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Come and bring your intentions to Mary, Untier of Knots after our weekday Masses Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (7:30am & 5:30pm) and Friday.

This holyday of obligation begins with the Vigil Mass on Thursday, August 14 at the 5:30 pm Mass and continue on Friday, August 15 at the 7:30 am; 12 noon and 5:30 pm Masses. Please note that the Friday 5:30 pm Mass will take place in the Lower Church.

Correction — parish offices will be open on Friday, August 15. We apologize for any confusions our previous communications may have caused.

Celebrate with us the Feast of St. Clare on Monday, August 11 as we lift our hearts in prayer and gratitude for her shining example of Franciscan joy and faith. Masses in the Upper Church at 7:30am, 12pm, and 5:30pm.

The following is Father Brian Jordan’s remarks for the August 10th Bulletin dedicated to St. Clare.

The Feast of St. Clare of Assisi is Monday, August 11. We will also observe her charism during this weekend of August 9 and 10. St. Clare was born on July 16, 1194 in the same birthplace as St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. She died on August 11, 1253 also in Assisi at age 59. St. Clare offers two magnificent lessons: 

First, the recognition of how important women are in particular both in the Franciscan story and her role in the Catholic Church. Although a contemporary of Francis of Assisi, St. Clare was the first female founder of a religious order who was allowed by the hierarchy to write her own Rule for the Poor Clare Sisters. That was extraordinary at that time. St. Clare founded a contemplative order, was an accomplished writer, a compassionate spiritual director, and a role model for women.

Second, St. Clare’s importance stems from the fact that she was the recipient of a powerful charism of her own­—a gift bestowed by the Holy Spirit of the Lord and given to her in a fullness and forcefulness that was hers alone. She was a counselor to many Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, and fellow female religious.

Her story shows us what matters is not the effort to “draw down” from the spiritual wealth of others whom we admire as though only a supplicant’s sharing of another’s gift can make us good. What she shows us is that we need only have the courage to unlock what is within us, to spend our days powered by the graced anointing that we already possess.

Her insightful writings contain many beautiful and meaningful quotes that have been shared throughout the centuries. May I cite a few quotes:

1. “We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.” COMPASSION
2. “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.”  VOCATION
3. “What you hold may you always hold. What you do, may you always do and never abandon.” MINISTRY
4. “Let the love you have in your hearts be shown outwardly in your deeds.” MEDITATION
5. “God will be your helper and best consoler.” CONSOLATION
6. “May neither bitterness nor a cloud of sadness overwhelm you.” MATURITY

Please join us from August 9 to August 11 to celebrate the female face of the Franciscan charism!

Celebrate the Fall Season with Us!

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, the Converge@St. Francis Ministry is excited to welcome you to a season full of fun, connection, and community spirit. We look forward to sharing this vibrant season with you through events that inspire, engage, and bring us together.

Mark your calendars—here’s what’s coming up this fall!

• September 28: FrancisFest
• October 2: Canticle of Creatures
• Starting October 8: Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month: Rosary Group
• October 9, 16, and 23: Fall Book Club
• Starting October 16: Every 3rd Thursday of the Month: Holy Hour
• October 30: Cabrini Film Showing
• November 16: Friendsgiving

The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) at St. Francis of Assisi for 2025-2026 will host its first meeting on Tuesday, September 16. If you’re curious about becoming Catholic or looking to go through the OCIA process, click here to learn about the OCIA program at the parish and to sign-up for additional information.