Scripture Readings: 17th Sunday in
Ordinary Time
Gn18:20-32; Col2:12-14; Lk11:1-13 (111)
Most of know how to strike a good bargain in the
market-place. But is it possible to use such tactics with God? Can God’s mind
be changed like ours? Abraham was a man of faith, but he was also a realist. He
was not blind to sinful humankind. Though Abraham prayed for justice, he also
prayed for compassion. Would the innocent be swept away with the guilty?
Abraham struck a bargain with God. If there were 50 righteous people in the
city, would God spare it for their sake? How about 45? 30? 20? Would God spare
the city for just 10? God was a willing negotiator. For the sake of some, God
spared all.
Because Jesus knew God intimately, he taught us to
pray with confidence to God as our “Father.”
God is merciful and just, and God pardons our sins. The debt we owe is a
null and void contract, nailed to the cross and canceled in the waters of
salvation. Though we were dead in sin, we are raised to new life. Jesus offers
the bread of life to nourish us each day. The door of God’s heart is opened
wide to those who share God’s loving-kindness with others.
For Reflection: Pray the Lord’s Prayer for someone who does not know
God’s mercy. Pray the Lord’s Prayer for your own needs.
Next Week: 18th
Sunday in Ordinary Time
Eccl1:2;2-21,23; Col3:1-5,9-11;
Lk12:13-21(114)
Thank you for taking a bulletin from our fence
container.
We put them
out especially for those who are passing by.
For the next few weeks, we’re going to look at how
various words of Scripture “come to life” right here and now.
To begin with ….
Just about two years ago, a young father and his
toddler son were taking an early morning weekday walk. As they were passing the open doors of St.
Francis at nine o’clock, the father asked the little boy, “Where would you like
to go today?” The child pointed, “In
there.”
In they came, and stayed through the nine o’clock
Mass. The next day, the child asked to
come again. They did. From then on, the little one had something
else to do in the summer mornings, but the father kept coming “in there.”
At Easter, after months of preparation, he was
received into the Catholic Church: baptized, confirmed and welcomed to the
Eucharist.
The words of the Prophet Isaiah come to mind: “…and
a little child shall lead them.” We saw it happen!
If you would like to consider following in this
father’s foot-steps, we would welcome you with open arms and hearts. There is a process called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for
Adults) that takes place at St. Francis Xavier every year, starting in the
fall. Over the last decade, dozens of adults, mostly young, have taken part in
it, just as the young father did. Watch
our weekly bulletin for full information about this year’s RCIA. Blessings to
you now as you continue on your way.
ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL
Pledged --$39,790
Goal -- $39,790
We have MADE our goal !!!
I wish to thank those parishioners who gave so
generously to the Annual Catholic Appeal. It is your support and commitment
that has allowed St. Francis Xavier Parish to continue to be a strong and
vibrant center of our Catholic faith.
Please note that all of the contributions to the Appeal that are over our
goal will come back directly to our parish.
Again, thank you for your terrific financial support.
Fr. Bill
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word Program at the
9:30 Mass on
Sundays will be taking a break after today’s Mass.
The program
will resume again on September 19th.
Thanks to all who make
this such a wonderful opportunity for the children.
AN INVITATION
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
provides an opportunity for interested non-Catholics to learn about the
Catholic Faith and for baptized Catholics who have
not yet
received
Confirmation of Eucharist to prepare to do so.
If you or someone you know might be interested in
finding
out more about the RCIA process, please contact
Sister Helene
at 718-857-2903.
If you know a person or persons you think might be
interested
suggest they
call…they just might be waiting for an invitation.
Spread the good news about this process!
JULY
BAPTISMS
We welcome into our parish
family and pray God’s fullest blessings upon: Adelysa Marie Bernabe, Gabriela Weyler Dias, Caden Cameron Douglas,
Brianna Lee Ramos, Gabriella Marie Ramos and Kristen Dina Russo.
ELIZABETH
MINISTRY
St. Francis Xavier Parish offers Elizabeth Ministry
for mothers-to-be. The purpose of Elizabeth Ministry is to reach out to women
in special times of motherhood. Our ministry offers expectant mothers a
spiritual support system by providing each with an anonymous prayer partner.
This allows the mother-to-be to relax knowing that a parish member is praying
for her and her family. Elizabeth Ministry
pamphlets are in the racks in the church vestibule.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Monday, July 26
7:00am: A. A.
7:45am: SFX Summer
Camp
Tuesday, July 27
7:00am: A. A.
7:45am: SFX Summer Camp
7:30pm: Karate
Wednesday, July 28
7:00am: A. A.
7:45am: SFX Summer
Camp
Thursday, July 29
7:00am: A. A.
7:45am: SFX Summer
Camp
7:30pm: Karate
Friday, July
30
NO MASS; COMMUNION SERVICE AT 9:00 AM
7:00am: A. A.
7:45am: SFX Summer
Camp
Saturday, July 31
8:30am: A. A.
4:30pm: Confessions
5:30pm: Women’s A. A.
Sunday, August 1
10:00am: Gamblers
Anonymous
6:30pm: Al Anon
ST. FRANCIS
XAVIER YOUTH PROGRAM
AFTER
SCHOOL
St. Francis Xavier Youth Program After School starts
on Monday, September 13th. Applications are available for pick-up at
the Lyceum (752 President Street) Monday – Friday 9am-6pm.
PARISH
PRAYER VESSEL
Our Parish Prayer Vessel is located in front of the Tabernacle. You
are invited to place your private prayer petitions on a prayer slip. Each
Sunday, these intentions will be prayed for during the Prayers of the Faithful.
PRAYER is not asking. PRAYER is putting oneself into the
hands of God, at his disposition, and listening to his voice in the depths of
our hearts.
PLEASE NOTE: SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
JULY 1 thru SEPTEMBER 1
Monday to Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturdays: 10am -12pm
Sundays: Office Closed
MASSES FOR
THE WEEK
Saturday, July 24
5:00 Deceased of the Gallacher Family
and Margaret
Moynanhan
Sunday, July 25
9:30 Jose Guzman and
Donald Calvin Reed
12:15 Rosanna Siconolfi
Monday, July 26
9:00 Martha
Bell Williams
Tuesday, July 27
9:00
Dolores Ennis
Wednesday, July 28
9:00
Joann Kilgore
Thursday, July 29
9:00 Peter McLoughlin
Friday, July 30
NO MASS COMMUNION SERVICE AT 9AM
Saturday, July 31
9:00 Peggy Malloy
5:00 Mazie
Andrews and
Kathleen Reid
Sunday, August 1
9:30 John S., Ann and John J.
Molony
12:15 Mae and Patrick Donnelly
THE HOSTS AND WINE are
donated this week in memory of Marthabell Williams by Hector Bright.
THE ALTAR CANDLES are lighted this week in
memory Joseph R. Montemarano by Maryann and Bill Fischetti.
IN OUR PRAYERS
May God strengthen and give
peace to all of our sick parishioners, relatives & friends.
May the hope of the
Resurrection dawn on our deceased relatives and friends especially Dolores Candella. We lift them up to our heavenly Father who heals all ills and gives new
life.
AUTOMAted Giving Is Here…
Parish
Pay!
Have You Signed Up Yet?
It benefits you and our parish!
Enrollment is friendly and trouble-free.
Managing your account through Parish Pay is easy.
Use your Credit Card to
make your weekly contribution.
simply visit the Parish
Pay Website at
www.parishpay.com, or call 1-866-PARISH-1
for more information or to
sign up.