St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

The bankruptcy court in case number 20-10846 pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has set a deadline of March 1, 2021 to file a Sexual Abuse Proof of Claim in the Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy. A Sexual Abuse Proof of Claim form may be found at: www.NolaChurchclaims.com

The bankruptcy court in case number 20-10846 pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has set a deadline of November 30, 2020 to file a General Proof of Claim in the Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy. A General Proof of Claim form may be found at: https://www.donlinrecano.com/Clients/rcano/Static/BDPOC
 

Steeped in a rich and vibrant history of service and growth, St. Francis of Assisi has been serving the needs of Catholics for almost 125 years and welcomes young and old from all walks of life into our faith and social community. St. Francis prides itself on being a family-friendly church. We believe that all members of our church community are important to the celebration of the Eucharist.

We invite you to learn more about the parish by exploring this website. Please visit the “Our Parish” section to learn more about the church and its rich traditions. You can also learn how to exercise your stewardship of time and talent in one of the wonderful parish ministries by visiting the “Parish Ministries” section. Some of the many ways that you can become involved include: being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion or Lector, singing in our choir, serving the needy through the Ministry to the Poor, or by joining our Senior Associates group. For the youngest members of our parish family, opportunities to get involved include serving Mass as altar servers and Children's Ministry, a group which coordinates a variety of activities including weekly Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Christmas Nativity Program, and May Crowning.

We invite you to join our parish community by filling out the online registration form. Someone from our Newcomers Group will contact you shortly thereafter. As one family we come together to know, love, and serve the Lord as instruments of his peace.

Also,

Thanks for visiting and please check out our Facebook page or subscribe to our weekly
Parish E-bulletin.

Reverend Michael J. Schneller
Pastor

Uptown Canticle by Father Michael
Sunday, October 25, 2020

Dear Parishioners,
 

We read in St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in
all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever
you do, in word or in deed, do everything in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 3:16-17

With spiritual songs and hymns resounding in our hearts and with great joy we invite you to join as a
parish family of St. Francis of Assisi for

The Blessing of “Our Organ: An Instrument for Peace” 
Solemnity of All Saints
Saturday, October 31st, 4:00pm Vigil and
Sunday, November 1st 9:30am and 11:30am

 
Music is of the highest importance in the celebration of the divine mysteries, and in the Latin Church among musical instruments the pipe organ has always held a place of honor. Whether as an accompaniment for singing or as a solo instrument, this instrument adds splendor to sacred celebrations, offers praise to God, fosters a sense of prayer in the faithful, and raises their spirits to God. (Book of Blessings, № 1325).
 
On behalf of our parish leadership and chair couple of our capital campaign, Stan and Cindy Ellington, we thank the donors and all the members of our parish for the outpouring of generosity that has paid so a great price for this crown jewel in our historic Uptown Church. Singing hymns and spiritual songs in tune with our new Cornell Zimmer Organ expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to and in his people.
 
Information regarding the dedicatory organ recital by Dr. Jennifer Pascual Director of Music and Organist of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue in Manhattan will be determined as travel restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic subside.
 
Our parish patron, St. Francis of Assisi, inspires us to be instruments of peace. Each week we gather together as parishioners to thank and praise God in ritual and song in shared faith and lived love. With gratitude in our hearts let hymns and songs sound forth for in our music God is glorified.
 

Let every instrument be tuned for praise!
Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!

 
Join us at the family table of the Eucharist. For those we cannot accommodate in the church or who are fearful to gather with us, Archbishop Aymond has given permission to distribute Holy Communion after mass outdoors.  He strongly suggested that we not give Holy Communion to people in vehicles.  He recommends that we do so outside where people can form a communion line and observe social distancing.  Therefore, this weekend after each mass, weather permitting, I will be available to distribute Holy Communion in the front lawn of the rectory.  I suggest that as you approach me to receive the Body of Christ you pray the Lord's Prayer, the Our Father.

Please remember that Archbishop Aymond has dispensed the people of the Archdiocese from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. If someone is vulnerable and not feeling well, we ask that you not celebrate Mass in church with other people. Baptisms, Weddings and funerals is limited to 100 worshipers. 
 
We will continue to live stream the 9:30 am Mass on Sunday from church. We have returned to celebrating daily mass in church. Monday, Wednesday through Friday mass is at 8:30 am and Tuesday at 6:00 pm. No reservation is necessary for daily mass. We will no longer live stream daily mass.

Let us implore the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor to hasten to help us and our patron St. Francis of Assisi to make us instruments of the Lord’s peace.