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)

 

TO THOSE PASSING BY

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.