40 Days for Life Sept 24-Nov. 1
40 Days for Life begins on Wednesday, September 24, and runs through Sunday, November 1, at Planned Parenthood in Charlottesville. Please go online at 40daysforlife.com/charlottesville to view days and times available for sidewalk prayer, and sign up. If you are unable to attend the sidewalk vigils, please commit to weekly prayer and fasting for the protection of the unborn and their mothers; so many lives are depending on us!
New 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. As of the October 10-11 weekend, signups for the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass will 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 still required, but there is no restriction by first letter of last name, 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.
Adult Faith Formation meets Sundays at 10 a.m.
Adult Faith Formation meets at 10 a.m. in Assisi Hall beginning Sunday, September 13, with an introduction and discussion of “A Biblical Walk through the Mass,” a series which explores the mysteries, meaning, and riches of the Mass.
Youth nights continue
Millie Griesemer, formerly part-time campus minister intern at Virginia Tech, is continuing the Tuesday youth nights begun by the two seminarians who visited the parish earlier in the summer.. Young people are invited to stay after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Tuesday for prayer, food, and fellowship.
Catholic Daughters resume meetings
The Catholic Daughters have resume meetings at the parish, and the next one will be Tuesday, October 20, at 1 p.m. in Assisi Hall. If you wish more information about the mission of the Daughters, contact the parish office (886-2262).
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.
News of weekday Masses
Weekday Masses (celebrated Tuesday-Friday and on First Saturdays) are public Masses 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 continiue 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.
All who attend St. Francis urged to update parish registration information
It is important that the parish office have updated information on all St. Francis parishioners. Here is a direct link to the registration form. Please take a few minutes and register if you have done so previously or update the information on file for you and your family.