September 17 Friday Update

Storm News.  Thanks to our parishioners who have cleaned up storm damage at 5 houses thus far with more work on the way.  Let us know if you need recovery help or if you would like to be involved in recovery help:  call 834-0340 or email Fr. Andrew at asanchez@nds.edu.  This weekend’s Bulletin is the Hurricane Ida Edition.  There are pictures of our damage and storm recovery efforts; a list of needed repairs; and a column by me entitled, “Ida was No Lady, but God got the Final Word” – an article that I hope will bring spiritual perspective and levity.  Let’s continue to pray for and support all those recovering from storm damage.  

Storm Clean-Up in Lafitte, September 25:   Our Parish will do hurricane cleanup in Lafitte, La. (about a 40- minute drive from SFX) next Saturday, September 25.  See the parish website for info.  To sign up, go to https://signup.com/go/syxOnST or email asanchez@nds.edu.  

Food Bank Report:  Yesterday our Food Bank served groceries to 24 families and individuals.  People were grateful and emotional over their experience of Ida. Thank you for supporting this essential ministry.

Regular Mass Schedule this Weekend:  8 am and 4 pm Saturday; 8 am, 10 am, 12 noon and 6 pm Sunday.

Brownie Sale this Sunday:  Our 4^th Grade Brownie Troop will sell homemade brownies for the benefit of Ida victims after the 10 am Mass this weekend.  Please support the cause.

Bereavement Ministry, September 21:  Bereavement Groups for those grieving the loss of a loved one will meet twice on Tuesday, September 21:  12 noon and 6:30 pm.  Contact the Parish Office for details.

Young Adult Ministry Event, rescheduled September 23:  Our Young Adults Group (ages 21-39) will meet this Thursday, Sept 23, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm in St. Joseph Hall.  Contact Fr. Andrew to confirm your attendance and order a meal:  asanchez@nds.edu.

Calling All Golfers - Old Metairie Golf Classic is ON, September 24:  The Old Metairie Golf Classic benefitting our School is ON next Friday, September 24, beginning at 11:30 am at Audubon Park Golf Club.  The Classic is seeking players, sponsors and donors.  Go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-185WXZ_t_md2Uf7N8NAfRqZ-ADHlsJe/view?usp=sharing   

Parish School of Religion begins September 26:  PSR, our Religious Education Program for students attending non—Catholic schools, will begin on Sunday afternoon, September 26.  Contact Claudia at 834-0348.

Sharing Program Mass, Anointing and Luncheon, September 28:  Our Sharing Program for Seniors will have Mass and Sacramental Anointing in Church on Tuesday, September 28, at 11:00 am, followed by a Luncheon in St. Joseph Hall.  Contact Carol Pritchard at 834-0340.

Blessing of Pets, October 2:  In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. Andrew and I will do a drive-through blessing of pets from 10 am – 12 noon on Saturday, October 2, under the Port Cochere.  All pets – and owners – are welcome.

Hour of Prayer at Abortion Clinic, October 3:  On Oct 3, Respect Life Sunday, our Parish will pray to end abortion at the Audubon Clinic, 4321 Magnolia St., New Orleans from 4-5 pm.  No sign-up; just come pray with our priests & parishioners. 

Red Mass with Bishop Barron, October 4:  Popular Catholic Evangelist Bishop Robert Barron will preach the Homily at the Red Mass at St. Louis Cathedral on Monday, October 4, at 9:30 am.  This Annual Mass asks the blessing of the Holy Spirit on the legal and judicial profession.  All are invited.

City Park Night, rescheduled October 7:  City Park Night is rescheduled for Thursday, October 7, from 5:30-8:30 pm.  Tickets [$10 for children and adults in advance; $20 at gate] allow unlimited rides at the Park’s Amusement Area.  Masks and proof of vaccination are required for indoor dining in N.O.  Enjoy this family event hosted by the Men’s Club.

CYO Fun, Food & Faith Night, rescheduled October 11:  All high schoolers, grades 8-12, are invited to “Fun, Food & Faith Night” on Monday, October 11, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm in St. Joseph Hall.  Fr. Andrew will host the evening.  Burgers and drinks will be served.  Email Fr. Andrew at asanchez@nds.edu to order a meal.

“The Chosen,” rescheduled for October 13, 20, 27 and November 3: “The Chosen” Miniseries on the life of Jesus is rescheduled for St. Joseph Hall on the following Wednesday evenings:  October 13, 20, 27 and November 3 – two episodes per night.  The videos will begin at 6:45 pm and end by 8:15 pm.  A complimentary meal will be served at 6:15 pm.  To reserve a meal, call or email the Parish Office by 4 pm the Monday before the show.

Sarah Jane McMahon Concert rescheduled, October 17:  The Concert by Sarah Jane McMahon is rescheduled for Sunday, Oct 17, at 3 pm in Church.  Come be uplifted by the beautiful voice and music selections of this gifted soprano.

Day of Renewal in the Spirit, rescheduled November 6:  The Day of Renewal will be on Sat, November 6, from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm in St. Joseph Hall.  Led by Dr. & Mrs. Basil Davis, the day will include prayer, teaching and music..  Bring a bible, notebook and pen.  Registration fee of $10 includes a snack & lunch.  Contact Parish Office at 834-0340 to register.

Ongoing Events/Postponements:  Rosary in Church 8:30 am Monday – Saturday, 6 pm Thursday, and 9 am Sunday; Sharing Program Classes, Monday-Friday, SJH and PC, times vary.  The Red Bean Dinner on Sept 27, Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit on October 2, and “Presence” Video Program in October are all postponed.

Adoration Chapel, Office Hours, Confession Schedule and Bulletin: The Coordinator of our Adoration Chapel, Dottie Watson, is working hard to get our Chapel reopened after Ida.  There are a number of hours we need covered before the Chapel reopens.  Contact Dottie at 339-4298 to sign up.  The Parish Office is open from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm on Friday.  Confessions will be heard this Saturday at 7:30 am and 8:30 by Fr. Joe, and this Saturday at 3:00 pm by Fr. Andrew. The Parish Bulletin is available online and in church.  

Thanks to all who financially support our parish through regular donations, weekly envelopes or Faith Direct.  Click here to enroll in Faith Direct: https://membership.faithdirect.net/LA422. 

The next Email Update will be on Tuesday, September 21.             HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND.  FR JOE 

7:00 am - 6:00 pm: Monday - Thursday
7:00 am on Friday to 6:00 pm on Sunday 

Monday through Saturday: 8:30 am
Sunday: 9:00 am
Thursday: 6:00 pm

September 25 Hurricane Ida workday in Lafitte, LA.

DAILY MASS AND VIDEO EVENTS
June 8

DAILY MASS AND VIDEO EVENTS. Click here to view on YouTube.

CHRISTMAS VIDEO, “TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, COVID-STYLE”. Click here to view on YouTube.

LIVE Thursday, December 24 3:00 pm LIVE - Christmas Eve Masses in Church (Fr. Joe). Click here to view on YouTube.

Events & Activities Postponed Due to Hurricane Ida (with the expectation of being rescheduled)

• Sarah Jane McMahon Concert -Rescheduled date is October 17
• City Park Night - Rescheduled date is Oct 7 
• Young Adult Gathering - Rescheduled date is  September 23
• Holy Spirit Retreat - Rescheduled date is Nov 6
• CYO Fun, Food and Faith Night -Rescheduled date is Oct 11
• Start of Parish School of Religion - Start Sept 26
• Sharing Program Classes - Start back Sept 20
• Dinner and Devotion 
• The Chosen Video Program - Resched date Oct 12, 20, 20 & Nov 3
• 40 Days for Life

According to a string of doctors who spoke during Governor Edward’s Press Conference on August 2, the Delta Variant of the Covid Virus has created a record number of new Covid cases in Louisiana and a spike in Covid deaths, has filled up hospitals and Hospital ERs, has stressed out understaffed hospital personnel, and has put on hold the treatment of persons with other significant health issues.
As a result, Governor Edwards ordered a Statewide Indoor Mask Mandate forLouisianans – for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons age 5 and up – effective August 4, 2021. The Governor and the doctors (representing hospitals from all over Louisiana) pleaded that Louisianians age 12 and up get vaccinated to help slow the spread of the virus. The Governor and doctors said that Louisiana has the lowest rate of fully vaccinated persons in the country at 37%, that a vaccinated person is 8 times less likely to be infected with Covid as an unvaccinated person and 25 times less likely to be hospitalized
or die as a result of the virus. Additionally, the speakers said that wearing a mask – while unpleasant – has proved to be an effective strategy to slow the spread of the virus. As a result of the Governor’s mandate, we are reinstating the requirement of masking at
all Masses and indoor activities at St. Francis Parish effective August 4. As I am writing this email, we are waiting for directives from the Archdiocese and relevant regulatory agencies for the Covid protocol for our school, which opens next week. Let’s continue to pray to God for an end to this destructive virus and for the protection of our people and our community.

God bless, Fr. Joe                                          August 4, 2021

The first day of Class for St. Francis Xavier School is Wed, August 11

Prior to that date, painting projects and floor stripping and waxing will be completed; teachers and staff will be working hard to get everything ready for the opening bell. Pray for our School Faculty and Staff and our Parish Office Staff during their Day of Prayer at Notre Dame Seminary on Friday, August 6. Fr. Joe and Fr. Andrew will lead the Day. The Parish and School Offices will be closed all day on August 6.

NEW RULE

REMINDERS

• Hang your name sign from your rear view mirror for the entirety of carpool so that all staff can see the name. Hint: A pants hanger works great!
• Siblings & Carpools are dismissed from the yard.
• Single Riders are dismissed from Betz Pl. Please go to your usual location even if a sibling is sick or out of school. The students are used to going to their designated side.
• If anyone in your immediate family tests positive, please notify Ms. Dwyer immediately. You can call the school, 833-1471, or email if after hours.
• Students should be kept home if they have any symptoms and their doctor should be consulted. Please do not assume it is allergies or a cold or send them to school after giving medication.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

  The application portal for Champions of Catholic Education tuition assistance program will open March 1-14, 2021. All applications must be submitted through FIRST BANK & TRUST portal that will be posted on www.nolacatholicschools.org at the appropriate time.
                                                        

Questions to review with students

 

Map for school arrival and dismissal (coming soon)  

    Friday, August 27, 2021  –
 Storm, Theme Song and More

Masses are videotaped daily and accessible at church.stfrancisxavier.com.; Fr. Joe has the Video Masses Friday and Sunday; Fr. Andrew has the Video Masses Saturday and Monday

Storm in the Gulf; Holy Hour this afternoon.  Please read my announcement about the storm sent out earlier this morning with info on cancellations and closures.  Please check our website for the latest info on weekend Masses.  We will have a Holy Hour in Church with Adoration and Rosary from 5-6 pm this afternoon to pray for protection of life and property in the storm.  All are invited.  Please stay safe in the storm.  Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.  St. Francis Xavier, pray for us. 

SFX School Theme Song with Hand Motions:  Check out our SFX School Theme Song for 2021-2022, “Way-Maker”:   https://youtu.be/AzBLpOWTbgo.  We will sing this song at the close of School Masses this year and ask the students to join in with voice and hand motions.  Special thanks to Mark Richards, Music Teacher, for video assistance.   

Helping Earthquake Victims in Haiti:  Haiti was hit by a staggering 7.2 magnitude earthquake last week which caused massive damage, loss of life, and dislocation of people. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is on the ground in Haiti providing emergency relief to those affected. Besides your prayers, there is great need for money for the relief effort.  If you would like to help, you can donate at https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/where-we-work/haiti or contact Catholic Charities at (504) 592-5692 or kfitpatrick@ccano.org.

Food Bank Report:  Yesterday our Food Bank served groceries (including frozen entrees and sweet treats) to 16 families and individuals.  Thank you for supporting this ministry.
Sarah Jane McMahon Concert this Sunday postponed:  Sunday’s Concert is postponed due to the storm threat and will be rescheduled.

“The Chosen” begins this Wednesday:  Depending on what Ida does, “The Chosen” Miniseries on the life of Jesus will be shown in St. Joseph Hall on four Wednesday evenings in September beginning this Wednesday, September 1:  two episodes per night.  The videos will begin at 6:45 pm and end by 8:15 pm.  A complimentary meal will be served at 6:15 pm.  To reserve a meal, call or email the Parish Office by 4 pm this Monday.

City Park Night, September 3:  The Men’s Club is hosting an evening of outdoor fun for SFX families from 7-10 pm.  Tickets [$10 for children and adults in advance; $20 at gate] allow unlimited access to rides at the Park’s Amusement Area.  Concessions are extra.  Masks and proof of vaccination required for indoor dining in N.O.

Young Adult Ministry Event September 9:  There will be a Young Adult Gathering on Thursday, Sept 9, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm in St. Joseph Hall.  Food and drinks will be served.  Bring a friend.
Day of Prayer for Renewal in the Spirit, September 11:  We will have a Day of Prayer and Renewal in the Spirit on Saturday, September 11, from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm in St. Joseph Hall.  The day will be led by Dr. Basil & Mrs. Shyla Davis and will include prayer, teaching, music, discussion and testimony.  Bring a bible, notebook and pen.  Registration fee of $10 includes a snack & lunch.  Contact Parish Office at 834-0340 to register.

CYO Fun, Food & Faith Night, September 13:  All high schoolers in grades 8-12 are invited to “Fun, Food & Faith Night” on Monday, September 13, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm in St. Joseph Hall.  Fr. Andrew will host the evening.  Burgers and drinks will be served.  Bring a friend.

Evening Confessions, September 15:   Fr. Joe and Fr. Andrew will hear Confessions in Church from 5-6:30 pm on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

“Dinner and Devotion,” September 18:  Hosted by the Daughters of Isabella, “Dinner and Devotion” is an evening of faith, fellowship and good food with a talk on faith and food by “Catholic Foodie” Jeff Young.  5 pm start time.  Tickets are $15.  Limited seating.  Contact Cathy at cathyml63@gmail.com.

Old Metairie Golf Classic, September 24:  The Men’s Club is hosting the Old Metairie Golf Classic to benefit our School on Friday, September 24, beginning at 11:30 am at Audubon Park Golf Club.  The Classic is seeking 18 teams of four players, sponsors and donors.  Information packets are available in Church or online:
 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-185WXZ_t_md2Uf7N8NAfRqZ-ADHlsJe/view?usp=sharing

“40 Days for Life,” Sept 26:  Join us as we pray to end abortion at the Audubon Abortion Clinic in New Orleans on Sunday, September 26. Our parish will cover the hours of 7 am to 7 pm.  Sign-up is Sept 18-19.

Ongoing and Upcoming Events not mentioned above:  Rosary in Church 8:30 am Monday – Saturday, 6 pm Thursday, and 9 am Sunday; Sharing Program Classes, Monday-Friday, SJH and PC, times vary; KC Red Beans and Rice Dinner Drive-Through, September 27, 5:30 – 8:00 pm, Betz Place; Sharing Program Mass and Anointing for Seniors, September 28, 9:30 am, Church;  Eucharistic Miracles Talk, Fr. Jeff Montz, October 2, 10:30 am, Church;  Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit, October 2-3, SJH; “The Presence” Eucharist Series, Wednesday evenings in October.

Adoration Chapel, Office Hours, Confession Schedule and Bulletin: Except during holidays, the Adoration Chapel is open Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 6 pm, and from 7 am on Friday to 6 pm on Sunday.  The Parish Office is open from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm on Friday.  Confessions will be heard this Saturday at 7:30 am and 8:30 by Fr. Andrew, and this Saturday at 3:00 pm by Fr. Joe. The Parish Bulletin is available online and in church. 
Thanks to all who financially support our parish through regular donations, weekly envelopes or Faith Direct.  Click here to enroll in Faith Direct: https://membership.faithdirect.net/LA422.

The next Email Update will be on Tuesday, August 31. 

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND.  OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR, HASTEN TO HELP US.  ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, PRAY FOR US.  FR JOE

     Prayer for Spiritual Communion

             My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

                Monthly Prayer meeting


Please click the link below to see the Scripture readings every month:
https://church.stfrancisxavier.com/monthly-prayer-group-meeting