Dear St. Francis Community,
I am very sad to share the news that beginning immediately, we are no longer able to offer public Masses at our parish through Holy Week and Easter. Adoration is also closed. This is temporary and comes from the decision of the Ohio Bishops, following their meeting today with Governor Mike DeWine and several public health officials. This is all part of our country’s efforts to curb a major outbreak of COVID-19. We will still offer funerals and wedding liturgies, but they will be limited to immediate family members only. You can read the full statement attached. We are waiting for more detailed guidance from Bishop Brennan and his administration.
All this week, I will be in communication with our parish’s Senior Leadership Team and various other parish leadership to plan and prepare responses and implement actions related to this decision, such as putting into place ways in which we can continue to stay connected as a faith community, celebrate Spiritual Communion, and maintain our important relationships with God. Here are some of the options we’ll be exploring:
- Livestreaming Mass Online - so we can all gather together in prayer virtually and spiritually for Sunday Mass.
- Pastoral Care Moving Forward
- Assisting The Most Vulnerable in our Community Who Are in Need
- Online Faith Formation and Prayer - so that all of our parishioners have the spiritual resources they need during this time of uncertainly.
- Administration of our Parish
We will be in contact with you this week with more details, after I have had a chance to communicate with our leadership and formulate a plan.
During this unique time, many of us are asking ourselves, "What can I do?" In times of uncertainty it is easy to fill our hearts with worry and anxiety. We pray that you take the suggested precautions for health and safety at this time, and then turn to God in prayer. He is always with us.
What you can do:
- Pray for wellness, hope and healing for all in our community
- Make an Act of Spiritual Communion
- Call your elderly neighbors
- Maintain Social Distancing
- Follow along with updates from the CDC and WHO
- Avoid Fear and Panic. We are a people of faith and hope
Know that you are all in my prayers. Please pray for me too.
In Christ,
Fr. Dave Sizemore, Pastor
A Message from Mrs. Mummey & Mr. Watson on blended learning for grades K - 8.
Preschool families, you will be receiving updates from your teacher through emails. I am so proud of your teacher's hard work. They will truly miss your children over this time. Please continue to read all Flocknotes. We are praying for all of you.
Additional info will be forthcoming as we have it available. This is a learning process for us all and we are grateful for your patience and flexibility.
Paperwork Drop Off Procedure
Please know that we are still accepting new student registrations, EdChoice Expansion Scholarship, EdChoice Traditional Scholarship paperwork at any time. You can drop your paperwork off at the parish office during business hours or mail it to us in care of the parish office at 40 Granville Street, Newark, OH 43055.
Please note: EdChoice renewals are due to our office by 4/1 for processing.
Diocesan Aid for Tuition
The Diocese of Columbus Tuition Assistance for the next School Year due date has been extended to 3/20/2020. Please see attached for more info!
Request from St. Vincent de Paul Haven
Due to coronavirus concerns, St. Vincent Haven has had difficulty purchasing just our normal cleaning supplies. If you have a surplus, we are in critical need of donations.
Currently, we need bleach, any non-bleach cleaner, disinfectant, hand-sanitizer, hand soap refills, and empty spray bottles.
God bless, and thank you in advance!
Thank you,
John Paul Munhall
Executive Director
St. Vincent Haven
Kindergarten Screening is Postponed
We will inform you of a new date once it is scheduled.
Say this prayer.
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.