This message includes the following:
- Week at a Glance
- 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
- Saint Clare’s Haven Walkway Update
- This Week on Formed
- Knights of Columbus Blood Drive
- Knights of Columbus Mardi Gras Dinner
- Landings
- Calling ALL Crafters
- Spiritual Inventory
- That Man Is You
- Encounter School of Ministry
- Daniel Plan
- Bereavement Group
- Lenten Food for Families Food Drive
(40 cans for 40 days of Lent) - Year End Contribution Statements
- Justice and Mercy
- Food Pantry Weekend
- Angel Tree
- From Fr. Mario
Calendar
Saturday, February 4:
- 10:30 Knights Blood Drive
- 4:30 Mass
- 6:30 Spanish Mass
Sunday, February 5:
- 8:30 Mass
- 9:45 Religious Education
- 11:00 Mass
Monday, February 6:
- 9:00 Mass
- 10:00 Bible Study
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 6:00 Craft Night
- 7:00 Bible Study
Tuesday, February 7:
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 10:00 DJM
- 12:00 Communion Service
- 1:00 Bereavement
Wednesday, February 8:
- 10:00 Prayer Ministry Meeting
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 11:30 Sung Divine Mercy
- 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
Thursday, February 9:
- 9:00 Mass
- 10;00 SVdP
- 10:15 Online Rosary
- 6:00 Landings
- 6:00 Knights Council Meeting
Friday, February 10:
- 9:00 Mass
- 9:00 Sisters in Faith
- 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
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. Forms to join the confraternity are also located in the church on the information table.
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
Will you be attending the lunch at G and G to discuss the Catechism in a Year?
Yes I will be there!
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I cannot make the meeting on the 15th but am interested in meeting regularly.
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Formed for Kids
The Jesus Stories
Created to help children apply the lessons found in the parables of Jesus, each 10 minute episode includes a story situation that children today can relate to,
a parable, and a thought-provoking way to apply it.
a parable, and a thought-provoking way to apply it.
https://watch.formed.org/the-jesus-stories
Family Faith Formation
Weekly Activity Prompts
February 5- St. Agatha was an early Christian martyr and is the patron saint of breast cancer patients. Take time to pray for the intercession of St. Agatha for those battling breast cancer.
February 6- Read about St. Paul Miki and Companions at https://teachingcatholickids.com/paul- miki-and-companions-japanese-martyrs/. Have a Japanese meal or snack!
February 7- When Pius IX was young, he wanted to join the Noble Guard, but was unable to do so because of sickness. Later in life, he went on to be the longest serving Pope in history! Discuss as a family something you would like to do but cannot, then think of things you can do!
February 8- St. Josephine Bakhita. This African saint was kidnapped and sold into slavery at 7 years old. Eventually, she made her way to Italy, learned about God, and became a nun. Say a prayer for her intercession for victims of human trafficking.
February 9- Say a decade of the Rosary together as a family!
February 10- St. Scholastica was aware of all the things for which we give praise to God. Take time with your family to identify some of the gifts God has given us.
February 11- Our Lady of Lourdes. Have a family movie night! Watch "Bernadette: The Princess of Lourdes" (for young children) or "St. Bernadette of Lourdes" (for older children), both on Formed! Contact us for help logging into your FREE
Saint Clare’s Haven Walkway Update
Thank you to all those who have supported our effort to rebuild the walkway in Saint Clare’s Haven. The existing walkway requires improvement to ensure safety of use by our parishioners. To accomplish this we have been raising funds through the sale of commemorative bricks. Several of our parish committees purchased 12”x12” bricks for their organizations. We still have the 12”x12” bricks available for $500.00 each. Also, we have 8’x8’ bricks at $300.00 each, and 4”x8” bricks at $100.00 each.
During the Lenten season why not purchase a memorial brick to provide a perpetual reminder of your loved one, or to cite a favorite scripture passage. You may also sponsor a brick cross to be installed in the walkway.
To purchase a brick, please contact the parish office or speak to a Walkway representative in the Church Narthex after weekend Mass.
This week on Formed
February is the Month of the Holy Family! Take a look at what Formed has to offer for you and your family to delve deeper into the life of the Holy Family.
Below, is just one example of the many films available on Formed. If you have trouble accessing Formed please email: communications@stfrancisblairsville.com
This film uses creative license in telling the story of St. Joseph. Some scenes may not be suitable for all audiences. Parental guidance is suggested.
The first feature film ever on the story of St. Joseph, who was a carpenter, the husband of Mary, and the foster father of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that St. Joseph was a "just man" and that God gave him the most daunting task ever asked of a man–to be the husband of the woman who would give birth to the Messiah and the father and protector of this Holy Family. He would be the man closest to Christ.
Starring Tobias Moretti in a manly, appealing performance, we are shown the human, noble, and deeply spiritual aspects of Joseph the carpenter, son of David, servant of God, and loving husband of Mary. He is presented as a man of faith who must grapple greatly with the profound mysteries of the miraculous conception, the Virgin Birth, the Incarnation of the Son of God, and the incredible challenges of protecting and raising Jesus amidst the threats on his life from the moment of his birth and beyond.
As Joseph is informed by God's messengers about trusting and following his plan for Christ, the dangerous flight into Egypt to save his child, and finally returning to Nazareth to raise Jesus, this lovely film presents beautiful vignettes of these and other powerful scenes in the life of the young Christ and the Holy Family that are authentic and inspiring. Also stars Stefania Rivi, Franco Interlenghi, and Andrea Prodan."
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.
Calling ALL Crafters
Come join us Monday evenings at 6:00. Everyone is invited to participate whether you are a veteran crafter or a novice! If you would like to learn, teachers are available. Projects worked on help to support various ministries.
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.
If you are interested in more information from someone who has been through the program contact Linda McKnight at adultformation@stfrancisblairsville.com
DANIEL PLAN
The Daniel Plan is ongoing and it's open for all! This innovative approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle is transformational and sustainable because it is about abundant choices, not deprivation. The Daniel Plan is centered on five essentials that will guarantee your suc- cess: faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends. We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 1:00. Our meet- ings this month are on February 8 and 22 in the St. Francis Meeting House. Please call Joanne at 770-377- 2280 for more information.
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.
Lenten Food for Families Food Drive
(40 cans for 40 days of Lent)
Lenten Food for Families food drive (40 cans for 40 days of lent)
This year the Knights of Columbus will again be collecting nonperishable food items for the ecumenical food bank. Our church members have been known as faithful and generous for years, however the need is greater than ever before. Everyone knows the costs of food has gone up in the past year and the number of families served by our food bank has almost doubled as well. We hope you will do what you can to make this year’s food drive a truly meaningful part of your Lenten experience.
We will be collecting food in the kitchen under the counter in the front of the church and you may find boxes in other locations. Ask any Knight to help carry your donations to the kitchen from your car.
We will have a drawing for a Lenten Pitcher and Bowl made by your parish potter please feel free to put your name and phone number in the pitcher, this is my way for saying thanks for the tremendous support offered by our church members year after year.
This year the Knights of Columbus will again be collecting nonperishable food items for the ecumenical food bank. Our church members have been known as faithful and generous for years, however the need is greater than ever before. Everyone knows the costs of food has gone up in the past year and the number of families served by our food bank has almost doubled as well. We hope you will do what you can to make this year’s food drive a truly meaningful part of your Lenten experience.
We will be collecting food in the kitchen under the counter in the front of the church and you may find boxes in other locations. Ask any Knight to help carry your donations to the kitchen from your car.
We will have a drawing for a Lenten Pitcher and Bowl made by your parish potter please feel free to put your name and phone number in the pitcher, this is my way for saying thanks for the tremendous support offered by our church members year after year.
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
Justice and Mercy
St Francis' Justice and Mercy Ministry invites you to join them for a Lenten book study, Jesus on Death Row written by Mark Ossler. Ossler, is a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. He was a former federal prosecutor and is an expert on federal sentencing guidelines. The central narrative of our faith is an execution and its aftermath. Join us as we examine this event under Ossler's thoughtful experienced direction.
The text (Jesus on Death Row, Abington Press) is available online (Thrift books, Goodreads, etc). We will meet at 11:00 each Friday, in the Meeting House starting Feb 17th and going until March 31st. For more information or to sign up, please contact Annie Grace at agbassage@gmail.com.
Ecumenical Food Pantry
This 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
Angel Tree Thank You
Thank you to all who participated in the Angel Tree Program. Your generosity made the pro- gram a success. Please see the list below:
26 Families through the Church & SVDP-24 girls & 27 boys.
20 Children through Family Connection in Union County-11 girls & 9 boys.
10 Children through Family Connections in Town County-5 girls & 5 boys.
12 Angels for the Women's Enrichment Center-6 boys infant-9 years old & 6 girls infant -9 years old.
83 Residents at Chatuge Nursing Home-34 men & 49 women each received a warm pair of socks.
Girls 46
Boys 47
Total Children 93
FROM FR. MARIO LOPEZ
Thank you all for your generosity, support and prayers during our Christmas season and always. Your gifts are so very appreciated, given with love and accepted with love. May god bless you all.
"My speech and my message were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with demonstration of the spirit and power; that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." -- St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 2:4-5
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!