The Pastors Desk – August 25th

Saint Francis Parish suffered a robbery over last weekend – this time, the perpetrator stayed for much longer. At the time, in our church the police were called and quickly assessed that this was the same person who broke in here about two years ago. There is some small comfort in that this crime does not mean that our neighborhood is declining, but rather is an indication that local people do not have a fear of being on the premises. Our security committee will look into the event, assess our problem, and make practical suggestions, while supervising the installation of new locks and keys. 

Please pray that accurate reporting and assessment will lead to swift action and an arrest. Pray also on the chance for this young perpetrator to regret his experience of this way of life, and the grace to turn it around. 

Let us pray for him and ask that God’s merciful love envelops him.

The Pastors Desk – August 18th

This September, the parish will conduct a very traditional Eucharistic devotion known as “40 Hours.” Many of you may remember one of these great events from your childhood days in the Catholic school of a lively Parish. Basically 40 hours is a time for individual and group Adoration of our Eucharistic Lord. The name “40 Hours” calls to mind the approximately 40 hours the dead body of the crucified Jesus remained in the tomb. We then joyfully celebrated Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Eucharist is a visible sign of Jesus’s resurrection and his total self-giving on the cross for the sins of all humanity. Many great Saints used the ancient custom of the 40 hours to revive Catholic church life in various countries in Europe. Our immigrant parishes in Brooklyn, Queens, etc. followed these traditions, and they were genuine, local celebrations of the people’s firm belief in Jesus’s real presence in the Eucharist.

On Sunday, September 29th after the 5:00pm Mass we will commence our 40 hours. It will continue until Tuesday, October 1st after the 8:30am Mass. We will have a procession to end the 40 hours. Please consider joining us – there are Prayer books in the rectory. If you are interested in picking one up, please consider a small donation to cover the cost of the book. 

The Pastors Desk – August 11th

Fr. Peter returns from Medjugorje this week, and here are two events he would like parishioners to keep in mind.

On Monday, August 12th, Fr. Michael Barry, SS.CC. will preside over a healing Mass at 7:00pm at St. Francis. Fr. Barry is best known for his healing ministries, especially through retreats, Masses, healing the family tree, and spiritual direction. Born and raised in Ireland, Fr. Barry is a member of the congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He is the President and Board Chair of Mary’s Mantle of the Mary Mercy Center in California, whose mission is to restore dignity and purpose to the homeless, the poor, and the marginalized. Please join us for this very special evening.

Also this week, please remember that Thursday, August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation. All faithful Catholics should make provisions to attend Mass; at St. Francis parish, the vigil Mass will be on Wednesday, August 14th at 7:30pm, and on Thursday, August 15th Mass will be at 8:30am and 4:30pm.

The Pastors Desk – August 4th

 Thinking of you and praying too, you are in our prayers.