Stations and other devotions during Lent
Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. Note: The time has been changed from previous years, and there will be no separate Stations held for children this year. In addition, Rosary for Life will be recited at 11 a.m. in the church on Fridays during Lent.
Annual Diocesan Appeal
The annual Catholic Appeal for the Diocese of Richmond is now underway. The easiest way to make your pledge is to visit the appeal website, click on “Donate Now,” and select either to make a one-time donation or to become a recurring donor. From there, follow the prompts for the “2021 Annual Diocesan Appeal.” Be sure to select St. Francis of Assisi (Staunton) as your organization. Additional information is available.
Adult Faith Formation meets on Sundays at 10 a.m.
Adult Faith Formation meets at 10 a.m. in Assisi Hall each Sunday. The group is now the series called “The Search: Finding the Meaning of Life.” All adults are invited.
Recent homilies posted
Recent homilies given by pastor Joseph Wamala are now posted: First Sunday of Lent, Second Sunday of Lent.
Additional confession times for Lent added
In addition to the regular Saturday 3-4 p.m. time for confessions, Fr. Joe has added these additional times: Saturday, March 6, 2-4 p.m. and Wednesday, March 17, 10:30-11:30 (for those in vulnerable populations), 3-4:30 p.m., and 6-7 p.m.
Masses livestreamed on parish Facebook page
For those unable to attend Mass in person, the liturgy from St. Francis is livestreamed on the parish Facebook page on Sundays at 8 a.m. and also on weekdays (Tuesday at 5:30, Wednesday-Friday at 12 noon). The videos remain posted after the Mass.
“Formed” content of the week
Follow this link to see the pick of the week from “Formed,” a collection of Catholic web content from many sources.
Procedures for attending weekend Masses
There are three Masses on weekends: Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 8 and 11:30 a.m. Because of mandated social distancing, the church’s capacity has been drastically reduced. Signup forms will be open to all parishioners (no more restriction by last name) on Wednesday at noon. Links to these forms will be announced through Flocknote only. The signup forms are made available to everyone (all parishioners and guests as well) on Friday at 12 noon. The links to signing up will show up on the homepage beneath the slideshow at that time. Signups for the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass end on Saturday at 3 p.m., but the deadline for the two Sunday Masses is 7 p.m. If more people sign up for a Mass than the church can accommodate within pandemic restrictions, Assisi Hall will be available as an overflow space. Summary: signing up is required, and, as of Friday at noon, no restriction on who can sign up to attend. If there are any questions, call the parish office (540-886-2262) Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
News of weekday Masses
Weekday Masses (celebrated Tuesday-Friday and on First Saturdays) are held in the church, and are open to those wishing to attend—without the necessity of signing up in advance. The Wednesday liturgy is for those in “vulnerable populations” who may wish to avoid larger groups of people. Note that other restrictions continue to apply, such as the requirement that face masks be worn and worshippers maintain social distancing.
Formed: Catholic content on the web
With a subscription to “Formed,” every St. Francis parishioner has 24/7 access to the best Catholic content on any device, including your computer, smartphone, and tablet with internet access. “Formed” offers video programs that explain the Catholic faith, explore the deepest meaning of marriage, receive Bible studies on a variety of topics, and listen to inspiring audio talks. Presenters include Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Mary Healey, Chris Stefanick, Dr. Scott Hahn, Bishop Robert Barron, and many more. It is very easy to begin your free subscription to “Formed”: Go to www.formed.org. Under “How would you like to sign up?” select “I belong to a Parish or Organization.” Enter the parish code: VVW3G4. Enter your name and email address, and that’s it.