ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH 530 GARDNERS NECK ROAD SWANSEA, MASSACHUSETTS 02777 OCTOBER 15, 2017 Liturgical Celebrations Saturday Vigil: 4 p.m. Sundays: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Monday Thursday: 9 a.m. Civic Holidays: 9 a.m. only Contact: Parish Office: 508-673-2808 Parish fax: 508-672-6241 Email: stfrancisswansea@comcast.net Website: www.stfrancisswansea.com Religious Education: 508-673-2808 or 508-674-0024 Email: religiouseducation@stfrancisswansea.com St. Vincent de Paul: 508-673-2808 Youth Ministry: 508-673-2808 50 Week Club: Bill & Kathy Sullivan 508-493-9064/508-674-8511 Parish Staff Pastor: Rev. Michael A. Ciryak Maintenance: Tony Roderigues Faith Formation/Office: Christine Patota (Grades 1-9) Finance/Office/Notary: Fran Kelley Music Director: Ada Simpson Cantors: Allison Messier, Mike Moniz and Christine Patota Youth Ministry: Justin & Amanda La Croix Parish Council President: Wayne Gray Parish Address: Church: 530 Gardner s Neck Road Office/Rectory 270 Ocean Grove Avenue Swansea, MA 02777 Office hours: 9:30 a.m. 4 p.m. or by appointment
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Swansea, MA Parish Mission Statement: In the spirit of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, we dedicate ourselves as living stones to building our parish family with Christ as our foundation. Enlivened by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves by sharing God s transforming love with our families, our community and our world. Sacraments: Baptism: Arrangements must be made in advance. Please call the Parish Office to arrange a date and supply pertinent information. Individual Baptismal preparation is required. Sponsors: must receive from their respective Catholic pastors a sponsor certificate, which is the signed word of one priest to another that the proposed godparent is a Confirmed, fully-practicing Catholic who is qualified to be a godparent by living in harmony with our faith. Reconciliation: Saturday from 3:15PM to 3:40PM or call the rectory for an appointment. First Eucharist & Confirmation: Preparation two years prior to receiving each Sacrament is mandatory as a registered student in the Faith Formation Program. Matrimony: Couples are asked to consult with our priest at least six months in advance of the intended date to allow time for marriage preparation, including the Diocesan Program. Ministry to the Sick: Please notify us if someone you know is homebound and would like to be added to our Communion call list, or would like to receive the Sacrament of the Sick. Low gluten hosts available: Please let us know before Mass if you have a need to receive this type of host. Church is handicapped accessible. Saint Francis of Assisi Memorial Fund In making funeral arrangements, you may wish to consider enrolling the deceased in the Saint Francis of Assisi Memorial Fund. Relatives and friends who donate to the fund in memory of the deceased receive a thank you card from the parish, and another card is sent notifying the bereaved of the gift. The gifts are charitable contributions and may be a supplement or a substitute for flowers. Those whose names are enrolled in the Saint Francis of Assisi Memorial Fund are remembered in the Masses and prayers of the parish. A special Mass is celebrated once a year for all the souls enrolled. All the monies of this Fund are used to purchase materials needed to make our church more inspiring and beautiful for community prayer and celebrations of the sacraments. Sat., Oct. 14 - Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 4:00 p.m. Michael P. Hopkins by grandchildren Sun., Oct. 15 - Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 a.m. Colleen Hammond by O Sullivan family 9:30 a.m. Priscilla Saulnier by family 11:00 a.m. Manuel Aguiar by Mr & Mrs. Dov Carreiro Mon., Oct. 16 - St. Hedwig, Religious; St. Margaret Mary Alacoque 9:00 a.m. Ida Lopes by Rose Pacheco Tues., Oct. 17 - St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr 9:00 a.m. Rev. Clement Dufour by Henry & Anne Attar Wed., Oct. 18 - St. Luke, Evangelist 9:00 a.m. Manuel Dacosta by sister Thurs., Oct. 19 - Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests 9:00 a.m. Joana F. Silva by family Sat., Oct. 21 - Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 4:00 p.m. Diane M. Roussel birthday remembrance by family Sun., Oct. 22 - Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00 a.m. Mary Ferreira by family 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Lynn Iseler by Kathy and Bill Sullivan ALL ARE WELCOME The kingdom of heaven is like a wedding feast God is wedded to his people, but the Lord has trouble getting his guests to come to the feast! Everyone (from even the highways and byways) is invited to fill up the numbers, but everyone must take a proper wedding garment. Baptismal initiation comes before the wedding feast of the Lamb of God at the Eucharist. This is our God in whom we hope for salvation, and we rejoice that he is saving us. We are all invited and no excuses are accepted. RSVP! Text, Philip J. Sandstrom, S.T.D. 2002, OCP. All rights reserved.
Support Groups Separated and Divorced Support Group The La Salette Retreat Center in Attleboro is the location for a new biweekly support group for separated and divorced persons. The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 17 th from 7pm-8:30pm and subsequent meetings will be held every other Tuesday evening. For more information or for directions, please contact Dottie at 508-642-1928 or dojale@icloud.com. Fall River Area Widow/Widower Support This support group offers ongoing support for those who have lost a spouse and are seeking fellowship with others who share the same experiences. The group meets from 11 am to 12:30 pm every fourth Monday of the month. All are welcome. Meetings are held at: Edgewater II Apartments 49 Borden Road Westport, MA. For more information contact: Cecile Michno at 508-674-8120. Diocesan Events Fr. Pat Concert: St. Anne s Shrine is hosting a concert of English and French songs at (818 Middle St. Fall River, MA 02721) on Sunday, October 15 at 2pm. Admission is free. A free will offering accepted. It is sponsored by the Francophone Society. Marian Candlelight Procession: The Blessed Virgin Mary Candlelight Procession for Peace at St. John of God Church will be held on Mon., Oct. 16 th, starting with the Novena at 6pm, Mass right after the Novena, followed by the procession. We will recite the Rosary during the procession. All are invited for refreshments at the conclusion. La Salette Shrine is hosting a presentation by Bro. Mickey McGrath called The Maternal Womb of Mercy: Our Common Cosmic Home on Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 from 1:00-6:00 PM. Brother Mickey McGrath, Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, is an artist, writer, and speaker who loves to explore the relationship between art and faith. His work and ministry have been featured in St. Anthony Messenger, USA TODAY, and many Catholic newspaper articles around the country. Speak To Me God (How Can I Listen?) At Holy Name Parish, 709 Hanover St. Fall River on Sunday, Oct. 22 from noon until 2 p.m. guest speakers, Fr. Jason Brilhante and Sister Sabitha, O.P., will share their experiences of how they listened to God and how His plan for them was revealed. Light lunch served at noon followed by the presentation. Register at hnvocation@hnsfr.org or by calling Donna at 774-644-5878. FACE 23rd Annual Fall Scholarship Dinner: The Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) is hosting this dinner at White s of Westport on October 26 th, and is featuring author Mark K. Shriver who will discuss his book, Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis. Don't Miss Out! For tickets & information, contact the Office of Development at 508-675-1311 or visit www.face-dfr.org. Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time A Guide to the Sacraments: Presented by Holy Name Parish at the Parish Center in Holy Name School on Sundays after the 10:30 a.m. Mass and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. October 25 and 29: The Sacraments November 5 and 8: The Eucharist November 12 and 15: Walk Through the Mass November 19 and 22: Penance & Anointing of the Sick December 26 & December 6: Matrimony & Holy Orders Faith Formation Ministry Convention, Sat. November 4 th at the Holiday Inn in Taunton. This year s theme is Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with Mass celebrated by Bishop Edgar da Cunha. Workshops, general sessions, exhibits and lunch are all included. All catechists from St. Francis are encouraged to attend. Any parishioner who would like to come, please call the rectory for more information. Ecumenical Worship Service Sunday, Nov. 5 th at 3PM at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Fall River. Catholics and Protestants praying together, remembering the beginnings of our divisions, celebrating our progress on the path of reconciliation. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, presiding and Evangelical Lutheran Bishop James Hazelwood, preaching. All are welcome and encouraged to join Christians from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, both Protestant and Catholic, and their clergy, to participate in this special service. Holy Hour for Vocations: Wednesday, November 8 th at 7:00 PM at St. Mary s Cathedral in Fall River. Marian Medal Awards Ceremony: Sunday, November 19 th at 3:00 PM at St. Mary s Cathedral in Fall River. The Emmaus Retreat Program is a diocesan-approved retreat weekend that takes place three times a year. It's open to all men and women ages 20 or older seeking to grow in their relationship with Christ regardless of their present level of faith and practice. The purpose of the weekend is to give adults the opportunity to reflect upon themselves, their relationship with God and their community. Emmaus is a Catholic retreat program that is open to people of all Christian faiths. It provides its participants the opportunity to reconnect with what matters and share their faith journeys in a loving community. Time is set aside for personal reflection on one's life, one's world and one's God. The next retreat takes place the weekend of November 3-5 at Cathedral Camp. For more information, go their website https://emmausretreats.com/ Worldwide Marriage Encounter On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples. Learn how to put aside the veils and masks that prevent true intimacy with your spouse by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Weekends are Oct 21-22, 2017 in Contoocook, NH and Dec 8-10, 2017 in Quincy, MA. For more information, call Stephen & Michelle O'Leary at 800-710-9963 or visit them at https://wwmema.org/.
Sunday, October 15, 2017 50 Week Club Call Kathy and Bill Sullivan if you have any questions: 508-493-9064/508-674-8511 Congratulations to: Diane Gauvin Winner for October 15, 2017 Spread the Word to Family & Friends about: Adult Baptism and Confirmation Have you ever wanted to become a Catholic? Never been Baptized? Never made your first communion or been Confirmed? This might be the opportunity for you! Fr. Michael will be leading some adults in exploring our faith through prayer and study. This is not a pass or fail class; but, a shared learning of our faith in preparation to be received into our church. Also, those adults who have never received the Sacrament of Confirmation and would like to be sponsors (Godparents) for Baptism or Confirmation... this is your opportunity! Meetings will begin in October. Call the rectory at 508-673-2808 if this interests you! The St. Vincent de Paul Society are here to help. Call the rectory today if you are in need of financial help with bills or rent or if you need groceries. They are eager to serve. Your confidentiality is always a priority. Offertory Collection Weekend of October 7th & 8th Budget donations: $3,200.00 Diocesan Assessment: $1,770.00 Natural Disaster Relief: $697.00 Next weekend, October 21st & 22nd the second collection is for World Missions Thank you for your generous donations. NYC BUS TRIP It s getting closer Saturday, November 18, 2017 Our bus will depart from St. Francis of Assisi at 6:30 a.m. Please park your car in the southeast corner of the parking lot. There will be one stop in Connecticut en route to NYC. Most folks attend the 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Patrick s Cathedral. The bus departs NYC after Mass, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Exact details will be given the day of the trip. Prayer Shawl Ministry Next meeting is on Tuesday, October 17th at 1p.m. in the church hall. All are welcome no matter your skill level. Call the rectory if you know anyone in need of a prayer and a homemade item. October is Respect Life Month. October Candles Burn for: Sanctuary Lamp: Robert J. Peloquin, by family Altar Candles: Bryan Kelley, by parents Tabernacle Candle: Diane M. Roussel, by family Crucifix Candles: Herman Costa, by granddaughter Mary Anne Life is Primary A major Vatican document reminds us that the right to life is primary: The teachings of Pope John XXIII, the Second Vatican Council, and Pope Paul VI have given abundant indication of the concept of human rights as articulated by the Magisterium. Pope John Paul II has drawn up a list of them in the Encyclical Centesimus Annus The first right presented in this list is the right to life, from conception to its natural end, which is the condition for the exercise of all other rights and, in particular, implies the illicitness of every form of procured abortion and euthanasia (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Vatican City, 2004).
Sunday, October 15, 2017 Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary October Faith Formation Calendar Sun., Oct. 15th - Class for gr. 6 & 7, Class Mass for gr. 1 & 2 at 9:30 AM/Coffee & donuts following. Tues., Oct. 17th - Class for gr. 3, 4 & 5 Thurs., Oct. 19th - Class for gr. 1 & 2 Sun., Oct. 22nd - 9:30 AM Mass for Confirmation I & II students and parents, and gr. 6 & 7. Confirmation I & II parent meeting following Mass. Class for gr. 6 & 7. Tues., Oct. 24th - Class gr. 3, 4 & 5 Thurs., Oct. 26th - Class gr. 1 & 2 Sat., Oct. 28th - All Saint s Party at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM Family Mass. Sun., Oct. 29th - Class for Confirmation I & II at 9:30 AM followed by 11:00 AM Mass. Gr. 6 & 7 attend 9:30 AM Mass followed by class until 11:30 AM. Halloween Party & Family Mass Join us on Saturday, October 28th at 2:00 p.m. for a fabulously fun afternoon of games, contests, food and crafts. Dress like a saint to qualify for a special prize. All parishioners are invited! Christmas Pageant Meeting Anyone wishing to help with our 2nd Annual Christmas Pageant, please attend a meeting on Wednesday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the church hall. Our St. Francis Feast events were made possible through the generous donations of time, talent and treasure of so many of our parishioners, most especially the members of our Family Life Committee. These pictures portray just a few glimpses of the fun we had last weekend. God Bless our parish family!