May 28 2017 • The Ascension of the Lord St. Francis of Assisi Parish WEEKEND MASSES Saturday Vigil 5:15pm Sunday 7:30am, 9:30am, Noon WEEKDAY MASSES (in St. Clare Chapel) 12:10pm RECONCILIATION Saturday 4:00-5:00pm or by appointment CHURCH HOURS M-Th 9:00am-3:00pm Fri 9:00am-1:30pm Individuals who are deaf are invited to fully parcipate in the life of the Catholic Church at our ASL Interpreted Mass each Sunday at noon. www.srancisparish.com | facebook.com/SFAPSacramento This Weekend: Collecon for Catholic Communicaons Campaign (pg 2) Sunday: Church Tour following our Noon Mass (pg 2) Next Weekend: Parish Council Elecons aſter all Masses next weekend (pg 5) Our First Sunday collecon at the doors of the church will be for the Wellspring Women’s Center for the next few months. Young Adult Family Picnic aſter 9:30 Mass on Sunday (pg 2) The Church will celebrate Pentecost next weekend - don’t forget to wear red! Participate! Director of Faith Formaon, Full Time staff posion (see page 2) Music Ministry volunteers (pg 2) Office volunteers, one Sunday per month following the 7:30am Mass. Please contact [email protected]Parish Council Applicaons available in the church and online. Deadline is Sunday (pg 5) The Ascension of the Lord is the culminaon of the Saving Mysteries by which Jesus achieved our Salvaon. The Death, Resurrecon and Ascension of Jesus are three parts of the one saving movement through which the Lord fulfilled his Saving Mission, begun by his birth into our world . Jesus ascended to the Father to take his righul place beside the Father in the Kingdom of Heaven. Where he has gone we can aspire to follow. The Ascension, therefore, is the celebraon of all our hopes and aspiraons. The Gospel today is taken from the conclusion of the Gospel of St. Mahew. The Gospel moves quickly from the disciples discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb, to the Resurrecon Ap- pearances and, ulmately, to the Final Commission of his followers prior to the Ascension. This commission is given on a mountain top, which is also significant. Hills, mountains and other high areas are depicted in the scriptures as crical meeng places between God and his people. For example, Moses received the commandments on Mount Sinai and the Chrisan Beatudes form part of the Sermon on the Mount. In Today’s Gospel, Jesus commissions his followers to go bapze in the name of the Trinity. This commission can be seen as the commissioning of the Church for all generaons, something that will receive more clarity aſter the Descent of the Spirit at the First Pentecost. This weekend we also observe the Memorial Day Holiday in the United States. This obser- vance originated as Decoraon Day, a day of recollecon and remembrance for all who died in the Civil War (1861-1865). Subsequently it was broadened out to include all people who died in the Military Service of the United States during warme. We remember with pride all who made the ulmate sacrifice for their country and will incorporate prayers for them at our masses this weekend. This is also the first holiday of the Summer, so we shall also pray for safe and enjoyable family celebraons. Pax et Bonum, Fr. Des. From the Pastor’s Desk Header image: “Ascension” by Gioo di Bondone (1226, public domain)
This Weekend: Collection for Catholic Communications Campaign (pg 2)Sunday: Church Tour followingour Noon Mass (pg 2) Next Weekend: Parish Council Elections after all Masses next weekend (pg 5)
Our First Sunday collection at the doors of the church will be for the Wellspring Women’s Center for the next few months.
Young Adult Family Picnic after 9:30 Mass on Sunday (pg 2)
The Church will celebrate Pentecost next weekend - don’t forget to wear red!
Participate! Director of Faith Formation, Full Time staff position (see page 2) Music Ministry volunteers (pg 2)
Office volunteers, one Sunday per month following the 7:30am Mass. Please contact [email protected]
Parish Council Applications available in the church and online. Deadline is Sunday (pg 5)
The Ascension of the Lord is the culmination of the Saving Mysteries by which Jesus achieved our Salvation. The Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus are three parts of the one saving movement through which the Lord fulfilled his Saving Mission, begun by his birth into our world . Jesus ascended to the Father to take his rightful place beside the Father in the Kingdom of Heaven. Where he has gone we can aspire to follow. The Ascension, therefore, is the celebration of all our hopes and aspirations.
The Gospel today is taken from the conclusion of the Gospel of St. Matthew. The Gospel moves quickly from the disciples discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb, to the Resurrection Ap-pearances and, ultimately, to the Final Commission of his followers prior to the Ascension. This commission is given on a mountain top, which is also significant. Hills, mountains and other high areas are depicted in the scriptures as critical meeting places between God and his people. For example, Moses received the commandments on Mount Sinai and the Christian Beatitudes form part of the Sermon on the Mount. In Today’s Gospel, Jesus commissions his followers to go baptize in the name of the Trinity. This commission can be seen as the commissioning of the Church for all generations, something that will receive more clarity after the Descent of the Spirit at the First Pentecost.
This weekend we also observe the Memorial Day Holiday in the United States. This obser-vance originated as Decoration Day, a day of recollection and remembrance for all who died in the Civil War (1861-1865). Subsequently it was broadened out to include all people who died in the Military Service of the United States during wartime. We remember with pride all who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and will incorporate prayers for them at our masses this weekend. This is also the first holiday of the Summer, so we shall also pray for safe and enjoyable family celebrations.
Pax et Bonum,Fr. Des.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Header image: “Ascension” by Giotto di Bondone (1226, public domain)
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DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH SACRAMENTO, CA
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Sacramento, has an opening for a full-time Director of Faith Formation. This is a large, vibrant parish with Faith Formation Programs for pre-K through adults. Under the direction of the Pastor, the Director of Faith Formation is responsible for building catechetical teams to implement all aspects of the programs, including sacramental preparation, recruitment and training of catechists, and curriculum. The Director of Faith Formation also collaborates with the Director of Liturgy as well as the Principal and staff of St. Francis Elementary School on Faith Formation activities. Applicants should possess proven leadership skills and the ability to work effectively with children, parents, clergy and parish lay leadership. Training and education: Basic Catechist Certification (Master Catechist Certification preferable); B.A. in a related field with M.A. desirable. Salary and benefits based on experience/education. Email resume and cover letter to [email protected] or mail direct to the Pastor, Rev. Desmond T. O’Reilly, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1066 26th Street, Sacramento CA 95816.
For complete job description, go to www.stfrancisparish.com/DFF2017/DFF.pdf
Church Tour! Sunday, May 28 at 1:15pm
T rained parishioner docents will provide a fascinating tour of our
church as they explain the stories and saints (and pelicans) depicted in our church windows, murals, and statues– and answer your questions. Come see! Free. All are welcome.
This Weekend!
Let Us Know!
A re you or someone near and dear graduating this year from 8th grade, high school or college?
Contact JD to share this wonderful news in our parish bulletin, so that your parish family can celebrate this achievement with you ([email protected]).
Today, we are taking up the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). Your support helps the CCC connect people to
Christ, here and around the world, through the internet, television, radio, and print media. Half of the funds we col-lect remain in our diocese to support local efforts. Be a part of this campaign to spread the gospel message and support the collection today! To learn more, visit www.usccb.org/ccc.
This Weekend!
Young Adult Ministry Family Picnic Be sure to cast you vote for the Parish Council, then come to our Family Picnic after the 9:30 a.m. Mass on June 4 at Sutter’s Fort Park, across the street from the church. Email [email protected] for more details.
NextWeekend!
2017-2018 Parish Budget Presentation at 6:00pm on Tuesday, June 13th in Brunsman Hall
All parishioners are invited to the presentation of the 2017-18 Parish Operations Budget on Tuesday,
June 13th at 6:00 PM in Brunsman Hall. The Finance Council will be presenting the budget at the regular monthly Parish Council meeting, and all interested
parishioners are welcome to attend.
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Photo by Bob Knapik
MOVIENIGHT: RADICALGRACE 7:00 PM, Wednesday June 7, 2017 Brunsman Hall
Join the Adult Ministry of St Francis to make real the SPIRIT of the PENTECOST SEASON. Inspired by Pope Francis, we are called to respond to the oppression of the world’s poor and disenfranchised. The movie Radical Grace tells the story of three religious sisters and their struggle to implement catholic social teaching in a culture of moral collapse and political turmoil: Sr. Simone Campbell – national lobbyist for the poor; Sister Jean Hughes – advocate for ex-prison inmates; and Sister Chris Schenk – the role of women in the Church. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. There is no charge, although a free will donation will help support our programs.
Upcoming Opportunities
Living through the Franciscan Lens is a six-session journey through the looking glass to see the world through Franciscan eyes. It’s a different way of looking and living life that makes all the difference in the world! The class will meet on Monday evenings in the Parish Center Library from 6:30-8:00 PM on June 5, 19; July 10, 24; August 7, 21. Contact Debbie Clingingsmith for more information or to reserve your seat, by email at [email protected] or by phone (805) 574-0441. Space is limited.
Parish Center Library, 6:30-8:00 PM on June 5 & 19 | July 10 & 24 | August 7 & 21.
Living through the Franciscan Lens Reserve Your Seat!
Honoring our Franciscan Tradition
Iftar Dinner at Salam Center Mosque, June 15 In the year 1219 St. Francis of Assisi went to Egypt to visit the Sultan, Malik-al-Kamil. In April of this year Pope Francis also visited Egypt, urging Christians and Muslims to walk together not as enemies but as “fellow travelers.” In the spirit of unity demonstrated by both Pope and St. Francis, join us in this event and help create a greater awareness and understanding among our
parishioners and our Muslim brothers and sisters. Become a fellow traveler and participate in this informal, interfaith evening as we host an Iftar dinner on June 15 at the Salam Center Mosque in Sacramento:
• Join us for dinner at a cost of $10.00 per person. • Help serve the meal • Act as a table host • Make an additional cash donation to help defray the costs of the dinner
Find out more at our Iftar Table after each Mass or contact Richard Hernandez at [email protected]
How does being women affect our life choices and our relationships with others? Our culture and our church often promote gender stereotypes and defined roles for women. As seekers of a mature faith, how do we react to and come to terms with these varying and complicated aspects of what it means to be a woman in today’s world? How do we see ourselves and how does that affect how we see each other?
Saturday, June 17, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m in Brunsman Hall
The continental breakfast begins at 8:45 a.m.There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP to [email protected].
St. Francis Pathways for Justice
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PEACEPRAyEROFST.FRANCIS
To request a Mass Intention or request to have your loved one added to our bulletin prayer list, please contact SJeanay Willis Bolden, Parish Secretary
([email protected] or 443-8084). Send Healing Prayer Ministry prayer requests to
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master,grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;to be understood, as to understand;to be loved, as to love;for it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
We are called to live not as one without others, above or against others, but with and for others.
While this prayer has always been attributed to St. Francis, the author is actually unknown. The prayer does wonderfully represent the spirit of St. Francis and Franciscan Orders.
@ Pontifex Pope Francis 05/22/17 Thank you for your generosity!
REgULAR giviNg (Offertory) (Includes direct deposit and credit card donations)
May 14, 2017 $ 8,254
Year-to-date (7/1/16 - 05/17/17) 570,470 Last year 649,806 $ Change -$79,336 % Change -12.2%
DESigNATED DONATiONS (7/1/16 - 05/17/17) (Includes direct deposit and online donations)
Building Fund Donations $39,698 Last year 53,867 $ Change -$14,169 % Change -26.3%
Step Ministry Donations to date $41,166 Last year 51,182 $ Change -$10,016 % Change -19.6%
Your Financial Support
The 9 Month Report to Parish is available at http://bit.ly/2pDOXOt
Weekly Readings
Sunday: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Ps 66:1-7, 16, 20; 1 Pt 3:15-18 or 1 Pt 4:13-16; Jn 14:15-21 or Jn 17:1-11aMonday: Acts 19:1-8; Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33Tuesday: Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10-11, 20-21; Jn 17:1-11aWednesday: Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16; Is 12:2-3, 4bcd-6; Lk 1:39-56Thursday: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17:20-26Friday: Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab; Jn 21:15-19Saturday: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps 11:4, 5, 7; Jn 21:20-25Sunday: Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2a, 24, 35c, 27-28, 29bc-30; Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39 Day: Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23
For Those Who Are ill or in PainGeorgia Bates, Hollis Thompson, Melonie Andrews,
Sr. Jane McKirchy IBVM, Michael Matteucig, Suzanne Sanchez, Marietta Reitor and family
For Those Who Have Been Called to Eternal LifeNoel Margaret Ferris
Mass intentions for this WeekMay 28 Sun. 7:30am Parish StaffMay 28 Sun. 9:30am Pro Populo
May 28 Sun. Noon Alcoholics, Addicts & their families
June 01 Thurs. 12:10 Thomas J. Willis (†)
Prayer Requests
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Application deadline extended: Final Week!There is no doubt that St.
Francis Parish is a special place. We are very blessed to have such a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant parish for our spiritual home. Fr. Des and all of the parish
staff—and our many volunteers—work very hard to make St. Francis Parish what it is, and we are all grateful for their efforts. This time of year, however, we have the opportu-nity to do more than just be grateful! Our Parish Council Elections will be held the weekend of June 3/4. We all have different gifts to bring to the table but, unfortu-nately, for many of us the thought of running for election is a little bit outside our comfort zone. If being part of the Parish Council is something you would like to do, don’t let a little anxiety get in your way! Go ahead and throw your hat into the ring and see what happens! The Parish Council is an elected body of 15 parishio-ners. Council members serve a term of three years. The Parish Council’s mission is to help bring the concerns, the hopes, and the ideas of the parish to Fr. Des. Work-ing together with Fr. Des and the Parish Staff, the Coun-cil helps to discern what God is calling us, as a parish, to do. A good example of this was the Pastoral Action Plan that gave us a blueprint to follow in the areas of Evangelization, Outreach, Liturgy/Spirituality, Facilities, Parish/School Relationship, and Finances.
Current Parish Council Members(Top, left to right) Jose Michel, Margaret Healey, Bob Reid, Evelyn Fallon, Ann Dufor(Middle, left to right) Robert “Bob” Knapik, Patricia Heim, Richard “Dick” Crippen, Dennis Mahoney, Open Seat(Bottom, left to right) Kent Meyers, Darrin Greer, Penny Tafoya, Debbie Clingingsmith, Bob Lavelle
If you are interested in running, pick up an application in the church literature racks, or download the PDF at www.stfrancisparish.com/PC/apply.pdf.
Drop off applications at the parish office or email to [email protected] (include digital “headshot” style photo)
If you have questions, current members of the Council will be available after the Masses, or you can email questions to [email protected].
Application deadline extended to May 28
2017 Parish CounCil ElECtions arE nEXt WEEKEnD!
Congratulations to the children who received the Eucharist for the first time Last weekend.Eleanor AndrewsSantiago AvilaKatelyn BeeverOlivia BenzSamuel BowlesAjani BrinsonCharlie BursterElla BursterPJ CostelloKira DohertyEvan DureskySawyer ElliottSutton ElliottGabriella FedericoMaya FernandezAndrew GarciaAnne GarveyGrayson GasparLucia GuelkerMichael HeffronPierre Labord LagraveLiam LeonardIzabella LunaLuke MahonyAvah MathewsRobert MitchellDelavin Morgan
Children’s Liturgy of the Word During the Liturgy of the Word at our 9:30 am Mass, chil-dren K-4th grade are escorted from the church to the Parish Center Chapel by an adult catechist. No registration required. Parents may accompany their children.
Church Tours: 4th Sundays following the Noon Mass.
Communion visitation To request a visit for you or a loved one, please email: [email protected]. Please include your phone number in your email.
Contemplative Prayer Mondays 6:00 pm in the Parish Center Chapel. Tuesdays after 12:10 pm Mass in St. Clare Chapel.Franciscan Crown Rosary Ministry First Saturday of each month, 9-11am, in the Parish Center, we pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary, followed by conversation, fellowship, and brunch at a local restaurant. More info, contact [email protected]
gospel Series Sundays 11:00 -11:45 am in the Parish Center. Reflection and meditation on the gospel. More info: Mary (536-9753).
Healing Prayer Email your prayer petitions to [email protected], or call the parish office (443-8084).
High School Youth Ministry 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Parish Center. Light dinner provided. Bring a friend! [email protected].
Hospitality Sundays after 9:30 am Mass. Join us for coffee and donuts in Brunsman Hall.
Library Hours: Thursdays, 12:30- 2:30 pm and 1st and 3rd Sundays, 8:30 - 11:30 am in the Parish Center. LgBT Ministry All are invited to find community and support in their faith journey through worshipping with us and participating in parish activities. Contact [email protected].
Little Lambs Nursery Program Child care for children ages 1-3 during 9:30 am Mass. To register, go to our Children’s Faith Formation link on our parish website: www.stfrancisparish.com/children_formation.htm or email [email protected].
Taizé Prayer: Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, in the church.
T’ai Chi Chih Saturdays: 9:05 am in St. Clare Chapel or, weather permitting, in the park across from the church. Wednesdays: 6:00 pm in the church (during Taizé Prayer).
School Prayer Service: Mondays at 8:10 am in the church (when school is in session). All are welcome.
Thomas Merton Circle: More info: John (482-6976).
Young Adults (20’s-30’s) Come try out our young adults groups called Christian Life Communities (CLC). Our CLCs are a place for growth, companionship, and transformation. More info: Patrice at [email protected].
All Are WelcomeFranciscans For Justice, from Bro. Mark
EASTER STATIONSOFTHELIGHTSIx The Church celebrates the feast of the Ascension this Sunday. Today’s Gospel ends with Jesus reassuring his disciples:
‘And behold, I am with you always...’ In these “Stations of the Light” we have been experiencing the Gospels of Easter which describe the resurrected Christ meet-ing people. Today’s feast takes us into a different realm--the paradox of the presence of Christ in the absence of Jesus, and leaves us with the challenge of a search for a God who is pres-ent in the world. Pope Francis speaks about the Ascension: ‘Dear brothers and sisters, the Ascension does not point to Jesus’ absence, but tells us that he is alive in our midst in a new way. He is no longer in a specific place in the world as he was before the Ascension. He is now in the lordship of God, present in every space and time, close to each one of us. In our life we are never alone: we have this Advocate who awaits us, who defends us. We are never alone: the Crucified and Risen Lord guides us. We have with us a multitude of brothers and sisters who, in silence and conceal-ment, in their family life and at work, in their problems and hardships, in their joys and hopes, live faith daily and together with us bring the world the lordship of God’s love, in the Risen Jesus Christ, ascended into Heaven, our own Advocate who pleads for us.’ Read the entire article at conta.cc/2pZntXV
Image: artist Mary Ellen Rouen has created the Stations of the Light (the Resurrection) in clay. They are at the Cenacle Retreat House in Houston.
FranciscansForJustice.org | FACEBOOK: Franciscans for Justice
We wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Welcome Committee, set-up/clean up team, table hosts, as well as everyone who brought food for our “Cinco de Mayo” Welcome Brunch held on May 7th. We had many families new to our parish community who were interested in find-ing out about parish services and ministries, as well as some of the “Not-New” members of our community. It was a very welcoming event, and a great opportunity for extend a huge St. Francis welcome to the newest members of our community.
Cinco de Mayo Welcome Brunch for New & Not-New Parishioners
Thank you!
Name 1: Name 2: (Last Name, First Name) (Last Name, First Name)
Please place this form in the collection basket or
• Mail to: 1066 26th St., Sacramento CA 95816 • Fax to: 916-443-7356 or • Register online: www.stfrancisparish.com/membership.htm
Mass you attend:
[ ] 5:15pm [ ] 7:30am [ ] 9:30am [ ] Noon
Parish Information
Register as a Member of Our Parish Update Contact Information
St. Francis Parish Center Offices: 1066 26th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 • Phone: 916.443.8084 Fax: 916.443.7356 • Website: www.stfrancisparish.com • Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9aM-5pM
St. Francis Elementary School: 2500 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 • Phone: 916.442.5494 Website: www.stfranciselem.org • Office Hours: Mon–Thur, 8aM–4pM and Fri, 8aM-2pM (during the School Year)
