The St. Francis Knitters are a group of volunteers who make knitted and crocheted items for the guests of the St. Francis Breadline and others in need of a warm hat or scarf.

They welcome new members to join in the ministry, even if you can only work from home. If you are interested, please contact Edward Trochimczuk, Director of Volunteers, at 212-736-8500, Ext. 361, or [email protected].

The Knitters are also looking for donations of dark colored yarn which you can drop o at the reception desk in the lobby.

Jesus has has ascended to the Father and he has told us that we can do the works that he did and “will do greater ones than these.” It is interesting to hear these words at this time when we are getting ready to slow down our pace because summer is nearly here; however, these are encouraging words to remember as we live our Christian lives “in season and out of season.” Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus prays for us: “I pray for them.” Jesus wants our day to day actions, words, and deeds to reject him and his nearness to us. Let’s remember that Jesus’ words are as valid and helpful to us today as they were to his early followers.

On Monday, we observe Memorial Day. At times it seems to get lost in the beginning of the summer season and in the sales that we see advertised. I am sure that each one of us has friends or relatives we would like to remember on this day who gave their lives during a war or conflict. We think of their families who have tried to move on with their lives without a loved one. Say a prayer for them today and say one frequently.

This summer we will being renovating the church elevator. We do not have a starting date yet, but the renovation may take 6 to 8 weeks and we won’t be able to use it during this time. The renovation will cost almost $120,000 but the elevator is 20 years old and breaks down frequently. We already have over $23,000 in donations, so we have a good start.

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M

“Just as the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill’ sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say ‘thou shalt not’ to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills.

How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses two points? This is a case of exclusion. Can we continue to stand by when food is thrown away while people are starving? This is a case of inequality. Today everything comes under the laws of competition and the survival of the  fittest, where the powerful feed upon the powerless. As a consequence, masses of people nd themselves excluded and marginalized without work, without possibilities, without any means of escape.”

Today’s second reading from the first letter of Peter says: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope…” In the midst of so much that is cruel and negative in our world, we know that our faith makes a difference. We don’t go around with our heads in the sand, but we know that Jesus came into the world to save us by dying and rising from the dead. The Holy Spirit was sent to make sure that we had what we needed to show forth the love of God. As the Gospel tells us, Jesus “will not leave us orphans.” The message of these final weeks of the Easter Season will continue to reinforce this promise of Jesus. Take some time to let this message sink in.

Don’t forget the Korean Bazaar that is being held this Sunday. It is so closeby – just head east on 31st Street, cross 6th Avenue, and when you come to Broadway, you are there! Treat yourself! There are many dedicated Korean brothers and sisters waiting to have you taste their wonderful food. See you there!

In just two weeks, many of us Franciscans will be going to Siena College near Albany for our Provincial Chapter. This is held every three years and is an important gathering for us Friars. Please note that the church will be open as usual, but with a very modi ed schedule, so please check the schedule elsewhere in the bulletin or online.

Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

We wish all mothers a very happy Mother’s Day!

From Sunday, May 14, through Monday, May 22, we will remember at daily Mass all mothers, living and deceased, in our Mother’s Day Novena.

We take this special occasion to say “thank you” and pray that God will always cherish those who gave us life.

Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment

“In our time humanity is experiencing a turning-point in its history, as we can see from the advances being made is so many fields. We can only praise the steps being taken to improve people’s welfare in areas such as health care, education and communications. At the same time we have to remember that the majority of our contemporaries are barely living from day to day, with dire consequences.

A number of diseases are spreading. The hearts of many people are gripped by fear and desperation, even in the so-called rich countries. The joy of living frequently fades, lack of respect for others, and violence are on the rise, and inequality is increasingly evident. It is a struggle to live and, often, to live with precious little dignity.

This epochal change has been set in motion by the enormous qualitative, quantitative, rapid and cumulative advances occurring the sciences and technology, and by their instant application in different areas of nature and of life. We are in an age of knowledge and information, which has led to new and often anonymous kinds of power.”

A Very Happy Mother’s Day!

Today’s Gospel gives us many memorable quotes: “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” “in my Father’s house there are many dwelling places,” and “I am the way the truth and the life,” and from the rst letter of Peter: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own.”This is what we have been given by Jesus; this gives us our identity. Christianity in its early years was called “The Way.” This was to protect the early Christians from persecution, but all of those who followed “The Way” knew what that meant. Through our celebration of Easter, we have recommitted ourselves to con- tinue our journey on “The Way.”

This week we join with the churches in our Parish Cluster – St. John the Baptist, Holy Cross, Holy Innocents, and Sts. Cyril and Methodius – for the Parish Mission titled “Revive: Faith Every Day.” Elsewhere in the bulletin is information of “Revive” with Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P., the speaker each evening. We are the host for these three evenings – Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Please join us along with our guests!

Next Sunday is the annual Korean Bazaar. There will be delicious Korean food, tables with items for sale, and many Korean specialties. It begins at 10 AM and goes through the afternoon until 5 PM on Broadway between 31st and 32nd Street. Don’t miss this annual event!

Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M