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Virtual Lenten Scripture Classes

by Fr. Jim Scullion OFM | Feb 9, 2021

Fr. Jim Scullion, O.F.M.'s Virtual Lenten Scripture Classes The Gospel of Mark - “Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15) is the traditional admonition on Ash Wednesday from the Gospel of Mark, the source of our gospel readings for the Sundays in this Liturgical Year. Join our very own Scripture scholar, Fr. Jim Scullion, O.F.M., as he walks us through the major themes of the first gospel – themes for Lent and the remainder of the year. February 23, 2021 from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. –...

Preparing the Heart for Lent

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Feb 2, 2021

Back in the day when I was working in the world and spending way too much time on airplanes accumulating way too many frequent-flyer miles, it seemed to me business travelers did three things on longer flights: sleep, work, or read Stephen’ Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The book argues that one should align universal and timeless principles with one’s values. Covey sees principles as external natural laws, while values remain internal and subjective. Covey asserts that...

Anti-Human Trafficking National Day of Prayer

by Chanel Marquis | Jan 18, 2021

St. Francis of Assisi Anti-Human Trafficking Committee (AHTC) 2021 National Day of Prayer Summit February 6, 2021 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Register to attend by emailing: [email protected] The AHTC is holding a virtual summit and prayer service on Saturday, February 6th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn more about our Patron Saint Josephine Bakhita and hear from Presenters that are combating Modern Day Slavery. In addition, an opportunity will be made available for children to...

2021 March for Life

by Chanel Marquis | Jan 18, 2021

The 2021 National March for Life will take place on Friday, January 29th. This annual event is important even during the pandemic. Out of an abundance of caution the March will be held virtually. Complete details can be found at: https://marchforlife.org/national-march-for-life/ Other Events: Thursday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m. - Sacred Heart Parish, in Winchester presents Olivia Gans Turner in a Zoom Collaborative. Join to learn more about the effort to enshrine abortion in the...

Many Thanks and Looking Ahead

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Jan 12, 2021

Many thanks to all who worked to make possible and successful, our Christmas and New Year’s Liturgical celebrations. Despite the restrictions placed upon us by the pandemic, all went well. My deepest appreciation to all who contributed to the Christmas collection. The collection this year was actually higher than last year! That speaks volumes as to the great generosity of so many of you, in this very challenging and difficult moment in our history. Many many thanks! On the topic of...

Reflections on the Events of January 6th 2021

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Jan 12, 2021

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and the Provincial Ministers of the Franciscan OFMs of the United States have each issued a statement or reflection on the events of January 6th - events that rocked the Capitol and the soul of a nation. Bishop Burdidge's reflection can be read on the diocesan website: They Know Us by Our Love: A Reflection on the Riot at the U.S. Capitol The statement from the Franciscan Provincials can be read here: Dear Brothers, The six provincials (MP6) of the US-6...

Holy Communion outside of Mass

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Dec 29, 2020

On Christmas Day we offered "drive by" Holy Communion to those who had participated in the parish live stream Mass. We have received numerous emails from parishioners expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to receive the Eucharist. Some had not been able to receive since March. And so, we have decided to continue the practice. Until further notice, the Friars will distribute Holy Communion to interested parishioners who participated in the live stream Mass. Each Sunday from 12:00 pm...

Resolutions and habits

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Dec 29, 2020

Unless you happen to be like my muse, Calvin, in the comic strip, I suspect you are about to make some New Year’s resolutions. How did you do on last year’s resolutions? About the same as the rest of us? One ad hominem wisdom saying defines “insanity” this way: to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. Perhaps this New Year is a time to consider changing the way resolutions are considered, made, and hopefully, kept. And while you are considering all this, I would note that I...

Just do your thing

by Fr. George Corrigan OFM | Dec 27, 2020

NOTE: Amazon has discontinued the AmazonSmile program described herein as of February 20, 2023 From Amazon: "In 2013, we launched AmazonSmile to make it easier for customers to support their favorite charities. However, after almost a decade, the program has not grown to create the impact that we had originally hoped. With so many eligible organizations—more than 1 million globally—our ability to have an impact was often spread too thin. We are writing to let you know that we plan to wind down...

Christmas 2020 Message from our Pastor

by Fr. John O'Connor OFM | Dec 15, 2020

Dear Parishioners, In a few days we will celebrate Christmas. This is normally a time of the year when families and friends gather in a spirit of joy and hope. To be able to celebrate this year as we have in the past, will be difficult, if not impossible. This Christmas season we face one of the most challenging crisis of modern times, a pandemic that has made millions ill and taken the lives of thousands of our fellow human beings. And so our natural response may be to ask how can one...