SUNDAY, September 23– Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Wis 2:12, 17-20 Jas 3:16-4:3 Mk 9:30-37

8:00 A.M. Joseph Kaufman 9:30 A.M. For the People of St. Francis of Assisi 11:00 A.M. Kathy Culkin 12:30 P.M. Giuseppina LoPiccolo Lina Ruffini Arndne Family Jennie Laucella Concetta Console MONDAY, September 24- Weekday Readings: Prv 3:27-34 Lk 8:16-18 9:00 A.M. Antonia Pinto

TUESDAY, September 25 - Weekday Readings: Prv 21:1-6, 10-13 Lk 8:19-21

9:00 A.M. Charles Mirisola

WEDNESDAY, September 26 - Weekday Readings: Prv 30:5-9 Lk 9:1-6 9:00 A.M. Filomena Antonella THURSDAY, September 27 - Weekday Readings: Eccl 1:2-11 Lk 9:7-9 9:00 A.M. Margaret Culkin

FRIDAY, September 28 - Weekday Readings: Eccl 3:1-11 Lk 9:18-22

9:00 A.M. Marie Mirisola SATURDAY, September 29 - Weekday Readings: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 Jn 1:47-51 9:00 A.M. Purgatorial Society Mary Ellen Christenson John Joseph Rooney Patricia Redmond Ann Anselmi 5:00 P.M. Ines Vigano SUNDAY, September 30 -Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Nm 11:25-29 Jas 5:1-6 Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

8:00 A.M. Rosemarie Zuliani Conroy 9:30 A.M. George Sultana 11:00 A.M. For the People of St. Francis of Assisi 12:30 P.M. Michael Grimaldi Anna Vincenza Mincone Rose Sferrazza Frank P. Ruffillo Concetta Console Maria Cona

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

My Dear Parishioners, As we look at the Gospels, we read many times how the disciples failed to understand much of what Jesus said and did. When He spoke in parables, they needed further explanation in private. When He sent them out to preach and heal, they often failed to see that they were simply acting in his name and with his authority. Today we have another example of this type of misunderstanding. With what seems like candor, Jesus wants his disciples to be fully aware of all that their discipleship will entail. Jesus knows that in coming to follow him, the disciples have come with their own expectations and understandings. From the Gospels, we see that the disciples tended to understand the messiahship of Jesus solely in earthly and political terms. The Messiah would be, for them, a divinely anointed national leader who would combine the military strength and skill of King David with the wisdom and prosperity of King Solomon. If Jesus was the Messiah then they, too, expected to benefit from following him; hence the question, Who was the greatest? In their way of thinking of Jesus, it was obvious that the greatest among them would benefit the most in the new earthly kingdom that they thought Jesus would restore. But, as we know, the real Messiah was something very different. Instead of military power, Jesus witnessed to the power of love and forgiveness in the world. Where others pursued the lure of material wealth and prestige, Jesus, the preacher, reminded the world that God has a special place in his heart for the poor, the afflicted and the outsider. And where others looked for an earthly king to rule in absolute power, Jesus’ life and ministry bore witness to the eternal truth that he had come to serve and not be served. Clearly, the disciples would have to be dissuaded of their false expectations. To do this Jesus speaks explicitly of his own expectations. He will be handed over and will suffer and die and as his disciples they, too, can expect nothing less. We often need to hear discomforting news several times before it finally sinks in. So it is with the disciples. Today they hear, but they do not understand. That will come later. But for us, we know the final chapter of this great book that is the mystery of Christ. It does not end in defeat but in victory: His Victory Over Death! So it is appropriate that this gospel passage should be twined with the words of the Book of Wisdom. In their desire to test what is of God, the wicked will subject all who are holy to trial, persecution and even death. Jesus in his victory over death witnesses to the enduring care of God, even in the face of a shameful death. In Jesus, God has fulfilled his promise. He is handed over, but in the resurrection his triumph is complete and we are given the promise and hope of eternal life. God Bless, Msgr. Maresca

2018 – 2019 Religious Education registration is open for all 1st through 8th graders. Registration

forms are always available in the rectory.

Classes take place on Sundays from 10:40am – 12 noon in the academy building.

We are now on summer break and classes will

resume September 23, 2018

ARE YOU SOMEONE OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO…

Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?

Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation?

Then RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation

of Adults) is what you're looking for! RCIA offers seekers the opportunity to come together in a

small group to learn more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of

Church as well as prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm accepting setting. For information please contact our Director of Faith

Formation, Kristina Blair 718.278.0259 or dre@sfaacademy.org.

ACADEMY NEWS

Welcome, Autumn! "Autumn is a second spring when

every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus

This Sunday our Children’s

Liturgy begins at the 9:30 Mass.

This Week at SFA Catholic Academy

Monday 9/24 PEP Shirt orders due Tuesday 9/25 DOH Vision screenings for grads K, 1,3,5,7 Wednesday 9/26 Ms. Cary Fitzgerald from the Program for the Development of Human Potential (PDHP) is conducting a parent workshop in the Science Room at 10 a.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Weekly Offering Thank you for your continued

generosity of giving each week. Your weekly offering helps us pay our monthly

bills.

The Collection/Donation

for the weekend:

Collection 9/15-9/16 $ 5,304.00 2nd Collection - Catholic Education $ 875.00

School parents must use

church envelopes.

2018 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

We are $2,699.00 shy of reaching our goal for the Annual Catholic Appeal.

We now have $36,490.00 pledged and $32,573.50 paid towards our goal of

$39,189.00

Thank you to all who have pledged to the appeal. If anyone has not pledged to the appeal and would like to at this time, pledge envelopes are available at

the doors of the Church.

Let us continue our efforts as a parish to work towards achieving our goal for this appeal. I am grateful for whatever

we do as a parish. Thank You!

Msgr. Maresca

Please Consider Remembering St. Francis of Assisi Parish in

your Will.

CONGRATULATIONS to our newly installed Acolyte John Messina. He will now be assisting at the altar and giving a reflection once

a month at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word.

Let us continue to pray for John as he prepares for his Diaconate

Ordination which will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 11:00am

in St. Joseph Co-Cathedral.

Blessing of Animals Sunday, October 7th at 1:30pm we will bless all animals in honor of St. Fran-

cis of Assisi. The blessing will take place in the Schoolyard.

All are invited to bring their pets and

join in the blessing.

Memorials for the Week

of September 23, 2018

ALTAR CANDLES

Are dedicated to Mary Ellen Christenson

Requested by: Her Loving Family

Remember in your prayers all those in our parish who are sick, that they may

find health and comfort: Humberto Cordova, Louise Mastromarco, ,

Martha Calado, James Nunez, Vincent Wytak,

Carol Ross, Rolondo Larrondo, Jeffrey Hyans, Jessica St. Preux, Al Ciani, Alesha Moses,

Samantha Fabrizi, Nancy McCaffrey, Christopher Wojtalik, Marie Guerriero, Theresa Pacheco, William Goss, Luke Pacheco, Vincenza Papa,

Jim Schneggenburger, Anthony Criscuolo, Alice Franklin, Saverio Giordano, John Ross,

Terri Kornalewski, Samantha O’Sullivan, Marilyn Miller, Lenny Franklin, John Carmody, Rosario Duran, Mary

DeGloria, Vivian Papa, Joel Steinmann, Anna Governali, Antonio Postiglione,

Mario Tamburello, Mary Rerecich, Christopher Araimo, Charles Principato, Isabella Columbo,

Christine Elmendorf, Georganne Cunningham, Jim Kreitler, John Schakir.

Also remember in your prayers all the deceased of the Parish. Please remember to

continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, diaconate, and married life.

Please save the date

Saturday, October 6th

for our

12th Annual Fall Festival

CRAFT TABLE DONATIONS

Greetings to all Crocheters, Knitters and

Crafters,

It's that time of year, our 12th Annual Fall Festival will be on Saturday, October 6th, 2018. Your kind donations in the past

have raised needed funds for our Church and School. Blankets and children's items,

sweaters, hats, scarves are a huge request along with shawls, tissue box covers and

kitchen de cor.

* PLEASE DROP OFF YOUR DONATIONS MARKED “FESTIVAL” AT THE RECTORY *

Banns of Marriage 3rd Time:

Anna Gabriella Cinquemani

St. Joseph’s Church Astoria, NY

and Robert Cavazzini

St. Francis of Assisi Astoria, NY

Banns of Marriage 3rd Time:

Jaclyn Lopez

and Sean Corcoran

MEMORIAL MASS

Please mark your calendars for a Memorial Mass for

Father Ray Frias, OFM. Cap. on Saturday, October 20th at

1:00pm.

Please be mindful that there are people who come to church early in order to

pray. Please show respect by observing silence.

SFA SCRIPTURE STUDY

"Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ."

- St. Jerome

Join us on Thurs., Sept. 27 @ 7:30pm (rectory/lower level - St. Joseph Room)

We will discuss The Gospel of Mark

Chapters 4 - 5

Jesus as Wisdom Teacher The Transforming Effect of

Jesus/Wisdom "Fear is useless. What is

needed is trust."

For information: sfascripturestudy@gmail.com

2019 Mass book will be opened on Wednesday, September 26,

2018 in the rectory at 10:00 AM. Please note that if you

arrive early you will have to wait until 10:00 AM.

In order to accommodate the many requests for Masses, please note the

following:

Each Family will only be able to reserve 3 Masses on that day.

Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. Mass.

Saturday the 9:00 a.m. Mass will be

multiple intentions. Sunday 12:30 p.m. Italian Mass will be

multiple intentions.

Canon Law only permits one name per Mass. We can accommodate you by

listing the family name, i.e. The Smith Family. Thank you for your

understanding and cooperation.

NO Masses will be taken over the phone and no lists will be accepted to be picked

up later.

Please have alternate dates ready in case your 1st date is taken. Also please PRINT

the names CLEARLY on your paper so the process will move along smoothly.

All Announced Masses will be $15.00 *

Purgatorial Mass Cards will be $30.00. *

Memorials (Altar Bread, Wine, Sanctuary

lamp and altar candles will be $50.00 * Altar Flowers will be $70.00).

I thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding

in this matter.

Focus: Jesus calls on us to set ourselves apart from the world and

serve others.

Our world is full of arguments and conflicts. People fight and despise

one another out of jealousy and selfish desires. Today, Jesus calls on us to be different from the world and learn to serve others. This is how we can be

the greatest in his eyes.

ATTENTION: Please DO NOT light the candles in Church by using another candle. One could get burned and the wax is dripping all over the candle stands creating a mess.

PLEASE use the lighter. If you have trouble with the lighter, ask for help.

Thank You.

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

Just a reminder when coming up to

receive Holy Communion, and after

receiving Jesus, one should be

thinking of the wonderful privilege as a

Catholic to receive Jesus,

that special time we have with our Lord and

Savior.

It is not a time to allow oneself to be

distracted by looking all around, waving,

shaking hands or kissing the person on the

end of the pew. The Roman Missal states

that, “one should prepare by

praying quietly, so that one may fruitfully

receive the Body and Blood of Christ”.

PASTORAL, LITURGICAL, AND MUSIC MINISTERS The Liturgy Office is sponsoring a Convocation for Pastoral, Liturgical, and Music Ministers. The Convocation will be on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Immaculate Conception Center

in Douglaston.

The day will be filled with prayer and presentations that will enlighten and inspire all our ministers. The theme is “THIS FAMILY WHOM YOU HAVE SUMMONED BEFORE

YOU”. Msgr. Anthony Sherman, former Director of Liturgy for our Diocese will give the keynote address.

There are four breakout sessions available, you are to choose just two. The day begins at

9:00am, light breakfast and lunch will be included. The day is scheduled to end at 3:45pm. The registration fee is $25 before September 28th and $30 after September 28th. NO walk-ins

on the day itself. If you are interested in attending, please stop by the rectory as soon as possible to register. A copy of the breakout sessions will be available for you to look over and choose which two you would like to attend.

Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School, conducted by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart,

celebrating 62 years of Catholic education in Queens, will hold its annual OPEN HOUSE for young

men and women, on Saturday, October 6th from 1:00 p.m.

to 4:00 p.m. For directions and information please call 718-898-3800 ext. #1.

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 23, 2018

“Whoever received one child in my name receives me.”

Consider a

vocation as a priest, deacon or in the

consecrated life. Contact the Vocation

Office at (718) 827-2454 or email:

vocations@diobrook.org

Open House – Saturday, October 13th

11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

St. John’s Preparatory School

21-21 Crescent Street

Astoria, New York

ATT: ALL SOCIETIES

A copy of the 2018-2019 Parish

Calendar can be picked up at the

Rectory

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE – SEPTEMBER 2018

Sat. Sept. 22nd 5pm Samantha Dee, Mia Lopez Sun. Sept. 23rd 8am Nanci Scarpelli, Damian Pan 9:30am Erin Camilleri, Giuliana Antonaccio, Angelina Efstration 11am Abby Vorlicek, Chole Kebbe, Jeremy Burgos 12:30pm Luisa Schwab Sat. Sept. 29th 1pm Wedding- Mia Lopez, Giulia Graci 3pm Wedding- Erin Camilleri, Abby Vorlicek 5pm Samantha Dee Sun. Sept. 30th 8am Luke Curattalo, Gianna and Richard Fabrizi 9:30am Erin Camilleri, Emily Muskardin, Isabella Ronacher 11am Abby Vorlicek, Luisa Schwab, Emma McCloskey 12:30pm no server available

September 23 - September 29

Sunday, September 23 9:30A.M.– Children’s Liturgy– MCH 10:40A.M. - 12 Noon CCD- School

Monday, September 24 12:30-3:30 P.M. Golden Age - Msgr. Campbell Hall 7:00 P.M. Adult Choir - Church

Tuesday, September 25

6:30 P.M. AA - St. Francis Meeting Room

Wednesday, September 26

Thursday, September 27

10-11:30 A.M. Legion of Mary - St. Francis Mtg Room

7:00 P.M. IACA - St. Francis Mtg Room 7:30 P.M. Scripture Study - St. Jos. Room

Friday, September 28

Saturday, September 29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THIS WEEK NEXT WEEK

September 30 - October 6

Sunday, September 30 9:30A.M.– Children’s Liturgy– MCH 10:40A.M. - 12 Noon CCD- School 1:30 P.M. Baptisms - Church

Monday, October 1 12:30-3:30P.M. Golden Age– MCH 7:00 P.M. Adult Choir– Church

Tuesday, October 2 6:30 P.M. AA - St. Francis Meeting Room

Wednesday, October 3 3:00 P.M. High School Night set-up - MCH 7:00 P.M. Bereavement Group - St. Francis Meeting Room

Thursday, October 4 9:00 A.M. 88th Anniversary of SFA 10:00-11:30 A.M. Legion of Mary - SFR 7:00 P.M. IACA - SFR 7:30 P.M. Scripture Study - SJOS

Friday, October 5 Festival Set-up

Saturday, October 6 12th Annual Festival

NOTE: All changes or updates for the bulletin must be presented by

Tuesday afternoon of each week. It would be a good thing if you could get your

information in earlier. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. The

bulletin goes to the printer by 12 noon every Wednesday. Thank you for keeping our

Parish up-to-date!

Our Parish Calendar will be published weekly.

Please submit changes or updates to

bulletinsecy@sfaacademy.org