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The Sabbath, a time to focus on what’s important!

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Jan 18, 2022

In her book Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul, Rabbi Naomi Levy writes about Henry, a member of her congregation. Henry’s internet startup was booming – he was making more money than he’d ever dreamed of. He was thirty-six, happily married with an adorable, energetic son. But Henry was feeling empty. Something was missing in his life – he sensed that he had “forgotten something,” but didn’t know what. Yeah, he admitted to the rabbi, he was constantly “plugged into” the office...

Sunday of the Word of God

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jan 17, 2022

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16–17) The Sunday of the Word of God in the Catholic Church takes place on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time - this coming Sunday. It was established in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, issued motu proprio (of his own initiative), Aperuit illis, “to be devoted to the celebration,...

God’s Guidance

by Fr. Lalo Jara OFM | Jan 13, 2022

Today’s First Reading relates to the battle between the Philistines and the people of Israel. The people of Israel bring the Ark of the Covenant to the battle believing that if they have the holy Ark of God’s presence with them, then they will not lose the battle. They are acting superstitiously. The Philistines win the battle, and they capture the Ark of the Covenant. Eli’s two sons are killed. Eli’s sons, along with the army leaders, made the mistake of thinking that just because they were...

Where the love of God goes…

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Jan 5, 2022

Some forty-six years ago in November 1975 an intense low pressure system was crossing the Great Lakes, with winds gusting to well above hurricane force, and waves the size of mountains. The forecast has been for clear sailing. Over 200 mariners were lost that day. Among the lost souls that day were the captain and crew of the large iron ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald. Storms and loss of lives are part of life on the Lakes. However, this event was made famous by Gordon Lightfoot’s song “The...

2021 Christmas Season Mass Schedule

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Dec 16, 2021

Here is our celebrations of Mass during the upcoming Week of Christmas and beyond Dec. 20th thru Dec. 23rd: 8:45 am daily Mass Dec. 24th (Christmas Eve): 4:00 pm (English) ** 6:00 pm (English) ** 8:00 pm (Spanish - live streamed) 10:30 (English - live streamed) ** if the number of people attending exceeds the capacity of the church, a limited overflow Mass will be offered in the school cafeteria! Dec 25th (Christmas Day) 9:00 am (English) 11:00 am (English) Note: The normal Saturday...

The Immaculate Conception

by Transfer Agent | Dec 3, 2021

It’s important to understand what the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is and what it is not. Some people think the term refers to Christ’s conception in Mary’s womb without the intervention of a human father; but that is the Virgin Birth. Others think the Immaculate Conception means Mary was conceived “by the power of the Holy Spirit,” in the way Jesus was, but that, too, is incorrect. The Immaculate Conception means that Mary, whose conception was brought about the normal way, was...

Thanksgiving Blessings

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Nov 14, 2021

On behalf of the Friars and staff here at St. Francis I wish all of you a blessed Thanksgiving. The feast of Thanksgiving reminds all of us of the importance of moments of gratitude; the value of seeing what is good and right in our world. Let our Thanksgiving be a celebration where we view our world not just in terms of the material things that we have been gifted, but also in the good and meaningful actions that we can do for others, and that have been done for us. May we be aware of God’s...

Fr John’s Update: Visit to Camp Upshur

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Nov 10, 2021

On Tuesday, November 9th, Fr. John and Bishop Burbidge visited the Afghan refugees at Camp Upshur, Marine Corp Base Quantico. Watch Fr. John's report of the visit - images and video of the refugee were understandably not permitted as many have relatives living in Afghanistan.

Afghan Refugees – an update from Fr. John

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Nov 5, 2021

I want to thank the parish for its tremendous response and outreach to our Afghan refugee sisters and brothers. I have visited the facilities and the people – and while I am not allowed to give details because of security precautions, it is a huge effort. An effort that is the work of the US Marine Corp, federal agencies (DHS), and the US Catholic Conference of Bishops (USSCB) – the only Church related organization that is part of the on-site relief efforts. We can all also be proud of the...

All Souls – Bless their hearts

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Nov 1, 2021

It is at the wake and funeral that we glimpse into best part of the now faithful departed. These stories reveal that within each of us is the work of God, even if perhaps unfinished. Stories which reveal the love of God poured into the world through everyday people. I have heard stories of deep, abiding love, holiness, and sacrifice that are akin to the lives of the Saints. All these good words are more than our social convention not to speak ill of the dead. Stories of the best of days paint...