Dear St. Francis Family,

As Christians, Easter is the central and most important celebration of our faith.  It is the victory of life over death, light over darkness and redemption over sin.

In this time in our history when we are facing adversity we should always remember the victory of our God and promise He makes to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  As we read in John 3:16-17: “God so loved the world that he sent His only Son , so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have Eternal Life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

What an amazing gift, what an amazing God we have. He offers to all of us faith, hope and love:  as St. Paul reminds us that the greatest is love for our God Is love itself.

This Easter, even though we may not be able to gather together in our houses of worship, we need to remember that we, the People of God are the Church, the Body of Christ and we offer the gift of our faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and Risen to all who are in darkness, feeling anxiety or are experiencing hopelessness.

Jesus Christ is Risen,and all things are made new.  “Resurrexit sicut Dixit”

God Bless you all and have a happy, prayerful, blessed Easter.

Fr. Dan

Frequently Asked Questions 4/7/20

(St. Francis Xavier Church is closed until after Easter)

DIOCESE OF SYRACUSE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK 2020
Churches are not to remain open for private prayer on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter for private prayer. However, the faithful may celebrate “Holy Week at Home.” For more information, visit https://syracusediocese.org/

In keeping with the current restrictions on distribution of Holy Communion, the distribution of palms should likewise not take place until public masses and distribution of Holy Communion resumes. There is little or no control over the spread of the virus either by passing out palms to cars driving by or by allowing people to pick them up in the church. More importantly the distribution of palms should not be presented as a substitute for the sacrament of the Eucharist for which the faithful must currently abstain.
-Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commission

March 27, 2020

Dear St. Francis Family,

I hope and pray that this letter finds you well. I want to keep in touch and assure you that you are all in my payers every day. Even though we cannot gather for the Eucharist, you can still watch the Mass on Television or on the internet. Katherine has listed the links on Facebook page and parish website. Our church is open daily from about 8 AM to 5 PM for reflection and private prayer; please sit in the front pews as indicated by the signs. You can find a print copy of the bulletin when you visit church. I also ask that you be aware of our Senior parishioners who might need a little help or a family member who might be isolated a phone call or a card I am sure would be greatly appreciated. While it is necessary to keep our distance physically, we are still together spiritually and as a family.

If you are in need of the Sacrament of confession, or have any other question or concern, please call the Rectory at (315) 673-2531 and we can make the appropriate arrangements.

For all who are wondering, the Psalms for Palm Sunday arrived yesterday. I am not sure how we will make them available on Palm Sunday, but we will let you how when and how you can get your Palms.

One final item; if you are at all able, please remember your weekly contributions. We still have bills to pay and salary to meet. You can mail or put the envelope through the mail slot in the Rectory front door.

I hope to see you all together in Church again soon, God willing.

Thank you and God bless you.

Fr. Dan

Here is the link for daily Mass and much more

Bishop Lucia’s Letter March 20, 2020

If you know of an elderly person that needs anything, call the Village of Marcellus offices at (315) 673-3112, press prompt 1 and leave a message. They will help with anything they can do. You can go online for more information: https://www.villageofmarcellus.com/

please call the rectory at 315-673-2531