October 17, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ,

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall day. In the next couple of weeks, our parish and the archdiocese are offering some special liturgies about which I wanted to make sure you were aware.

Archbishop Wilton Gregory will celebrate the 11^th annual Archdiocesan White Mass tomorrow morning at St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church, recognizing the contributions and gifts of people with special needs. The White Mass is designated so, because of that color’s connection to our baptismal promises. It has become a tradition that participants at the liturgy wear white to symbolize the bonds of community we all share through this sacrament of initiation. The Mass will be livestreamed at 10 am tomorrow for those who would like to attend.

Read more about the White Mass, including how to download fliers and a Mass program. At 1 pm Sunday, families are also welcome to join a recorded Q&A with Archbishop Gregory and members of the Deaf and special needs community. See the flier on the Q&A below.

Traditionally, the Archdiocese celebrates a Jubiliarian Mass honoring couples who are celebrating their 25^th, 30^th, 35^th, 40^th, 45^th, 50^th and 50^th+ anniversaries in that year. Because of COVID-19, that Mass, originally scheduled for Nov. 22, has been cancelled. However, next weekend, we are inviting all couples who have been married 25 years or more to be recognized during the in-person and virtual Masses with a blessing. Please join us in celebrating long-married couples!

This year, we will again celebrate an All Souls Mass, during which we will pray for people who have died within the past year. The parish has reached out to those parishioners who have lost loved ones over the past year and unfortunately cannot accept other names. Everyone who would like to pray for their deceased loved ones is welcome to attend the Mass. See the parish website for protocols on attending in-person Mass at St. Francis.  

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John