Christmas Carols with the Choir 2023
Our Christmas Carols with the Choir is one of the most exciting annual musical events at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
Because the season of Advent is shorter this year, this event is scheduled much earlier than it usual.
Come and sing with us…
Sunday • December 3rd • 3:00pm
This beautiful afternoon includes performances from our music ministry, and cantors. This year we are also thrilled to welcome the Empire City Men’s Chorus – an extremely talented group of men who will enhance our already exciting program. Come and sing along with the choirs to some of your favorite Christmas Carols.
You don’t want to miss it!
This event is free and open to the public. A Free Will donation will be taken up at the event.
Happy Thanksgiving! (and our Holiday Schedule)
The friars and staff at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi would like to wish all of our parishioners, visitors, friends and families a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Our Holiday schedule is as follows:
Thanksgiving day:
Mass at 12:00 PM
There are no confessions Thanksgiving Day
Friday after Thanksgiving:
Mass at 12:00 PM
There are no confessions on the Friday after Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving:
It is right to give thanks to God for all of the blessings we receive each and every day: for the gift of creation in all its wonder, the gifts of the fruits of the earth that sustain us, the gift of all of the animals, wild and domestic, that share this world with us, and for the gifts of our family and friends.
At St. Francis we are especially grateful for all of the wonderful people who make up our community here on 31st street.
And of course, it is always right and just that we give thanks to the Father for the gift of Christ Himself, the good shepherd who loves us all.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Psalm 118:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his love endures forever.
Let Israel say:
“His love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say:
“His love endures forever.”
When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
he brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
They swarmed around me like bees,
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
The Lord has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
Open for me the gates of the righteous;
I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord
through which the righteous may enter.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.
The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.
Lord, save us!Lord, grant us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God,
and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you;you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his love endures forever.
A Word from our Community: Ms. Catherine Aherne
Dear Members of the St. Francis Community,
Renew is a group for retired men and women. Members come from NY, NJ and even PA. After joining, members can participate in any of the many day trips throughout the five boroughs and surrounding suburbs. In addition, the committee also plans luncheons, religious and cultural activities and a monthly Book Club meeting.
If you are interested in joining, please contact the RENEW office at St. Francis Church, extension 389 and leave your name and telephone number.
Peace & All Good,
Catherine Aherne
A look back at Friendsgiving 2023
Community is a vital part of what it means to be Church. Jesus calls us to be his sisters and brothers and in Him we constitute a new family. Members of our St. Francis of Assisi family came together to celebrate our annual Friendsgiving on Sunday, November 12th. It was a traditional pot luck dinner where people brought side dishes or desserts to share. For those who don’t like to cook or didn’t have the time, contributions could be made toward the hams and turkeys, stuffing and mashed potatoes that the church provided. We had over 60 people in attendance sharing good times and good food together.
Each year our Friendsgiving grows and we look forward to more members joining us next year.
Thank you to the Converge@St. Francis Ministry team members for their hard work in hosting this event!
Here is a little look back at the day:
Photos generously donated by Mischa Limited: @mischa_crewpublic
A Word from the Pastor – September 3, 2023
Dear Members of the St. Francis Community,
The parable of the talents in today’s Gospel provides us with a lesson about the importance of stewardship and faithfulness in our lives. So, what does this parable teach us about our own lives? First and foremost, it reminds us that God has entrusted us with unique talents, resources, and opportunities. It’s not about the quantity but, the faithfulness with which we use what we’ve been given. We are called to use our gifts to make a positive impact on the world, to further God’s kingdom, and to bless others.
Last weekend I offered you an opportunity to use your resources to help our Church financially. I promise you that your gift will make a difference for both our Church and its ministries. I promise you that I will use these funds to make a positive impact on our Church, to further God’s kingdom, and to bring blessings to others. Thank you! “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Peace & All Good,
Fr. Joe, ofm