Dear St. Francis Family,
This Sunday, the sixth Sunday of Easter, our Scripture readings tell us of yet another gift God has in store for us. The Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, The Holy Spirit is the Advocate promised by Jesus in today’s Gospel. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that Peter and John are able to act; that Christians have the ability to undergo suffering and persecution for their faith; that we can observe God’s commandments and therefore love God and experience God’s love for us. Thursday we will celebrate the Ascension, Jesus returning to the Father not to abandon us, but so that the Holy Spirit might be sent from God to us. The Holy Spirit continues to act in our midst, our lives and our Church. The Holy Spirit is the New Advocate who speaks on our behalf and is the source of our joy and hope. Hope even in the times of a pandemic, because our God will never abandon us and will give all that we need to continue to proclaim to the Glory of God the Father that Jesus Christ is Lord.
God Bless,
Fr. Dan

Dear St. Francis Family,

This Sunday’s Gospel begins with Jesus saying to the disciples:  Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” (John 14:1)  We are being constantly reminded that we are in a difficult troubling time, and as true as that is, we are also a people of faith.  Jesus was not just speaking of a later time and place, but also how we are to live our lives here and now.  Certainly we are to be reasonable and prudent; using the good common sense that God gave us to take care of ourselves, our loved ones and those most vulnerable; but we are never to lose faith or hope. God is found in every act of kindness and compassion, every heroic act on the part of those who care for us and others; every smile and laugh:  we are truly to have faith in our God.

God bless you and a happy and blessed Mother’s Day to all of our mothers, those still with us and those who have gone to the home prepared for them in our Lord Jesus’ Father’s house.

God bless,

Fr. Dan

Dear St. Francis Family,

Our Psalm this weekend, the 23rd Psalm is perhaps one of the most known and loved Psalms in the Bible reminding us the Lord is truly our Shepherd.  Our Gospel also uses the image of Jesus as the sheepgate:  through whom we find rest, safety, security and peace. We are continually reminded that we can always look to Jesus, he will never disappoint us, he will always be there for us.  Jesus always offers comfort and peace, no matter what the situation.

God Bless,

Fr. Dan

Third Sunday of Easter

Divine Mercy Sunday

Dear St. Francis Family,

The Second Sunday of Easter (the Sunday immediately following Easter) was proclaimed by St. Pope John-Paul II to be the Sunday of Divine Mercy. This feast comes to us from the revelations of our Lord Jesus to now St. Maria Faustina Kowalska as found in her diary. The image of Divine Mercy (which you can see in our Church Sanctuary) is depiction of Jesus in His Resurrection.  Flowing from the hands of Jesus one sees red and white streams, depicting water blood and water: the outpouring of grace and mercy on all who come to him seeking His mercy.  The words on the image: “Jesus, I trust You.” sum up beautifully Jesus’ invitation to trust in Him:  His providence, His Mercy and His love. The Divine Mercy chaplet is to be prayed at 3 PM; the hour of mercy.

This Sunday, during this time of trial, we all need to remember and look to Jesus and place our trust in Him. He, and He alone is our hope and our salvation.

Please join me and pray:  “Jesus, I trust You.”

God Bless you all.

Fr. Dan

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

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