Ash Wednesday 2017
Scroll down for schedule of Masses, Confessions
and Imposition of Ashes
Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi!
Here is some information you might find helpful about our parish community
I nspired by the Franciscan tradition of ministering to people who are alienated, displaced, or persecuted, the “pilgrims and strangers” in our midst, The Migrant Center at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi welcomes immigrants/migrants of various ethnic backgrounds regardless of political or religious affiliation.
Click here for the Statement of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in support of immigrants.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has a vibrant community of young adult Catholics in their 20’s and 30’s who celebrate life and faith together. Our Young Adult Ministrycombines spiritual, social and outreach events to support our life together.
Click here for more information about your Young Adult Ministry.
In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.” The Church of St. Francis of Assisi LGBT Ministryis a fellowship where gay and lesbian people of faith are welcome to explore their spirituality and share their experience, strength, and hope with one another. We actively provide and promote faith opportunities that build community for those who have experienced spiritual disconnection. We attempt to fulfill our mission by providing a safe place for spiritual events, educational and social activities, and outreach to the larger parish and Archdiocesan community.
To find out more about our LGBT ministry please contact Meredith Augustin at maugustin@stfrancisnyc.org
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults(RCIA) is the process by which people can question, search, and inquire into the Catholic faith. It is a journey which leads many to seek full membership in our Church. For others this journey may not lead to full membership. Either way, all are welcome to come and see, to ask questions, and to look more deeply.
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To find out more about our RCIA ministry email Joe Nuzzi at jnuzzi@stfrancisnyc.org
The St. Francis Bereavement Ministryoffers an opportunity for the bereaved to connect with others who grieve, and to seek a path of healing as they come to terms with their loss.
Please call Fr.Brian Smail, O.F.M. at 212-736-8500, Ext. 204 to inquire.
ASH WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE
Masses in the upper church:
7:00, 7:45, 8:30, 11:30 AM,12:15, 1:15, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 PM
Confessions in the lower church:
• 7:30-8:30 AM
• 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Imposition of ashes in the lower church:
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and in the upper church following the 6:30 PM Mass
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Stewardship: Caring for God’s Creation – Laudato si: Chapter 6: Ecological Education and Spirituality
“Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world. Just as her pierced heart mourned the death of Jesus, so now she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power.
Completely transfigured, she now lives with Jesus, and all creatures sing of her fairness. She is the Woman, ‘clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.’ Carried up into heaven, she is the Mother and Queen of all creation. In her glorified body, together with the Risen Christ, part of creation has reached the fullness of its beauty. She treasures the entire life of Jesus in her heart and now understands the meaning of all things. Hence,we can ask her to enable us to look at this world with eyes of wisdom.
Winter / Spring 2017 Adult Education courses open for registration.
The Winter/Spring 2017 session of the St. Francis Adult Education program gets underway the beginning of February and will continue throughout the early spring.
Brochures are available in the church, and you can also register online now at stfrancisnyc.org/courses.
Spring Adult Education Classes Correction
The Spring Adult Education brochures are now available.
Please note a correction for the course We and the Ways of Two Mystics: Thomas Merton and Julian of Norwich.
The instructor is Jerry Zeller, M.A., and the class will meet on:
Tuesdays, March 14 – April 18, 2017from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in classroom 4.
The fee is $40.00.
The information provided in the brochure is incorrect, and we apologize for any confusion.
The Pastor’s Corner
In today’s Gospel we hear: “Jesus said to his disciples: you have heard that it has been said ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you…” He gives a number of sayings that were familiar to the people of his time –ways of dealing with certain situations, but then adds something new to each one. Jesus’ teaching stretches those who hear him to a new way of acting, a new way of thinking. This is where we read that Jesus tells us to “Love our enemies.” While these sayings of Jesus shocked those who heard him at his time, they challenge us to a new way of thinking and acting in our contemporary world. He has a different, a new way of dealing with tough situations. Do you find this Gospel challenging? Do you scratch your head and say, “I don’t know if this is what I want to door if I am capable of doing it.”
Next Sunday we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Korean Community’s presence at St. Francis Church. During these years they have grown tremendously and it is a blessing for us to have them here at St. Francis. Every year many adult Koreans are baptized at the Easter Vigil; they have many educational programs; a number of groups of the Legion of Mary; inspiring concerts; a young adult community and much more. Congratulations and may God Bless Fr. Michael, Sr. Hasang, your community leaders, and all your volunteers for all the good work that you do!
A special congratulations to the Dwelling Place that is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany began this ministry to women 40 years ago. Since then they have provided shelter for women who are trying to get themselves “back on their feet” and live independently, have a job, and be responsible for their day to day lives. Through counseling and education, they help the women acquire the skills needed to accomplish their goal of responsible living. Sisters from other communities are involved with the day to day running of the facility. Congratulations!
-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.
Mass of the Anointing of the Sick
Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick brings the presence and healing power of Christ to those who are ill. We invite all who are sick and those who would like to pray for them to come to this celebration of the sacrament.
Is anyone among you sick? They should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sins, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
(James 5:14-16)