September 16, 2021

Dear Friends in Christ,

In two-and-a-half weeks, our parish will celebrate the kickoff of its 50^th anniversary as an archdiocesan parish, a major milestone that has crept up on us during this ongoing pandemic but one that should be joyfully celebrated, as safely as we can. COVID-19 remains very much a part of our lives and we are cognizant as a parish staff and 50^th Anniversary Planning Committee to plan events that provide an outdoor component, practice social distancing and safety, and offer fellowship and fun with care for our vulnerable parishioners in mind.

The first event coming up on the calendar is the St. Francis Feast Day and Parish Picnic, scheduled from 12:30-4 pm Sunday, October 3, on the parish grounds. Lunch will be catered by Simply Fresh and we will offer both limited indoor seating in the Parish Center, as well as space to picnic outside, weather permitting. Please bring your picnic blankets and portable chairs and stay for some outdoor fun, including crafts for the children and games run by members of the Knights of Columbus Council 2323. I will also offer a drive-by Blessing of the Animals at 3 pm; please pull up to the front of the church with your passenger side window rolled down, and I will gladly give your four-legged, feathered, and furry animals a blessing worthy of our patron saint.

Please RSVP by September 26 below for the Parish Picnic, but only if you have not filled out a paper response in the church. We are trying to get an accurate count of meals to serve, so we do not generate any waste.

In addition, I invite all parishioners to attend our Fall Ministry Retreat, featuring a talk by Dr. Susan Timoney, an associate professor of practice pastoral studies area at The Catholic University of America, who will speak on the topic of “Living as Missionary Disciples” from 10 am-12 pm Saturday, October 9. Dr. Timoney will introduce this document from the U.S. Bishops to our parishioners, focusing especially on the importance of forming intentional relationships. Depending on the state of the pandemic, we may offer this event in person, virtually on the Zoom platform, or in a hybrid format. Please RSVP below and we will keep registrants informed as to where the event will take place.

I also invite you to add two other dates on your calendar to bookend our anniversary celebration: on Sunday, May 29, 2022, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory will celebrate the 11:15 am Mass at our parish, commemorating the 50^th birthday of our parish on June 1. Then, the following Sunday, June 5, I am honored to celebrate the Anniversary Mass at 11:15 am, which will be followed by a Parish Festival in the church parking lot.

Come one and come all! Let us celebrate the half-century mark of our parish community and all the joy-filled and hopeful people who have come to know and love God here.

Have a blessed and wonderful week!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John