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The Pastor’s Corner – April 30, 2023

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace.

I ask your prayers this weekend for 3 young friars, James Bernard, Steven Kuehn, and Aaron Richardson, who were ordained priests on Saturday. They professed their Solemn Vows here at St. Francis last year. We are blessed to have these young friars ministering in our Province. I ask for your prayers for them and thanksgiving to God for them. The ordination is in Silver
Spring, MD, at St. Camillus Church.

The Gospel this weekend affirms Jesus as the gate of the sheepfold. He is the way. He is the shepherd who knows his sheep. The scriptures are replete with images of the shepherd. From the very beginning of Genesis, we learn that Abel, the brother of Cain, was a shepherd. Moses was tending the flocks when he saw the burning bush; David was a shepherd in the field when the prophet came to anoint him, king. In the prophets, we hear of kings and priests who shepherded the people badly. In Ezekiel, we hear that God, as God, will shepherd them, nurturing them, binding up their wounds, leading them to places of rest and water. The bad shepherds placed heavy burdens on the sheep and used them for themselves. They grew fat on the lamb’s meat, kept warm while the sheep were exposed to the elements, and were not attentive to their needs.

Jesus the Good Shepherd, the gate of the sheepfold, fulfills Ezekiel’s prophecy. He came to lead the sheep, God’s community, into freedom. His ministry was healing, nurturing, seeking out the lost, and creating a new vision of God’s loving-kindness. As we have celebrated Easter together, we remember the mission of Jesus. We hold fast to His Word and presence. We continue to be fed at his table and as members of his body. Our mission is to continue to do what he has done. In John’s Gospel, chapter 21, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”. Peter affirms his love for Jesus. Three times he is asked, and three times he affirms. After each of his affirmations, Jesus charges him to be the shepherd who tends and feeds his lamb, his sheep.

Like Peter, we affirm our love for Jesus, accept the commission to shepherd one another, and seek out the lost and broken. We create a safe space for all who are called.

Thank you for your hospitality, your care for all who come to our doors, and your living the Gospel in your own unique way. We are blessed and enriched by the wonders of God present in our midst.

Blessings,

Fr. Tom, ofm

A look back at Holy Week 2023

During Holy Week, and especially during the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter) we remember the salvation the Lord gained for us through his passion and resurrection.

Here is a look back at the some of the moments of our celebrations of these saving events here at St. Francis.  Photos and videos are included:

Palm Sunday:

Religious procession with clergy in ceremonial robes inside a church.
People engaged in a lively conversation inside a building.
Person in white robe holding decorated cross in church ceremony.
A woven basket with long grass placed on a chair beside a black crate.
Four women sitting around a table with long pasta and a cake.

 

The Sacred Triduum

Holy Thursday:

Two empty glasses and a white container on a countertop with plants nearby.
Clergy member incenses church congregation during service.
A woman in a blue coat and black mask attends a crowded indoor event.
A large audience attentively seated in a church during an event.
A person in white washing another's feet in a solemn setting.
A priest washes a woman's foot during a religious ceremony.
A woman washes another woman's feet in a peaceful setting.
Two women seated on black folding chairs inside a church.
A man washes a woman's feet in a religious setting.
A man in white religious attire stands beside a seated woman indoors.
A monk kneeling, washing feet in a religious setting with others assisting.
People preparing equipment in a modern indoor space.
A man in religious attire washes a woman's feet in a ceremonial setting.
A man receives a blessing while kneeling in a church.
A priest holding a golden chalice on an ornate altar inside a church.
Priest performing a religious ceremony at an altar.
Two people dressed in white robes walking in a busy street market.
Priest walking during a solemn indoor religious ceremony with white floral arrangements.
A religious ceremony with a priest and worshippers surrounded by candles and flowers.
A religious ceremony with clergy and floral decorations.
A religious ceremony with priests and a congregation around altar flowers.
A religious ceremony with a golden chalice and lit candles on a white altar.
A person in religious attire holding a large lit candle during a ceremony.
Golden chalice on a decorated altar surrounded by white flowers.

 

Good Friday:

A large crowd attentively seated inside a cathedral with stained glass windows.
A person lying on the floor wrapped in a red and white cloth.
Two clergymen in ceremonial robes standing inside a church.
A woman speaking at a podium in a church with ornate decorations.
A man passionately singing in a church with a book in hand.
String quartet performing in an ornate, classical hall.
A priest in red leads a church ceremony with young participants.
Two young men holding a large wooden cross inside a church.
Three men holding a large wooden cross in a church filled with seated people.
A man holding a wooden cross in a crowded indoor gathering.
People attentively listening in a meeting or seminar.
A person dances joyfully in a crowded church aisle.
A priest blesses a man holding a large wooden cross during a church service.
People gathered around a long didgeridoo inside a church.
A woman kneels to receive a blessing in a church ceremony.
People interacting in an indoor public space with marble floors.

 

 

The Great Vigil of Easter:

During the Easter Vigil our elect, Victoria, Olivia, Merve and Claire were baptized and received Confirmation along with our Candidates for Full Communion and Confirmation: Arnie, Ruth and Mitch.  Our community rejoices with those who are now full members of the Catholic Church. Their commitment and their new witness to Christ strengthens and renews our spirit during this Easter season. Congratulations!

A group photo of diverse adults and children in casual and uniform attire indoors.
A mystical archway illuminated with purple and pink lights, surrounded by plants.
A fiery torch illuminates a dark room with stained glass windows.
People gathered indoors with a person holding a torch, creating a warm, dramatic atmosphere.
A woman in a white hat stands by a flame at an outdoor night event.
Religious ceremony with priests and congregation inside a church.
Religious ceremony with a priest holding a flaming torch indoors.
People holding candles during a solemn religious ceremony.
Clergy and altar servers holding candles during a solemn church ceremony.
A priest holds a candle during a solemn church service at night.
People holding lit candles in a solemn indoor gathering.
Woman illuminated by colorful lights at a nighttime event.
Woman speaking at a conference with attentive audience members.
A man speaks at a podium during a formal event with another man in the background.
Man in suit speaking at a glowing podium during an event.
A man in a floral jacket speaking at a podium with colorful background.
A speaker addressing an audience from a podium with a microphone in a dimly lit setting.
Man in green sweater speaking at illuminated podium during night event.
People holding candles during a solemn indoor ceremony.
A person speaking at a glowing podium during an event.
A woman in a red coat reads at a glowing podium outdoors at night.
Young man lighting a candle at a blue podium indoors.
People gathered in a church, standing in pews attentively.
Woman speaking at a church pulpit during a service.
A priest holding an open religious book during a ceremony.
A priest giving a sermon inside a church.
Man in checked suit reading at a podium in a formal setting.
Young women standing attentively in a church or chapel setting.
People gathered indoors, engaged in conversation or activity.
Priest performing a religious ceremony surrounded by flowers and greenery.
A person having their hair washed in a serene, colorful setting.
Woman enjoying a relaxing hand massage at a spa.
A child receives a blessing from a priest during a religious ceremony.
A woman adjusting a priest’s robe during a church ceremony.
Woman joyfully pouring water over her head outdoors.
Bride and groom preparing for wedding ceremony.
Woman washing her face with water splashing.
Two women warmly greeting each other in a church setting.
People dressed formally attending an indoor event.
A man takes a selfie with two young women in an indoor setting.
People in white robes walking down the aisle in a church.
Young women in white robes participating in a solemn ceremony.
People standing in a formal event, dressed in elegant attire.
A group of people in ceremonial attire gathered outdoors, possibly for a wedding or religious event.
A couple participates in a wedding ceremony with a priest and guests.
A priest blessing a man during a religious ceremony with family members watching.
Priest giving communion to a man during a church service.
A priest elevates the Eucharist during a Catholic Mass ceremony.
A priest conducts a religious ceremony at a decorated altar inside a church.
People in prayer at a religious service inside a church.
A joyful couple and priest during a church ceremony.
A formal event with four people near a golden altar in a church.
A joyful wedding ceremony with the bride, groom, and officiants exchanging vows.
A man receiving communion from a priest during a religious ceremony.
Man in blue suit drinks water at formal event.
Young man passionately speaking into a microphone.
Two people enjoying a drink in a lush garden setting.
Women dressed in white robes during a church ceremony.
Priests and congregation attending a church service.
Musicians joyfully playing drums and percussion in a lively setting.
A lively indoor gathering with a performer engaging a large audience.

The Pastor’s Corner – April 23, 2023

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace.

Happy Easter! Our celebration of the Lord’s resurrection continues!

As you gaze around the church, you will see the Stations of the Cross, and below the traditional Stations, we have the Easter Stations. Each one reflects the experience of the Lord’s resurrection. We pray these stations together each Friday at the noon and 5:30 PM masses. You can join with the Livestream at noon if you like. It is also possible to pray these stations privately. We are all invited to prayerful reflection on the mystery of God’s incredible love for us in Jesus. You will also find banners at the 32nd street entrance to the church noting a
phrase from the Gospel for each of the Sundays of Easter.

We are invited to reflect on the disciples’ journey to and from Emmaus this Sunday. This beautiful text from the Lucan gospel invites us to consider our own journey. Many people are disappointed in their experience of church, as Cleopas and his companion were disappointed in the seeming failure of Jesus’ mission. They had hoped that he was the one who would fulfill the promise of God for them. They debate and struggle with their disillusionment. Jesus comes to meet them in their struggle. They are so preoccupied with their thoughts that they do not recognize him. He asks them to tell him about their struggles. When he has heard them, he retells the story for them. He tells them of God’s faithfulness and the hope in God that has been a constant theme of the scriptures. Still, they do not recognize the love of God in their midst. Finally, they recognize him in the shared meal, in the breaking of the bread. Enlightened, they return to Jerusalem.

Many people are disillusioned in their experience of Church. Many have walked away. We are blessed that Jesus comes to meet us even as we have thrown our hands up in despair. He walks among us. In our realization of the failures of discipleship, he lives. The Spirit given to us calls us to newness of life. Cleopas and companion return to Jerusalem transformed. They are not the same as they were when they left. So, it is with our sisters and brothers who are journeying away. They call us to transformation and renewal of life. The hope of return is always there, but not a return to former ways of knowing and being. Their journey and encounter are liberating. Jesus expanded the imagination and the understanding of God’s presence for the disciples. This Easter celebration is our opportunity to remember our encounters with God’s presence and to be set free from limited ways of knowing, a faith that constrains, and the infantilization of just following the rules.

Finally, I get regular letters from the Cardinal’s Stewardship Appeal. We are well short of our $71,000 goal. Please do what you can do. I do not ask that you pledge beyond your means. While there is a financial goal, there is also a participatory goal. We would like to have a greater number of donors, even giving small amounts, to reach that goal.

Thank you for sharing your journey in discipleship with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

Peace,

Fr. Tom, ofm

The Pastor’s Corner – April 16, 2023

Dear Community and Friends of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi,

May the Lord give you peace.

Happy Easter! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Easter is fifty days! We have just begun our celebration. Blessings and thanks to all who were able to join us for the Sacred Triduum.

Special thanks to:

the musicians under Meredith’s direction.

They were outstanding. The music brought us into the depth of the experiences of each day.

Our countless volunteers under Ed’s direction:

Lectors proclaimed the Word with grace and dignity.
Hospitality ministers graciously greeted and assisted participants (and took up the collection).
Altar servers provided graceful assistance for the liturgies.
Good Friday Cross bearers engaged us in the mystery of the cross.
Ministers of the Eucharist, like the early disciples, distributed the gifts.
Ministers of the Live-stream connection for many people.
Our sacristans made sure that we were prepared for each celebration.
Our foot washers and assistants.

Our RCIA team, under Joe’s direction:

Nurtured the journey of our newly baptized members and members received into the church.
Worked throughout the year to support all seeking Communion with us.
Allowing themselves to be transformed in the journey.
Assisted in decorating the Church on Holy Saturday afternoon.

Our maintenance crew!

Set up the pool and all the major pieces needed for each celebration.
Made the Church and Hall welcoming spaces for us.

Finally, my brothers, the friars, for their presence and affirmation of the Franciscan vision of God’s great love for us.

All of you who came to watch and pray.

You are the great gift of God for the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. It was amazing to see so many people. Everyone was engaged and actively participating. We had visitors from around the world and from around the city. All giving praise to God.

Alleluia! This was just the beginning. We are on our way to Pentecost opening our hearts to the wonders of the Holy Spirit already given yet being fanned into flame anew as we give thanks for the gift of God in Jesus. In love, he gave himself for us. In love, he was raised for us. In love, he breathed the Holy Spirit upon us forever! Alleluia! Let us celebrate with lives of praise.

Blessings of Easter,
Fr. Tom, ofm

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