Dear Friends of St. Francis of Assisi,

Easter is the longest of the liturgical seasons and arguably its most important. From the sacred Triduum through Pentecost, the church invites us to journey with the suffering and risen Christ, witnessing to the reality of our world. We do this liturgically by renewing our baptism of faith and by sharing in the fifty days of the paschal Eucharist in the season called the “mystagogia.” This long Easter season calls us to reshape and refocus our own sense of mission in our contemporary world.

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of St. Francis (Franciscan Jubilee Year) from January 10, 2026, to January 2027, marking the 800th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis – October 3, 1226. This time focuses on spiritual renewal, peace, and a plenary indulgence for visiting Franciscan churches. A plenary indulgence is a special grace granted by the Church to those who detach themselves from sin, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, pray for the Pope, and perform a specific act, such as visiting a church, Eucharistic adoration, or reading Scripturein quiet meditation.

Here at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, we are truly grateful for your ongoing prayers and extraordinary generosity. We need both your prayer and financial support. Without them, we cannot possibly move forward in our faith-filled journey together in Jesus Christ.

Mosaic of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi

I am asking you to be extra generous in your contribution to our Easter Appeal 2026.

Why 2026?

2026 is a pivotal year for our parish. It is a time when we intend not only to maintain what we have but also to strengthen it for years to come, and to reshape and refocus our mission to serve God and the People of God by being a vibrant place of worship, service, and hospitality through the charism of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis of Assisi often preached and wrote about the spiritual renewal of both the Church and humanity. In a world facing danger and uncertainty, we need to pray and seek peaceful resolutions to complex problems and situations.

WE are Easter people! St. Clement of Alexandria wrote about Easter morning, “Christ has turned all our sunsets into dawns.” We are called to rise to the occasion as Easter people. I humbly request that you be extra generous through this Easter Appeal. Energy costs have risen dramatically, and we need your “rise” in generosity to help defray these enormous expenses.
Easter reminds us that new life is possible through Christ. Your gift to the Easter Appeal is a powerful way to share in that promise –supporting our parish mission, caring for our facilities, and helping continue to proclaim the Gospel with hope and joy.

George Carey summed it up best when he wrote of Easter, “Let no one rob us of our birthright that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was a real event. He was raised physically to life, and we shall be raised physically to that new life in God.”

On behalf of the Franciscan friars, our parish staff, our parish council, and our parish finance council, we invite you to walk together in faith and thank you for your prayers and generosity!

Know that we are praying for you and your most special intentions throughout this holy season of rebirth!

I wish you all a Blessed and Holy Easter season!

Fr. Brian Jordan, OFM Pastor

Please use the form below to make your Easter gift.