Flocknote

Brothers and Sisters,

First, we the staff at St. Francis of Assisi pray that you are well and taking precautions to stay that way. This is a difficult time for us as a parish, both because we, like many others, are fasting from the Eucharist and Holy Mass, and also because we are without a pastor. We are sacrificing much differently than we expected to be at the beginning of Lent.

Many of you have questions about what's happening and how we're managing things at the parish. Perhaps you have wondered...

How long will we be without
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

We don't know. It will be at least through Palm Sunday weekend. We will share what we learn from the diocese as soon as it's available. While we wait, offer this unexpected fast in solidarity with all those around the world who are without the Eucharist. Many are in the same boat as us, and many others have been without for months or even years.

How can we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

We have arranged for Fr. Vincent Sullivan to hear confessions this Tuesday, March 24, from 1:00-4:00. Exactly how it will happen (Confessional or Drive-through) is still under discussion. We will do all we can to protect everyone's health. Please indicate below if you plan to come for Confession on Tuesday. We are hoping to schedule another day as well, but it is not yet confirmed.

I plan to come on Tuesday for Confession

I will be there between 1:00 and 2:00

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I will be there between 2:00 and 3:00

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I will be there between 3:00 and 4:00

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Those times don't work for me. Can I arrange another time?

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How will we be spiritually fed when we can't attend mass or gather at church?

Here are some things you can do right now. (There are more in the works.)

Come to church for Adoration. The church is open between 10:00 and 12:00, Monday through Friday, for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Please keep a distance from others who are there. If you can't come for Adoration, bring a chair and sit outside by the tabernacle for prayer. Jesus is still there!
Watch the mass online or television. Bishop Robert Barron is broadcasting the mass from his private chapel every day. There is a link on the parish web site.
Sign up for FORMED, an online library of over 4,000 resources, including Bible studies, faith teachings, movies for adults and children, e-books, catechism lessons, and much much more. Visit the Faith Formation page of the parish web site for instructions to register. This is FREE to our parish for the next 40 days and we are grateful for that gift!
Create a prayer space in your home and use it to pray during the day. Meditate on the readings of the day (available on the parish web site). God is always available to us, even when we can't come together as a church.
Keep in contact with others in the parish. Call them. Check on them. Help them if they need it. Pray with them. Encourage them. We can (and should) lift up each other during times of tribulation.

Who do we call if we have a question or need help?

Even though the office is closed at the direction of the Archdiocese, staff is still responding to email and voicemail. Our commitment is to respond to any inquiries within 24 hours, even on weekends. You can also post comments and questions right here and we will respond so that everyone can see the answer. (You probably aren't the only one with question!)

How will we know what's going on with the office closed and no bulletin?

We are planning LOTS of communication:

Sunday Flocknote from the Deacon. This is your spiritual food.
Wednesday Flocknote from the office. This is office news - nuts and bolts.
Friday Flocknote from Religious Education. This is faith formation for adults and youth.

All Flocknote messages will also be posted on the parish website and Facebook page. Ministry leaders will keep in touch with their members about specific information related to their group. We are investigating tools for virtual meetings so that groups can continue to serve the parish and community as much as possible.

We hope this information is helpful. Feel free to post questions, concerns, and comments in the comment section of this message. Pray for all who are suffering at this time, for the souls of those who have died, and for the priests who are serving the sick. Pray for those who are not able to gather together for worship and miss that companionship. May our desire for God and each other grow during this time of separation. May God bring us to a deeper faith and trust in Him.

God bless,

+DJP

Brothers and Sisters,

How long will we be without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

How can we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

How will we be spiritually fed when we can't attend mass or gather at church?

Who do we call if we have a question or need help?

How will we know what's going on with the office closed and no bulletin?

How long will we be without
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?