ministry for hosting the festivities and to all of our volunteers who helped make the day a wonderful celebration.  A special thank you to Keith Kemp for taking the photos.

A note on why this day is important:

In the Gospel of St. John, at the last supper the Lord prayed to the father that his flock “might be one” as He and the Father are one (Jn 17:21). Yet, sadly, some members of the Church are made to feel by other members that they don’t belong, or that they are not welcome.  This has happened to divorced Catholics, it has happened to people who disagree with the church’s teaching on birth control and it happens to LGBT people.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Catholics have recently been particularly singled out for vitriolic, uncharitable, and frankly, unchristian, attacks by some members of the Church.   In one photo you will see a small protest which took place outside of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi before and during our Mass which underscores this point.  This attitude is completely against the teaching of the Church and does not bear witness to Christ who said “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn 22:34-35)

At the Church of St. Francis we try to combat this hatred and division with love and inclusion.  We strive to build a community that is welcoming to all people. Love, unity and inclusion are values we cherish and they are rooted in our faith in Christ and His teachings.

Our United in Love Pre-Pride Mass is not only attended by members of our LGBT+ ministry.  This is a community event and all members of our parish who are committed to proclaiming our faith that God loves all people celebrate this love of God for God’s children in all of our glorious diversity.

If you didn’t make it this year, join us next year on the Saturday afternoon before NYC’s annual Pride celebration.

-Joseph Nuzzi, Director of Evangelization

A man reading a colorful booklet in a church pew.
A colorful sign reading 'United in Love' for a pre-pride festive mass.
Harvey Milk quote on hope and change in social justice.
Joyful elderly woman smiling with hand raised indoors.
Crucifix with red flowers mounted on a golden pillar inside a church.
Interior of a church with stained glass windows and people seated.
Two women engaged in conversation inside a church.
Two women sitting in a crowded church pew, one holding a colorful booklet.
An elderly man reading a document inside a church.
Two women smiling together at an indoor event.
Two people smiling inside a wooden-paneled room with others in the background.
A priest holding a red book during a church ceremony.
A diverse congregation seated in wooden pews inside a church.
Glass bottle with dark liquid and a plate with bread on a table.
People standing and praying inside a church.
Man joyfully walks down church aisle with arms raised.
Man joyfully running indoors with arms raised, people applauding.
Musician plays upright bass enthusiastically in a lively church setting.
A lively celebration with colorful ribbons inside a church.
A joyful man dances down the aisle in a lively church celebration.
A lively church event with people, musicians, and colorful decorations.
Man clapping and smiling in a church setting.
People praying inside a church during a service.
A priest in colorful vestments holds a cross and a book during a religious ceremony.
Smiling woman playing piano in warm, cozy setting.
Man in white jacket speaking at a podium with a clergyman behind.
A priest in red delivering a sermon inside a church.
A man in a white jacket speaks passionately at a marble podium indoors.
Man reading at a marble pulpit with a decorated candle nearby in a church.
A priest stands at the altar inside a church, delivering a sermon.
Congregation seated in a church during a service near the altar.
A group gathers in protest on a city sidewalk with a banner about human rights.
Audience attentively listening in a church setting.
A lively gathering of people enjoying a musical performance indoors.
A priest holds up a religious object during a ceremony.
A diverse group of people gathered indoors, appearing focused and engaged.
People standing and interacting inside a church during a service.
People praying inside a church with stained glass windows.
A priest greets and blesses churchgoers during a service.
Man reading a book inside a church.
Woman in red jacket showing a fist with a crowd behind her.
A priest talks with two women during a church service.
Man in traditional attire with rainbow necklace inside a church.
Interior of a grand church filled with people attending a service.
People attending a religious service in a church with a golden altar.
A lively church ceremony with colorful ribbons and engaged attendees.
A religious procession inside a church with a man holding a decorated staff.
A diverse group sings passionately on stage with microphones.
A diverse group of seven people smiling and posing indoors.
Group of diverse people smiling indoors for a photo.
Man in unique layered white outfit with black harness and hat.
Basket of handwritten notes with 'United Love' stickers.
Two older men warmly greet each other with a hug and cheek kiss indoors.
Two people smiling warmly in a cozy indoor setting.
Four people smiling indoors, one wearing a colorful stole.
Woman singing passionately during a church service.
Woman in a colorful floral shawl looking upwards in a wooden room.
People holding lit candles during a solemn indoor gathering.
A group of people singing together on stage with microphones.
A man with a rainbow fist T-shirt sings while holding a paper.
A man in religious attire with a colorful rainbow stole sits solemnly.
Woman attentively reading from a choir book during a performance.
Young man reading or writing with focused expression in a casual setting.
A woman with braided hair and glasses reading attentively.
Young man reading from a book with expressive focus.
Man reading or singing from a music sheet with intense expression.
Elderly man with glasses reading from a black folder.
Man in a hat singing or reading music, with a woman in the foreground.
A man passionately speaking with raised arms indoors.
Audience members attentively watch an event in a warm-toned room.
Priest delivering sermon in a church sanctuary with ornate altar.
A joyful priest celebrating in a church.
An elderly man reading a book at a lectern in a church.
Woman with curly hair and white top looking sideways, wearing a microphone headset.
A man gestures while speaking to singers holding sheet music.
A priest in ceremonial robes pouring wine during a religious service.
Two musicians playing bass guitar and drums outdoors.
A priest in colorful vestments speaks with arms open during a service.
Man playing a pipe organ in a wooden church setting.
Woman in a striped sweater looking to the side indoors.
A priest holding a round wafer during a religious ceremony.
A priest holding up a host during a religious ceremony.
A priest conducting a religious ceremony outdoors.
A priest in colorful vestments giving a sermon during a church service.
Man grilling food outdoors on a barbecue grill.
A happy couple holding a small black dog in a city setting.
Small black dog wearing a colorful 'Stay Calm' shirt lying on a tiled floor.
Two elderly men talking outdoors during a sunny event.
A happy man in colorful accessories enjoys an outdoor event.
Two men smiling and posing with thumbs up in a festive outdoor setting.
A smiling couple enjoying time outdoors at a social gathering.
A smiling monk holding a drink and talking to a seated woman.
Four friends smiling at a rooftop gathering with food and drinks.
Two people engaged in a serious conversation indoors.
Two smiling adults sitting outdoors, showing LGBTQ+ pride symbols.
Three people engaged in a lively conversation around a table outdoors.
An elderly couple posing outdoors, smiling gently at the camera.
Rainbow flag with 'United in Love' sign on a table outdoors.
Two older women smiling together at a casual outdoor gathering.
Two men enjoying drinks and conversation at an outdoor social event.
Two people warmly embracing at a social gathering.
Group of friends toasting with drinks outdoors at a festive gathering.
Smiling man wearing sunglasses and a colorful shirt outdoors.
Smiling person holding a pink drink outdoors under a yellow umbrella.
A young man smiling and holding a red drink at a social gathering.
Person smiling, wearing a 'Thank You For' shirt, holding a drink.
A pink tub with bottles of drinks chilling on ice outdoors.
Four wine bottles on ice in a bright pink container outdoors.
People participating in a colorful craft activity with beads and string.
Smiling man wearing a black t-shirt with colorful text and a cross necklace.
Person smiling, holding a red drink, wearing a colorful pride shirt and glasses.
Two women sitting outdoors enjoying a meal together.
Man wearing a rainbow fist t-shirt at an outdoor event.
People gather outdoors with a rainbow flag and balloons at an event.
People gather at an outdoor market near a historic church with a green steeple.
Man smiling and making an 'L' hand sign at an outdoor event.
An elderly woman touches a man's chest amidst a lively outdoor crowd.
Colorful watercolor artwork of a cocktail with citrus fruit and a quote about Meredith's Hurricane.
Two men smiling and holding drinks outdoors in a city setting.
Two men smiling, one wearing a rainbow-themed shirt, enjoying a party.
Man in a black polo shirt sitting outdoors near plants and flowers.
Group of people socializing around a table at an outdoor event.
Smiling elderly couple posing outdoors on a sunny day.
Smiling man in plaid shirt stands near a rainbow pride flag at an outdoor event.
Man in blue shirt gesturing while seated at an outdoor table.
People dressed in colorful and thematic costumes at a social gathering.
A smiling woman with headphones around her neck, wearing a colorful headband.
Three friends smiling outdoors with greenery behind them.
Three people smiling in front of a historic church steeple in an urban setting.
Two friends smiling closely together outdoors.
A man holding a baby girl dressed in white.
Three friends smiling in front of a large rainbow pride flag outdoors.
People socializing outdoors near a building with plants and a microphone stand.
Two men enjoying cake and drinks at a casual gathering with yellow balloons.
A group of five people chatting under a yellow umbrella at an outdoor table.
Two elderly people cooking outdoors on a grill with various condiments nearby.
Three men standing together outdoors, dressed in colorful casual and semi-formal attire.
Group enjoying a casual outdoor meal at a round table.
Three men smiling under a yellow umbrella at an outdoor event.
A woman with glasses sitting and smiling indoors near a window with greenery outside.
Smiling woman with curly hair at a colorful outdoor gathering.
Three men enjoying an outdoor gathering under autumn trees.
Three people smiling with a rainbow pride flag in the background at an outdoor event.
Three people smiling with pink balloons and a rainbow flag outdoors.

Photos by Keith Kemp, all rights reserved.

The Pastor’s Corner – July 2, 2023

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, May the Lord give you peace.

I thank everyone who participated in the Pre-Pride mass last weekend. It was a great celebration of the Lord’s love for all. Special thanks to the musicians, dancer, lectors, Ministers of the Eucharist, and Ministers of Hospitality. The participation was beautiful. We are indeed blessed by the richness of our community.

We have been asked to raise $73,000.00 for the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal. We have pledged $40,000.00 to date. Please consider your means and be as generous as you are able. This appeal supports Catholic Charities and the Gospel’s mission in the Archdiocese.

Last week we hosted a Job Fair. Thank you, Fr. Julian, and all who made this possible. The line outside of San Damiano Hall was amazing. I hope that the folks seeking employment will be successful. I met with a man last Sunday who is struggling to find work. He has moved from city to city and has been unsuccessful in finding anything. Please keep all who are seeking employment in your prayers.

The Gospel this weekend reminds us of our care for the homeless and all who are in need. The Lord recognizes as blessed all who gives even a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty. In recognizing the humanity of the person, we receive Christ. As surely as we receive the Lord in the Eucharist, we receive him in the person who is in need. We are blessed indeed.

I visited St. Petersburg last week and met with the friars there. Frs. Jerome Massimino, Joseph Hertel, Anthony Carrozzo, Kevin Tortorelli, and Vincent Laviano send their best. I do not yet have a departure date. I thank you for this short time that I have been with you. You have blessed my life.

Peace and all Good,

Fr. Tom, ofm

United in Love: Pre-Pride Festive Mass

Join us for our annual
United in Love Pre-Pride festive Mass
Saturday | June 24 | 4:00 p.m.

 

“Inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ,
and rooted in the charism of St. Francis of Assisi,
we actively welcome all people.”

This is the first declaration in our parish mission statement. It is how our community at St. Francis thinks and acts.

We are again celebrating this welcome to all people at our United in Love Pre-Pride Festive Mass.
This is a Weekend of Prayer for and with our LGBT Brothers and Sisters.

We take this opportunity each year for our whole parish community to remember that the Lord invited all people to follow him, regardless of race, ethnicity, economic background, gender or sexual orientation.

It is also an opportunity when we can invite to Mass any of our friends who many not feel welcome at the table of the Lord for whatever reason, but especially if they are gay or lesbian. Take the opportunity to bear witness to the unconditional love of God by reaching out and inviting back a brother or sister who hasn’t been home in a while.

Click here for more information about our LGBT ministry

The Pastor’s Corner – June 25, 2023

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, May the Lord give you peace.

Months ago, as we reflected on our conversations regarding the Synod and then read the report, we noticed that concern for the LGBTQ community was clearly expressed. Our community raised the concern and was affirmed to see it in the Report from Pope Francis.

This Saturday at 4:00 PM, we host our annual Pre-Pride Mass. This inclusive celebration precedes the Pride celebrations in the city. We are blessed to be home to many LGBTQ members. Last week’s New York Times noted that we, together with the Jesuits of St. Francis Xavier and the Paulist Fathers at St. Paul’s, recognize the grace of the Body of Christ that is welcoming and affirming of God’s many gifts. Please join us in this celebration. We are indeed blessed by all who pass through our doors.

It is always interesting to consider the Gospels after we have been immersed in the Easter/Pentecost experience. In Matthew’s Gospel today, we hear Jesus proclaim that he will deny anyone who denies him. And then we remember Peter, who denied Jesus on the eve of his death, and then Peter is charged to continue the mission. Paul’s letter this weekend says, “But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one, the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.”

God’s grace transforms us all. The gift of Jesus is reconciliation and healing for all. In his resurrection, Jesus affirms God’s love. There is no condemnation. He offers healing and a charge to continue the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. It is all the more pressing that having been reconciled or, as Paul noted last week, justified, we deepen our commitment to discipleship.

As I write this, I am in Florida getting acquainted with the ministry here and the many people who help to support our senior friars. It is hot! I will keep you posted on the timeline for the arrival of Fr. Joe and my departure. It has been a privilege to have had this short time with you. I thank you.

Blessings and peace,

Fr. Tom, ofm

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