In this poetry workshop, we will experiment with fundamental elements of poetry, including line variations, sounds, images, diction and techniques of narrative and lyric poetry. Read more below…
There is good news for New York City: infection rates are way down and vaccination rates are over 60% for people over 18. The city has been downgraded from a “High” level of risk to a “moderate” level.* Last week the governor of New York removed most state mandated restrictions in the state.* The state has allowed individual organizations to continue to implement covid regulations that they believe best protects their people.
At St. Francis we have relaxed some covid regulations but we have maintained others.
Here are our current regulations:
We have kept these precautions in place to make people as safe as possible since we are a congregant setting where many people gather. We strongly encourage our parishioners and visitors who have not yet gotten vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
What have we relaxed as St. Francis:
The staff continues to keep an eye on the situation and we hope to further relax Covid restrictions if the city continues on the current trajectory with the pandemic. In the meantime we thank you all for your continued cooperation in keeping each other safe.
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* https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/new-york-city-new-york-covid-cases.html
* https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-covid-19-restrictions-lifted-70-adult-new-yorkers-have-received-first
As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’
Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence,* and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John.
And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. (Matthew 11:7-14)
Today is the feast of the Birth of John the Baptist. Jesus holds up John as one of the greatest in the history of salvation. John was a prophet who not only made the final preparations for the coming of Christ, but he also spoke out with great power against the evils of his own day. John was not afraid to speak out even against those in power who would eventually persecute and kill him.
Because of Pentecost and the decent of the Holy Spirit upon us, we are all called to be prophets. John provides a great model for us to follow. The Spirit calls us and empowers us too to welcome Christ into our world today and to bear witness to Him. The Spirit also empowers us, like John, to speak out against injustice, hatred, prejudice and all kinds of evil that cause suffering to God’s children and God’s creation.
-Joseph Nuzzi
Director of Evangelization
PS…
Interesting Catholic Trivia: There are only 3 actually birthdays on the Catholic liturgical calendar, and today, June 24th, the birth of John the Baptist is one of them. The other two are September 8th, the birth of the Blessed Mother, and of course, December 25th, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. All other saints’ days on the calendar are commemorations of the death of the saint.
::: PRE-PRIDE FESTIVE MASS :::
Saturday | June 26 | 5:30 p.m.
After a year of pandemic we are thrilled to invite everyone to our annual Pre-Pride United in Love celebration live in the Church (and on livestream)
LGBT+ or LGBT+ Ally… all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
::: ALL ARE WELCOME :::
Join Fr. Steve Patti, OFM on Thursday, June 24th from 7:00 to 8:30pm for this ZOOM presentation on the Canticle of the Creatures:
A Song of Praise for the Created World: Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Creatures” for Our Time.
Toward the end of his life, St. Francis of Assisi composed what is considered the first song/poem in the newly emerging Italian language, known to us as his “Canticle of the Creatures.” It is a hymn of praise for the created world, to the goodness of God’s creation, and nearly 800 years after its composition still speaks to us today of God’s creative goodness, and offers us insights into the deep, creation-centered spirituality of St. Francis.
In this 90-minute session, we will explore Francis’s Canticle: we will look at the background to its composition; we will look at the Canticle itself and Francis’s use of images in the Canticle; and we will have opportunities for questions and discussion.
Upon registration, you will be provided a Zoom link along with a link to the Canticle itself.
Presenter: Fr. Steven Patti, OFM
This is a free Adult Education summer lecture.
