The St. Benedict the Moor Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order is pleased to announce there will be a

Rite of Profession
during the 11 AM Mass
on Saturday March 13th.

Father Joseph Cavoto, OFM Spiritual Assistant to the Fraternity, will be the celebrant.

Alex Angeles, Mary Havey, and Cherylann Vescio, having completed three years of formation, will profess their permanent commitment to live the Gospel following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Following the Mass there will also be a Rite of Admission to the Fraternity for Joseph Lapponese, Paul Frediani, and Antonia Fusco, after which they will embark on their three-year journey towards profession.

This Mass may be attended in person in the church and it can also be seen live on our website at St. Francis Live or on our Facebook page.

This Lent, find hope and renewal with the Friars throughout the season by exploring the Lenten Sunday Gospels.  These scripture sharing groups will meet on zoom and groups begin February 23^rd

We are offering three options this Lent:

• • Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:00 PM – February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23
  • Wednesdays at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24
  • Wednesdays at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM – February 24 & March 3, 10, 17, 24

Please consider joining us.

To sign up fill out the form below.  Registration closes Sunday, February 21st.

The St. Francis of Assisi Adult Education center is hosting a Winter/Spring Semester in 2021.  The upcoming semester will be completely held on zoom.

Classes are posted online here:  www.stfrancisnyc.org/courses/

A Week of Prayer to Mary, Untier of Knots will be held from Monday to Friday, February 8-12, after the 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM Masses.

Here is the novena prayer for this week:

Introduction

The devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots was inspired by a painting created in 1700 for the Church of St. Peter am Perlach in Augsburg, Germany. In the image, Mary stands above a crescent moon, crushing a serpent under her foot. An angel passes a knotted white ribbon to Mary who unties knots in the ribbon. Another angel receives the smooth, unknotted portion.

Both the painting and the devotion to Mary, Untier of Knots, trace their roots to the second-century bishop, Saint Irenaeus of Lyons. Referring to Mary’s role as the Second Eve, Saint Irenaeus wrote that “the knot of Eve’s disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what Eve had bound fast through unbelief, thus did Mary set free through faith”  (Against Heresies).

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Let us pray for those who are having difficulty with the knots of their lives.

For those having marriage troubles, we pray: Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those beset by financial problems, we pray: Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those struggling to find employment, we pray: Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For thos

e suffering from illness, we pray: Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those dealing with loneliness, we pray: Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those burdened with fears and worries, we pray: Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those fighting addictions or behavioral problems, we pray: Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those suffering discord in their families, we pray… Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those overwhelmed by anguish or despair, we pray… Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those victimized by violence or neglect, we pray… Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those targeted by racism or discrimination, we pray… Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those struggling to let go of grudges, we pray… Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

For those seeking to make peace, we pray… Mary, Untier of Knots, pray for us.

N

ow with confidence in God who hears us and helps us in all our struggles, we ask Mary to join our prayer:

Holy Mary, full of the presence of God,

during your life you accepted with great humility

the holy will of the Father

and the legacy of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ.

Evil never entangled you with its confusion.

As you did the young couple at the wedding feast of Cana,

you have interceded for all of our difficulties

With simplicity and patience,

you have given us an example of how to untangle

the knots in our complicated lives.

By being our mother forever,

you arrange and make clear the path that unites us to Our Lord.

Holy Mary, Mother of God and our mother,

untie the knots that upset our lives.

Receive us into your hands,

as well as those for whom we pray,

and deliver us from the chains and confusion that restrain us.

Blessed Virgin Mary, through your grace, your intercession

and by your example, deliver us from evil,

and untie the knots that keep us from being united to God

so that free of all confusion and error,

we may find Him in all things,

keep Him in our hearts,

and serve Him always in our brothers and sisters.

Amen.

On Monday, January 18, 2021 our nation will commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We will have only one Mass.

Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM. (also available on Livestream) 

There will be no confessions, and the church offices will be closed for the day.*

(*please note: when the church offices are closed all ministry meetings, classes and self-help groups are suspended)

The UGNAYAN Filipino Ministry is having its January First Sunday Mass in the Upper Church on Sunday, January 3rd at 2:00 PM.

Please wear your masks, observe proper social distancing and sit on designated areas.

Thank you.

Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24th

Masses:  4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 11:00 PM (“midnight Mass”.)
The 11 PM Mass requires pre-registration on Eventbrite.  Registration is free and opens on Dec. 9th at noon.

Click HERE to register for our Midnight Mass.

Confession: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Christmas Day – Friday, December 25th

Masses:  8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM

no confessions

New Year’s Eve – Thursday, December 31st

Feast of Mary the Mother of God Vigil Mass:  5:00 PM

Confessions: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

New Year’s Day – Friday, January 1, 2021

Feast of Mary the Mother of God, Mass: 12:00 PM

no confessions

Here is a personal message from our Director of Music Ministries, Meredith Augustin to all of you who joined us online to watch Carols with the Choir:

Please join the Friars, members of our music ministry and Friends for a wonderful afternoon of music and prayer! ​

Let’s get digital! Staying connected to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi community looks a lot different these days and we are bringing our annual Carols with the Choir to you!

Carols With the Choir has been a tradition at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi for over 8 years! We will be hosting Carols with the Choir virtually, so you can participate from the comfort and safety of your home. We have an exciting program planned with music, comedy and a special song by our very own Father Barry Langely. The event will be hosted by everyone’s favorite, Father Michael Carnevale.

Host a gathering at your house, with those in your covid social bubble or plan to enjoy on your own from the comfort of your couch. Either way, we have beautiful afternoon for you to enjoy while you watch our awesome lineup of music. The best part is you don’t have to leave your house! We are excited to offer the Carols With the Choir concert at no charge as our gift to you. However, we hope you will consider making a free-will donation to help sustain everything we do here at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.