The purpose of Faith Formation is to foster spiritual growth through a variety of paths
leading to a more CHRIST-centered life.
![]() |
Friday, April 22nd at 9:15 AM Sheehan Hall Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist shines fresh light on the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes. Using his in-depth knowledge of the Bible and ancient Judaism, Dr. Brant Pitre answers questions such as: What was the Passover like at the time of Jesus? What were the Jewish hopes for the Messiah? What was Jesus' purpose in instituting the Eucharist during the feast of Passover? And, most important of all, what did Jesus mean when he said, "This is my body… This is my blood"? To answer these questions, Pitre explores ancient Jewish beliefs about the Passover of the Messiah, the miraculous Manna from heaven, and the mysterious Bread of the Presence. As he shows, these three keys—the Passover, the Manna, and the Bread of the Presence—have the power to unlock the original meaning of the Eucharistic words of Jesus. Along the way, Pitre also explains how Jesus united the Last Supper to his death on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday. |
We are reading the Gospel of Luke this liturgical year.
Would you like to understand its meaning and realize how to apply it to your life today?
Join us for a Bible study on St. Luke’s Gospel.
Cost is $5.00 with sign-up after Masses the weekend of March 26-27.
Come join us for a truly fascinating study.
WHERE: | Sheehan Hall |
DATES: | Mondays at 9:00 AM April 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23; Wednesdays at 9:00 AM June 1, 8 |
![]() |
Friday, May 13th at 9:15 AM Sheehan Hall Bestselling author of Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist casts new light on the Virgin Mary, illuminating her role in the Old and New Testaments. Are Catholic teachings on Mary really biblical? Or are they the "traditions of men"? Should she be called the "Mother of God," or just the mother of Jesus? Did she actually remain a virgin her whole life or do the "brothers of Jesus" refer to her other children? By praying to Mary, are Catholics worshipping her? And what does Mary have to do with the quest to understand Jesus? In Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary, Dr. Pitre takes readers step-by-step from the Garden of Eden to the Book of Revelation to reveal how deeply biblical Catholic beliefs about Mary really are. Dr. Pitre uses the Old Testament and Ancient Judaism to unlock how the Bible itself teaches that Mary is in fact the new Eve, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, and the new Ark of the Covenant. |
“By our fruits they shall know us.”
Fruits? What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit? They are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control (Gal. 5: 22-23). These fruits reveal what God is. These fruits are the observable characteristics of a person. Since God’s wish is for us to be more like Jesus, the Spirit works to grow us to be more like Jesus. In the following months we will study each of these fruits.
Do people know I am a Christian? What is Love? The Greeks have three words for love.
“Philos” is brotherly love, friendship.
“Agape” is God’s perfect love.
“Eros” is physical love, romantic love.
It is given freely, is selfless and focused on the other person. It can be expressed in simple things-holding the door for someone even if you have to wait a bit; loading someone’s groceries; visiting a lonely neighbor; calling a lonely relative, even if they go on a bit. What can you come up with?
Joy is more than happiness, which comes and goes-more like a deep contentment. When you’re right with God, His grace brings joy. We can have joy in the midst of trouble, knowing God is with us, knowing what awaits us.
See the good in everything and appreciate what you have; go outdoors; listen to music; connect with people. What brings you joy?-not just happiness.
“Peace be with you; I do not give it to you as the world gives it”
Peace appears 429 times in the Bible. Peace is not just an absence of conflict-it is a state of being. It doesn’t mean we won’t have stress or difficult times. It’s knowing God is in control, trusting in His love for us. It is a tranquil state of appreciation and faith. Take a moment, be still, take a deep breath and let God come in.
“Calm and uncomplaining endurance; calmness in waiting”.
Patience is a sign of trust in God and appreciation of the present moment. In our age of instant gratification, patience can be hard to come by. Patience shows self-restraint, love for others, hope and leaves room for God to work in our hearts.“Good or benevolent behaviour”.
Kindness is more than being nice. It entails generosity, consideration and concern for others. Kindness begins with caring and requires action, in word or deed."Conforming to the moral code; praiseworthy character; being of an upright character."
Goodness is acting for the benefit of others, not just a goal unto itself. It is seen in our actions-doing good things for others. Our Christmas Giving Tree, Ethel’s Tree, volunteering to aid others, praying for others-the list is endless."Conscientious; unswerving adherence to a person or thing."
Of course, the person is Jesus (God). Because we have confidence in God and trust His faithfulness, we trust He wills everything out for the good and our future rewards in heaven.
We can show our faithfulness to the world by keeping our promises and vows, by duties performed and loyalty to our friends. Basically being dependable and trustworthy.
ChristLife equips Catholics for the essential work of evangelization through:
Discovering Christ, Following Christ, Sharing Christ.
For more information, registration,
wait list, and upcoming dates, contact:
Kathy Maynard
kgovig@gmail.com
Click on these photos to learn more ⇒
ß
![]() |
33 Days to Morning Glory - a group retreat for 33 days. It includes the book, workbook, weekly gatherings with program videos, and small group sharing. (Offered 3 – 4 times per year)
Consecration held on December 8, 2021
![]() Click on these links to view sample clips: Goal of Marian ConsecrationEssence of Marian Consecration |
WHERE: | Sheehan Hall | ||||
DATES: | Tuesdays at 9:00 AM February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Final session on Thursday, April 7th |
||||
For additonal information or registration, contact:
|
33 Days to Morning Glory |
Consoling the Heart of Jesus |
Cherie Trapp budsycamore@gmail.com or |
Colin Hurley cmhurley07@gmail.com or |
Kathy Donley kjdonley@sonic.net | Pat Hurley phurley016@gmail.com |
Anyone interested in learning about the
Catholic faith is welcome.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the process through which the Church welcomes new members. It consists of study, rites of progression, and ends with welcoming at the Easter Vigil.
Whether you are just starting to explore the Catholic faith or have been considering becoming Catholic for a while, we are here to walk with you on your journey of faith.
For more information on the RCIA process please contact:
Kathy Fitch
Email
Please note: Currently the library is closed
due to Covid restrictions.
The library of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church provides books and other teaching and life enrichment materials for members of the parish. There are also books and other materials for enjoyment and entertainment. It is located off Sheehan Hall. Normal library lending practices are followed.
Library resources |
|
Non-Fiction | |
Doctrine: | Bibles, Commentaries, Church History, Saints, Devotionals, etc. Bible studies and other classes presented by Father John Dowling are recorded and the recordings are made available through the library. |
Self-help: | Marriage, Retirement, Aging, Bereavement, Substance Abuse, etc. |
Fiction | Books, Videos, DVDs and Audio Books - All books featured in the Parish Book Club are available in the parish library. |
Children's Resources | Children's books and DVDs are also available |
Men’s Prayer Breakfast is meant to foster fellowship among men of the parish and to offer intercessory prayers for the needs of the attendees and for the needs of the parish. Meetings are scheduled on the first Saturday of the month after the 8 AM Mass. They are held in Sheehan Hall.
Prayer Warriors offer fellowship and an opportunity to pray for parishioners and those who have asked for prayers. All parishioners are welcome and those who have prayer intentions may fill out a card in the Narthex to be put in the basket and prayed for. On Tuesdays the basket is put on the altar and remembered during Mass. Once or twice a year the prayer cards are burned in a special service outside after Mass. The Prayer Warriors meet weekly on Tuesday mornings after the 8 AM Mass in the Parish Library.
Exploring and Growing in the Catholic Faith
Is there a speaker you would like to hear
or a topic you would like to discuss?
Send us your suggestions.
Ministry Leader: | Kathy Fitch 931-287-0644 |