Today’s reading is part of Jesus’ last discourse with his disciples at the Last Supper. In St. John’s gospel, the Last Supper begins with Jesus washing the feet of the disciple as an example of the life of service to which we are all called. Jesus then provides them with a series of instructions. He does this through what is called the Last Discourse. Jesus instructs his disciples about the importance of following his example of love and service, about the gifts they will receive through the coming of the Holy Spirit, and about their relationship with him and the world. The discourse concludes with Jesus’ prayer for his disciples.
The Gospel today is taken from the middle section of the discourse. Jesus speaks about his relationship to his disciples and ultimately to his Church. In his use of the metaphor of the Vine and the Branches, Jesus is referencing the Hebrew Scriptures where Israel is depicted as the Vineyard and God tends the Vines. Jesus also assures the disciples and us that his relationship with his people will continue after his death. He also stresses the importance of the words he has taught them. Our commitment to be disciples of Christ is sustained through God’s Word. This commitment is strengthened by our life of prayer and nourished by the Eucharist. Through the Eucharist, Jesus dwells in us, remains with us, and transforms us, so that we might bear fruit in his name.
We continue to be heartened in the fight against the Covid Virus. Sacramento County remains within the Red Zone, so we need to continue to exercise caution despite our optimism and fatigue. Jesus is the one who continues to be our strength and comfort. Pope Francis at his weekly audience on Wednesday reminded us of the source of that strength and urged us to become power houses of prayer to harness and invoke that strength. The Californian Bishops have stated that our cooperation is necessary to help eliminate the threat posed by the Virus. To advance this aim, they strongly recommend that all people avail of vaccination.
“The Lord is my Strength and my Shield.” Psalm 28:7.
Fr. Des.
MASS SCHEDULE - this weekend (Sunday, May 09, 2021)
• 7:30am – Mass on patio in the courtyard of the Parish Center Terrace.
PLEASE NOTE: Social Distancing will be observed. Masks required. Limited seating.
• 9:30am Mass in the CHURCH!
PLEASE NOTE:
Social Distancing will be observed.
Masks required!
Limited seating!
Entrance is through the breezeway only.
• WEEKDAY MASS - Monday, Wednesday and Friday - at 12:10 outside, on patio in the courtyard of the Parish Center Terrace. Communion will be provided during Masses. PLEASE NOTE: Social Distancing will be observed. Masks required. Limited seating.
Led By the Spirit: The Practice of Trust
This event takes place on Saturday morning, May 15th from 9:30 to 11:00, safely via Zoom. After we gather together, a brief small group “ice breaker” conversation will take place. Then we’ll come back together for prayer and a storyteller. A second longer small group conversation will follow. We will also have a door prize drawing (each gift will be mailed to the winner's address) before our closing prayer.
If you are interested, please send your RSVP by Thursday, May 13th to st.franciswomeninc@gmail.com to receive a link to be a part of our gathering.
We’d love to see you!
The Bereavement Ministry of St. Francis of Assisi
is offering two Consolation/Support Groups via ZOOM
on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
of the month beginning May 4, 2021.
A COVID 19 Support Group, the 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 pm, beginning 5/4/21, for individuals wrestling with the myriad emotional, psychological and spiritual losses from COVID 19. RSVP: no later than 5/3/21
A Grief Support Group, the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 pm, beginning 5/18/21, for individuals mourning the physical death of a loved one. RSVP: no later than 5/17/21
Both will be ongoing as needed. Some may feel the need to attend both having been impacted by a death/s and COVID19.
To participate and receive materials and ZOOM passcode, please contact one of the following:
Though the 13th Annual St. Francis Gala officially ended with the live-streamed Grand Finale on March 27, it wasn’t completely over until all the proceeds were tallied, bills paid and winnings distributed. Because of your active participation and support we are thrilled to announce a net profit for the parish in the amount of $11,399.25!
As the parish event chair, let me take one last opportunity to most sincerely thank everyone who made a donation, who registered and participated in the online event, who supported our mission with prayers and best wishes, who hosted a Zoom party, who helped spread the word amongst your family and friends, and especially to the volunteers and staff from both the parish and elementary school who worked in uncharted territory to make it all happen. We could not have done it without each and every one of you!
Stay tuned for information on our 14th Annual Gala next year.
The date will be announced soon. Until then . .
Clayton Whitehead
Bishop Soto has asked that parish churches remain open for those wishing to offer private prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. St. Francis Church will be open from 9:00am-3:00pm weekdays for private prayer. Entrance to the church is by the side door in the breezeway. Please check this page for updates.
Individual confession will be offered by appointment only.
Please call Fr. Des directly at (916) 443-8084 (ext 115).
All parish meetings, St. Francis School classes, and parish Faith Formation
programs remain cancelled or on Zoom until further notice. And the Parish Office is closed to the public for the time being.
Please continue to check our website as we will be posting new information as
it becomes available.
Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Loving God, grant that your healing grace may flow to all those who are suffering or ill,
and that your strength and love may be with all those close to these brothers and sisters, for those who are providing care for them, and for all those who offer prayer on their behalf.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PARISH NEWS
COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND
The St. Francis Communion Visitation Ministry is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Please join us in praying the Act of Spiritual Communion during the Eucharist online. In addition, the Ministry is sending prayer cards to anyone who requests them. The cards include the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the new oil painting in the south transept of our church, and the Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe for Protection from Coronavirus, as provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The prayer card is available in English or Spanish. To receive it, please email your mailing address to the Ministry at sfcommunionvisitation@gmail.com.
(VIRTUAL) FRANCISCAN CROWN ROSARY
On the first Saturday of each month, 9-10am, we pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary, followed by conversation and fellowship. Please sign up by emailing Louis at louisvasquez123@hotmail.com. A Zoom invitation will be emailed to you.
Honoring our Franciscan tradition, St. Francis Parish is a Catholic Christian Community building the reign of God in the spirit and path of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. We value vibrant liturgy and personal prayer as a way to worship God and celebrate life.
We are an inclusive community respecting the dignity of all persons and supporting the journey of each person. We respond to the command of Jesus to love by welcoming all, evangelizing, supporting spiritual growth, and being Eucharist to each other.
Challenged by the Holy Spirit, we reach beyond ourselves to care for our neighbors, the poor, the marginalized, and those alienated by our Catholic Church. We aspire to be witnesses and prophets advocating for justice in the world and in the church.
