Bill Tighe
Let us, here at St. Francis, love God, love others and take up the mantle of discipleship. The message of Jesus changes everything and He relies on us to spread that GOOD NEWS near and far. The essence of evangelization is to tell everybody: Jesus loves us!
For more information concerning Spirituality, email Bill Tighe at spirituality
“Lovely Lady dressed in blue – Teach me how to pray! Christ was just your little boy, and you know the way.”
Bishop Fulton Sheen
News & Upcoming Events
In the gospel of John, we read the apostles go fishing, but they are fishing without the Lord.
- And so, they don’t catch anything. Sometimes, God allows ‘our plans’ to end in emptiness. He doesn’t do this to torment us but to teach us to trust Him.
- The apostles needed to recognize their weakness. They needed to vocalize their own inability to do anything without Jesus. And when they do that, Jesus acts by filling their boat with fish.
- But it also represents the fullness of our own lives when we give them over to Christ.
- Jesus fills our emptiness with his compassion and mercy. Christ gives us meaning and purpose. Jesus fills our lives with wonder; He fills our lives with His love.
This week, let’s pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us closer to Jesus and become more like Christ in our homes, Church, and community by;
- Visiting someone who is alone or in need. Call a distant loved one or friend.
- Invite family or friends to attend Mass, a Church event, or your home.
- Say daily prayers for those on Prayer Watch or who are suffering.
- Resolve to do three random acts of kindness for your spouse, sibling, friend, or stranger.
Jesus wants to fill our hearts with the joy of His presence. As we serve him in others, we increasingly experience that joy. When we receive Christ today, who is present in the Eucharist, we ask the Holy Spirit to help us give ourselves to others. And we trust that what seems empty can become truly full through Him, with Him, and in Him. Let’s continue our Easter Celebration in Spiritual renewal, deepening our relationship with Jesus! Please email us at Spirituality@StFrancisyulee.org. We look forward to your feedback. God Bless!
Jesus said to Sr Faustina one day: “Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust to Divine Mercy.” This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the risen Christ and offers to humanity. (Pope John Paul II)
Today is the Feast of Divine Mercy! We have Jesus Christ, St. Faustina, and many apostles of Divine Mercy to thank for this day. While we should make sure to venerate the holy image of Christ today and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, there is more we can do:
We can and should strive to become Apostles of Divine Mercy. This means we should commit to keeping the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in our hearts and minds. To evangelize and spread the Good News, we need to be witnesses of Christ. We have had the grace to experience God’s mercy – through the sacraments, through prayer, through being taught the Good News about Jesus Christ. But many people around us haven’t had that grace or have forgotten about it.
Let’s commit to spreading that mercy this week, even just a little bit.
- We all have relationships that are not exactly marked by mercy.
- We all know of relationships marred by indifference, envy, and resentment.
- This week, why not take the first step towards reconciliation, with prayer, words, or actions?
- Why not follow in the footsteps of Christ, not waiting for others to take the first step, but doing so ourselves, just like Christ
If we put ourselves at Christ’s service for this purpose in today’s Mass, I am sure Christ will give us plenty of opportunities to carry it out.
All we need to do is keep on our lips that prayer that He taught St Faustina: Jesus, I trust in you. Let’s continue our Easter Celebration in Spiritual renewal, deepening our relationship with Jesus! Please email us at Spirituality@StFrancisyulee.org. We look forward to your feedback. God Bless!
PRAY FOR AN EXPERIENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST
- The Risen Lord didn’t appear to those who tortured, imprisoned, or executed him; Jesus Christ appeared to those who believed in
- The Risen Lord can be the brightest light in our lives if only we open our hearts in
- Christ is not only He is alive right now. Forever! Praise Be to God, Hallelujah!
- We spent Lent praying at the foot of the Cross; now, like Mary Magdalene, we can Rejoice in His Resurrection.
- He will reveal himself to us as he did to Mary in his time, but we must believe in Him, even when we don’t The importance of trust and faith in God!
Pray to Jesus in thanksgiving for Easter Sunday and The Resurrection of Our Lord! Let’s continue our Easter Celebration together in Spiritual renewal, deepening our relationship with God! Please email us at Spirituality@StFrancisyulee.org. We look forward to your feedback. God Bless!
Reflecting on today’s readings, God invites us to renew and share our experience of Christian joy.
If we’re honest, life’s troubles often obscure our joy instead of giving it a chance to shine.
If that’s the case, we must refresh our friendship with Christ, the source of Christian joy.
One simple way to do that is to speak about the many blessings He has given us. Talking to others about the good things God has done for us forces us to turn our attention and hearts to God.
- If we speak about God in at least one conversation daily with friends, family members, or colleagues, it will be harder to forget God’s goodness and love, which are the source of Christian joy.
- We will also spark others to remember God’s goodness.
- During meals with family or friends, share at least one blessing received from God during the day.
It takes faith to turn our attention away from life’s problems and focus on God’s blessings. That’s one way to rediscover the secret of Christian joy.
During Lent, let’s ask God to increase our faith so we can shine with His brightness no matter what life’s weather is like and experience His goodness again.
And let’s also ask Him to give courage to those who have forgotten about His goodness and are afraid to come back home.
Pray to Jesus to help you put God above anything else. Please take advantage of our available Lenten Resources. Let’s continue our journey together in spiritual renewal, deepening our relationship with God!
We would love to hear from you. Please email us at Spirituality@StFrancisyulee.org.
Reflecting on today’s readings, God reminds us that he is present and within us. He is always thinking of us, listening to us, and guiding us, just as he was with Moses, just as he was and is in his Son, Jesus Christ.
This is a beautiful and comforting truth; we need to consider it, let it sink in, and encourage ourselves. But we should also consider all those who don’t know this truth or don’t believe it.
- For them, life is an even lonelier journey than ours.
- They can only hope they will someday uncover the secret to
happiness.
But without discovering that God, the Creator of all things, is within them, guiding them, wanting to love, teach, forgive, and lead them, they cannot find the true happiness they seek.
God wants them to discover it. How? He is sending us to be his messengers.
- Lent is when we should double our efforts to help those around us.
- What greater gift could we give them than knowing God‘s goodness and closeness?
- This is the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We each need to ask ourselves:
- Is someone around me lonely, suffering, or searching?
- How can I bring them this good news?
- How can I show them God cares through my words and actions?
Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The greatest alms we can give are the news that Jesus Christ, Creator of the universe, wishes to walk by our side, and welcomes all into his Church.
During Adoration, prayer, Stations of the Cross and at Mass, let’s ask Jesus to show us the person he wants us to bring this message to this week. When we receive him in Holy Communion, let’s promise to be his faithful messengers.
Pray to Jesus to help you put God above anything else. Please take advantage of our available Lenten Resources. Let’s continue our journey together in spiritual renewal, deepening our relationship with God! We would love to hear from you.
Please email us at Spirituality@StFrancisyulee.org.
Reflecting on the gospel readings today, I invite you to put yourself into the scriptural scene with Peter, James, and John and try to make their experience personally your own. When we ‘willingly’ journey with Jesus during Lent, through prayer, fasting, and reflection on his passion, we align our actions and thoughts with Christ’s teachings, leading to a more profound spiritual transformation and becoming more like him. As we continue our Lenten journey, we will be renewed by the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit:
Increase in Spiritual Courage
Spiritual courage is following our hearts’ deepest desires for God and eternity, no matter the cost.
Lord, grant us the virtue to overcome any spiritual fear and to embrace any cross for however long is needed.
Please give us the courage to open our hearts to others and walk in our faith even when we are unsure.
Spiritual Self-Knowledge
During the Sacrament of Baptism, we are united with and incorporated into Christ. During Lent, let us experience a spiritual rebirth in Christ’s body, a new life in Him, allowing Christ’s presence to grow in our hearts for others.
Growing in Christ
On our Lenten journey, we get to know Christ more intimately. We grow in our love of our Lord and Savior.
Attending Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist reunites us in Christ. We receive Christ in the Word and in the Holy Eucharist, which allows us to be Christ’s witness to our faith to others.
This Lent, try attending daily Mass, Thursday Adoration, or Friday Stations of the Cross in addition to Sunday Mass. God loves you! He’s always here waiting for you and wants to spend more time with you.
Pray to Jesus to help you put God above anything else. Please take advantage of our available Lenten Resources. Let’s continue our journey together in spiritual renewal, deepening our personal relationship with God! We would love to hear from you. Please email us at Spirituality@StFrancisyulee.org.
Today’s readings show us the importance of how we speak, live, and grow in our Christian faith. It reminds us to choose our words carefully, to lift up others, and to build loving relationships in Christ. As you reflect upon The Word of God and receive Holy Communion, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, think about how God reveals to us His deep love and insights into our lives, our hope in Christ, and the importance of humility. Reflecting on the Gospel helps us grow in faith and live as true Christians. Let us carry these lessons daily, striving to follow Christ more closely. Ask yourself:
- How can you help others on their spiritual journey?
- How do your actions and words show your Christian faith?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your relationships with Christ and others?
Take some time this week to reflect on your life. Consider how your words, actions, and attitudes reflect Christ’s love for others. Share your thoughts at spirituality@stfrancisyulee.org! We’d love to hear your experiences and reflections.
As we prepare our hearts for the Lenten Season, Jesus Christ invites us to focus on what matters most and let go of what matters least. It’s the perfect time to embrace Jesus and the Church’s Jubilee Year 2025 “Pilgrims of Hope” by rediscovering the hopefulness of Easter …and then passing it on to others who need Jesus in their lives! We invite you to take advantage of the Lenten Resources available to you and your family. Use the QR Codes to learn more or visit FORMED.
The Book of Acts in chapter 6 records the beginning of the diaconate. The deacon was born from the need for the Apostles to have more time to attend to prayer and to the ministry of the word. The original deacons were chosen for their dedication to the Church and their faith in Christ. Stephen being the first to be chosen also became the first martyr of the Church. The first deacons were ordained by the Apostles to the ministry of service by the laying on of hands. We learn further in the 8th chapter of Acts how the deacon Philip led by the Holy Spirit went to preach in Samaria. Then he was led by the Holy Spirit to explain the scriptures to the Ethiopian in the chariot converting him to Christianity. We learn
more about the deacon from St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy, chapter 3. As a permanent order, the diaconate eventually declined so that by the Middle Ages it was reduced to an exclusively transitional order of ministry on the path to priesthood.
The 2nd Vatican Council restored the office of Permanent Deacon as a permanent rank in Catholic hierarchy (Bishop, priest and deacon). Pope Paul VI implemented the decision of the Council in 1967 with the apostolic letter Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem (The Sacred Order of the Diaconate). The ministry of the permanent deacon includes the three dimensions of liturgy, word and service. During the Sacred Liturgy the deacon assists the bishop and priests. At the Mass, the deacon proclaims the Gospel and, invited by the celebrant, may preach the homily, and assists at the altar. The deacon may also baptize children under 7 years of age, witness and bless marriages outside of Mass, preside at the Liturgy of the Hours and preside at funeral liturgies. While those are the more visible duties of the deacon the call to serve the Church outside of the liturgical setting is to be noted. The deacon may be assigned by the Bishop to minister to those in prison, to the sick in hospitals and nursing homes as well as to a ministry to merchant sailors when their ships dock at our port. The deacon, when assigned to a parish serves under the direction of the pastor, supporting him and his ministry in the most fruitful ways deemed possible.
Prior to Bishop Victor Galeone becoming the Bishop of St. Augustine in 2001 there was no deacon formation program in the diocese. All deacons serving in the St. Augustine Diocese at that time were previously ordained in other dioceses. In 2003 Bishop Galeone asked Fr. Michael Morgan (now Monsignor) to develop and implement a permanent diaconate program for our diocese. With the assistance of deacons Paul Pettie and Jack Baker and many priests from our diocese, our first formation class was ordained on June 3rd, 2006. It has been followed by ordination classes in 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2022. We are currently forming a new class for ordination in 2030. As mentioned before, there are many permanent deacons serving in our diocese who were ordained in other dioceses throughout the world. The deacons of the St. Augustine diocese serve with great dedication to the ministry they have been called to. Please feel free to ask the deacon at your parish about his call to the ministry.
Today’s Gospel is from John 10:27, “The Good Shepherd.” The Gospel passage emphasizes God’s truths: Christ gives His life for His sheep, His Body, and His Blood in the Eucharist; He remains within us constantly through His love, grace, mercy, and The Holy Spirit; He will not rest until we are one; “one flock, one shepherd” (John 10:16)
Unfortunately, life in today’s world is noisy, and it is not always easy for us to hear the voice of our good shepherd. We hear so many other voices. Christ knows this, yet he tells us, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Jesus Christ is always speaking to us. No matter how noisy, dark, or stormy it gets, he knows how to make his voice heard in our hearts. We can always tune into it – that is the gift of prayer. In silent prayer, Christ reveals himself to us, one of God’s greatest gifts we often take for granted.
He makes his voice heard when we turn our hearts to our good shepherd. God is always present, waiting for us to turn our attention to him so he can guide us to a meaningful life in Christ.
When our lives do not fill us with the happiness and meaning we long for, before blaming Jesus, we should look honestly at our prayer lives: do we pray? Do we strive to pray better?
Here are ways to cultivate a more powerful prayer life: parish Adoration, bible study, daily Mass, Prayer Share, Prayer Watch, Rosary, Spirituality, Women’s Ministry, or others to help you grow closer to Jesus and his flock.
Today, as Jesus Christ renews his commitment as our good shepherd, let us renew our commitment to be his good sheep and to give daily prayer to the place it ought to have in our lives.
Pray for everyone this week to hear and heed the Lord’s call. Spend time this week in silent prayer, asking Our Lord what he may call you to do with your life. Please share your feedback at Spirituality@stfrancisyulee.org.
We look forward to hearing from you. Happy Easter & God Bless!
Caring for the Caregiver.
A note of hope, love and inspiration to remind you that the Lord cares for you.
May the grace and peace of the Lord be with you in abundance,
–Deb and Kelly
Ponder
“Love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
Luke 6:35-38
Reflect
Jesus’ instructions to his disciples, in this Scripture passage, at first glance, is hard. Love enemies? Stop judging? Be merciful? Really? Surely our Lord was not a caregiver! For if he really knows what I’m going through, he would not say to love and forgive!
Or would he?
Love is not a mere feeling or emotion: love is willing the best and highest for another. Love is a choice, an act of the will. We certainly see this aspect of love in caregiving: the conscious decision to extend care and compassion even when it’s difficult. That’s love. To care even when the other is unkind. To return repeatedly to the bedside of our care recipient. To minister over and over to someone who does not understand or appreciate our actions. That’s love.
And we do it because not only is it the right thing to do, but also because we want the best for someone else. We respect their dignity, we see their worth. And so, we are caregivers.
And so, we love as Jesus would.
This kind of love and mercy the Lord is asking is not really something we can do on our own. It is only through a relationship with the Lord that we can show mercy and forgiveness in the way that he instructs. It is in our relationship with God that we find the strength and courage to love. It is in our relationship with God that we find the wherewithal to be merciful. It is in our relationship with God that we find the courage to forgive.
Putting love and mercy into practice takes creative imagining and effort, and the Holy Spirit moving in us, and through us. The behaviors Jesus proposes move us from ambitious standards of “do unto others as you would have them do to you” to the even higher standard of imitating God: “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”. We are empowered to act in this way with mercy, love and forgiveness because of the extravagant good measure in which God continually acts towards us. We return to caregiving again and again, because God is with us. Through the promise of Christ something wonderfully new is offered to us – and the more we yield to it, the more it empowers and frees us.
Pray
Oh, Lord, you do hold up a high standard, to love others. To forgive those who have hurt me. To wish good for those who are unkind. You tell me I am to show and extend this kind of love and forgiveness.
Well, I can’t. I just can’t.
On my own, I can’t.
I need you. I need your Spirit to move in me where I fall short. To fill in my gaps. I need you. I hold onto your promise that you are with me. That as I try, even if it’s trying time and time again, you honor my efforts. You recognize my heartfelt attempt to imitate you. To live up to and embrace my calling as your child, your beloved child.
I praise you for your goodness, mercy and love.
Amen.
“Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to thee, when my heart is faint.
Lead thou me to the rock that is higher than I; for thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in thy tent for ever!
Oh to be safe under the shelter of thy wings!”
Psalm 61:1-4
Respond
Live It Out Challenge
“Give, and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
There’s a beautiful promise at the end of Jesus’ sermon. It’s a promise and a reminder. A promise of all the good God has for us, the “gifts that will be given to you”. It is also a reminder to place our trust in God. We well know that in this life there are difficulties and suffering. They are, after all, a part of our life as caregivers. But, Jesus reminds us, our trust must be in God, acknowledging that God supplies our ‘daily bread’ as well as ‘every good and gracious gift’. And, God is not stingy, no, his gifts are a ‘good measure, packed together, shaken down and overflowing’. What a delightful image! God has gifts overflowing for you!
Living it out challenge
Count your gifts. When we focus on what we lack (and let’s face it we all do that sometimes!) we feel discouraged and discontented. In contrast gratitude involves thanking God for everything his has given you. This acknowledgement shifts your focus from scarcity to abundance.
Recognize your gifts. Celebrate your blessings. And here’s the hard part, recognize the gifts that others are, see their value and acknowledge their achievements. So, go ahead, grab a pen and start counting.
Friday is National Caregiver Day!
And We’re Celebrating You!
National Caregiver Day could also be called “Thank a Caregiver” day and we hope this installment of Nourishment for Your Soul Newsletter is overflowing with our gratitude and support for all you do! Like you, we’re caregivers and we know the days are not always easy. We thank you for all you do for your family. For the community. Your love and care is invaluable; you provide dignity and worth to your loved one. Day in and day out. You courageously stepped forward, extending love and compassion. Thank you.
Of course, the special kindness and patience of caregivers should be celebrated every day!
Your value to us is not only on National Caregivers Day, but each and every day, as you devote you days to care for your loved one. You have skills and resiliency in even the most difficult situations. You are patient and kind. Yours are the hands that extend healing and hope. You demonstrate Christ’s hope to this world.
You make a difference, today and everyday.
Nourish for Caregivers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Our mission is to support and empower caregivers through the gift of faith.
Set aside an hour just for you!
Offered TWICE this week:
Every Tuesday Morning: 11AM ET, 10AM CT, 9AM MT, 8AM PT
Monthly: 2nd Thursday Evening: 8PM ET, 7PM CT, 6PM MT, 5PM PT
The nourishment you need during your caregiving days!
Just click the button below to join us on Zoom a few minutes before our start time.
The Caregiver’s Companion
This guided prayer journal was created to help you find sacred moments and blessings in your caregiving journey. Every chapter includes prayers, reflections, journaling activities, and advice on how to live out what you have learned. This resource helps you discern what issues you struggle with daily and how you can address and care for your own specific needs.
Available on Amazon and many other booksellers. Or, through our publisher, Ave Maria Press you can get it at a discount. Click on image above or use QR code, and enter CAREGIVER15 at checkout for 22% off discount.
HOW WE PRAY FOR EACH OTHER AS A PARISH
Like any family, we care for and support each other when the difficulties of life arise, especially in prayer. St. Francis parish has a long history of doing this in a very meaningful way. We reach out to the power that is ours when we pray together in the following ways. We are all welcome to use and participate in these resources when they are needed.
BOOK OF INTENTIONS: Write your petitions in this book located in the narthex. The intentions written in the book are prayed for collectively at each Sunday Mass.
ROSARY AND DIVINE CHAPLET: Prayed by a group of parishioners in our Adoration Chapel, each weekday that Mass is celebrated, for the intentions in the Book of Intentions. The Rosary also recited each Sunday morning before the 8:00 am Mass.
CALL-IN ROSARY: A live interactive daily telephone ministry. Access it from wherever you are from 12 noon -12:30 pm. TELEPHONE: 1-508-924-3039
Each decade has its own intention:
+ First- Everyone affected by the Coronavirus and their families.
+ Second- All unborn children.
+ Third- all souls who have perished.
+ Fourth- all who are suffering and do not believe in God.
+ Fifth- Personal intentions and members of our parish community (all those listed in the weekly SF bulletin.)
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AT ST. FRANCIS
Ted Benning, a second year student at the Ignatius House for Spiritual Direction in Atlanta is a new parishioner at St. Francis. He is now accredited by the Diocese of St. Augustine and by Father Slawek to offer spiritual direction to parishioners.
Spiritual direction is a method of one-on-one conversation with a spiritual companion (Spiritual Director) where our sacred experiences may be listened to. The Spiritual Director may be able to offer observations about your relationship with God, or how the Holy Spirit is working in your life. They help another grow in their relationship with God by listening, offering and then getting out of the way.
Contact Ted at 678-878-9023 or trbiii.benning@gmail.com
Diocese of St. Augustine Updates on Eucharistic Missionaries
Forming and Sending Eucharistic Missionaries: The Diocese of St. Augustine is very excited to share the vision for a five-week formation process and commissioning of Eucharistic Missionaries. The resources are designed for small groups at parishes or for families and individual use, and the timing will coincide with the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (May 18—June 22).
Closing Months for the Year of Mission—and Beyond:
Walk with One resources: For a treasure-trove of resources to support the ongoing call for each of us to accompany one person on a life-changing journey closer to Jesus in the Eucharist.
Check out this Art of Accompaniment page for more information.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage – Indianapolis to Los Angeles! The route is set for May 18th to June 22nd, so please help spread the word.
The “Jesus Wept” Honoring Your Grief” program was offered for the first time on May 20th, 2022. It was so well received and considered to be such a wonderful blessing, that it has evolved into the “Jesus Wept Consolation Ministry at St. Francis.”
For over a year now this ministry has been evolving under the wings of the Holy Spirit, Jesus, the comforter, and the Father who supports and welcomes us all, especially those who have suffered the loss of a loved one.
After much prayer and guidance from the Diocese of St. Augustine and our Pastor, Father Slawek, we are now a full-fledged support group for our brothers and sisters in the frightening stages of grief. Sometimes, that even includes comfort with anticipatory grief. A strong faith team guides and presents each program. Jesus Wept meets on the third Friday of each month from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. One need only contact Tom Sintes at jesuswept@stfrancisyulee.org or leave a contact number with the office and we will connect with you.
The Jesus Wept Ministry (our short endearing name for it) welcomes anyone who has lost a loved one such as those losses that occur before birth and all through childhood and onward. Our children are always our children, no matter their age. Loss of a spouse, loss of a sibling or a precious friend, loss of a parent-all are losses that often find us in need of the support of those who have walked this path as well as the need to be consoled through faith. Jesus Wept can do that.
The Jesus Wept Consolation Ministry at St. Francis is Christ-Centered and has at its heart the hope of the Resurrection. For information contact Tom Sintes at jesuswept@stfrancisyulee.org.
Our First "First Friday" Devotion
“At the Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, we meet the merciful love of God that passes through the Heart of Jesus Christ.” – Pope John Paul II
On Friday, May 6th, 2022 we were blessed with the First Friday Adoration at St. Francis of Assisi. Those attending gazed upon the Lord, and the Lord gazed upon each of them. St. Therese of Lisieux said that “Frequently only silence can express prayer.” In the dusk of the day, with the lights lowered, one could feel that reverent silence among all of us. The altar was ablaze with light so that our focus was upon Our Savior so silent and so attentive to the words of our hearts.
As we celebrate the risen Christ, we also celebrate that he has not left us, orphans. He is with us in the great sacrament of the Eucharist. Partaking of the Eucharist is our joy. And another joy is adoration. On May 6th we begin the evening first Friday Communion and Adoration. This means that we can take part in the beautiful tradition of the First Friday Devotions as well as keeping with the Lord in adoration.
The well-known Sacred Heart devotions are part of our Catholic history. These devotions take place every First Friday of the month in Catholic churches around the world. The Devotions of the Nine First Fridays were requested by Our Lord Himself through St Margaret Alocoque, a nun living in France in the 17th century. The particular intention is to offer reparation for the innumerable offenses committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The requirement for fulfilling the devotion is to receive Holy Communion on each of the nine First Fridays. The Lord promised that those who did would die in the favor of the Lord and not die without the sacraments. You can research all the promises as there are twelve, the greatest being the last coming at the hour of our death.
Our Saint Francis deacons will be offering officiating at the first Fridays. We begin to build another important tradition of worship together in our own style.
Come, sing, pray, be still, and know that he is God.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH PRAYER WATCH
For those who do not know, St. Francis of Assisi has a shelter for those in need of prayer, called PRAYER WATCH. We pray for each other or our families, or our friends who need God’s help, lifting them up with our love and intense prayer intervention. Sometimes we pray for our nation, the needs of the world, and the needs of those who so desperately are in need of them.
If you have a prayer request- especially an urgent one, e-mail Tom Sintes at prayerwatch@stfrancisyulee.org. Prayers by a growing number of parishioners will cover your needs. Currently, there are 90 prayer warriors. There is no set time to pray for these intentions. You may pray at any time. Have you considered signing up as a prayer partner? Praying with so many of our parishioners and others makes our prayer stronger and more acceptable to God. To be part of this expanded beloved ministry, BECOME A PRAYER PARTNER by sending your e-mail address to Prayer Watch and you will be added to our list and receive intention requests via email.
You need only say, yes, and in whatever form of prayer you like, raise up those who request prayers. Once in the prayer partner group, you will receive the requests from Spirituality as they come through. That is all. No answering e-mails, only pray. No need to respond to Spirituality….just pray, as long or as hard as you wish. Even just one raising up an intention to God is taking part.
One of these days, even you may be in need of prayer…
The more we pray together the more powerful our prayer!
No matter where any of us roam, or the difficulty before us -reach out, your parish is here for you.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
2023 is the Year of Parish Revival where every parish in the country will experience profound renewal while participating in grassroots efforts inspired by the four pillars of the Revival. Parishes will be equipped with simple, proven tools to invite their community into the following:
Reinvigorate Worship – Renewing the emphasis on the celebration of the liturgy.
Personal Encounters – Host monthly Encounter Nights, featuring Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession.
Robust Formation – Implementing the “Jesus and the Eucharist” small group initiative.
Send Missionaries – Bring lapsed brothers and sisters home with the “Invite One Back” campaign and recommit to serving the poor in the community in a new way.
Our Parish Eucharistic Revival will be kicked off at St. Francis in November. During the month of November, the St. Thomas Aquinas prayer “Preparation for Mass” will be recited before Sunday Mass. It is found on page 327 in the Sunday Missile or downloaded HERE
Let us all PRAY the National Eucharistic Prayer each evening at 7:00 pm from October 21st, 2023 to November 21st, 2023. Together we will pray for the success of Eucharistic Revival in ourselves, our families, our parish, Diocese and nation. YOU ARE INVITED to start this revival together as a parish family at an open gathering on Wednesday, NOVEMBER 7th, 2023 at 6:30 pm at St. Francis. Come and let us begin to see the WONDER OF THE LORD ALWAYS AMONG US.
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who promised to stay with us always, until the end of the age. Reawaken our wonder at His Presence in the most Holy Eucharist. May our hearts burn within us as He opens the Scriptures and breaks the bread. Give us the eyes of faith to recognize His presence in our brothers and sisters, especially in the face of the poor and suffering. Nourished by the Eucharist, send us forth to walk faithfully as missionary disciples, proclaiming the Gospel to every heart and extending Your kingdom to every land. We ask You this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Dear Parishioners,
As we continue this year of Eucharistic Revival, we would like to invite you to grow closer to Jesus alongside fellow parishioners through the Jesus and The Eucharist Study. This study was specifically designed for this Year of Parish Revival, and we will be joining many other parishes throughout the United States who are participating in this small group study as we journey together through this three-year National Eucharistic Revival.
Each session is full of rich theological content, powerful testimonies and unique and timely messages from individual bishops across the country. This is a great opportunity to dive more deeply into the richness of our sacred year together.
Please join us on either Tuesday, January 2th, at 9:30 a.m. (after Mass), or Thursday, January 4th, at 10:30 a.m. (after Adoration) for this seven-week study. Note: it is not necessary to attend all sessions, as each one is separate.
Questions? spirituality@stfrancisyulee.org
Recently I interviewed a Missionary of Charity in the Bronx, who told me about a time she was working outside the convent garden and noticed a man on the top of a nearby high rise. He was leaning over the edge with one foot.
It was a serious scene. Quickly, there were police and a net was placed underneath him.
Moved with fear and compassion, she ran inside, calling “Sisters. We must pray. A man is thinking about jumping from the roof!”
Every sister in that house hurried to the sidewalk. One of them, Sister Claire, had a moment of inspiration, “We must get Jesus!” With the permission of the convant superior, the Eucharist was brought out to the sidewalk and quickly passed along to a priest who had joined the prayers.
Something incredible happened. Father ran towards the troubled man as the sister continued praying on the ground. At the top, he got the man’s attention. Softly, gently, but with conviction, he said, “You are loved. Jesus is here. Do not be afraid. Jesus is here.”
His words thankfully penetrated the man’s awareness. He slowly moved from the edge and made his way towards father. Then he collapsed and sobbed into his arms.
We may never know what occurred in that man’s heart that day, or what he personally experienced from the Sacramental presence of Jesus, but we do know things by their fruits. Something changed for this man when he met Jesus. Something happened when Father brought Jesus to a soul in trouble.
Let your God love you.
Be silent.
Be still.
Alone,
Empty,
Before your God.
Say nothing.
Ask nothing.
Be still.
Let your God look upon you.
That is all
God knows.
God understands.
God loves you
With an enormous love
And only wants
To look upon you
With that love.
Quiet
Still
Be.
Let your God –
Love you.
The priest is a mediator between God and man.
“ The priest’s mission is to be a mediator, a bridge that connects, and thereby to bring human beings to God, to His redemption, to His true light, to His true life”
Pope Benedict XVI
The following article is a beautiful tribute to Priests as fathers. We are sure blessed at St Francis of Assisi to have Fr. Slawek as a Father! May God bless him and may the Spirit always support him with wisdom, strength, and courage.
https://theologyofhome.com/blogs/in-place-in-person/why-we-call-them-fathers
Blessings,
Roberta
“ When our hearts are wintry, grieving, or in pain, Jesus’ touch can call us back to life again.”
What a beautiful hymn!
Blessings,
Roberta Nataloni
“ Bless the Lord my soul!
Lord God, how great you are,
Clothed in majesty and glory,
Wrapped in light as in a robe!
You stretch out the heavens like a tent.”
Eclipse brings Americans together, provokes thought on higher subjects https://aleteia.org/2024/04/09/eclipse-brings-americans-together-provokes-thought-on-higher-subjects/
The Love that moves the sun and the other stars.”
Dante Alighieri, Paradiso
Roberta Nataloni
We just completed Holy Week, but the grace and beauty of it still lingers in our hearts. It is a week of profound sadness, but also of a very profound Joy: we know that death was conquered, death does not terrify us any longer.
“We are Easter people, and Allelujah is our song!” St John Paul II
https://aleteia.org/2024/04/01/profound-young-saint-can-help-you-honor-the-eucharist-in-april/
“Unite our hearts to your Immaculate Heart so that they may find their true and lasting home in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Ever guide us along the pilgrimage of life to our eternal home with Him.” Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
Have a blessed day,
Roberta Nataloni
Eucharistic Revival Gathering – November 7th, 2023
BLESSED are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
BLESSED are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
BLESSED are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
BLESSED are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
BLESSED are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
BLESSED are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
BLESSED are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
BLESSED are you when men revile and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
