Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
600 Hamilton Street, Norristown, PA 19401
SACRAMENTS AND DEVOTIONS
Baptism: Usually the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month
at 1:15 PM. Pre-Jordan class is the third Monday of odd
- numbered months. Pre-Jordan must be attended by all
parents expecting their first child. Please call the rectory
to schedule your Pre-Jordan.
Marriage: Initial arrangements must be made at least
six months prior to your wedding date. Please call the
rectory and set up an appointment with the pastor.
Communion Calls: Holy Communion is brought by the
deacon and Extraordinary Ministers on a monthly basis
to elderly and ill parishioners who are unable to attend
Mass. Please notify the Rectory to arrange a visit.
MASS SCHEDULE
Saturday Evening - 5:30 PM
Sunday - 7:00 AM, 9:30 AM,12:00 and 5:30 PM
Monday thru Saturday - 8:30 AM
Eve of Holydays - 5:30 PM
Holydays of Obligation –8:30 AM, 12:00 and 7:00 PM
(except Christmas and Easter)
CONFESSION SCHEDULE
Saturday: After 8:30 AM Mass & 4:00 PM—5:00 PM
(other times by appointment)
RECTORY OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
(closed between 12:00 and 1:00 PM)
Friday hours until 4:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
New Parishioners—Welcome to SFA! Please call the
Rectory to arrange a time to register in our parish.
Hospitals: Pastoral care for Catholic patients in area
hospitals is shared by the local parishes. When you or a
loved one is admitted please inform the hospital that you
are a Catholic so that you will receive Holy Communion
and the Sacrament of the Sick from the parish responsible for the hospital that day.
Devotions:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament—Mon 9:00 AM to
4:00 PM. The church is accessible by the handicap door
after the 8:30 AM Mass until 4:00 PM (Sept.-May)
Rosary – Monday thru Saturday at 8:00 AM
Divine Mercy Chaplet—Tues after the 8:30 AM Mass.
Infant of Prague Novena- Wed after the 8:30 AM Mass.
Sacred Heart Devotions—Fri after the 8:30 AM Mass.
Miraculous Medal Novena-Sat after the 8:30 AM Mass.
Visits to the Blessed Sacrament—Tuesday through
Saturday after the 8:30 AM Mass until 4 PM—Stop at
the rectory for the keypad code.
CLERGY AND STAFF
Rev. James E. Goerner, M.Div., Pastor
Deacon James Mahar, Permanent Deacon
Rev. Augustine Esposito, OSA., Weekend Assistant
Rev. Jack Mc Atee, OSA., Weekend Assistant
Mr. Edward Scott, Business Manager
Miss Nancy Sanchez, Coordinator of Religious Education
Miss Bridget Tigue, School Principal
Mrs. Erica Gonzalez, Director, Early Learning Center
Mrs. Elizabeth Nacarelli, Parish Secretary
Mrs. Dolores Landis, Office Manager
BULLETIN DEADLINE – Monday 12 Noon
CONTACT INFORMATION
Rectory: Phone 610-272-0402, Fax 610-272-1794
Email: [email protected] Website: stfrancisnorristown.com
School: Phone 610-272-0501, Fax 610-272-8011
Email: [email protected] Website: sfacatholic.org
Early Learning Center: Phone 610-757-1523, Fax 484-231-8646
Email: [email protected] Website sfacatholic.org/SFELC
Prayer Request Line: 610-757-4070
TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER 12, 2014
Monday, October 13th
Tuesday, October 14th
Wednesday, October 15th
Thursday, October 16th
Friday, October 17th
Saturday, October 18th
Sunday, October 19th
8:30
8:30
8:30
8:30
8:30
8:30
5:30
7:00
9:30
12:00
5:30
James Dever—Wife, Theresa
John Cicippio—Sister, Anna Pascale and Family
Prayer Service
Jack Hannan—Wife, Sis
Howard and Lillian Berner—Children
Maria Eustis—Husband, Nate
Len Kelly—Kelly Family
Peter Palma, Jr.—Family
For the Parishioners
John Collier—Nancy Collier and Family
Leonard Jeffers—Wife, Regina
ALTAR SERVERS—OCTOBER 18/19
5:30 PM Marie Montanez, Dominic Montanez
7:00 AM Abbey Martinez, Luis Martinez
9:30 AM Jeanne Salvo, Rachel Boulger
12:00 PM Anthony Lopez, Jorely Lopez
5:30 PM Nick Whitley, Olivia Whitley
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS—OCTOBER 18/19
5:30 PM Lee McNamara, Barbara Calhoun
7:00 AM Tony Barbato, B.J. Mumford
9:30 AM Ed Scott, Mary Maguire
12:00 PM Don Skaw, Kathleen McTamney
5:30 PM Lillian O’Donnell, Gene Alcendor
LECTORS—OCTOBER 18/19
5:30 PM Florence Bruno
7:00 AM Charles Zurek
9:30 AM Margaret Caracappa
12:00 PM The Children
5:30 PM Lillian Gambone
SUNDAY CONBTRIBUTIONS—OCTOBER 5, 2014
Sunday Collection ……………………………..….. $10,707
Sunday Collection One Year Ago……….………… $10,713
Change from Last Year………………………… - $
6
Thank you very much for your contributions! Please
remember to use your envelopes! Please consider
remembering St. Francis of Assisi Parish in your will!
FAMILY REGISTER
We mourn those who have gone before us in death and
commend them to the Lord and the communion of saints:
Arenida Busciacco
Angeline Picariello
BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS (PRE JORDAN)
The next class in English will be held on Monday, November
17, 2014 at 7:00 PM. The next class in Spanish will be held
on Monday, October 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM. Pre Jordan
classes are held in the Parish Meeting House Room 1.
Please contact the rectory to register.
PARISH CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT EVERY
MONDAY BEGINNING SEPT. 8 FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM
Monday
2:30 Cheerleading (G)
4:00 Teen PREP (R)
6:30 Cub Scout Committee (R)
7:00 Ladies Business Mtg. (MH1,K)
Tuesday
4:00 RCIA Teens (R)
7:00 RCIA Adults (MH2)
Thursday
6:00 Guitar Group Practice (C)
6:30 Ladies Craft (MHB)
6:30 Follow Christ (MH1,2,K)
6:30 Cub Scouts (S)
6:30 Home & School (PK Class)
7:00 Legion of Mary (R)
Friday
7:30 Donuts with Dad (G)
Wednesday
7:00 Choir (C)
Sunday
10:30 PREP (S)
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK
The sick list will be updated monthly. We
will be glad to keep the name of your loved
one on the list for one month. If you want to
extend a request for prayers beyond that time,
please call the Rectory to let us know so we
do not remove your loved one’s name from
the list. Please remember only the names of
the seriously ill should be placed on our sick
Stephen Buckley
Joe Byrnes
Michael Cantello
Jack Char
Nicholas Ciccarella
Brian DeCarlo
Vincent DeCarlo
Daniel Enz
Fr. Dominick Finn
S. Henry Frances SSJ
Ed Howard
Nancy Kazmierczak
Joseph Marchese
Rose Marinari
Charlotte Mateja
Bethann McElroy
John Moore
Edward O’Brien
Harriet Paravati
Blanche Petko
David Ruser
Kathleen Stephens
Sissy Undercuffler
John Welcer
Charles Wood
SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
On Saturday, October 25th, the 8:30 am Mass will include the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Those
whose health has been seriously impaired due to illness or
age may receive the Sacrament. If you wish to receive the
Anointing of the Sick on Saturday, October 25th at 8:30
am, please contact the rectory in advance.
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ROSARY FOR THE FAMILY
October is the month dedicated to the rosary. As the
Church prepares for the World Meeting of Families next
September in Philadelphia we are all called to pray for our
families and families all over the world. Following the
traditional form of the Rosary, these special intentions can
be added to the individual decades. The Joyful Mysteries of
the Rosary are particularly fitting for these family centered
intentions.
The rosary…
Prayed as a family
Decade 1: For our marriage
(Single parents: For my personal holiness)
Decade 2: For our children
Decade 3: For our extended family
Decade 4: For those who have died in our family
Decade 5: For our family to grow in our mission of love and
for the grace to become fully alive as a family
The rosary…
Prayed by a single person
Decade 1: For my parents
Decade 2: For my brothers and sisters
Decade 3: For my extended family
Decade 4: For those who have died in my family
Decade 5: For my own vocation to holiness
The rosary…
Prayed in the parish or prayer group setting
Decade 1: For married couples
Decade 2: For parents and grandparents
Decade 3: For children
Decade 4: For those who are not married
Decade 5: That society would protect and foster family life
and recognize the unique dignity of the family as the fundamental cell of human society
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Upcoming Special Liturgies
FAMILY MASS
Oct 19th @ Noon
MASS FOR RECENTLY DECEASED
Nov 2nd @ Noon
FORTY HOURS
Nov 2, 3 & 4 @ 7:00 PM
St. Francis of Assisi parishioners contributed $298 for ProLife roses on the weekend of October 4/5. Thank you for
your generous support of Pro-Life!
SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Events
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Nov 7th 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Nov 8th 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
School Gym
CANDLELIGHT ROSARY DEVOTION in honor of Our
Lady of the Rosary of Fatima on Mon., Oct. 13 (the 97th anniversary of the final apparition at Fatima) at 7 pm at St. Paul
Church, Johnson Highway & New Hope Street, East Norriton….candles & hankies for the “Fatima Farewell” provided….Benediction & veneration of the Pilgrim Virgin of
Fatima statue & of the relics of Fatima….refreshments follow.
Stay up to date with local Catholic news from CatholicPhilly.com. Use your computer or smartphone to read
about parish news, Archbishop Chaput’s column and other
commentary, plus info on activities throughout the Archdiocese. Sign up for a free newsletter at www.catholicphilly.com/
newsletter .
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Trunk or Treat
The St. Francis of Assisi Home & School Association
is sponsoring a “Trunk or Treat” event on Saturday,
October 25th, 2014 from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. in the
Parking Lot. Rain Date is Sunday, October 26 th. Donations of wrapped candy can be dropped off at
SFA School or Rectory by Friday, October 24 th.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Special Thanks To Our Pasta Dinner Crew
Thank you to Anne Korkus for her famous recipe and her time
in preparing for our Pasta Dinner and to the ladies who came out
to help that day. Thank you to Tony Barbato, Joe DeGrazio, Jim
Gallagher, Kenny Salvo and Tom Salvo for setting up and cleaning up; to our cooks in the kitchen; Jim Hunt and Scott Cannon;
to Lisa Salvo; to Bridget Tigue and her two nieces Anna Gola
and Grace Gola; to the students from SFA; Santino Carlamagno,
Kelly Jaquez, Tyler Murray, Angelica Palmore, Maeve Riehman;
from our REP; Natalie DeKok and Gabriella Hunt; to our newcomers, Tina Branca and Maureen Connell and to the Ladies of
St. Francis who came out and supported this event. It was a success thanks to all of you!! God bless.
The Saint Francis of Assisi School
Canticle Where Service, Faith, &
Academics Come Together
WE VALUE . . .
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Catholic Education
I am pleased to announce the results of the Student Council Elections here at St. Francis of Assisi School for the
2014 – 2015 academic year.
President
Maria Montanez (8th Grade)
Vice-President
Angelica Palmore (8th Grade)
Secretary
Taylor Roberto (8th Grade)
Treasurer
Tyler Murray (8th Grade)
Director of Activities
Madelyn Skaw (8th Grade)
Homeroom Representatives:
4th Grade
Henry Hernandez & Nylah Smith
th
5 Grade
DJ Johnson & Olivia Whitley
6th Grade
Andrea Lopez & Dominic Montanez
7th Grade
Angela Barragan & Tamia Pat-
terson
The Ladies of St. Francis annual Christmas Bazaar is fast
approaching. If anyone would like to donate liquor and/or
wine for our liquor wheel, please drop it off at the rectory
during business hours.
If anyone would like to volunteer to help at the bazaar, Friday
November 7th from 6 to 9 p.m. and/or Saturday November
8th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., please contact Linda Steppe at 610
-539-7917 to discuss.
As always, thank you for your continued support in helping to
make the bazaar a success for St. Francis. God bless!
Attention Crocheters and Knitters:
The Ladies of St. Francis are in need of knitted or crocheted scarves, mittens, sweaters,
baby sweaters, booties and blankets for our
Christmas Bazaar. Items can be dropped off at the rectory
during normal business hours up until November 2nd. Thank you for your continued
support of The Ladies of St. Francis.
CYO CORNER
The CYO basketball program is seeking coaches for the
Boys JV and Varsity teams. Anyone interested in coaching
those teams should contact Jim Riehman at 610-635-0899
or Vince Corropolese at 610-721--6763. Registration for
boys and girls basketball teams are now being accepted
through October 30. Registration forms can be obtained in
the rectory or on the St Francis of Assisi school website.
8th Grade
Samuel Anders & Maeve Riehman
Our Student Council Officers were recognized at the end
of the School Mass on Friday, October 3rd, 2014. Officers
received their certificates and pins from Fr. Goerner. Congratulations to our Student Council Officers!
Here’s a look at the week ahead:
Monday, October 13th, 2014 – Columbus Day
 Band Lessons for 3rd – 8th Grades in the Gym
 Book Fair – Class Browsing
 Cheerleading Practice 2:30 – 4:30 P.M. in the Gym
Tuesday, October 14th, 2014
 “All for Books” Dress Down Day ($1.00 Donation)
 Book Fair – Class Browsing
Wednesday, October 15th, 2014
 Book Fair – Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 6th
Grade, & 7th Grade
 Facenda Whitaker Bowling Club 2:40 – 5:00 P.M.
 Girl Scout Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. in 2nd Grade classroom
Thursday, October 16th, 2014
 Book Fair – 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th
Grade, & 8th Grade
 Home & School Meeting @ 6:30 P.M. in the Technology Lab
 Scout Meeting beginning at 6:45 P.M. in the Library, 1st Grade, & 2nd Grade
Friday, October 17th, 2014
 Donuts with Dad 7:40 – 8:30 A.M. in the Gym
 Trunk or Treat RSVPs due
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PARISH ACTIVITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Aid For Friends
Lynn Trombetta
Altar Servers (Schedule) Lillian Aguilar
Bereavement Committee Fr. James Goerner
Cantors
Michael Maresca
Carnival Committee
Tom O’Donnell
Choir—Adult
Michael Maresca
Contemporary Music Group Anne Korkus
Cub Scouts
John Moore
Deaf Apostolate
Fr. Anthony Russo
Eucharistic Adoration Group Liz Nacarelli
Extraordinary Ministers
Tony Barbato
Evangelization Group
Adel Herge
Finance Council
Fr. James Goerner
Greeters
John Bilella
Ladies of St. Francis
Linda Steppe
Lectors
Tony Barbato
Legion of Mary
Virginia Chernick
Liturgy Committee
Fr. James Goerner
Men of St. Francis
Charles Wood
Musicians
Michael Maresca
Pastoral Council
Fr. James Goerner
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Kay Boyce
Pre-Jordan
Nancy Sanchez
Prayer Line Volunteers
Nancy DeKok
P.R.E.P. (C.C.D.)
Nancy Sanchez
Pro-Life Group
Joseph Aquilani, Jr.
RCIA
Nancy Sanchez
Senior Citizens
Ann Filon
St. Vincent dePaul
Tony Antunes
Ushers
John Bilella
215-464-2224
717-514-7035
610-272-0402
610-539-7597
610-476-3050
610-539-7597
610-539-7854
610-272-3324
215-423-9547
610-272-0402
484-576-3161
610-547-5935
610-272-0402
610-279-1058
610-539-7917
484-576-3161
610-630-6950
610-272-0402
267-438-2572
610-539-7597
610-272-0402
610-539-1876
610-272-0402
610-277-1344
610-272-0402
610-539-0592
610-272-0402
610-539-5055
610-272-0402
610-279-1058
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Millie Cooper, Nancy DeKok, Rev. James E. Goerner, Deacon Jim
Mahar, Kay McDonald, Lillian O’Donnell, Patricia Perna, Nancy Sanchez, Linda Steppe, Bridget Tigue
FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS
Patricia Bader, Jim Busciacco, Rev. James E.
Goerner, Patricia Perna, Felicia Riehman, Mary Anne Serosky,
Edward Shaw, Edward Scott
What’s happening at the
National Shrine of St.
Katharine Drexel:
Saturday, November 1, 2014 ** 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Retreat given by Sr. Joanne Bauer, SBS.
“How Blessed Are You!”
Includes lunch and praise music by FACE-
DOWN.
$25 per person ~ RSVP by October 24.
_________________________________________
October 12, 2014—Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary
Time
Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
“RSVP.” Four little letters found at the bottom of most invitations, capturing the ever polite words of the French “Repondez
s’il vous plait”, or “Please reply”. Most of us are graciously inclined to do just that, aware as we are that our host needs our
response to prepare properly for the event. Not to reply is more
than a breach of etiquette. It is actually uncharitable toward the
host, who thought enough of you to include you.
Such courtesies like an invitation reply are fading from the
scene. And if the behavior of at least some (underline “some”)
among the younger generation is to be reckoned, we are becoming a rude people. Witness how a beachside music concert open
to young people last August was ruined by youngsters overdosing on drugs and trashing the venue. This prompted the mayor
of the town to declare afterward “Never again!”
Happily I can contrast that scene with the opposite, as witness
thousands of happy and polite Asian youth greeted our Holy
Father at a Mass during his recent visit to South Korea.
God has invited all of us to an indescribably wonderful banquet,
which is one way Jesus used to describe heaven. I daresay His
picture of heaven is far more exciting than that of the cartoonists
who picture heaven as harp strumming on clouds!
Our invitation arrives at Baptism. We are even given directions
to the banquet hall through the Sacred Scriptures. We are asked
to come dressed via sacramental grace. We are even reminded
by the Host not to bring any gift for Him except our love. Have
you sent back your reply card?
It’s true that we all know people who think all of this as fantasy
for the foolish. Just as the Lord described in the parable, they
“ignore the invitation and walk away,” preferring their “farm or
business.”
There are more of such people today in our country and Europe.
“Former Catholics” make up the second largest group according
to pollsters. Wisely, we let the King decide what to do about
their ignored invitations. Nor should we forget the stalwart
Catholics in places like the Middle East, China and Africa who
cling to their creed despite persecutions like those of ancient
Roman days.
What is paramount for us is to keep our banquet ticket secure
and safe inside our hearts, making certain each day that we renew for God our positive “RSVP.”
Saturday, November 8, 2014 ** 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Craft Show *** Vendors needed.
Call 215-244-9900 X380 or email
[email protected]
Marriage Preparation Day Saturday, October 18 at St. Philip
Neri Church in Lafayette Hill, PA. For more information and
to register, please contact the church office at 610-834-1975.
Please pray for all couples participating and preparing for the
sacrament of Marriage.
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