Faith?
Dear Parish Family,
I remember the weekend after 9/11; the Churches were as full as they were at any Christmas or Easter. The same was true of parishes of all denominations. We were reminded that we need God, not only in our personal lives, but in our Civic and National life as well. Unfortunately, as the weeks went on the attendance dropped and it seemed that many other ‘priorities’ took precedence over faith in God and the Church at prayer. It is interesting that many turn to God only in their need, or time of crisis or expect God to do our bidding or on demand whenever I think about Him or need Him or like Santa Clause; giving me what I want when I want it without condition or exception? Is God a part of my daily life, my professional life, my family life, our national and Civic life? God is not a magician and faith is not a magic incantation. God desires to be an active part of our lives; in difficult times as well as well as when things are going well. So I need to ask myself: Do I really believe in the God of Revelation and Tradition; the Judeo-Christian God of Scripture; or do I believe God owes me, because after all, I know better than God and I certainly don’t want to be looked at ‘funny’ by the ‘modern world’ and secular society. Am I one of those to whom Jesus could say: “O you of little faith.” God Bless, Fr. Dan

Carlo Acutis International Exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World
“The digital world can expose you to the risk of self-absorption and isolation. But there are young people even there who show creativity and even genius. Like Carlo” -Pope Francis
Part of Carlo’s Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition will be here at St. Francis Xavier on the weekend of June 8/9 following the Masses. Come and See!!

2024 3rd Annual Father Mike Donovan Scholarship Golf Tournament
Sunday, July 7th @ 1pm

Sign up with this form!  Or use the QR code on the signs outside our Church!
Not a golfer? Come anyway and enjoy 18 holes of golf, riding around in a cart and prizes! You are welcome to attend dinner afterwards or purchase a tee-sponsorship. We also need lending hands to make specialty baskets, set up, serve dinner or clean up afterwards. Any monetary donations are welcome for this great cause. Thank you for supporting the youth of our parish community in any way possible!
*Look for signs outside our Church for more information and details.

With prayers and best wishes to Deacon Jeff!

May God’s blessings be upon you as you begin your new ministry.

Click here to read the article from the Catholic Sun.

The Permanent Diaconate

Dear Parish Family,
On Saturday, May 11, Jeff Dixe was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate; this is the same office as Deacon John has. To be Ordained a Deacon is to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders: there are three distinct offices within Holy Orders, to become a Deacon, to become a Priest, to become a Bishop. Even though there are three offices, there is only one Sacrament. Within the office of Deacon there are two distinct types. One can be Ordained a permanent Deacon, as Jeff and John are: a permanent Deacon will remain within this office. One can be Ordained a transitional Deacon, which means that one will then be Ordained to the office of Priesthood. The word Deacon means servant, and much more. It includes the concept of Mission and companion within the Ordained Ministries of the Church. A Deacon (both permanent and transitional) has the responsibilities to proclaim the Gospel at Mass to preach; to officiate at Weddings and to perform Baptisms; a Deacon may also perform Wake Services and bury the dead. Implied in the Office of Deacon is to help the faithful better understand the Faith and assist in the Church’s ministry of Charity. Congratulations Jeff, and welcome to the fraternity of the ordained Ministers of the Church.
God bless, Fr. Dan

Let the Children Come…

Dear Parish Family,
As you can see, we had two Baptisms last week and we have five more scheduled before the beginning of June; Baptisms are a great joy and a sign that our parish is healthy and growing. Thank you to all you parents who bring your children to celebrate the Eucharist with us; they are a delight and joy and remind us of how wonderful a gift children really are.

There is a quote (and I don’t remember where it is from): “A parish that isn’t crying is dying” It is great to hear the children, even if they cry, wiggle, or walk around. Parents never be concerned that your child is making too much noise, or is a distraction: they ARE NOT. Children are supposed to be children. When the children see you at Mass, they will feel comfortable in Church; it is their parish home and we are their parish family.

To quote one of my favorite Scripture passages: “And the people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them, blessed them, placing his hands on them.”   Mark 10: 13-15
God bless, Fr. Dan

Please check out the website of the NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS:

www.eucharisticcongress.org

More than CONGRESS, there is information on REVIVAL and PILGRIMAGES.

Revival– Jesus calls us deeper!

Congress – First in 83 yrs!

July 17-21, 2024 at

Lucas Oil Stadium- Indianapolis, IN

Pilgrimages – May 17-July 16, 2024

Four Unique Routes!

Help save lives in Syracuse by joining in prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil for an end to abortion. God is doing great things in Syracuse and calls us to be present at the Planned Parenthood abortion center to be a sign of Hope and a source of help to pregnant women in need! No experience is necessary, just a heart full of compassion for moms and their little ones. Call Jeanie 315.956.7772 or email syracuse40daysforlife@gmail.com with questions or to sign up for your hour of prayer!

Webinar Recording:

“What’s Next for our Listening Church?”

This webinar was recorded live on November 3, 2023.