Coming to Terms: A Search for Identity and Meaning
Coming to Terms: A Search for Identity and Meaning
Instructor: Sr. Fran McManus RSM
Meetings: Thursdays 12:30-1:30 PM on ZOOM
July 10-August 21, 2025 (no meetings July 31 and August 7)
Fee: $60.00
In this 5-week course we will consider three novels: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson, a novel that deals with race, class and passing, The Listener by Taylor Caldwell, an episodic novel about strangers who come to tell their story to an ever attentive anonymous listener and Mariette in Ecstasy by Ron Hansen, the story of a young postulant whose spirituality and personality raise concern among some of the other nuns. The first class will provide an introduction to the three authors and the course theme; we will discuss James Weldon Johnson’s poem, “The Creation,” https://poets.org/poem/creation.
All books are available in digital and print formats; Johnson’s book can be downloaded from Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11012.
Use form below to register and pay for the course. You may also register and make payment at the Hospitality Desk.
Action Alert – Urge Governor Hochul to VETO Bill A136
This action alert comes from the New York State Catholic Conference which calls for the opposition to New York State Bill A136 which relates to the medical aid in dying act.
The New York State Catholic Conference states:
“Physician-assisted suicide legislation has passed in both the NY Senate and Assembly. Our only hope is Governor Hochul vetoing the bill.
Bill A136 will allow physicians to prescribe lethal doses of medication for the express purpose of ending a patient’s life. Governor Hochul needs to hear from her constituents if we hope to avoid yet another assault on human life here. Assisted suicide is dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Suicide is not medical care.
Contact Governor Hochul’s office today to voice your opposition on this dangerous and deadly practice!”
Deadline is Friday, June 20, 2025 for Governor Hochul to take action.
You’re Invited to Our Summer Parish Picnic!
Come celebrate the season with us at our Summer Parish Picnic—a joyful day of community, connection, and summer fun for all ages!
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: Picnic starts at 12:30 PM
Venue: Riverbank State Park 145th Street (a permit has been obtained for this event)
Join us for a relaxing afternoon by the water filled with great food, laughter, and memories in the making. Please bring your own delicious food, snacks, cold drinks and sweet treats for yourself or to share. Come spend some time together re-connecting under the sun with lawn games, music, and plenty of time to unwind. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Whether you’re a longtime parish member or new to the community, this is a perfect chance to reconnect with the community and celebrate all the blessings of summer together. We can’t wait to see you there!
This is a true BYO Event!
United in Love: Pre-Pride Festive Mass
Join us for our annual United in Love Pre-Pride festive Mass
Saturday | June 28 | 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.
AFTER MASS CELEBRATION OPEN TO ALL
It has been our long tradition to have a celebration on the roof of the Francis House after this Mass for our LGBT+ Ministry (or in the San Damiano Hall in case of inclement weather). This year, for the first time, we are opening this gathering to the entire parish community to make this truly a celebration of the inclusive love of our Church of St. Francis of Assisi community. All are welcome to this celebration. Please use the form below to sign up.
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