Dear Friends,  

This Sunday is October 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Bishop Dolan has given permission in our Diocese to celebrate this feast day on this Sunday by using scripture readings from his feast day as well as the prayers for the Mass. Since our theme, MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE, comes from the prayer of St. Francis, we will be using this option. For those who prepare for Mass by praying the scriptures, here are the three readings we will be using this weekend. Our first reading is Galatians 6:14-18, our second reading is Colossians 1:15-20, and the Gospel is from Matthew 11:25-30. 

Over this year, we will continue to break open the spirituality and teachings of St. Francis, a man who radically lived the Gospel, honored creation, and saw all as brothers and sisters. A message that even Pope Leo has seen as important for today’s world, as he called this year a jubilee year to honor St. Francis.

THE ANNUAL INTERFAITH BREAKFAST- is was Thursday morning in Fenlon Hospitality Center as we host interfaith leaders and members, as well as nonprofit and civic leaders to gather for fellowship, a hearty breakfast, and talks on important issues that need to be addressed in the community. Your stewardship allows us to host these types of events for free, as well as welcome and gather with many groups, organizations, and agencies who use our space for the common good.

FALL FESTIVAL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24- Our annual festival is so well attended each year, and we are preparing for another great crowd. Mass is at 4:30 pm in the church; children can dress in their costumes, and after Mass, there will be free food, games, and candy from decorated cars for the kids to enjoy. Thanks to staff member Lenny Kelly for heading another Festival along with our parish staff and many parishioners who help make this a successful event. Everyone is welcome to come.

MIGRATION AND REFUGEES- have always been important issues for the world. Pope Francis, and now Pope Leo, have talked and preached extensively on this topic. In the Narthex are resources for parishioners to pick up and read so that we have a great starting point to know what our Catholic faith teaches and what the Gospel asks of us as disciples of Jesus. It helps to sit with information and discern what the Holy Spirit calls us to know and do. This table will be updated constantly with new information and resources to help Catholics know the stories of real human beings.

LAST SUNDAY’S HOMILY- The Catholic Church called last Sunday Migrant-Refugee Sunday to be aware of the importance of remembering the humanity of those who are forced to migrate. St. Francis of Assisi is a great teacher on this issue, as he calls us to see others as brothers and sisters. His prayer also moves us to be transformed - from seeking to be understood to learning how to be understanding. Especially to understand the stories of those who migrate. Click below to listen to this very important homily on this challenging issue.