saint FRancis xavier parish September 25, 2016

Transcription

1 saint FRancis xavier parish September 25, 2016 But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith... ~ 1 Timothy 6:11 Our Mission Statement St. Francis Xavier is a Catholic- Jesuit parish ignited by the Eucharist To Pray, Serve, Do Justice, and Love.

2 Our Shared Stories of Mercy at St. Francis Xavier In April 2003 I was riding my bicycle in the neighborhood where I lived near Lancaster, PA. All of a sudden I experienced an invisible swirl of light come into my chest from above and in front of me. Without knowing I "knew" it was the Presence of Mary, the mother of God. I was not Catholic, was not raised Catholic had not read or studied Catholic theology. In fact I was taught that Catholics made an idol out of Mary. Why did Mary come to me? What was this all about? Since I had no idea why Mary came to me I kept quiet about my experience. Like Mary, I "pondered" it in my heart. About three months later in the early days of July 2003 my beloved son Samuel unexpectedly died. My intense grief sunk me into a dark hole of painful isolation. When I shared my experience with friends I felt even more alone. The intended consolation of "with time you will get over it" left me with even more pain. NO! I NEVER wanted to "get over" loving and missing my son! So I walked. And walked. And walked. Through the solitary farm-field roads of Lancaster County I walked. Carrying my grief in my heart, in my whole body I walked. My tears watered the road ways as I walked. In my walking I came upon an unusually attractive looking building. What was it? Like a magnet I was drawn to it. The more I perused the grounds the stronger the internal magnet drew me in. But the doors were locked! Could I dare to ring the bell? Could I yield to the internal pull? The marble floors, the carved wooden doors, the air of sacredness - everything invited me to go further. Push open those inner doors. Take a peek at what is inside. Those colorful stained glass windows! The architecture! The arches! Everything overwhelmed me and yet drew me in. As if led by a very gentle hand I stood, and pondered. And felt Presence. Could I attend the mass? What if someone saw me there? What would I say? And yet I experienced a calm. A sweet invitation. A sense of being home. At the priest's invitation to receive the Eucharist I responded. I had to go up and receive! I needed it! But I was not Catholic. Communion was only for Catholics. No! I had to go forward to receive! Every day I walked - and sometimes drove - the mile and a half to mass. The Eucharist carried me through my time of deep untouchable grief. Every day. I received communion. I survived. Until I again thrived. Three years passed. Healing was happening. Everyday at mass. Easter vigil 2006 was the happiest day of my life!! Mary led me to healing! Mary led me to her Son Jesus in the Eucharist! Later I knew why Mary had come to me She knew the pain of the death of a son. Only Mary could accompany me through my pain! Mary knew I needed a community gathered around her son and "the breaking of the bread". I love Mary and I love her son Jesus. ~Please consider sharing your story with us. 2

3 Items of Note: St. Francis Xavier Missoula s Jesuit Parish Please Welcome Our Newly Baptized JAmes Ignatius Emmerich Coffee & Doughnuts Come and visit with your fellow parishioners following the 8:00 and 10:00 am Masses. Open House Holy Family House Please consider assisting in this ministry. Please join us for an open house on Sunday, October 2nd from 11 am 1 pm as we kick off Holy Family House, a parish sponsored solution to temporarily house homeless families as part of our 2016 Lenten Project. Holy Family House will work in collaboration with the Missoula YWCA Gateway program, and is part of a larger effort to provide shelter for the 30 families who are reported homeless in our community on any given night. The house is located at 510 West Spruce Street, and we will walk over together after Mass. Refreshments will be served. Come and find out how you can make a difference and live our your faith or call Pam in the parish office for more information. Blessing of Animals Please join us following the 10:00 am Mass on Sunday, October 2nd in honor of the feast of St. Francis Assisi as we bless the creatures who have been a blessing to us. 3

4 SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER ~~ MISSOULA, MONTANA 420 West Pine Street, Missoula MT, , sfxmissoula.com September 24, 2016 The Twenty-Six Sunday in Ordinary Time Prayers May --- Deanna Quamme and Vern Welter receive His healing and consolation. OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm stfrancisxavier@sfxmissoula.com Phone: Fax: May --- Fr. Bill Burke, S.J. rest in peace in Our Lord s Loving arms. Collections for Sunday, September 18, 2016 Envelopes $ Loose: $ All Saints $50.00 Home Mission $ Poverello $ Thank you for your generous giving! Weekend Liturgies Saturday ~~~ 5 p.m. Sunday ~~ 8 am, 10 am, and 6 p.m. Weekday Liturgies Monday - Friday ~~ 8 am Confession -Saturday ~~ 3:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment Eucharistic Adoration Wednesday & First Friday ~~ 8:30 am - Noon on Facebook at St. Francis Xavier Church, on and on Instagram at sfxmissoula. Follow all the events, news, and photos of life here at St. Francis Xavier. WELCOME! Our next Baptism preparation class will be on October 9th from Noon until 3:00 pm. Please contact the parish office to register. Are you interested in finding out more about St. Francis Xavier and the Catholic Church? Whether you are baptized in another denomination, have never been baptized and are exploring Christianity for the first time, or are a former Catholic pondering a return to the Church, we are happy to talk with you, answer questions, and explore the many possibilities. Find out more by calling Fr. Rich Perry, S.J., Fr. Matt Holland, S.J. or Fr. Joseph Carver, SJ. St. Francis Xavier Parish will often use parishioner likeness in print, video, website or in social media sites for the purpose of sharing our church community with others. 4

5 Mental Illness Awareness Week September 25, 2016 In 1990, the US Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week. The goal is to end stigma associated with mental illness and to ensure better understanding and access to diagnosis and treatment. Did You Know? One in four persons sitting in our pews has a family member struggling with mental issues One in ten children and youth has a serious mental illness condition Fewer than one-third of adults and one-half of children who live with mental health needs receive any level of treatment in any one year 60% of individuals with a mental health issue go first to a spiritual leader for help People with mental problems are our neighbors. They are members of our congregations, members of our families; they are everywhere in this country. If we ignore their cries for help, we will be continuing to participate in the anguish from which those cries for help come. A problem of this magnitude will not go away. Because it will not go away, and because of our spiritual commitments, we are compelled to take action Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Awareness This fall, the social outreach team will be collaborating with the parish nurse to present an educational series surrounding mental health awareness. The local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will be helping us to look at the faith community response to those who suffer with mental health issues and how to dispel the myths and stigmas which surround the topic. Mass Intentions for the Month of September, 2016 Mass Scriptures for the Month of September, 2016 Saturday 9/24 Sunday 9/25 Monday 9/26 Tuesday 9/27 Wednesday 9/28 Thursday 9/29 Friday 9/30 Bernice Kellogg Trisha Hagan For the People* Bob Beausoleil Norma Butero Bob Beausoleil Scott Zimmerman* Scott Zimmerman* Scott Zimmerman* Mass Intentions for the Month of October, 2016 Saturday 10/1 Jo Worden Sunday 10/2 Jerome Steyee Ilene Reineke For the People* Monday 10/3 Sheila Combo Tuesday 10/4 Mr. & Mrs. Peter Facinelli* Mass Stipend Suggested Mass stipend is $20 tax deductible... only the intangible value of prayer... 5 Saturday 9/24 Eccles. 11:9--12:8 Ps. 90 Luke 9:43b-45 Sunday 9/25 Amos 6:1a, th in Ordinary Time Ps Tim. 6:11-16 Luke 16:19-31 Monday 9/26 Job 1:6-22 Ps. 17 Luke 9:46-50 Tuesday 9/27 Job 3:1-3, 11-17, St. Vincent de Paul Ps. 88 Luke 9:51-56 Wednesday 9/28 Job 9:1-12, Ps. 88 Luke 9:57-62 Thursday 9/29 Dan. 7:9-10, SS. Michael, Gabriel, Ps. 138 and Raphael John 1:47-51 Friday 9/30 Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 St. Jerome Ps. 139 Luke 10:13-16

6 September 25, 2016 GRACE IN AGING Fr. Rich and Mary White will be offering a discussion group on aging (start date to be determined). We will have some books for you to aid in our gatherings, which will take place once every 3-4 weeks. A chance to meet with other "seniors" (60 and over!!!) to discuss the aging process, fears, helps, etc. An opportunity to learn from our hard-earned wisdom. Meet on: Our Year of Mercy Reading Groups Wednesday, Noon to 1:00 pm in the Parish Office - Library and Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Parish Office -Library This is an opportunity for us to pray together, be inspired through the reading of Scripture and Pope Francis s work The Name of God is Mercy and to share the stories of god s Mercy in our own life. Hope you can join us! WOMEN'S SCRIPTURE STUDY Meet on Thursdays (10 am or 7 pm). Our topic will be "Mercy" - The Name of God Is Mercy (interview with Pope Francis) followed by a Scripture study of mercy as it is spoken of in the Bible. The Twenty - sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Religious Education Dates September 25th - Sunday School - 9:00 am - Loyola Bldg. CLOW - 10:00 am Mass Confirmation Class - 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm - Reidy Hall Youth Group - 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm - Loyola Bldg. 27th - 1st Reconciliation Prep. - 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm - Reidy Hall Religious Education Dates October 2nd - Sunday School- 9:00 am- Loyola Bldg. 9th - Sunday School -9:00 am- Safe Environment-Loyola CLOW- 10:00 Mass Youth Group- 7:15 pm- Loyola Bldg. 16th - Sunday School- 9:00 am -Loyola Bldg. Confirmation Class- 3:30 pm - Reidy Hall Youth Group- 7:15 pm Loyola Bldg. 18th - 1st Rec. Prep.- 6:30 pm -Reidy Hall 23rd NO SUNDAY SCHOOL - 4 day weekend NO YOUTH GROUP 30th - Sunday School- 9:00 am- Loyola Bldg. Baby-sitters Needed We are looking for babysitters who would be willing to help out young mothers who are interested in the Bible Study led by Father Perry but are unable to attend with young children. If you love kids and would like to help, the groups meet on Thursdays 10-11:30 am and Thursday evenings 7-8:30pm. Please contact or me at kscariano@sfxmissoula.com. Thank you for your kindness in advance. Kelly Scariano RN, LCSW 6 Season of Hope Bereavement Group to Begin this Fall If you are in need of consolation after losing a loved one, this Christ-centered faith sharing group is for you. It meets for six Wednesdays this fall. Prayer, scripture, faith sharing and fellowship will be offered. For more details, pick up a Season of Hope brochure or call Kelly or her at kscariano@sfxmissoula.com.

7 Home bound Ministry We have ministers of care available to bring Communion to friends or loved ones who are unable to attend mass. If you know of someone who would like to receive Communion at home from a qualified, caring and compassionate minister of care please call and we will be happy to help out. Eleventh Annual Son Light Celebration and Oktoberfest (lederhosen and dirndls are optional) October 7, 2016 ~ Helena Civic Center Join In Missoula s Concert Sunday September 25th 7:30 pm University Congregational Church 405 University Avenue A free event for everyone in our community! Featuring Dolce Canto, the Missoula Gay Men s Chorus, Singers from Missoula area churches, and Songs for all who want to join in the singing. A nationwide event to inspire change. Sponsored by Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, faithsunited.org. There are many ways you can support Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Legendary Lodge through the Son Light Celebration: Purchase raffle tickets Donate to the auction Attend the event Invite a young adult ($35 for ages 35 and under) Visit: The young and the young at heart celebrate youth and young adults among 425 guests at the 2015 Son Light Celebration. Raffle tickets for the 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited CVT may be obtained from your parish youth minister or by contacting Julie Johnson at the Chancery Tickets are $25/chance. A maximum of 5,000 tickets will be sold with $5 of each ticket given to the seller s parish to fund formation scholarships in the Diocese of Helena. A total of $55,915 has been given to parishes since Photo: Bishop Thomas and Deacon Steve Buckner assist Evelyn Thrasher, winner of the 2014 raffle drawing, as she selects Frank and Alice Kortyka as the 2015 winners of a Honda CRV. Parish, family and individual gifts add a unique flavor to the Son Light event. Please contact Glenda at the Chancery if you or your parish would like to contribute a basket or other items to the auction. St. Mary's "STORIES AND STONES" Where: St. Mary's Cemetery Annex When: Sunday, September 25th Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. What: To hear and tell histories of our Catholic ancestors, soldiers, and religious Join us at new St. Mary's--to listen to stories about amazing people who lived their Catholic faith. Afterwards, we'll gather at the Knights of Columbus Hall for a chicken, salads, wine, and conversation! This event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus! For information, please call Mike Hamlin: (406) Reservations for the dinner and auction may be made by visiting to register and pay by credit card or sonlight@diocesehelena.org to register and send a check for payment. Credit card payments are only accepted through showmyevent.com Father Joe Fleming celebrates his live auction purchase of a Pitchfork Fondue for 12 donated by Fr. Jeff Fleming and Carl and Annette Rummel. LIVE AUCTION Two tickets to Hamilton, in New York City, and dinner with Helena native Kurt Crowley, Associate Conductor Dinner for 6 with Bishop Thomas Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams ~ 12/15/16 ~ 4 tickets Labor Day Weekend 2017 at Legendary Lodge Notre Dame vs Virginia Tech ~ 11/19/16 ~ 4 tickets Catholic Schools (Kalispell or Missoula) Scholarship for Quick Draw Art by Jim Stevens Blackfoot River Getaway at the Raymond Ranch One week in Rocky Point Mexico Pitchfork Fondue for 12 with Father Jeff Fleming and Carl and Annette Rummel The Bargain Corner has two locations in Missoula and in Hamilton. The Bargain Corner is operated by the Loyola Sacred Heart Foundation to support Missoula Catholic Schools. The Bargain Corner accepts furniture, clothing, household items, and a whole lot more! Stop by Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM at our Missoula location or Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM at our Hamilton location. Please note the new business hours. 7 Worldwide Marriage Encounter The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Let your marriage be filled with joy. Deepen your communication, rekindle your romance and renew your sacrament by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend on Oct rd in Great Falls, Jan th in Billings, and Feb th in Miles City. For more information, contact Jim & Daphne at or dcsprojim@gmail.com. Or our website at wwme.org.