BINGO is held on THE SECOND FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH in the Parish Hall at 5:00 PM. There are door prizes and a raffle. Food and beverages are available for purchase at 5:00 pm.
NEXT BINGO- Friday, May 10th from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Donations will be accepted for the Vietnam Veterans of America – Help support these patriots by donating NEW clothing items such as:
- Packs of socks
- T-shirts
- shorts
- pajamas
- packs of underwear
Every month we collect for one of our supported charities* – Everyone participating in supporting the monthly charity (TBA) will receive one free Early Bird bingo card with the purchase of one or more.
Dinner can be purchased at 5:00 pm
Early Bird Bingo begins at 6:00 p.m. at $1 per card
Regular Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. at $25 per booklet of 6 games on 8 sheets, or $15 per booklet of 3 games on 8 sheets
There will be door prizes throughout the night
50/50 Raffle
Must be 18 or older to attend and Cash only
*We collect items and products for Gracie’s Kitchen, Micah’s Place, Senior Center, Animal Rescue in Yulee, Toys For Tots, School Supplies, and Soldiers. Check back to see which charity is being collected for each month.
For more information, contact Cathy McKnight at events@stfrancisyulee.org
The Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to invite all women of St. Francis to join us. Meetings will be on Friday mornings for two hours after the 9:00 am Mass. No experience is necessary – beginner lessons will be given. We create homemade “comfort” items that are provided to members of our parish who are homebound or residing in assisted living facilities. We also knit and crochet items that can be utilized by Human Life & Dignity. Everyone is welcome! We also always appreciate yarn donations for our projects! If you would like more information or know of anyone who would benefit from one of the beautiful shawls or baby blankets, please email Wendy Edwards at caloiboy@att.net or call (904) 583-5540
The Women’s Activities Ministry is involved in numerous activities, charities, and events. They partner with and help other ministries and sponsor a number of their own events such as bake sales, dinner club, Angel Tree, and craft fairs to name a few. For more information, email Mary Flanagan at women’s activities and visit the Women’s Activity Ministry Page.
The “Koffee Klatch” is comprised of women from various ministries and women of the parish. They coordinate, provide support for, and initiate numerous parish activities and events. Light refreshments are served and all women of the parish are welcome.
The next Meeting: Thursday, May 2nd, 10:45 am. There will be a presentation on dementia and Alzheimer’s by guest speaker, Dr. Nicholson. Meetings are held in either the Quiet Room or, weather permitting, in the Pavilion.
Pertinent information will be posted as received. If you have any items for the agenda or want more information on Women’s Activities, please email Mary Flanagan at womensactivities
For more information on Women’s Activities, CLICK HERE
The family ministry revolves around family activities including fun activities, get family togethers, and community service. For more information, contact Lauren and Ryan Ketelhut at family@stfrancisyulee,org
Click HERE to view photos of activities.
The SFA Youth Group meets on the third Thursday of the month. Come join us for a night of laughter and fellowship. All youth, and their friends ages 13 and up are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Please email Ms. Jackie Sanchez at youth@stfrancisyulee.org for more information, and visit the YOUTH page.
9:30 A.M. Family Mass:
Children from Pre-K through 4th grade will be offered an opportunity to better understand the Sunday scripture readings. After opening prayer, the children will be called up and escorted to the Chapel where they will hear the scriptures at their level of understanding. They will return to the Mass at the Offertory.
This will be offered on the third Sunday of the month during the school year. The Children’s Liturgy has ended for the summer and will return in September 2022.
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
For more information on educational opportunities, visit Religious Education or email Victoria Blackwell at religiouseducation
St. Francis Adults Choir which welcomes all parishioners to participate in and enjoy. For more information on this joyful ministry, email Beth Jurovcik at music and check out the Music Page.
St. Francis of Assisi enjoys its partnership with the Yulee United Methodist Church food bank. The food and monetary donations we provide, help serve needy families in our area. Our volunteer team collects canned and boxed foods, which they deliver each Wednesday to the YUMC food bank.
Contributions from St. Francis of Assisi, both in terms of food and cash were an integral part of the ability to provide food to so many people in our community. Food Collection Bins are under the Welcome Station Table in the Narthex. Please leave monetary donations with the Parish Secretary in the Parish Office. Every dollar donated can purchase up to $12.00 worth of fresh food from the Feeding Northeast Florida Food Bank. Pastor Charlie and the Food Pantry Team are so grateful for our help and for the generous food and monetary donations made by St. Francis Parishioners! They could not meet the needs of those they serve without our help and partnership! The Men’s Club has started delivering food donations on Mondays.
For more information email Kathy Waldrop at charities@stfrancisyulee.org
Sacred Environment is in charge of maintaining the plants and flowers inside the church. Volunteers are needed to commit for a month to the weekly watering of plants and removing expired flower arrangements. Help is needed for watering the Altar flowers.
Duties:
1. Check the soil with the meter to determine if plants should be watered (there is a water dispensing bulb in each plant.
2. Ensure flowers have enough water in vase(s), pruning may be necessary to keep them alive for a few days during the week.
3. Dispose of flowers after 9:00 am Mass during the week.
4. Check the calendar in the Bulletin for any conflicts.
5. Time commitment: 15 – 30 minutes/week. If you can help contact Sally at sgbrai83@gmail.com
Grow closer to Jesus alongside fellow parishioners through the Jesus and the Eucharist Video / Small Group Discussion Series. Each of the seven sessions is stand-alone (no need to attend all) and full of rich theological content, powerful testimonies, and unique and timely messages from inspirational bishops across the country. Please join us weekly starting on either Tuesday, January 2nd, at 9:30 a.m. (after Mass) or Thursday, January 4th, at 10:30 a.m. (after Adoration) for this seven-week series. Seating in the Quiet Room will be limited to 16. First come, first seated! Don’t forget to bring a pad and pen for note-taking.
For those who have lost a loved one
He is Risen and in Him is all our Hope.
The next gathering: TBA You MUST RSVP for meetings to jesuswept@stfrancisyulee.org as space is limited. Drinks will be provided, but you must bring your own lunch.
NEW – SEASONS OF HOPE: MORE INFORMATION
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.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH PRAYER WATCH
If you have a prayer request- especially an urgent one, e-mail us at prayerwatch@stfrancisyulee.org. Prayers by a growing number of parishioners will cover your need. Currently, there are almost 100 prayer warriors. There is no set time to pray for these intentions. You may pray at any time. 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. No matter where any of us roam, or the difficulty before us – reach out, your parish is here for you. For more information, contact Tom Sintes at prayerwatch@stfrancisyulee.org
The more we pray together the more powerful our prayer!
For more information on Spirituality events, click HERE
Are you seeking to deepen your prayer life? Over the past year, the participants of Prayer Share have learned about different methods of prayer, share the stumbling blocks we have encountered, and more. We meet on the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Chapel. To join us, RSVP to spirituality@saintfrancisyulee.org. What better time to join us than Lent? A time to dive deeper into our relationship with Jesus? The next meeting will be on May 2nd. Space is limited, so register now.
Project Isobel for St. Gerard’s was started five years ago in honor of a parishioner’s grandmother. St. Gerard’s is a non-profit maternity home and Christian high school in St. Augustine for young, unwed girls who have made the decision to have their babies. The facility makes sure they receive the proper medical attention they need as well as making sure they attend classes on campus and receive their high school diploma. For more information, or to become involved with Project Isobel and Human Life and Dignity, contact Jenny Hebert at HL&D
The Breaking Bread Ministry
New to St. Francis? Or, have you been here awhile and want to meet more of your fellow parishioners? Join us! Breaking Bread is a social ministry where parishioners get together in each other’s homes for dinner to foster community, develop friendships, and engage in great conversation as we Break Bread in Christ. For more information, please contact Tony Vellucci with the Men’s Activities Ministry at mensactivities@stfrancisyulee.org, or Mary Flanagan with the Women’s Activities Ministry at womensactivities@stfrancisyulee.org.
Heart2Heart sends “one of a kind” greeting cards handmade by our own artists to those who are ill, recovering from surgery, needing encouragement or are celebrating a milestone event. 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.
Thanks to our artist, Sandy, for her time and talents in creating these cards. Angela, thank you also for your time and effort providing comforting messages and thank you Angela Sukotsky for following up with those who need our support.
Do you know that we have a Men’s Bible Study group right here at St. Francis?
We meet at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning in the Quiet Room, and spend an hour delving into the gospel writings. All men of St. Francis are invited to join in this interesting and exciting study of our faith.
Soles4Souls (located in Gracie’s Dining Room) collects shoes and socks for those in need. This was started when one of our volunteers observed children without shoes and socks coming in to eat in Gracie’s dining room. Soon after, we were collecting donations of all sizes and genders for those in need. Men’s work socks are always needed. We are flip flops, sunscreen, face and hand lotion, and chapstick. Please place your items in the bin in the Narthex.
Knights of Columbus 4th Degree
The Knights meet on the third Monday of the month from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Quiet Room.
This year they will be distributing Lenten Devotional Prayer Books at all Masses on February 10th and 11th . These prayer books will guide you through your daily Lenten spiritual journey. Donations are accepted and very much appreciated. Thank you!
The Book Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in the Quiet Room or, weather permitting, the Pavillion. All parishioners are welcome and invited to attend. Fiction & non-fiction books are selected by individuals in our group, who then lead the discussion for that particular book. Our readings offer an opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with God resulting in a more virtuous life. For more information on the Book Club, email Mary Gustafson at marylgustafson50@gmail.com
Next Meeting: May 1st at 4:00 pm. The reading selection is Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry A. Weddell
For May, we have selected Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus by Sherry Weddell. This book forms the basis for the Thursday, April 3rd presentation by Joseph West of the Diocese at 6:30 at the church. This is a continuation of our Eucharistic Revival. The book associated with this next phase is Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell. As a bonus, if you attend the presentation, you will be able to buy the book for only $10, which I think is around half the price.
Blessings, Mary
For information on our next faith study, contact Tom Claridge at thomas.c.claridge@gmail.com.
Monthly Meetings are on the 1st Thursday of Each Month at 6:30 pm. There are no meetings in July or August. All men of the parish are welcome!
Refreshments will be served
The Men of St. Francis work a great deal behind the scenes assisting the various ministries and their functions. They organize fundraisers and support numerous charitable endeavors.
• Support the YUM Food Pantry. Make a run once per month to pick up food at Feeding Northeast Florida and deliver it to the food pantry.
• Check the food pantry contributions from our parish and deliver the goods to the YUM food pantry once a week
• Salvation Army Red Kettle Program
All men are welcome! For more information on Men’s Activities, email Tony Velucci at mensactivities@stfrancisyulee.org
We are also part of Gracie’s Kitchen, an interfaith dinner network, which provides hot meals to single mothers, senior citizens, military veterans, the disabled, and low-wage workers. Our St. Francis team cleans, cooks, and serves meals to over 200 guests on the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month from 5 pm.-7 pm.
Periodically, our parish donation holds a donation drive for Gracie’s Kitchen. The next drive will be on TBA.
Items needed in travel or full size are: Socks, gloves, hats, blankets, ChapStick, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, razors, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, ponchos and umbrellas.
Thank you so much for your continued support! Many blessings during this beautiful season of giving.
Gracie’sPets
At Gracie’s Kitchen, we also provide supplemental pet foods for dogs and cats. The Pet Corner began in an effort to encourage guests to eat their full dinners instead of taking part of their food home to feed their pets. With donations from our congregation, we can provide supplemental pet food for our guests’ dogs and cats. The St. Francis Pet Corner welcomes any and all donations to our pet food pantry. We gladly accept donations for these additional charities in the donation bins located in our Narthex. The foods are distributed only on the nights that St. Francis volunteers serve dinners at Gracie’s Kitchen. Many thanks to everyone who has helped make this ministry a success!
In 2022, 46,176 meals were served, an increase of 8,302 from 2021. The SFA blanket drive collected 150 blankets.
For more information, email Barbars Strang at charities@stfrancisyulee.org.
Human Life and Dignity visits and spends time with the elderly in our parish who are homebound or reside in assisted living facilities to pray the Rosary, read the Bible or just talk and listen.
Adopt a Soldier collects items for our armed forces and organizes them into gift boxes for our troops. JoAnn is asking for Chapstick, coffee (ground or K-Cups), snacks (granola bars/peanut butter crackers), baby wipes, ramen noodles, foot powder, medicated lotion, hard candy, and Gatorade for our troops. 2023 Calendars, greeting cards, and notepads are always accepted. Feminine products are also requested for our women service members. Please place items in the “Soldiers’” Box located in the Narthex. Thank you!
Jo-Ann M. Pimentel (904) 583-0338
