As 2020 finally has come to an end, and we begin a New Year, I thought that it might be good to reflect on what was and look forward to what might be. Yes, 2020 was very difficult and we are all happy to see it behind us; but hopefully, we did learn some things from the experience:  the value of time spent with loved ones, to refocus on those things that are truly important, how to appreciate our health and value the gifts God has given to us. As we look forward to 2021, Pope Francis offers to St. Joseph for the new year. We have no recorded words that St. Joseph said, Matthew’s Gospel describes him as a righteous man, one who was obedient to the will of God God the Father entrusted to St. Joseph’s care His most precious gift, His only begotten Son, Jesus and His mother, the Virgin Mary. St. Joseph cared for them, protected them and provided for them. St. Joseph is the patron of the Universal Church and a model for all who quietly strive to know and do the will of God.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
God Bless, Fr. Dan

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted his only Son;

in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,

show yourself a father

and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,

and defend us from every evil.  Amen.

–from Pope Francis’ apostolic letter

This year many things are different about how we celebrate Christmas.  Family gatherings are smaller if we can gather at all.  People Still need to greet one another wearing a mask and keeping social distancing.  Even in Church our numbers are limited, sign up for Masses are required, the use of hand sanitizers and practicing social distancing in our pews; even the way we receive the Eucharist is very different. Yet, the message of Christmas does not change:  our God is with us, choosing to become like us in all things but sin.  Born of the Virgin Mary, the Lord Jesus entered human history to save us and set us free from the age old tyranny of sin and death. In the words of John’s Gospel 3: 16 “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son into the world, not to judge or condemn, but to set it free.”  With great faith, hope and love we proclaim:  Merry Christmas!

12/21/20 Letter

Letter 12/14/20

To keep everyone up to date and safe, this is the latest. Father Dan was exposed to a person with the virus. Father was tested and his test came back positive this Sunday. Also, another member of the parish was also tested this past week and came back positive although we don’t believe they were ever together.

To be safe we are closing the church this week – December 7th thru December 11th. There will be no Masses. We will have Mass on the weekend with a substitute Priest as Father is in quarantine until at least the 14th. Deacon John and members of the staff are being tested again or already have.

As you all know, as a precaution, that is why clergy never leave the altar and are never together more than several minutes. During Mass everyone on the altar is separated. At Communion that is why as we are sure you notice a large amount of sanitizer is used and the Blessed Sacrament is literally dropped in your hands to eliminate any contact. The Church again is being sanitized to ensure everyone’s safety.

Please remember – stay at least six feet apart if you are near someone for 10 minutes or more, wear your mask when in close contact to anyone for a length of time and where required. Additionally, watch for any symptoms you may get and if you believe you have them contact your physician.

Thank you for your patience as we all suffer through this difficult time we are enduring.

God Bless you and stay smart and safe…….

Dear St. Francis Parish family,
Advent is much more than a time of frenetic activity between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a season all to itself that all too often gets overlooked. The word Advent comes from the Latin noun Adventus, which means approach or arrival. Who is approaching or whose arrival are we awaiting? Christmas, the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, is a commemoration of Jesus’ first coming in time as John tells us: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son into the world not to judge or condemn, but to set free” (John 3:16): this event has already taken place in time. Our faith also proclaims that Christ will come again at the end of time to judge the living and the dead (cfr. Matthew 25). Surely we can prepare for this final coming of Christ, but what about the time between the Incarnation and the Final Judgment? Advent is an invitation to stop, quiet down, pray and reflect about the coming of Jesus Christ into our lives, here now: today. So, how can I use this Advent to prepare my life, not for Christmas, but for Christ? Where do I need to make room to let Him enter? These four weeks of Advent are a gift of time to look at our lives and reflect on how well I have welcomed Jesus Christ into my life as the Lord of my life. When I pray: “Come, Lord Jesus”, do I really mean it? Take time this Advent to pray, read scripture, attend the Sacraments ( especially Eucharist and Penance) and truly make time and space for Jesus Christ in your life. Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay.
God Bless, Fr. Dan

This quote is from a speech given by Col. Douglas McArthur McBride, Jr. 13th. ESC Commander, June 30, 2016. When I first saw this quote, I was taken and moved by the simplicity and honesty of it.  As we look forward  to celebrating Veterans Day this November 11, I think that it is important for all of us to remember that freedom is not free and it was bought and is protected for us by the service, sacrifice and lives of all of those who have served and are currently serving in our Armed Forces. Please remember to pray for these heroes of our freedom and when you see a Veteran remember to say: “Thank you for your service.” May God bless them all and may God continue to bless America.

God Bless you,

Fr Dan