THE CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday at home, we are providing this beautiful Pentecost prayer by St John Paul II:

Holy Spirit, Sweetest Guest of our hearts,
Lead us to recognize in Jesus of Nazareth the Lord of glory,
the Savior of the world, and the supreme fulfillment of history.

With the power of your gifts,
guide the Church courageously so she may bring generations to come
the light of the Word that saves.

Renew the face of the earth. Rouse in us the desire for unity.
Let the wealth of charisms and ministries
contribute to the unity of the Church.
Let lay people, the consecrated, and ordained priests
build together the Kingdom of God.

Inspire solidarity with those in need, provide comfort to the infirm,
instill trust and hope in those who are tested,
revive in everyone the commitment to a better future.

To You, Spirit of Love,
praise, honor, and glory forever and ever.  Amen.

We greatly appreciate your patience and prayers during this unprecedented time!  This has been a difficult time for all of us.  In community with the other Rochester Catholic parishes and fellow parishioners, we are determining the date and procedures for resuming public Masses here at St Francis of Assisi parish.  At this time, there is no definitive date for Masses to resume. 

We will be updating both the website and weekly bulletins as more information can be made available.  May God bless you always!

The Church of St Francis of Assisi

Bishop John Quinn will begin offering Mass without a congregation on Sundays at 11AM at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.   This Mass will be live-streamed and all are invited to join him. Parishioners can access the live-streamed Mass at the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Weekly Mass webpage, www.dowr.org/about/weekly-mass.html, where the links for viewing the live-stream will be posted for Facebook and YouTube.

By our Easter faith, we know that Christ is alive and among us.
“I am with you always,” he promised (Mt 28:20). 

Following the direction of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, the parish center office will remain closed until further notice.  The staff will continue to monitor email and voicemail daily and will respond to your messages.

The church will remain open at this time from 8AM-2PM Monday through Friday for private prayer.  ALL parish activities are canceled or suspended indefinitely.  The televised Mass is on Sunday at 9AM on channel 6 (KAAL) or via this link: https://www.dowr.org/about/weekly-mass.html
 
A Prayer of Solidarity from the USCCB
For all who have contracted coronavirus, we pray for care and healing.
For those who are particularly vulnerable, we pray for safety and protection.
For all who experience fear or anxiety, we pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety, we pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance, we pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status, we pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world, we pray for shared solidarity.
For public officials and decision makers, we pray for wisdom and guidance.
Father, during this time may your Church
     be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all.
     Grant peace.
     Grant comfort.
     Grant healing.
     Be with us, Lord.
 
Amen.
 Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved.

Thank you to the 133 families that have already made their pledge.  We are currently over 79% of our goal of $57,800.  We encourage everyone’s participation so we may meet and exceed our goal.  You can make your online donation via this link:  https://www.catholicfsmn.org/catholic-ministries-appeal

As always, 100% of the monies reached over our goal are returned to the parish for a designated building project.  Our projects are as follows:  Security, Stained Glass Windows Repair and Maintenance and the lighting of the upper window in the balcony of the Immaculate Conception.  Thank you for everyone’s generosity, faith and participation!  During this year, may we all strive to Share His Good Gifts with All throughout the Catholic community in southern Minnesota.

Experience an exceptional Catholic education that fosters spiritual, social, emotional and academic growth for life-long success. Experience Rochester Catholic Schools. Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is open for students in PreK through high school. Visit rcsmn.org/admissions to learn more.
 
Rochester Catholic Schools Summer Care 2020!
Rochester Catholic Schools offers summer care for children ages 3-12 years old filled with faith, activities, area field trips, and structured enrichment, as well as easy access to attend RCS Summer Academy and Sports Camps. RCS Summer Care will keep your child engaged and growing in mind, body, and spirit all summer long. Visit rcsmn.org/summercare
to learn more.

Consider logging into http://formed.org!  FORMED is a revolutionary online platform featuring the best Catholic videos, audio talks, eBooks and movies from the Augustine Institute, St. Paul Center, Marian Fathers, Lighthouse Catholic Media, Ignatius Press and Word on Fire. All St. Francis of Assisi parishioners get access to this content for FREE, but you will need a Parish Code in order to access this content.

Please contact the Parish Center Office at francis@stfrancis-church.org or by calling 507-288-7313 during normal office hours to receive your Parish Code.

Learn more about the Catholic Advocacy Network - an initiative of the Minnesota Catholic Conference.  This network allows a person to easily stay informed about upcoming legislation,and to contact our state representatives to voice our concerns or support.  It includes thousands of Catholics and non-Catholics from Minnesota who are striving to live their faith in a challenging culture.

By joining the free network, you will receive periodic e-mails and a monthly E-Update in order to promote life and dignity. Consider visiting the Catholic Advocacy Network Action Center to join!

NO PUBLIC MASSES