LENT AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

We invite you to share  in our Lenten times of prayer as often as possible. As part of our Lenten Sacrifice in union with the church all over the world, ALL Fridays of Lent are days of ABSTINENCE (no meat).

 

ASH WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 17

Ashes will be given during  Mass at:

7am, 9am, & 7:30pm

Prayer Service at 3:30pm

 

 

LENTEN PARISH MISSION

God Promises to Give You A Future Full of Hope
Lent is an appropriate season to once again take some time to be in touch with our spiritual core. Taking time to: pray, listen, come closer to God, grow in holiness, to remember who you are called to be is what our Parish Mission is all about.
We will gather in the Church for three evenings in a row: March 8th, 9th and 10th at 7:30 pm to focus intensely on our life as followers of Christ. In a way, we will be following Christ "into the desert" for three evenings away from our usual activities.
We will hear inspiring talks from our two Mission leaders: Monsignor Larry Hinch and Father George Cowan, whom we know and love from his weekend celebration of Mass here at St. Francis Xavier.  They are a great team.
These gatherings will offer you a spirit-filled way to renew yourself during Lent.
Save the dates; you won't be disappointed!

 

WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO PRAY FOR

THE SPIRITUAL SUCCESS OF OUR

PARISH MISSION ?

 

Our Lord has said: “Seek and you will find, ask and it will

be given unto you.”

We are seeking parishioners who are willing to choose one day in the month ahead to pray for the spiritual success of our Parish Mission and for the leaders and presenters of the Mission, Monsignor Larry Hinch and our own Father George Cowan. There will be a calendar in the vestibule as you exit Church today. Just pick a day and sign your name as a commitment to pray for the Mission on the day of your choice. You may pray when and how you choose on that day and you will be joining other SFX parishioners in a network of prayer support for this occasion of spiritual renewal.

Many thanks!

Scripture Readings: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jer17:5-8; Ps1:1-4,6; 1Cor15:12,16-20; Lk6:17, 20-26

Jeremiah experienced dryness of faith as he announced the word of God. Nevertheless, the prophet declared that it was those who turned away from the Lord that were living in a wasteland with nothing to nourish them. In contrast, those who were faithful to God’s word were like trees with deep, well-watered roots. They could withstand the cold and the heat. No matter what the changing season brought, in scarcity or abundance, they bore good fruit.

Jesus told his disciples that true happiness was found in God’s reign. They wouldn’t find it in worldly pleasures, power, or possessions. The reign of God belonged to those who had a hunger or thirst for it. Whoever suffered persecution for the sake of this truth would be rewarded. Though they might weep for a time, in due season they would be filled with eternal joy.

Despite persecution, Paul was a messenger of hope and trust in God. His proclamation of the gospel was life-giving. His faith in Jesus reached beyond the grave. Those whose hope was limited to this life were to be pitied; they were the deadest of the dead. Jesus was raised to new life. His resurrection was the first fruit of all who would reign with him forever.

For Reflection: Do I lose hope in times of suffering? Do I find happiness in the things of the world or in God’s word?

 

Next Week: First Sunday of Lent

Dr26:4-10; Rom10:8-13; Lk4:1-13

 

TO THOSE PASSING BY…

Thank you for taking a bulletin from our fence container. We’re happy to share a bit of our life at St. Francis Xavier with you.

In a few days, we will celebrate Ash Wednesday, the very beginning of Lent.  On that day, you will notice people around the city with a cross of ashes on their foreheads.  This is a reminder to us of Jesus’ call to turn around our minds, our hearts, our lives in order to follow Him more closely in doing God’s will.

Some years ago, on an Ash Wednesday, a parishioner was at a business meeting.  Noticing the ashes, a man said to her, “Oh, I see you’re doing Lent.” The parishioner was about to say that we’re more apt to call it “observing” Lent, when it dawned on her that “doing” was really so much better!  “Observing” is passive, sort of “from afar,” while “doing” is jumping in with both feet.

So, parishioners here at St. Francis Xavier (and in thousands of churches around the world) will be “doing Lent” from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday, March 28, when Holy Week begins.

You are very welcome to join us on our Lenten journey.  In fact, we invite you to do just that.  And blessings to you today as you continue on your way.

 

WHY IS CATHOLIC EDUCATION UNIQUE?

Catholic Education is unique because each morning and at the beginning of each class we say a prayer and we call upon God our Creator for help the whole day. Chisomebi Emeh -7th Grade.

Catholic Education is unique because it’s different from other educations where you might not learn about God or even know who He is.  Emily Roldan – 7th Grade.

Catholic Education is unique because they always give you a choice. Sarah Aviles - 7th Grade.

Catholic Education is unique because it pushes you hard and it tries its best to make you understand. It’s different because compared to a lot of public schools they care about you and will do anything they can to make you succeed.

Tanika Seaton -8th Grade.

 

MASS INTENTIONS

APeople shouldn=t be forgotten, they matter.@  Jesus was aware of this when He offered us the Mass and His Body and Blood so we would remember Him. We know that the memorial of the Mass is a real participation in the ongoing life of our glorified Lord. We also believe that our deceased share that same life with Him. Unlike any other way, the Mass enables us not only to remember our deceased but also, through Christ, to share in their spiritual presence.

The offering is $15 per Mass Intention which is a way of providing for the needs of the church and a tangible way of offering the gift of remembrance.

Other ways to remember your loved ones will also be available. There are weekly offerings of Bread & Wine ($25) and Altar or Tabernacle Candles ($20). Each month we celebrate a Mass on the first Saturday at 9am for Collective (group) Intentions ($10).

 

 

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.

 

twitter

Pope Benedict has encouraged all priests to get involved in modern day forms of communication, especially the internet.  In that light, I am happy to announce that I am now on Twitter.  If you wish to "follow me,” my Twitter name is FrBillsfx.               ---- Fr. Bill                                                                               

SOME LENTEN PRACTICES

Each year some changes happen during Mass in Lent.

You see the altar area devoid of flowers, plants, and extra candles, and there is no holy water in the fonts. We have a simpler entrance and kneel during the penitential rite. These customs are observed in order that we may “feel” the season of Lent in our liturgy and perhaps become more aware that we are in the midst of a special time of year. While we do miss some of the regular practices and sacramentals, we use this opportunity to yearn in our hearts and spirits all the more for their return and renewal at the great feast of Easter when Jesus restores to us the flames of hope, the waters of life and the beauty of God’s creation and when we can once again stand before the Lord as a people redeemed by His blood.

 

 

MONTHLY PRAYER GROUP

All are invited this week to join us for some time with God and each other. Our monthly prayer group meets this Tuesday,  February 16th at 7:30pm in the rectory. Come and experience a moment of God’s grace and reflect on the Holy Scriptures, letting our Father speak to your heart.

 

 

BOOK GROUP SELECTION FOR LENT

The St. Francis Xavier Book Group has chosen Praying Lent: Renewing Our Lives on the Lenten Journey, by Andy Alexander, SJ and Maureen McCann Waldron. The book is available through Barnes & Noble or Amazon for $5.95. We will meet to talk about the book on Sunday, March 21st at 10:45AM in the rectory (between the 9:30 and 12:15 Masses).

Or, you may wish to read the book on your own to enrich your  Lenten experience. For more information, contact Ellen at 917-753-2500 or ellzoid@aol.com.

 

OPERATION OUTREACH

Operation Outreach is a group of parishioners who are looking to match resources with needs. If you know of anyone who has a need or has a resource that can help another,  please

let us know. Contact Operation Outreach at 718-499-1281 or email at outreachstfx@gmail.com.

First Annual Children’s Book Drive: It’s not Spring yet but you can start cleaning by getting rid of some of those books your children have read already. They can receive a brand new life in several local shelters, community centers and food banks. During the month of February we’ll be collecting gently used children’s books suitable for ages 6 months through teen years. Please drop them in the boxes located in back of church.   Thank you!

The Shopping Project lists are now available in the rear of the Church. They will be there until mid-month. Please take a list and drop off the items with the list attached at the front altar.

 

 

WEEKLY SCHEDUL E

Monday, February 15

Rectory Office Closed

   7:00am:     A. A.

12:45pm:      Berkeley Carroll

Tuesday, February 16

   7:00am:     A. A.

12:45pm:      Berkeley Carroll

  7:30pm:      Karate

  7:30pm:      Prayer Group

Wednesday, February 17                 Ash Wednesday

 7:00am:      Mass with Ash distribution

 7:00am:       A. A.

  9:00am:     Mass with Ash distribution

12:45pm:      Berkeley Carroll

  1:00pm:      After School/Leadership Training

  3:30pm:          Prayer service with Ash distribution

  6:30pm:      Cub Scouts

  7:00pm:      St. Vincent de Paul

  7:30pm:     Mass with Ash distribution

  7:30pm:      Boy Scouts

  8:15pm:      Choir

Thursday, February 18

  7:00am:      A. A.

  9:00am:      Berkeley Carroll

  2:00pm:      After School/Leadership Training

  7:30pm:      Karate

  8:00pm:      RCIA

Friday, February 19

NO MASS: COMMUNION SERVICE AT 9:00 AM

  7:00am:            A. A.

12:45pm:      Berkeley Carroll

 2:00pm:       After School/OST

Saturday, February 20

  8:30am:      A. A.

  8:30am:      Super Soccer

  1:00pm:      SFX Youth Sports

  4:30pm:      Confessions 

  5:30pm:      Women’s A. A.

Sunday, February 21

  9:30am:      Children’s Liturgy of the Word

10:00am:      Gamblers Anonymous

 1:00pm:       SFX Youth Sports

 

SCOUTING AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

Our scouts meet in the Lyceum weekly. If you are interested in having your son join, stop by on Wednesdays

Cub Scouts at 6:30pm, Boy Scouts at 7:30pm.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE!

Our Parish Spring Fling will take place on May 1, 2010.

Look for more information in upcoming bulletins.

 

        

NOTE:  The rectory office will be closed Monday, February 15 in observance of the Presidents’ Day Holiday.

 

 

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

Saturday, February 13

  9:00                   Arthur C. Kalm

  2:00     Nuptial          Daniel Dermody and

                                               Lisa Cefalu

  5:00                   Deceased of the Gallacher               Family and Margaret Moynahan               

Sunday, February 14

  9:30                       Helen and John Fagan

12:15                                      Carmine and Rosanna

                                        Siconolfi

Monday, February 15

  9:00                      Dr. Joseph G. and Martha

                                                           Paterno

Tuesday, February 16

  9:00                       John Aherne and

                                                     Bill Walkden

Wednesday, February 17          ASH WEDNESDAY

  7:00                                      People of the Parish

  9:00                                  George T. Mills

  7:30                                      Clara Rapp

Thursday, February 18

  9:00                   Helen Carolyn Girard

Friday, February 19

    NO MASS COMMUNION SERVICE AT 9AM

Saturday, February 20

  9:00                   Mary Ann Esposito

11:00      Wedding                 Bradlay Madsen and

                                               Bridget McCabe

  5:00                   Fillippo Di Santo          

Sunday, February 21

  9:30                       Deceased members of the               Chiappetti and Harris Family

12:15                                      William Greene

                

THE BREAD AND WINE are offered this week in memory of  Gregory Baldwin by Doreen Petrilak.

 

IN OUR  PRAYERS

May God strengthen and give peace to all of our sick parishioners, relatives & friends, especially: Sister Claude, Howard Ganson, Mary Jo Katan, Emily McLoughlin, Gloria Konkel, Vincent Franca, Mary DiLutre  and Joseph Silinonte.

May the hope of the Resurrection dawn on our deceased relatives and  friend, especially: Gillian Srebniak. We lift them up to our heavenly Father who heals all ills and gives new life.

                      

DIOCESAN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS

The annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Our Lady of Angels Church, located at 7320 4th Avenue, Brooklyn at 11AM. Couples celebrating their 25th, 30th, 40th, and 50th Anniversary and above are invited to attend with their families. Light refreshments will be served following Mass. Call the rectory to register no later than March 31, 2010.