This message includes the following:
Next Week at a Glance
Thanksgiving Day Mass Time and Office Hours
A Video about the Spirituality of Thanksgiving
Surviving the Holidays Grief Seminar
Information regarding the virtual Advent Mission
Advent Bible Study
Ways to prepare for Christmas through the Sacraments
An invitation to join two of our Faith Formation groups: Lost Sheep and Sisters in Faith
A reminder about IGiveCatholic
Safety Precautions in the Parish
Calendar
Saturday, November 28:
- 4:30 Mass
Sunday, November 29: Advent Begins
- No religious education classes
- 8:30 Mass (streamed)
- 9:45 Advent Study St Francis Meeting Hall
- 11:00 Mass
- 1:00 Spanish Mass (streamed)
- 8:00 Online Advent Mission
Monday, November 30:
- 9:00 Mass/Adoration
- 10:00 Hebrews Bible Study Room 5 and Online
- 11:15 Pray the Rosary online
- 1:00 Lost Sheep via GoToMeeting
- 6:30 Hebrews Bible Study Online
Tuesday, December 1: IGiveCatholic Donation Day!
- 10:00 Disciples of Jesus and Mary St. Francis Meeting Hall
- 12.30 DJM St. Francis Meeting Hall
- 7:00 Saint Study Online
- 7:30 On-Line Prayer via https://sfprayerministry.online.church
Wednesday, December 2:
- 10:00 Prayer Ministry in St. Francis Meeting Hall
- 11:15 Pray the Rosary online
- 12:00 Mass/Adoration
- 6:00 Spanish Mass/Adoration/Confession
Thursday, December 3:
- 9:00 Mass
- 10:00 Surviving the Holidays - Marian Hall and online
- 11:15 pray the Rosary
- 1:00 Laudato SI online
- 4:00 Choir- church
- 7:00 Lost Sheep via GotoMeeting
Friday, December 4:
- 9:00 Mass
- 10:00 Sisters in Faith- Marian Hall and online
- 11:15 Pray the Rosary online
Thanksgiving Day Mass and Office Hours
Just a quick reminder that a Bilingual Mass will be offered at 10:00 am on Thanksgiving day. There will be no mass or Adoration on Friday. The Parish office will close on Wednesday the 25th at 2:00 and reopen on Monday the 30th. Fr. Mario can be reached through the office number in case of a sacramental emergency. Because of Covid concerns, we will not be having Thanksgiving Dinner at church.
The Spirituality of Thanksgiving
Surviving the Holidays
We are hosting a variation on the Grief Share presentation “Surviving the Holidays” for those who are grieving and for any who are homebound and alone because of the virus. The Surviving the Holidays seminar helps participants discover:
- How to deal with emotions
- What to do about traditions
- Helpful tips for surviving social events
- How to find hope for the future.
Please join us for this encouraging seminar on Thursday, December 3 at 10:00 in Marian Hall or join us online if you are not ready to attend in person. Contact Colleen Orchanian or Ralph Kwiatkowski for more information or to RSVP.
Let us know if you plan to come!
Yes - I will be there in person
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Yes - I will join online. Please send me the link
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No - I can't make it but let me know about future meetings on grief
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Advent Mission
Online Advent Mission with Ralph Martin: Join our first-ever LIVE, online parish Advent Mission Sunday November 29th from 8-9 p.m. If you are registered, you should have received a link via email. If not, there is still time to register at www.renewalministries.net/advent. Other parishes and individuals from around the world will be joining with us this Advent, while Catholic evangelist and author Ralph Martin takes us through the first stages of the spiritual journey using his book The Fulfillment of All Desire. For those who have been journeying with Jesus for a long time, it’s an opportunity to ensure your foundations are still strong, and for those who are newer in their faith life, it’s an opportunity to discover the basic decisions and practices necessary to make further progress in the spiritual life! This week’s theme is Basic Decisions.
Let us know if you will be attending!
Yes I'll be there
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I won't be participating at this time
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I will try to attend some sessions as my time allows
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Sunday Morning Advent Study
Meet in the St. Francis House for an interactive study series on Advent – Prepare the Way. The 4-week series meets live each Sunday from 9:45-10:45 and is facilitated by Colleen Orchanian.
Please let us know if you plan to attend!
Yes I will be there!
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No, I will be unable to attend.
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I will not be able to attend all sessions, but will be at some.
- View Details
Preparing for Christmas through the Sacraments
One of the many ways that you can prepare yourself for the arrival of Christ at Christmas is through the reception of the Sacraments. Here are just a few ways you can do that at our Parish!
- Attend daily mass when you can. It is our greatest source of grace. Masses are at 9, noon, and 6 on various days.
- Spend an hour in Adoration. Sit quietly with Jesus. Adoration is available after masses on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Experience the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We won’t have a Parish Penance Service this year, but there are still many opportunities: after any mass, all day on Friday, December 18, and by appointment. Don’t delay!
Lost Sheep
During the holiday season, it can become even more apparent that we have loved ones missing from the Church. Prayer is the greatest resource we have and how we pray for our "lost sheep" not only brings about our peace, but God answers all of our prayers. He knows exactly what they need. God never fails us.
Pray your loved ones back to church with this support group. Learn ways to share your faith and help those you love to open their hearts to God and His Church. Meetings are on Mondays at 1:00 and Thursdays at 7:00, facilitated by Linda McKnight.
Sisters in Faith
Our next meeting will be on December 4th. The topic is using our gifts - How can we use the gifts God has bestowed upon us to bless our parish, community, and the world? The group will be meeting in Marian Hall with an online option also available for those uncomfortable meeting in person. Sisters in Faith is a group of women who gather from different churches to grow in relationship with God and to support each other. If you are not already receiving the notices for this group and would like to, let us know.
IGiveCatholic
Ever hear of GIVING TUESDAY? It is a worldwide day of giving that follows the post-Thanksgiving spending days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is participating in Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2020 along with many parishes and ministries in the archdiocese. This is a chance for you to catch up on your regular donations interrupted by the corona virus. It is also a way to be generous with a donation because you love our parish and want to show it. Or...because we did not have a fall festival, you didn't have to work months to prepare for it, and you are grateful for that. Pray about your donation. All donations big and small are appreciated.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish is participating in Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2020 along with many parishes and ministries in the archdiocese. This is a chance for you to catch up on your regular donations interrupted by the corona virus. It is also a way to be generous with a donation because you love our parish and want to show it. Or...because we did not have a fall festival, you didn't have to work months to prepare for it, and you are grateful for that. Pray about your donation. All donations big and small are appreciated.
Safety Precautions in the Parish
Fr. Mario spoke last week about renewed efforts in response to Covid-19. Please remember to follow these safe practices:
- Wear your mask at all times during mass.
- If you would like to receive Communion on the tongue, wait until all others have received. This reduces risk for those who receive in the hand.
- Avoid socializing while in the narthex or sanctuary.
- Use hand sanitizer when you arrive and when you leave.
Our goal is to do all we can to maintain a safe environment and help parishioners feel comfortable when they come to mass.