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
SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 15, 2015
Monday, February 16th
Tuesday, February 17th
8:30
8:30
Frederick and Frances Dinnini—Nel Grillo and Family
Amy Caglia—John and Gina O’Hara and Family
Wednesday, February 18th
Ash Wednesday
8:30
12:00
7:00
Jack and Jay Hannan—Sis Hannan
Prayer Service
John Ruser—Barbara and Family
Thursday, February 19th
Friday, February 20th
Saturday, February 21st
8:30
8:30
8:30
5:30
7:00
9:30
12:00
5:30
Salvatore D’Abbene—Wife and Children
Francis Monastero, Sr.—Family
John Rose—Wife, Theresa
John Noecker—Pat and Ruth Watton
Leonard Jeffers—Wife, Regina
Anthony Rivellini—Bernadette Barry and Nicole Roberts
John Gragilla—Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rapposelli
For the Parishioners
Sunday, February 22nd
ALTAR SERVERS—FEBURARY 21/22
5:30 PM Sam Anders, Brigid Anders
7:00 AM Charles Reinert, Halley Bauer
9:30 AM Hanna Griffin, Katie Griffin, John Griffin
12:00 PM Tyler Worthington, Ezra Palmore
5:30 PM Andrea Lopez, Sofia Flores
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS—FEBRUARY 21/22
5:30 PM Mary Anders, Denise Branca
7:00 AM Joe DeGrazio, Cathy DeGrazio
9:30 AM Trish Lynch, Runica Smith
12:00 PM Maria Palmore, Gene Crawford
5:30 PM Ed Scott, Mary Scott
LECTORS—FEBRUARY 21/22
5:30 PM Florence Bruno
7:00 AM Rob Gelet
9:30 AM Joe Lynch
12:00 PM SFA Children
5:30 PM Lisa Hallahan
SUNDAY CONBTRIBUTIONS—FEBRUARY 8, 2015
Sunday Collection ……………………………..….. $11,045
Sunday Collection One Year Ago……….………… $11,311
Change from Last Year………………………… - $ 266
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 are glad to welcome into our parish community:
Jennifer Rodriguez and Family
Seferino Santos and Family
Thomas Borkowski and Family
We mourn those who have gone before us
In death and commend them to the Lord
And the Communion of Saints:
Cosimo Romano
PARISH CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT EVERY
MONDAY BEGINNING FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM
Monday
Thursday
President’s Day-Rectory Closed 6:30 Home & School (S)
6:30 Ladies Craft (MH)
6:30 Cub Scout Pack Mtg. (G)
7:00 Legion of Mary (R)
7:00 Spanish Pre Jordan (MH1)
Tuesday
1:00 Seniors (MH)
4:00 RCIA Teens (R)
7:00 RCIA (MH2)
7:00 St. Vincent de Paul (R)
Wednesday
6:30 Deaf Apostolate (R)
6:30 Girl Scouts (S)
Friday
6:30 Father-Daughter Dance (G)
6:30 Exposition (C)
7:00 Stations of the Cross (C)
Saturday
9:00 Ignation Contemplation (MH)
Sunday
10:30 PREP (S)
PLEASE NOTE: IF SCHOOL IS CLOSED or IF SCHOOL
HAS EARLY DISMISSAL BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER,
or IF THE SUNDAY PREP (CCD) PROGRAM IS CANCELLED BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER, THEN ALL
SCHOOL RELATED EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELLED FOR THAT DAY.
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 list.
Meriann Black
Joe Byrnes
Michael Cantello
Jack Char
Vince DeCarlo
Anthony DelBono
Joseph DeNoble
Fr. Dominick Finn
David Grigsby
Debbie Lucchese
John Maguire
Donna Marushak
Charlotte Mateja
Bethann McElroy
Edward O’Brien
Blanche Petko
Antonio Santos
Kathleen Stephens
Joseph Steuer
Sissy Undercuffler
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February 9, 2015—Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
They say (whoever “they” are) that only people aged sixty
and over make up the demographic of those who still
faithfully watch the network evening news. Cable and the
ever-present internet have apparently ended the longrunning monopoly of the “Big Three” networks at that
dinner time slot. (“FYI”, this writer, by dint of birthdays
and conditioning, is a watcher.) Naturally, the makers of
medicine try their best to sell their pills and potions during these nightly programs. Skin cures included. Check me
out.
Our general cultural obsession with youth and comeliness
feeds right into the popularity of such products, especially
those of the “beauty” label. The cosmetic cover-ups for
the unstoppable aging process are not limited in appeal
to one gender. One could write a thesis on our national
preoccupation with external perfection as opposed to the
internal kind.
All of that said, Our Lord’s tender cure of a leper is the
kind of thing Sun society would celebrate. In Christ’s time,
such a cure would readmit the person to society from his/
her forced exile and more importantly to community worship, a most treasured component of life.
Certain spiritual writers have waxed eloquent about the
“leprosy” of sin on the soul, a worthwhile teaching metaphor. But I prefer to focus on the compassion of Jesus in
such scenes. He well knew the prescriptions of Leviticus
we hear today. And He would respect the intentions of
the lawmakers based on their primitive medical knowledge. Yet He could look beyond the codified exile such
laws imposed on the victims to consider the deeper implications of the penalties on them, namely shame and isolation.
Lent 2015 begins this coming Wednesday with its ancient
physical symbol of ashes on the forehead. A chief component of a well-lived Lent is repentance for past sins and a
resolve to change. As we face the uncomfortable facts in
our past, we can be tempted to judge ourselves
“wretched,” as the hymn “Amazing Grace” puts it. It is
more than comforting to me to realize in Lent that my
just Judge was once “moved with pity” for the plight of
this unnamed begging leper. That kind of good news can
brighten all of our days and nights as believing Christians.
And, as one writer put it: “The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.”
BAKING ITEMS NEEDED
The preparations for our St. Francis Palm Sale are fast
approaching. In preparing for our sale, we are in need of
confectionary sugar, butter and peanut butter that we use
to make our delicious ‘homemade’ Easter Candy. If you
are able to donate, please drop off the items at the rectory
during business hours. Once again we thank you for
your continued support to St. Francis and the success of
our Palm Sale.
SPECIAL LITURGIES
See the purple insert in the Feb. 15th bulletin for a list of
dates and times for Stations of the Cross and Confessions
during Lent.
Family Mass – Feb 22 @ Noon
First Penance – Mar 12 @ 7:00 PM
Family Mass – Mar 15 @ Noon
First Communion – April 19 @ Noon
Confirmation – April 26 @ Noon
May Procession – May 3 @ Noon
SAVE THE DATE
Please check the upcoming bulletins for more details
about these events.
Fish Fry – Feb 27 – 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Irish Potatoes –Mar 14 & 15 after Mass
Palm Sale – Mar 27 – 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Palm Sale – Mar 28 – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Easter Egg Hunt – April 4 – 11:00 AM
Spring Carnival – April 28 – May 2
PARISH FISH FRY
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Friday, Feb 27 from 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Parish Meetinghouse
(Use parking lot entrance)
601 Buttonwood St., Norristown
EAT IN or TAKE OUT
ADULT MEAL = $10.00 each
Choice of Fish Filet (2), Crab Cakes (2) or one of
each. Includes Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw & Dessert
CHILDREN’S MEAL = $5.00 each
Fish Sticks, Mac & Cheese, Fries & Dessert
WALK-IN or PRE-ORDER at
sfa.ocephila.org/parish-fish-fry
Pre-order deadline Feb 25,2015
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St. Francis Seniors meet the 1st & 3rd Tuesday
of the month at 1pm in the Parish Meetinghouse. All seniors age 55 & over are invited.
Our next meeting is February 17, 2015. This
will be soup and pizza day. Please bring your
soup mug and spoon.
March 16, 2015—Caesar’s Casino in Atlantic City—show
features George Casey. George was burn in a remote seaside
village on the west coast of Ireland legendary for its storytelling. Growing up in a large family, George saw humor everywhere and honed his skills as a comic at the expense of his
brothers & sisters. He has performed at Caesar’s Palace, the
Sahara, & is a regular act at the Rivera Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas. Package includes $20 slot play, admission to 3 pm
show, all taxes & tips. Cost $55, payment must be received
by Feb. 11. Departure time 9:15 am.
The Saint Francis of Assisi School
Canticle Where Service, Faith, &
Academics Come Together
WE VALUE . . .
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Art News
Each week, our Pre-K through 8th Grade visit the Art & Music Room
for the opportunity to express themselves in the Fine Arts. With
the Winter season in full swing, our classes are making many different snowmen, snowflakes, and Eskimos. 6th Grade created winter scenes using oil pastels and chalk. 7th Grade is making a “Step
by Step Drawing Book”. 8th Grade just finished drawing Sacagawea
using a grid method. All classes worked together to create the
Art Door for the Catholic Schools’ Week Door Decorating Contest.
April 20, 2015—Hunterdon Hills Playhouse—”Abies Irish
Rose” is a hilarious comedy classic. Young Abraham Levy
tries to fool his strict Jewish father by introducing his new
bride, Rosemary Murphy as “Rosie Murphyski”. The plan
seems to work at first until Rosemary’s strict Irish-Catholic
father arrives on the scene, and a hilarious tug-of-war erupts.
This show was also on Broadway. Cost $89 includes luncheon w/table service, unlimited desserts, show & all taxes/tips.
There is a gift boutique, bakery & bake shop. In May there
will be a trip to Grounds for Sculpture; ore on this to follow.
September 12 to 19, 2015—Norwegian Cruise Line Round trip from NY. Ship: Norwegian Gem - Departure:
New York. Ports of Call: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Bar
Harbor, Maine, St. John, New Brunswick, Canada - Newport,
Rhode Island. Inside Cabins, Outside Cabins w/window and
Balcony Cabins are presently available $1,249, $1,449,
$1699. Flyer available. Contact Jane Caruso 610-539-1681.
01/26/2015
01/27/2015
01/28/2015
01/29/2015
01/30/2015
01/31/2015
02/01/2015
02/02/2015
LOTTERY WINNERS
#148
Not Sold
#250
Not Sold
#490
Not Sold
#751
Not Sold
#908
Not Sold
#880
Not Sold
#987
Not Sold
#056
Not Sold
WINTER SOLSTICE BEEF & BEVERAGE
Presented by Friends of Cub Scout Troop 622
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2015
Time: 7-11pm
Place: St. Titus Parish Social Hall
3000 Keenwood Road
East Norriton, PA
Beer, Wine, Soda, Food, Music, Dancing & Trivia
Tickets: $25.00 available at St. Titus Parish Office
A TRIP TO BROADWAY!
Sacred Heart Parish (Swedesburg) is sponsoring a trip to New
York City to see the Broadway show Jersey Boys on Wednesday, April 22—$195/PP includes round trip on luxury bus, free
time for sight seeing, orchestra seating for the 2 pm show &
dinner @ Town & Country Restaurant in Bordentown NJ. Call
Sacred Heart rectory for more information 610-275-1750.
Monday, February 16th, 2015
 NO SCHOOL – Presidents’ Day
 ELC uses the Gym
Tuesday, February 17th, 2015
 J.P. Mascaro RESPECT Program Assembly for 2nd - 5th Grade
1:15 PM/Gym
Wednesday, February 18 - Ash Wednesday
 Ash Wednesday Liturgy 8:30 AM in Church
 Bowling Club @ Facenda Whitaker Lanes 2:40 – 5:00 PM
 Girl Scout Meeting 6:30 PM
Thursday, February 19
 Morning Fitness Club from 7:00 – 7:40 AM/Gym
 Cub Scout Meeting 6:30 PM
Friday, February 20
 7th & 8th Grade Spelling Bee in the Gym
 5th Grade Healthy Futures CHOP Nurse Visit 9:30 AM
 Father/Daughter Dance 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Sunday, February 22
1st Sunday of Lent
 Family Mass @ Noon – All are welcome to attend!
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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
Cub Scouts
Frank Zarrilli
Deaf Apostolate
Fr. Anthony Russo
Eucharistic Adoration Group Liz Nacarelli
Extraordinary Ministers
Mary Anders
Evangelization Group
Adel Herge
Finance Council
Fr. James Goerner
Girl Scouts
Alysia DiRado Harte
Greeters
John Bilella
Ladies of St. Francis
Linda Steppe
Lectors
Mary Anders
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
484-326-8212
215-423-9547
610-272-0402
610-635-9476
610-547-5935
610-272-0402
610-350-6762
610-279-1058
610-539-7917
610-635-9476
610-630-6950
610-272-0402
267-438-2572
610-539-7597
610-272-0402
484-322-5466
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, Mark Stuart
If you would like a statement of your 2014 donations,
please fill out this coupon and place it in the collection basket, mail, or drop off at the rectory.
____________________________________________
Name
____________________________________________
Address
____________________________________________
City, State and Zip Code
____________________________________________
Phone Number
 Mail statement to name & address above
 Call when ready and I will pick statement up
COME AWAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE
A LENTEN MORNING OF REFLECTION
On February 21, Kay McDonald of our Evangelization Team
will be offering a Lenten Morning of Reflection. We all need
to “come away for awhile” to deepen (or re-ignite) our relationships with the Lord. Remember that it is HE who beckons,
who desires more than we can imagine, to share His life with
us!
We will be using one of the exercises of St. Ignatius, known as
Ignatian Contemplation. The morning will begin at the
meetinghouse at 9:05 AM with donuts and coffee. This will
allow any who wish to begin the day with Mass to do so. Program will end at apx. 12:15 PM.
This experience really is a different type of exploring the Gospels which lends itself to great intimacy with not only the Lord,
but Mary and others in the Lenten narratives. We welcome
everyone in the parish to attend!
Because of space constraints and food quantities, please register with Kay by February 14. Call 610-635-0588 and leave a
message. Or register by email [email protected].
Come expecting to be touched by the same Spirit who is drawing you! God Bless!
Spring Silk Flowers Needed
It is that time of year where the preparations for St. Francis’ Palm Sale will be starting. Once again we are asking
for your continued support in donating new spring silk
flowers to be used to decorate the crosses that we sell. If
you can’t get out to purchase flowers but want to contribute, cash donations would be greatly appreciated. Items
can be dropped off during business hours at the rectory.
Thank you for your continued support in making St. Francis a thriving parish for all of us. God bless!
BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS (PRE JORDAN)
The next class in English will be held on Monday, March 16,
2015 at 7:00 PM. The next class in Spanish will be held on
Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 PM. Pre Jordan classes are
held in the Parish Meeting House Room 1. Please contact
the rectory to register.
FOCUS Reach/Philly Prayer Breakfast
Join Archbishop Charles Chaput, Jeff Cavins, Sarah Christmyer and other Catholics from the Philadelphia Community
for REACH|philly, a New Evangelization Prayer Breakfast.
Gather in prayer and fellowship, encounter Jesus Christ in the
Eucharist, hear the words of inspiration speakers, and learn
how you can live out the evangelical mission of the Church.
Held at Drexelbrooke on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from
6:30–9:30am by FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. For more information and to register, please visit
www.focus.org/reach. (Register as a student for a $20 discount.)
Food Cupboard at Catholic Social Services, 353 W. Johnson
Highway, Norristown is in need of volunteers. Hours of Food
Cupboard: Monday and Thursday morning 9:00 to 11:00 am
and Thursday evening from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. If you are available to help at any of those times, please contact Elizabeth
Peteraf at 610-279-7372.
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