This message includes the following:
- Week at a Glance
- Change to Confession Times
- Bulletin Error
- The Power of the Rosary
- Confraternity of the Holy Rosary
- Catechism in a Year
- Youth News
- Formed for Kids
- Family Faith Formation
- Weekly Activity Prompt
- This Week on Formed
- Knights of Columbus Blood Drive
- Knights of Columbus Mardi Gras Dinner
- Landings
- Individual Prayer Ministry
- Spiritual Inventory
- That Man Is You
- Encounter School of Ministry
- Bereavement Group
- Concert for Uganda Missions * Cancelled*
- Year End Contribution Statements
- Care for Creation
- Justice and Mercy
- Spiritual Adoption
- Food Pantry Weekend
Calendar
Saturday, January 28:
- 4:30 Mass
- 6:30 Spanish Mass
Sunday, January 29:
- 8:30 Mass
- 9:45 Religious Education
- 11:00 Mass
Monday, January 30:
- 9:00 Mass
- 10:00 Bible Study
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 6:00 Craft Night
- 6:30 Spanish Baptism Class
- 7:00 Bible Study
Tuesday, January 31:
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 12:00 Communion Service
Wednesday, February 1:
- 10:00 Prayer Ministry Meeting
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 11:00 Altar Linen Luncheon, Marian Hall
- 11:30 Litany of St Joseph
- 12:00 Mass
- 1:00 Daniel Plan
- 6:00 RCIA
- 6:00 Spanish Mass
- 6:30 That Man is You: Meeting House
- 7:00 Confirmation Class and Parent Meeting
Thursday, February 2:
- 9:00 Mass
- 9:30 Parish Ministry Leaders
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 1:00 Care for Creation
- 2:00 Koffee Klatch
- 6:00 Landings
Friday, February 3:
- 9:00 Mass
- 10:00 Justice and Mercy
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 4:00 Grace Force
Adoration Hours
- MONDAY:9:45 AM to 11:00 AM
- WEDNESDAY:12:45 PM to 2:00
- FRIDAY:9:45 AM to 11:00 AM
Change to Confession Times
After weekday Mass,
Saturday 5:30—6:15,
Or By Appointment
Bulletin Error
Due to a computer glitch, the bulletin has the time for the Tuesday Communion Service listed incorrectly. It is scheduled for 12 noon every Tuesday unless otherwise noted. Thank you for your understanding while we work on fixing this issue in the program!
The Power of One Hail Mary
Confraternity of the Holy Rosary
This organization promotes the recitation of the Rosary. Many times, when we pray the Rosary, we wonder what good one Rosary does. Joining the Confraternity adds your one Rosary to millions of others being prayed at the same time. The only requirement is for a member to pray 3 Rosaries (15 decades) at any time during the week. At any given time, anywhere in the world, people will be praying with you! Your prayers are multiplied by millions. All you have to do is follow this link: https://dominicanconfraternity.org/rosary You will have to specify the region to get your certificate. We are in the New Orleans region.
Catechism In A Year
Are you participating in Father Mike Schmitz Catechism in a Year? It's not to late to start. Additionally, participants are invited to G and G Bakery on February 15th (Wednesday) to have lunch and a discussion with regard to the Catechism. The meeting will begin at 11:30 (or as soon as everyone has ordered their lunch) and go until about 1pm. If people are interested, this meeting will continue once a month until finished with the program.
To get started, you can follow the link: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayear
Formed for Kids
The Saints and Heroes Collection
Heroes of the Faith. The Stories of real-life Saints & Christian Heroes all come to life in CCC of America's award-winning animated film series. Featuring authentic role models today's child can truly believe in.
Family Faith Formation
Weekly Activity Prompts for January 29-February 4:
January 29th- 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today’s Gospel is on the Beatitudes. Discuss as a family which of the Beatitudes is most difficult. Pray together for God’s help in living out the Beatitudes in our daily lives.
January 30th-
Many saints in January were teachers! Learn a Bible verse or new prayer to teach others about your faith.
January 31st- St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco learned carnival tricks to put on shows and “charged” a decade of the Rosary for admission! Try to learn to juggle or a small magic trick and pray a decade of the Rosary together.
February 1st- St. Brigid of Ireland
“St. Brigid loved to wander the woods, befriending the animals.” Take a nature walk as a family or spread some birdseed in your yard.
February 2nd- The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)
Make a special dinner and eat by candlelight! Talk about how we can give more of ourselves to God and make God happy.
February 3rd- St. Blaise
St. Blaise lived at a time when many had never heard of Christianity. His kindness demonstrated the positive impact Christians can make. As a family, discuss ways in which being a christian has had a positive impact on your life.
February 4th- St. Veronica
While Jesus carried his cross, St. Veronica offered her veil to wipe his face. Think of ways you can help others in need today.
This week on Formed
Formed is a platform we have access to as a Parish that has many forms of media for you and your family to learn about our faith. To learn about some of the specials available this week, you can follow the following link: https://watch.formed.org/videos/this-week-on-formed-january-23-2023
Below, is just one example of the many films available on Formed. If you have trouble accessing Formed please email: communications@stfrancisblairsville.com
In this four-part series, Dr. Ben Akers and Dr. Christopher O. Blum sit down to discuss St. Francis de Sales, his best known work The Introduction to the Devout Life, and the character of a christian revealed through his life's witness and writings. We hope you enjoy this new series on an incredible counter-reformation saint who truly is a gift of God to the universal Church and from whom we can learn much today.
Knights of Columbus Blood Drive
K of C Sponsored Red Cross Blood Drive Scheduled for Saturday Feb. 4, 2023. Anyone eligible to donate may make an appointment on-line by going to this link:
Schedule a Blood, Platelet or Plasma Donation American Red Cross (redcrossblood.org). Power Red and Whole Blood are donatable products at our Blood Drive. Plasma donations are not currently possible.
We have many appointment times available.
The time for the Blood Drive is from noon to 5:00 PM. Set-up for the Blood Drive in Marian Hall will occur at 10:00 AM (on the same date). Replacement of chairs and tables will occur after the drive is completed and the Red Cross personnel have left - usually between 5:30 & 5:45 PM. Members of the Knights are asked to help before, and after the drive. Anyone else is welcome to help prepare the Marian Hall.
Knights of Columbus Mardi Gras Dinner
The Knights of Columbus will have their Mardi Gras Dinner Social in Marian Hall on Saturday, February 18 from 6:00-9:00 pm. Save the Date!
Landings
This past Spring, our parish began a new ministry called Landings, a program for inactive Catholics wanting to re-explore their Catholic faith. I am pleased to report that the initial sessions have been a success. Not just for those re-exploring their Catholics faith, but also for the active parishioners who composed the Landings teams! During the meetings the groups prayed together, laughed together, shared our faith journeys, and discussed our Catholic beliefs…all guided by the Holy Spirit.
One of the reasons that many returnees give for returning to the Church, is that someone asked them! I urge you to think of someone you know who “used to be Catholic” or who attends Mass only occasionally. God just asks that we invite them to attend – the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
Our next Landings session begins on February 1st. What greater act of love for this coming year than to invite someone back home to the Church…or to rekindle your own faith. Interested?
Contact Rick Caauwe 912-230-4961 /Landings.SFA@gmail.com. Or, complete one of the bluecards located in the pews. Pre-registration is required.
One of the reasons that many returnees give for returning to the Church, is that someone asked them! I urge you to think of someone you know who “used to be Catholic” or who attends Mass only occasionally. God just asks that we invite them to attend – the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
Our next Landings session begins on February 1st. What greater act of love for this coming year than to invite someone back home to the Church…or to rekindle your own faith. Interested?
Contact Rick Caauwe 912-230-4961 /Landings.SFA@gmail.com. Or, complete one of the bluecards located in the pews. Pre-registration is required.
INDIVIDUAL MINISTRY PRAYER
Trained parishioners will be available to meet and pray with individuals in a per- sonal, loving, and strictly confidential setting following noon Mass on the first Wednesday of each month. Next date: February 1 For
For more information, call706.897.8881.
Spiritual Inventory
Have you ever wondered about your spiritual gifts? While Scripture tells us that we have ALL received ALL the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation, are we even aware of them? One way to find out what gifts are at work in our lives is to take a spiritual inventory. Two websites are listed below. One is free and the other is $10, but is more extensive. Each inventory is about 100 questions and takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The inventory will tell you what your strengths are, but it also shows that you have ALL the gifts!
Once you have completed the inventory, the next most important question will be: How will you serve your parish, your neighbor, your God?
Contact Adult Faith Formation for some ideas!
Links: www.stjohnsindy.org (free)
www.APEST.org ($10 fee)
That Man Is You
“MEN—there’s still time to join the seventeen men that are
registered for the men’s program called That Man is You!. That
Man is You! combines Scripture, solid secular research, and a little
fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in our
modern culture. It seeks to form authentic leaders who will be
capable of transforming homes and society. Come and See – judge
for yourself. We meet on Wednesday’s at 6:30 pm, St Francis
Meeting House, share a meal, watch a 30 minute video and engage
in robust discussions.” Men – we need each other.
Proverbs 27:17, Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens
another. (NAB RE)
registered for the men’s program called That Man is You!. That
Man is You! combines Scripture, solid secular research, and a little
fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in our
modern culture. It seeks to form authentic leaders who will be
capable of transforming homes and society. Come and See – judge
for yourself. We meet on Wednesday’s at 6:30 pm, St Francis
Meeting House, share a meal, watch a 30 minute video and engage
in robust discussions.” Men – we need each other.
Proverbs 27:17, Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens
another. (NAB RE)
Encounter School of Ministry
Do you feel a call from the Lord to advance the Kingdom, but need to be equipped to step out in boldness? Are you hungry for more? Each person is one encounter away from breakthrough, and you are invited to partner with the Lord to bring transformation into your region.
The Encounter School of Ministry is excited to announce student applications for the Fall of 2023 school year, as well as applications to start new Satellite Campuses are now open! Find details including curriculum, testimonies and much more at the Encounter School of Ministry website.
The Encounter School of Ministry is excited to announce student applications for the Fall of 2023 school year, as well as applications to start new Satellite Campuses are now open! Find details including curriculum, testimonies and much more at the Encounter School of Ministry website.
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville, will be offering an 8 week Bereavement Support Group for anyone suffering with a significant loss brought on by death of a loved one. It is a time for hope and learning about ways to discover how to cope with the present and to plan for the future. The Bereavement Support Group begins Feb. 7th. Then each Tuesday in February and March at 1:00 pm in the Parish Center. If you are interested in participating in this support group, contact Mary Elizabeth Uhle at 941-780-4809 or euhle@brmemc.net for more information.
Cancelled :Concert for Uganda Missions by The Wilderness Pickers
Unfortunately, due to technical issues the CONCERT FOR UGANDA MISSIONS BY THE WILDERNESS PICKERS scheduled for January 25 at 3 pm in Marian Hall has been cancelled.
Year End Contribution Statements
Year End Contribution Statements will be available on February 1, 2023, for those who request one. If you would like a copy of your 2022 Contribution Statement, please call the parish office or email Rita Baker:
finance@stfrancisblairsville.com
7706-745-6400 option 3
Care for Creation
Still trying to decide what New Year's Resolutions to make? Consider doing at least one small thing for Creation. Here are some easy ones: say No Thank You to plastic straws; take your own reusable To Go container when you go out to eat; keep a set of silverware in your desk at work or in your car so you can ask the restaurant not to put plastic utensils in your to-go order. If each one of us makes even one simple change, imagine the tremendous impact we will have.
Justice and Mercy
The St Francis Justice and Mercy Ministry asks:
Why is it an act of mercy to oppose the death penalty?
The right to a fair trial is one of the foundations of our justice system, yet it often proves meaningless to the poor and vulnerable in our midst. Nearly
all inmates currently on death row in the United States were unable to
afford their own attorneys at the times of their trials. Instead, they were
assigned court-appointed attorneys, who often lack the experience
necessary for capital cases and are overworked and underpaid. This
combination of factors often results in poorly-handled cases where
mitigating factors (e.g. intellectual disability or severe mental illness) and
tools like DNA evidence are never mentioned at trial, and often, not
permitted in evidence after trial!
It is not uncommon for individuals with intellectual disability or severe
mental illness to go undiagnosed and untreated, particularly if those
individuals are living in poverty. Such conditions elevate the likelihood of
these individuals receiving death sentences in capital cases, as well as
compounding their risk of wrongful conviction. They are also more likely to
become victims of violent crime themselves.
In 2017 alone, at least 20 of the 23 people executed (87%) showed
evidence of severe mental illness, intellectual disability, brain damage, or
severe trauma. The death penalty denies our responsibility to care for this
often poor and vulnerable population.
Do you agree? Do you dis-agree? We would be glad to discuss this issue
with you. Come to one of our meetings, first and third Fridays of each
month, 10:00 in the Meeting House, or email me at agbassage@gmail.com
Thanks for reading this.
Annie Grace.
Pro-Life Spiritual Adoption
Spiritual Adoption begins this weekend! Please join in praying for the unborn!
Ecumenical Food Pantry
Next weekend is our monthly collection for the Ecumenical Food Pantry, which serves the needy in Towns and Union Counties.
Suggested donations include: non- perishable food, such as canned vegetables, fruits, soups, pasta SAUCE, meats, beans, jelly, peanut butter, evaporated milk. Or dry foods, such as rice, pasta, cereal, crackers.
The Ecumenical Pantry is one of the few pantries that also provides personal hygiene and household cleaners including: Deodorants, soaps, shampoo, dental care, laundry and dish soap. These items are greatly appreciated by the needy.
Donations can be left in the old kitchen area off the vestibule after any weekday or weekend Mass. "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." Mt 25:40
"Thought for the day--Don't do anything that you wouldn't offer up to God "--St. John Vianney
There will be a Motorcycle Ride and Retreat on Monday, October 4 (weather permitting) beginning at 10:00. We will meet at the church at 10:00 for a short talk and then ride to Dahlonega for lunch and conversation. Then we'll take a leisurely ride back to Blairsville. Total distance for the ride is about 80 miles. Contact Colleen Orchanian for more information at drecolleen@gmail.com or 706.400.9580.
How many people will be attending?
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Why Go to Adoration
The Saints that we honor and ask intercession from are the Catholic Church's Hall of Fame. They are proof for us that every Saint had a past and every sinner has a future. If you have a favorite photo, painting, icon of your patron saint and would like to donate it to St Francis, we are creating a "Hall" of Fame in the administration building. Pictures should not exceed 9 x 12 inches in total size, including a frame. Pictures may be delivered to the Adult Faith Formation office.
Did you know we have a Parish Facebook Page? You can follow us at https://www.facebook.com/sfablairsville as another way to stay up to date and engaged with the parish!
Any questions about flocknote? Need help updating your information or being added/removed from groups? Please email communications@stfrancisblairsville.com for assistance!