The Woman’s Activities Ministry, The Women of St. Francis, is a welcoming group of women who are involved in most of the activities of the Parish and lend support to the other ministries. All women are welcome. If you are interested in joining this group (and all women of the parish are invited), contact Georgia Capobianco at womensactivities
The next meeting: Thursday, April 2nd, at 10:45 in the kitchen quad. The topic: TBA
Brunch will be served. To. RSVP, click the link below, call or email me, or scan the QR code:
MINUTES of the MEETINGS
Welcome ―Georgia Capobianco
Blessing of the food
Opening Prayer ― A reading from Philippians :
“
I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, to know him and the power of his resurrection and [the] sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death..” (Philippians 3:8-9a, 10)
Today’s Saint is St. Agatha and so let’s pray:
Dear Lord, We humbly seek the intercession of St.
Agatha, a beacon of strength and courage.
Shield us from harm and guide us through trials, granting us the protection we need in our daily lives.
May her unwavering faith inspire us to trust in Your divine care.
Surround us with Your love and keep us safe under Your watchful eye.
Amen.
Hail Mary…..
Invitation to “Grieving with great hope” – Tom Sintes, Please see information in the Nathex
Topic: The Beauty of Lent, the friendship with Jesus we are invited to Explore
Speaker: Leslie Albizzatti, Author
Copies of Leslie’s book are available through Amazon or see Lorraine Carson or me directly. Leslie’s website and blog can be reached Christian Author & Faith Writer | Leslie Albizzatti
Next Meeting ― Thursday, March 5th at 10:45
Topic: Quilting
Speaker: Pat Deacon
Closing Prayer ―
God, the Father of mercies, you strengthened Saint Agatha to bear torture and death rather than
to forsake your Son, to whom her life was pledged. May she plead our cause before you, for she
knew how to please you both in her consecration to virginity and in her courage in the face of
martyrdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meeting Adjourned ―
Welcome ―Georgia Capobianco Blessing of the food
Opening Prayer ― A reading from Romans:
“Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Rom 13:10)
Dear Father in Heaven, as children of God, we learn from you, our Father. We learn love from your love made visible in the Birth of Jesus Christ in human flesh, the child to whom the Magi brought the gift of their worship, the Son whom you claimed at his baptism in the Jordan. As we have been loved, so we seek to love one another. Teach us your ways, O Lord! Reveal your love to the world through our love for one another. This we pray Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Hail Mary…..
Topic: CREATIVE WRITING AS A MINISTRY*
Speaker: Karen L. Keir, Author of “The Sketch, A Glen Rock Mystery”
Karen shared with us part of her journey and how God has touched her life. If you are interested in joining a writer’s group, here is a suggested link. Catholic Writers Guild – The Rebirth of Catholic Arts and Letters
Also, Karen’s website is: https://www.karenkier.com/
Karen’s books are available on Amazon
* Click HERE for a transcript
New Business – Georgia discussed the book, “Praying Scripture for a change” by Tim Gray, Ph.D. (a follow up to Fr. Slawek’s presentation on Lectio Divina)
Copies were handed out. If you are interested, see Georgia or purchase here: https://ascensionpress.com/products/praying-scripture-for-a-change-an-introduction-to-lectio- divina-1
Next Meeting ― Thursday, February 5th at 10:45
Topic: The Beauty of Lent, the friendship with Jesus we are invited to Explore
Speaker: Leslie Albizzatti, Author
Closing Prayer ― God of love, you created your Church to be the sacrament of unity for a divided world. Gather us together in the communion of love by the power of your Holy Spirit, so that our love for one another may flame out as a vibrant light in every human darkness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meeting Adjourned ―
November 6th, 2025 Agenda Welcome ―Georgia Capobianco Blessing of the food
Opening Prayer ― A reading from the Canticle of Ezekiel: “I will give you a new heart
and place a new spirit within you,
taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts.” (36: 26)
Dear Father in Heaven, as we come together this morning to learn about the secrets and promises of the Holy Rosary, open our hearts and our minds so that we may hear your wisdom. This we pray Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Hail Mary…..
Topic: Video – 7 +1 secret of the rosary https://youtu.be/MzwHsIaFZnk?si=-uaVR5gLRjiAdaDD Power point: 15 Promises of the Rosary: DOWNLOAD PDF
Speaker: Georgia Unfinished Business ―
New Business ― Do we want Wreath making classes? Please email me if interested
Do we want Cookie exchange? At the next meeting? Let me know
Do we want the Christmas Party?- Yes we will coordinate with Fun Activities. Planned for December 7th Other recommended: video https://youtu.be/bHvZNBBgzQU?si=s8pmznmo-6WHxonI
Book. The 15 Promises of the Rosary. I have a few copies left or it is available on Amazon in paperback or kindle format https://a.co/d/iBnDFii
Next Meeting ― Thursday, December 4th at 10:45
Topic: Patient Power
Speaker: Sandy Pineault, M.S.N.M.H.C.M
Closing Prayer ―
O God and giver of all good gifts, you cleanse us from stain of sin and make us pure of heart through your Son Jesus Christ. Lead us to dwell with you in holiness in our everyday lives through
Opening Prayer ― This morning’s reading from the Book of Deuteronomy:
“I have set before you death and life. Choose Life!” (Dt. 30:19)
O God, who planted a garden in Eden, you have planted your Church beside the stream of living water flowing from the side of Christ crucified. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your wisdom so that we may learn and understand this new information. We humbly thank you merciful Father. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Topic: Stroke recognition and prevention
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Harrell, BSN, RN, CCRN
Next Meeting ― Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, 11 am
- Topic: Understanding Social Security Benefits
- Speaker: AARP
Closing Prayer ―
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to thank you, for the time we had to come together today to discuss issues and learn new things so that we may choose life thus make us grow through our Lenten observance so that we may bear abundant fruit at Easter, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Opening Prayer ― This morning’s reading from the Book of John:
“Thus says the Lord: Let whoever is thirsty come to me and drink. Streams of living water will flow from within the one who believes in me.” (Jn. 7:37-38)
Father in heaven, May we always remember to come to you in our needs. Because of your great love for us, you give us all good things. We humbly thank you merciful Father. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Topic: Spiritual Direction – Speaker: Ted Benning
Mr. Benning gave us a wonderful presentation on Spiritual Direction. We are so blessed to have him join St. Francis as a spiritual director and offer us the opportunity to take part in this journey of discovery.
“Because we believe that God is never completely absent from our life, spiritual direction is a dynamic relationship in which one (The director) opens a sacred listening space for another (the directee), in which the directee may look for and discover signs of God’s presence and action in their experience, deepen their awareness of God, and make discerned choices mindful of their relationship with God.”
Afterward, we discussed this topic and shared some of our own experiences. Please contact Ted if you are interested in spiritual direction.
Next Meeting ― Thursday, March 6th, 2025, 10:45 am
- Topic: Stroke recognition and prevention
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Harrell, BSN, RN, CCRN
Closing Prayer ―
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to thank you, for the time we had to come together today to discuss issues and learn new things. “The Lord bless us and keep us! The Lord let his face shine upon us! The Lord look upon us kindly and give us peace! Amen” (cf. Nm. 6:24-26)
Opening Prayer ― This morning’s reading from the Book of Proverbs:
“I, Wisdom, dwell with experience, and judicious knowledge I attain. (Prv. 8:12)
Opening Prayers:
Father in heaven, Saint Basil and Gregory dwelt with wisdom through study and prayer. Through their intercession and example, inspire us to seek you above every other reward and to serve you faithfully in the work of leading others to true belief. These things we study today are secular, but may the wisdom they impart help us to serve others and bring them peace. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Topic: Estate Planning and record keeping. “What do I need? What can I toss? What should I Keep? How can I get it for low cost or free, and how do I organize it?
Speaker: Georgia Capobianco
The presentation focused on what documents are needed, why they are important, and how to organize them to make things easy for your family. Various reliable information found on the US Government National Institute for Health website, AARP, and other reliable sources were shown with some handouts. This information included suggestions for having these important conversations with your family. Various choices for organizing your files were shown with details on where to find or purchase them. Attached is a recap of the meeting information and all the links to the items that were discussed.
Next Meeting ― Saturday, Feb 8th, 2025, 9:30 am. The topic will be a presentation by Ted Benning on Spiritual Direction.
Closing Prayer ―
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to thank you, for the time we had to come together today to discuss issues and learn new things. “The Lord bless us and keep us! The Lord let his face shine upon us! The Lord look upon us kindly and give us peace! Amen” (cf. Nm. 6:24-26)
Well, We’ve certainly had a joyful December so far! The Christmas luncheon, cookie exchange, and Pot Luck evening Christmas Party were a great success. We had lots of fun and laughter with the white elephant gift exchange. And the room was filled with delightful aromas of the delicious food everyone brought. Christmas music played in the background while everyone had a chance to enjoy the food, drinks and conversation. Thank you to all who participated and helped with setup and cleanup.
Opening Prayer ― This morning’s reading from the Book of Jerimiah:
“It is I this day who have made you a fortified city.” (Jer. I:18)
“Lord Jesus Christ, in you we have A strong city, built upon rock and surrounded with fire of the divine Presence. Grant that we may always dwell in you, who live and reign with the Father in unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.”
The Christmas Luncheon was enjoyed by all. The menu was partially provided by participants, which included:
Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches Coleslaw
Cornbread (Regular and Gluten free) Potato chips, GF pretzels and Dip Fruit Salad
Brownies
Sweet tea and Sangria
Afterwards, we enjoyed fellowship; it was nice to get to know one another better.
Helping the homeless – Mary Flanagan told us about what she learned about the Nassau County Coalition for the Homeless program. A mobile trailer helps provide fee haircuts, showers, and laundry for those in a hard situation and trying to get back on their feet. We plan to have the charitable group speak at one of our gatherings soon to find ways we can help.
Some of us participated in the cookie exchange and we made lovely platers wrapped in holiday cheer to take home
Next Meeting ― Thursday, Jan 2nd, 2025, 10:45
- Topic: Estate Planning and record “What do I need? What can I toss? What should I Keep? How can I get it for low cost or free, and how do I organize it?
*Note: We had planned for Ted Benning to give us information on Spiritual Direction. But he is recovering from some health issues. So we have postponed this and we keep him in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Closing Prayer ―
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to thank you, for the time we had to come together today to discuss issues and make decisions. “May the Lord, our rock and our fortress, protect us from all distress. Amen” (cf. 2 Sm. 22:2)
Meeting Adjourned ―
Opening Prayer ― This morning’s reading from the Book of Isiah:
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Is. 56:7)
O God, you dwell in our midst even as you call us to walk forward toward the future dwelling place which you have promised for all your people. Keep us faithful to the way you have laid out for us so that we as one Church with one Shepherd may follow where you lead us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray the Hail Mary prayer.
After a light breakfast, we watched a video about the Eucharist Video with Father Mike Schmidt, followed by a group discussion, and some shared some Eucharist experiences. The topic was: What has the Eucharistic Revival done for me and what now? If you would like to see Father Schmidt’s full Eucharistic congress speech, here is the link, https://youtu.be/l2QtWaEFq3E
Helping the homeless – Mary Flanagan
Mary told us she would attended a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Nassau County Coalition for the Homeless. Here is what she learned:
- This non-profit organized in 2006 & had been affiliated with Gracie’s Kitchen prior to COVID lockdowns.
- The homeless are mostly men over the age of 50. They are not as visible West of Amelia Island because they stay in the woods.
- The mobile unit is equipped with shower & laundry facilities.
- Carlene McDuffie, President, would be interested in speaking at one of our meetings. Maybe a joint meeting with the MOSF.
- A popular item given to the homeless is a mat crocheted from plastic shopping bags.
I plan to contact Carlene to learn what items they need most & schedule a collection date, maybe for January. I’m including a link to their website & a link for crocheting mats from plastic bags and a link for anyone looking for volunteer opportunities & ways to help.
https://www.chnassau.com/gethelp
Wreath making gathering – Georgia
On Sunday afternoon some of us gathered to learn to make Wreaths.
Discussion on future topics, ideas, and member needs – Everyone
Georgia asked for volunteers to help as co-chairs for the ministry. Also we need volunteers to help with the Christmas party and decoration the church next month. Please email me.
Next Meeting ― Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024, 12:00 2:00 pm
- Luncheon and cookie exchange
Closing Prayer ―
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to thank you, for the time we had to come together today to discuss issues and make decisions. O Lord our God, you sent into the midst of faithless humanity the living bread, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to nourish and strengthen us on the road. Lead us in your ways today and everyday according to your will, through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen
Meeting Adjourned ―
Guest Speaker: Fr. Slawek Bielasiewicz
Topic: The Mass
Father presented a very informative presentation of the Mass. He spoke of how the readings in the Roman Missal are presented in red & black text. The red text are instructions, explaining what the priest must do. For example: “After the Gospel, the Celebrant kisses the Missal, …” It was extremely informative! Fr. also gave us a “test” – Check it our and see how well you do!
1. When we enter church we:
a. Genuflect and make the Sign of the Cross with holy water (HW) and go to a pew
b. Bow and make the Sign of the Cross with HW and go to a pew
c. Make Sign of the Cross with HW and go to a pew
d. Any of the above as a sign of reverence
2. How many Eucharistic Prayers do we have:
a. 2 b. 4 c. 6 d.10
3. Which One of the main Eucharistic Prayers can be said ONLY on weekdays of Ordinary Time (no Sunday, no feast):
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
4. (Fr. passed around a painting of Jesus holding a Host above a Chalice) When during the Mass is a whole Host held above a Chalice:
a. During Consecration
b. Before Communion
c. After “Lamb of God”
d. Never
5. In the Roman Missal there are different marks (text) with different colors and numbers. Ex: R1/R2 Purple. What do they mean?
a. Ritual for Lent 1 and 2
b. Special Eucharistic Prayers q and 2
c. Ritual for reconciliation 1 and 2
d. Ritual for funeral 1 and 2
6. During the “Our Father” prayer, who should extend hands?
a. Everybody
b. Priest
c. Priest and Deacon
d. Nobody
7. Eucharistic Prayer 1 is called the Roman Cannon because:
a. It was created and used in Rome
b. It was originally said in Latin
c. It refers to the early martyrs
d. St. Paul mentioned it in the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans
8. How many times per day can we receive Communion?
a. Once per day within Mass only
b. Twice per day within Mass only
c. As many times as we attend the Mass
d. Once per day within Mass or if we are sick when brought to us
9. Before receiving Communion we should:
a. Bow or genuflect
b. Bow and make the Sign of the Cross
c. Genuflect and make the Sign of the Cross
Volunteer Spotlight – Living with Dementia
What do you do when you are a brilliant board-certified internist and oncologist, and you are diagnosed with dementia? Ask Brenda Nicholson, MD…she can tell you from personal experience. Dr. Nicholson, a previous Director of the Breast Cancer Program at Vanderbilt University and physician with Tennessee Cancer Specialists, was diagnosed in 2014 with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease at age 49. Rather than sitting around feeling sorry for herself, Dr. Nicholson has become a champion for Dementia research and advocacy, working with Alzheimer’s Tennessee, the NIH, the NIA and UCLA. She has been a speaker at the Annual Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Management Symposium, served as a member of the Stakeholders Group at the National Institute of Health (NIH) National Research Summit on Dementia, and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Stakeholder Engagement Team for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) IMPACT Collaboratory. She currently serves on the Study Advisory Committee of the UCLA D-Care Study involving 2150 patients with dementia. Her diagnosis has empowered her to share personal insights and experiences with research groups, advocacy groups, advocacy and governmental agencies, and more. Since she and her husband moved to Amelia Island in 2020, she has been an invaluable volunteer for the Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) . She currently serves on the Advisory Panel of NCCOA’s Club day wellness program for adults needing assistance. She also provides in-depth training and education on dementia to Council on Aging family caregivers, Club families and volunteers, and has initiated a project to create a Resource Book for caregivers.
Because of Dr. Nicholson, Nassau County now has its first and only Memory Café. The Memory Café promotes social support, connection, health and well-being for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and/or mild cognitive impairment in a welcoming environment. The Café is a safe space to share experiences, focus on strengths and learn how to live well with disease. Members learn how to adjust to life changes, combat stigma and isolation, develop a safe social peer group, and live their best life. NCCOA’s Memory Café meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 2-3 pm at our Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way.
I’ve attached a list of tips for living with cognitive impairment. Attached also is a list of resources for adults and caregivers available through the Nassau County Council on Aging. For more information about caregiving support groups, contact Emily Kunzelmann at 904-775-5472 or by email ekunzelmann@nassaucountycoa.org
HANDOUTS: FOR CAREGIVERS and LIVING WELL (downloadable)
If you missed the meeting, you missed two very interesting & important presentations! The first was by Dr. Arthur Bert, (retired, Anesthesiologist-in-Chief Rhode Island Hospital/ Hasbro Children’s Hospital & Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI. Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology, Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University.) After retiring to Fernandina, he joined the Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps. As a member, he is very involved with Nassau County’s The Lifesavers Initiative, which empowers everyday citizens to be life savers by providing Hands-Only CPR, AED, and NARCON administration training. The training will be on May 25th from 10:30 am – 12:00 noon and on May 29th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Upcoming Events — Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps (nassaucountyflmrc.com)
The second presentation was given by Denise Kiernan on the administration and use of the EpiPen, also a life-saving tool. Many schools & daycare centers have these pens to use in emergencies. It would be a good idea for St. Francis to couple also. Here’s the link for information on how to use an EpiPen:
howtouseepipenautoinjector.pdf
It is in giving that we receive!
For more information on Charities, contact Mary Flanagan at charities@stfrancisyulee.org
“Charity begins at home” really means that we need to be charitable and loving to the people within our St. Francis of Assisi parish family. We are a very generous, giving congregation, focusing on the needs of our neighbors. But sometimes we forget that our family members may need help also.
- Help like a ride to church because they no longer If you need a ride to church or wish to drive someone to church, contact charities@stfrancisyulee.org.
- Help like a meal because of a family Meal Train is a unique tool to organizemeals for a friend or family member after a birth, surgery, or illness. Contact charities@stfrancisyulee.org if you need meals or know of someone who does.
- Help someone recovering from surgery, needing encouragement or celebrating amilestone event by sending a handmade “one of a kind” greeting card. If you know of someone who needs a card, please send their name, address (if you have it) along with the general reason for the card to charities@stfrancisyulee.org.
