May 3, 2015 - St. Francis of Assisi

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
MASSES FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, May 3 - FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Readings: Acts 9:26-31 1 Jn 3:18-24 Jn 15:1-8
8:00 A.M.
Concetta Micallef
9:30 A.M.
For the People of St. Francis of Assisi
11:00 A.M. Michael & Maureen Kelly
12:30 P.M
Luigi Davi
Lucia Sabbiano
Lucia Fabine
Maria Raimondo
Giovanni Maria Lidia Jack Chiparo
MONDAY, May 4
Readings: Acts 14:5-18 Jn 14:21-26
7:00 A.M.
Gustavo Filion
9:00 A.M.
Francis Capone
TUESDAY, May 5
Readings: Acts 14:19-28 Jn 14:27-31a
7:00 A.M.
Carmina Tenaglia
9:00 A.M.
Edward W. Levinson
WEDNESDAY, May 6
Readings: Acts 15:1-6 Jn 15:1-8
7:00 A.M.
Gustavo Filion
9:00 A.M.
Domenico Diana Tenaglia
THURSDAY, May 7
Readings: Acts 15:7-21 Jn 15:9-11
7:00 A.M.
In Honor of San Filippo
9:00 A.M.
Camille T. Gallo
FRIDAY, May 8
Readings: Acts 15:22-31 Jn 15:12-17
7:00 A.M. Grace Fulop
9:00 A.M. Joseph Hili, Sr.
SATURDAY, May 9
Readings: Acts 16:1-10 Jn 15:18-21
9:00 A.M.
Purgatorial Society
Frank Dirico
Maria Raimondo
Angela & Rosaria Cannavo
5:00 P.M.
Ambrose & Ines Vigano
SUNDAY, May 10 - SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Readings:
8:00 A.M.
9:30 A.M.
11:00 A.M.
12:30 P.M.
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 1Jn4:7-10
Mother’s Day Novena
Mrs. Dorothy Leonard
D’Alleva Family
Giuseppina LoPiccolo
Elia Filomena Cinquemani
Salvatore & Giovanna Cinquemani
Ninetta Bavaro
Teresa DiMilta
My Dear Parishioners,
Most of us are familiar with the line from today’s Gospel that says: “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
Jesus also says: “ I am the true vine, and my Father is
the vine grower.” These are interesting words and deserve our attention. Why would Jesus say that he is the
true vine? The answer to that question lies in how the
Jewish people understood this analogy. Many times in
the Old Testament, Israel is referred to as either the vine
or the vineyard and it is God who plants this vine, tends
it with care, and receives its fruit. The Jewish people,
therefore, understood themselves as the vine.
When Jesus calls himself the true vine, he is telling all
people that other vines can no longer be seen as more
important. Here before us is the Son of God and other
loyalties must now take a back seat. I am the vine and
you are the branches is telling us that we need to be
connected to the vine that is Jesus. Only by living in
Jesus and allowing Jesus to live in us can we produce
abundantly.
The second reading today stresses how this can be
accomplished. Those who keep God’s commandments
remain in him, and he in them. There are many different
vines out there today and each of them, in one way or
another, attracts us. The question we have to ask ourselves is: “Am I living in Christ?” The surest way to
know if we are living in Christ is to look and see if any
pruning is taking place. If we are attached to the vine of
Christ, then the Vine Grower will be at work trimming
away our faults and weaknesses and making us stronger
to produce more fruit. If that is not the case then most
likely we have attached ourselves to a vine that is not
the True Vine.
We are called to look into our lives and see; are Christ’s
teachings the source of our beliefs? Is Christ present in
our manner of speaking and our treatment of our
friends? Would we be comfortable if Christ joined our
company at work or play? If we can say “Yes”, then we
are firmly rooted in Christ. If we must say “No”, or
“Sometimes”, then we are invited to call on the grace of
the sacraments and the resources of the Church to help
us realign ourselves with Christ, the Vine, and once
more bear good fruit in the vineyard of the Lord.
God Bless, Msgr. Maresca
Congratulations to our second graders and
their families on the occasion of their First Holy
Communion this Saturday, May 2. A Communion
Breakfast is being held in their honor this Sunday in
Msgr. Campbell Hall after the 9:30 a.m. Mass.
We thank our students and their families for their
generous donations to the Propagation of the Faith.
An amount of $293.00 was collected.
Please try to join us for our:


Intermediate Spelling Bee for Grades
3-4-5 on Wednesday, May 6 in Msgr.
Campbell Hall at 1:30 p.m.
May Crowning on Thursday, May 7 in
Church at 10:30 a.m.
Our Buy One, Get One Scholastic Book Fair begins
on Wednesday, May 6. This particular Book Fair
gives the student the opportunity to purchase one
book and then get one free. What a great deal!
This Week at SFA School
Tuesday:
Intermediate Spelling Bee
Wednesday:
Scholastic Book Fair
Thursday:
May Crowning in Church
Scholastic Book Fair
Home & School Meeting and
Science Fair Awards in MCH
Friday:
Mother’s Day Breakfast
There will be Religious Instruction Classes
on Sunday, May 3, 2015
If you have a child beginning first grade in
public school, it is time to register for
Religious Education. Diocesan guidelines
require two years of instructions prior to
the reception of a Sacrament. If your child
is already in the first grade and missed this
year, call the Office of Religious Education
to set up an appointment to discuss the
options.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults The
RCIA is a process in which adults prepare
themselves for the reception of the
Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist) through
study, discussion and discernment. Please
contact the Rectory.
Mother’s Day
Mass
Remembrance
Envelopes are
available at the
doors of the
church.
Please enroll your mother, living or
deceased in the novena of masses
which will begin Mother’s Day.
Your envelope can be returned
in any collection.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Weekly Offering
Thank you for your sacrificial giving
each week. Your kind generosity helps
us pay our monthly bills. Please
remember if you miss a week for any
reason, try to make up for it the
following week or when you return.
This is especially true on holiday
weekends and during the summer
months. Thank you again for your
understanding.
The Collection/Donation for the weekend:
April 25/26 Collection
Replenish Parish Reserves
$ 4999.50
$ 1516.00
School parents are strongly
encouraged to use the
envelopes.
There will be a
2nd Collection next weekend
for Catholic Relief Services
Your generosity will provide
humanitarian aid, resettling
displaced individuals and
families, and advocating on
behalf of victims.
Thank you
Fifth Sunday of
Easter
May 3, 2015
“Let us love, not in
word or speech, but in
truth and action.”
Are you being called to
love the Lord and His people as a priest,
deacon, sister or brother? Love demands
truth and action.
Call the Vocation Office at (718) 827-2454
or email: vocations@diobrook.org
Please Consider Remembering
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in your Will.
Remember in your prayers all
those in our parish who are
sick, that they may find health
and comfort:
James Nunez, Vincent Wytak,
Carol Ross, Rolondo Larrondo,
Jeffrey Hyans, Jessica St. Preux, Al Ciani, Alesha Moses,
Elizabeth Quartuccia, Stephanie Stetz,
Kathleen Newton, Samantha Fabrizi,
Nancy McCaffrey, Christopher Wojtalik,
Marie Guerriero, Theresa Pacheco, William Goss,
Antonio Ciancio, Luke Pacheco, Vincenza Papa,
Jim Schneggenburger, Anthony Criscuolo, Ann Anselmi,
Alice Franklin, Saverio Giordano, John Ross,
Terri Kornalewski, Samantha O’Sullivan, Marilyn Miller,
Domenica Brandon, Rosanne Costello, N. Donn Talenti,
Adele Fusco, Lenny Franklin, John Carmody, Jennie Bizocco,
Rosario Duran, MaryEllen Christenson, Patricia Hili, Edena
Iorfida, Mary DeGloria, Louise Berhau, Charles Formosa,
Millie Peri
FOCUS:
In Christ we find our
ability to bear fruit and glorify
God, thereby receiving his
blessings.
We must understand the
importance of being firmly
connected to Jesus Christ. This
unity not only makes us true
children of God, but it empowers us
to bear the presence of Christ in the
world - to carry on his mission in
our words and deeds.
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like your
loved one or friend to stay on the prayer
list FOR THE SICK, please call the rectory before the end of April. Thank you
Congratulations to all
the second graders on
receiving their First
Holy Communion.
May the Lord Jesus
always remain close
to them.
Let us as a parish keep them and
their families in our prayers as
they continue to develop their
faith.
O God, throughout the ages you have called women
and men to pursue lives of perfect charity through
the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and
obedience. During this Year of Consecrated Life, we
give you thanks for these courageous witnesses of
Faith and models of inspiration. Their pursuit of holy
lives teaches us to make a more perfect offering of
ourselves to you. Continue to enrich your Church by
calling forth sons and daughters who, having found
the pearl of great price, treasure the Kingdom of
Heaven above all things. Through our Lord Jesus
Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Society of St. Vincent de
Paul Gives Back
Memorials for the Week
of May 3, 2015
For each car, truck or van, running or not,
St. Vincent de Paul will give back to St.
Francis of Assisi $50/100 per vehicle.
Maybe you don’t have a vehicle, but a
family member, friend or neighbor has an
old or neglected vehicle in their driveway
that they would like to dispose of.
ALTAR BREAD
For this week is donated
in loving memory of
Francis Capone
Requested by
Sandra, Fannie,
Theresa Baronci
Call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at
(718) 491-2525
ALTAR CANDLES
Are dedicated to
Giuseppe Grifonetti
Requested by
Maria Sacramone
50-50 WINNERS
for the Month of April
First Prize:
Mr. & Mrs. John Baiamonte
Second Prize:
Mr. Patrick McEwan
Whoever remains in me
will bear much fruit.
John 15:5
Third Prize:
Mr. & Mrs. Beniamino Valentini
Congratulations!!
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, June 13, 2015
We invite anyone who is struggling with grief
over the death of a loved one, to join us for an
afternoon gathering with spiritual talks in
English and Spanish, along with
Fellowship, Bereavement information and a
bilingual prayer service. Seating
Limited! Register Early.
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2015
TIME: 1:00-3:00 P.M.
Where: Douglaston Immaculate
Conception Center, Queens
7200 Douglaston Pkway
Parking Available-shuttle from the nearest
bus stop-Union/Winchester
Presenters: Monsignor Joseph Calise
(English)
Sr. Marined Fabre, OP (Spanish)
Registration Fee: $10.00
www.ccbq.org/events/bereavement
Or contact: April Boone, Catholic Charities
Bereavement Coordinator:
(718) 722-6214 for more info on “A
Gathering of Grief:”
Msgr. McClancy Memorial
High School
is now accepting applications for the
T.A.C.H.S.
Preparation program to be held at the
school for the first (7) Saturdays of
the next school year beginning on
September 12th.
For more information please contact
Ms. Fran Rocco at
(718) 898-3800 ext. 3
The Mary Louis Academy
Achieved Honor Roll status:
Principal’s List: Elisa Sorgini,
Sarah Salameh
First Honors: Natasha Solo Lyons
Second Honors: Eleni Takos
St. Agnes High School
Achieved Honor Roll status:
Natalia Plaza
St. Francis Preparatory School
Achieved Honor Roll status:
Stephanie Biscaglia
Alana Davidson
Lucas Pavlounis
St. John’s Preparatory School
Is offering a
TACHS 2014 Prep Course,
which will take place in
September.
Register online:
www.stjohnsprepschool.org
Call the Admissions Office for
further information,
(718) 721-7200, ext. 699
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
THIS WEEK
May 3 - May 9
NEXT WEEK
May 10 - May 16
Sunday, May 3
Sunday, May 10
2nd Catholic Relief Services
9:30 A.M. Children’s Liturgy MCH
10:40- 12 Noon CCD School
9:30 A.M. Pre-Communion Breakfast - MCH
10:40-12 Noon CCD - School
Monday, May 4
Monday, May 11
12:30 P.M. Golden Age - MCH
2:30-4:00 P.M. Brownies - MMC
2:50-3:45 P.M. Children’s Choir - church
7:00 P.M. Adult Choir - Church
12:00 Noon Golden Age Mass
12:30 P.M. Golden Age - MCH
2:30-4 P.M. Brownies - MMC
2:50-3:45 P.M. Children’s Choir - Church
7:00 P.M. Adult Choir - Church
Tuesday, May 5
6:30 P.M. AA - R/B
Tuesday, May 12
6:30 P.M. AA - R/B
Wednesday, May 6
7:00 P.M. Bereavement - R/B
Wednesday, May 13
Thursday, May 7
7:00 P.M. Baptism Class - R/B
7:00 P.M. Bereavement - R/B
7:30 P.M. Mass
4-5:30 P.M. Legion of Mary Session - R/B
7:00 P.M. I.A.C.A. - Church
7:30 P.M. Scripture Study - RER
8:00 P.M. Knights of Columbus - R/B
Friday, May 8
Thursday, May 14
Ascension Thursday
Mass Schedule: (Holy Day of Obligation)
7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 7:30 PM
5:00-9:00 Drama Club - MCH
Saturday, May 9
6:00-8:00 P.M. Youth Group Sports Night - MCH
Our Parish Calendar will be published weekly.
Please submit changes or updates to
chsecy@sfaschool.org
Thank you for keeping our Parish up to date!
Friday, May 15
6:00-9:00 P.M. Spring Fling - MCH
Saturday, May 16
MAY ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE – 2015
Sat. May 2nd
5pm
Samantha Dee, Joseph Todaro, Yulia Purcarea
Sun. May 3rd
8am
9:30am
11am
12:30pm
Valentina Cracolici, Sal Demma
Javier Fermin, Jessica Aniello, Jady Lopez
Theresa Christmas, Rocco Marchesona, Ryve Obien
Francesco DiMarco
Sat. May 9th
5pm
Samantha Dee, Kayley & Maya Burns
Sun. May 10th
8am
9:30am
11am
12:30pm
Adrian Machnik, Joseph Todaro
Isabella Ronacher, Mia Lopez, Nikki McNamar
Adrian & Jose Hernandez-Yepez, Frankie Marzella
Francesco DiMarco
Sat. May 16th
5pm
Samantha Dee, Isabella & Sophia Ortiz
Sun. May 17th
8am
9:30am
11am
12:30pm
Yulia Purcarea, Nikki McNamara
Frankie Marzella, Leandra Rodriguez, Gabriella Soldo
Javier Fermin, Adrian Machnik, Jady Lopez
Francesco DiMarco
Sat. May 23rd
5pm
Samantha Dee, Jessica Aniello, Emily Grimaldi
Sun. May 24th
8am
9:30am
11am
12:30pm
Ryve Obien, Leandra Rodriguez
Kayley & Maya Burns, Lauren Staats
Nikki McNamara, Gabriella Soldo, Sal Demma
Francesco DiMarco
Sat. May 30th
2:30pm Wedding – Kayley & Maya Burns
Sun. May 31st
5pm
Samantha Dee, Theresa Christmas, Lauren Staats
8am
9:30am
11am
12:30pm
Emily Grimaldi, Mia Lopez
Nicole Pereira, Victoria Formoso, Rocco Marchesona
Isabella & Sophia Ortiz, Valentina Cracolici
Francesco DiMarco
Dear Altar Servers,
PLEASE hang up your albs after serving mass and do not leave them on the floor. I appreciate your cooperation in this
matter.
I realize with the nice weather here, and all your different activities, that you may not be able to serve your mass. Please
try to get a replacement or switch assignments with someone.
I am in the process in setting up a calendar of the summer months for you to fill out when you are able to serve. This will
enable me to set up the serving schedule for the whole summer.
Thank you for your service.
Msgr. Maresca