Sharing Our Stories
Parish Blog
Do you have a story about putting your faith into action? We’d love to hear about how our various ministries here at St. Francis are impacting you and the world around us. Send an email to Chanel Marquis to submit your story for consideration.
The posts shown below are designated as being of general interest for the parish. We also have other pages with a more dedicated focus; a few are listed below… in case you would like to “take a look.” Enjoy!
Knowing Jesus
“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” So said Pope Francis on June 15th of last year as part of a papal audience. But it is not original to Pope Francis; he is quoting St. Jerome, the great biblical scholar and translator from the late 4th and early 5th...
The Sabbath, a time to focus on what’s important!
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...
Sunday of the Word of God
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...
God’s Guidance
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....
Where the love of God goes…
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....
2021 Christmas Season Mass Schedule
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 Immaculate Conception
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...
Thanksgiving Blessings
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...
Fr John’s Update: Visit to Camp Upshur
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...
Afghan Refugees – an update from Fr. John
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...