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

Dear St. Francis Family,

In this time of stress and anxiety, we all need to remember to trust in the Lord, have faith, be patient and kind, exercise common sense and pray.  I’d like to offer this week 4 Scripture passages for your prayerful meditation:

Isaiah 26:3-4  A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for it trusts in you.

Trust in the Lord forever, for He is an eternal Rock.

Isaiah 41:10  Fear not, I am with you.  Be not dismayed I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you and uphold you with my right hand of justice.

Psalm 46:8-9  The Lord of Hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.

Come and see the works of the Lord that has done fearsome deeds on earth.

John 14:27  Peace I leave you my peace I give you not as the world gives to I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

God Bless you,

-Fr. Dan

O Mary, full of grace, Patroness of this nation and Mother of the Church, in this time of illness and worldwide need we seek your intercession for the human family before your Son’s throne of grace and mercy. We ask for strength in adversity, health in weakness, and comfort in sorrow. Help us, O Blessed Mother, to be filled with confidence and trust in the tender compassion of our God. Let us not be afraid, like our own Saint Marianne Cope, who entrusted her life and ministry among the outcasts of society into the care of our Divine Physician. Continue to watch over all who are sick as well as those who care for them and give wisdom to all who are seeking a cure. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

 Heavenly Father,

We give you our hopes, worries and fears as our lovely child starts school.

We pray that you would fill their hearts with excitement and calm their worries with your love.

Please go before them, help them make friends, enjoy the activities and build relationships with their teachers and carers.

May we learn to entrust them each day into your care, and as we do may they grow in confidence and independence.

Father, may joy abound in their hearts as they enter this new exciting season of their lives.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

(a prayer for parent’s from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

May you walk with God
this summer
in whatever you do
wherever you go.

Walking with God means…
walking with honesty
and with courage.
Walking with love
and respect
and concern for the feelings of others.

May you talk to God
this summer
on every day
and in every situation.

Talking with God means…
praying words of praise
for the beauty of creation.
Saying prayers of thanks
for friends and good times.

Asking God’s help
in all your decisions.
Expressing sorrow
when you have failed.
May you talk with God
every day. Amen.

―author unknown

GO NOW, GRADUATES, with the gift of faith,
That you might see God’s hand
In all that you do.

GO NOW WITH the gift of hope,
That you might know God’s guidance,
That will keep you safe.

GO NOW WITH the gift of love,
That you may offer love and care
To those you meet.

GO NOW WITH the gift of knowledge,
Remembering all that you have learned.
With God’s help, live it!

GO NOW GRADUATES
With these words of Jesus in your hearts:
“I will not leave you alone;
I am with you always.”

-Adapted from a prayer by Gwen Costello

Lord, I pray that I never take my freedom for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchased at a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives. Lord, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for our freedom. Meet their needs and watch over their families. Amen.

I will reflect on the promise of the resurrection and Jesus’ power over death.