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.

Following up to our wonderful Pride Mass and reception on Saturday, June 28, we invite you to a new event. Patrick Pacheco, an Emmy Award winning writer, author, journalist and film producer will deliver an inspirational talk entitled “Broadway Believes in Pride Month.” The focus of this talk will celebrate Pride Month with references and images from poignant Broadway plays that sensitively and insightfully treats the LGBTQ+ community in New York City.

Mr. Pacheco is a gifted speaker who will follow up his talk with a question and answer period. Afterwards, there will be an informal reception. This event will take place on Tuesday evening, July 15 at 6:30 pm in the Francis Room of the Parish House.

For more information, please contact Father Brian at bjordan@stfrancisnyc.org or call him at 212-736-8500 extension 232. All are invited!

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!

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.

Click here for more information about our LGBT ministry

Dear brothers and sisters,

Greetings!

As friends of St. Anthony, you and I belong to a great community or communion of saints. It is a long-standing tradition that the saints in Heaven have interceded for us on earth, and we in turn honor them, seeking their prayers and guidance. Among these holy men and women, we have St. Anthony, one of the most beloved saints of all time.

St. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal on August 15, 1195, and died in Padua, Italy on June 13, 1231. St. Anthony was a gifted preacher and theologian; he became one of the most revered saints in the Church and was given the title “Wonder-Worker Saint” and “Doctor of the Church” for his intercession has been sought by millions over the centuries, and countless miracles have been attributed to him, and for his profound knowledge of Scripture and powerful preaching.

No single country can claim St. Anthony as their own—neither the people of Italy nor the people of Portugal can claim him exclusively. St. Anthony is the Saint of the Whole World—a universal saint for a universal Church. Like St. Francis of Assisi, and in our time, Mother Theresa, St. Anthony was a peacemaker who followed St. Francis as an instrument of peace, helper of the poor and finder of lost things, speaks to the universal human experience of seeking guidance, compassion, and hope. His deep love for Christ and the poor continues to inspire people worldwide.

Anywhere in the world, you will find Christians praying to St. Anthony for help with life’s troubles and challenges–especially when searching for things they have lost. Devotion to St. Anthony is deeply woven into the life of the Church and at the heart of the Franciscan mission. Visit any Catholic church, and you will likely find a statue or stained-glass window of St. Anthony, along with the Way of the Cross, a devotion popularized by the Franciscans.                                             

A Very Special Request

As we celebrate this joyous feast, we also turn to you with an urgent request. This year, we must address the significant cost of retrofitting our gas and electric control systems due to rising utility expenses across our three parish buildings. These upgrades are essential to ensuring the continued ministry and mission of our parish. 

Your generosity has always sustained us, and we need your help now more than ever. Please consider making a generous gift to this year’s St. Anthony’s Appeal. Your donation will help us meet these challenges and secure a promising future for our parish community.

On behalf of the Franciscan Friars and staff of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, we thank you for your unwavering support and wish you a blessed and joyous Feast of St. Anthony! We hope to see you on Friday, June 13 to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony, click here to view the schedule. If you would like special intentions in my prayers and those of the Franciscan Friars, please click here (insert link) to complete the form.                                                                              

With gratitude and prayers,

Father Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor

P.S. We invite you to light a Tribute Candle. Remember your loved one or special intention in a meaningful way! The Church of St. Francis of Assisi invites you to light a candle in the Shrine of St. Anthony in the Lower Church for a full year. Each candle will have a personalized plaque (2” x 1”) displayed beneath it, inscribed with the name of your loved one or intention. The annual offering is $200 per candle. Through your gifts, we provide a place of prayer, guidance, and service for all who seek hope and renewal. Thank you for being a part of our mission and for helping us bring the love of Christ to all. For more information, please call the Development Office at 212-736-8500, Ext. 307.