SUNDAY, September 28—Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Ez 18:25-28 Phil 2:1-11 Mt 21:28-32

8:00 A.M. Mary Fazio

9:30 A.M. Dorothy Leonard

11:00 A.M. Lino Grech

12:30 P.M. Angela & Calogero Arnone

Attilia Simicich

Leonardo Tola

Aldo Tarono

Bella DiBella

Josephine Caronia

MONDAY, September 29 — Saint Michael, Gabriel, and

Raphael, Archangels

Readings: Dn 7:9-10, 13-14, Jn 1:47-51

7:00 A.M. John Peggy & Peter Byrne

9:00 A.M. Tarcisio Cavazzini

TUESDAY, September 30— Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor

of the Church

Readings: Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 Lk 9:51-56

7:00 A.M. Michael Tkach

9:00 A.M. Ottavio Milito

WEDNESDAY, October 1 – Saint Therese of the Child

Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church Readings: Jb 9:1-12, 14-16 Lk 9:57-62

7:00 A.M. Rosemarie Zuliani-Conroy

9:00 A.M. Joseph Xuereb

THURSDAY, October 2 —The Holy Guardian Angels

Readings: Jb 19:21-27 Mt 18:1-5

7:00 A.M. Frances Herzog

9:00 A.M. Anna DiBenedetto

FRIDAY, October 3 – Weekday Readings: Jb 38:1, 12:21; 40:3-5 Lk 10:13-16

7:00 A.M. Adelina Iocco

9:00 A.M. Carmela Messina

SATURDAY, October 4 - Saint Francis of Assisi

Readings: Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 Lk 10:17-24

84TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR PARISH

9:00 A.M. Purgatorial Society

Rocco Saraceni

Madeline Gasparre

Frank Sablich

5:00 P.M Michael Gurnick, Kenneth J. Fischer

SUNDAY, October 5– Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Is 5:1-7 Phil 4:6-9 Mt 21:33-43

8:00 A.M. For the People of St. Francis of Assisi

9:30 A.M. Francesco & Maria Giordano

11:00 A.M. Lorenzo & Petronilla DiMaria & Domenico Viscovich

12:30 P.M. Leonardo Tola Joan Musara

Flora Molina Cologero Mamnino

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

My Dear Parishioners,

With our world torn apart by war and violence, and

the fear surrounding the threat of terrorism, it is often difficult

to live up to the challenge Jesus has given us to love our

enemies and do good for those who hate us. How can we do

that in today’s frightening circumstances? Not many of us list

the members of Al-Queda or other terrorist groups among

those we pray for. Yet, in the parable that Jesus tells in today’s

Gospel, it is the one who resists, yet does what his father asks,

who is to serve as our model.

When we find it hard to live by God’s standards, it

may be helpful to remember two key attitudes that Jesus

modeled for us. They were humility and obedience. Jesus

modeled humility in that he was willing to empty himself of

his lofty statue in heaven to become one of us. He did this for

the sake of our salvation. Jesus modeled obedience in that he

faithfully followed the will of his Father in all things-even

when he did not want to. Scripture tells us that when Jesus was

in the Garden of Gethsemane, he asked his Father to let the cup

of suffering pass. He added, however, that it was not his own

will he would follow, but his Father’s. When it became clear

that the cup of suffering was not to pass him by, Jesus obeyed

the will of his Father and gave his life for the sake of our

salvation.

The humility of Jesus proved to be a stumbling block

for some people who heard him teach and preach. They could

not place their faith in him when he began to teach that he

would have to suffer, die and rise to fulfill the mission

entrusted to him by his Father. The attributes he held so dear

were not what some were expecting in the Messiah. Doing the

Father’s will, however, is essential if we want to spend eternity

in heaven. Today’s Gospel teaches us clearly that, even though

we may resist at first, our lives are to be lived in humility and

obedience to God’s will. Jesus not only modeled this for us,

but gave us his teachings and the Church to help us do this. He

also gave us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

Jesus faced many trials and challenges throughout his

life, but always stayed faithful to his Father’s will. Through his

fidelity, Jesus opened for us the way to salvation. He gave us

hope that we might one day gain entrance to the promised land,

eternal life in heaven. We are called to put on the mind of

Christ by rooting ourselves in humility and obedience, striving

to do what is right, just and loving. If we dedicate ourselves to

these things, we will be living as obedient children of God.

May the grace of God continue to fill our lives so that

we may always do the will of the Father.

God Bless, Msgr. Maresca

2015 Mass book will be opened on

Friday, October 3, 2014 in the rectory at

10:00 AM. Please note that if you arrive

early you will have to wait until 10:00 AM.

In order to accommodate the many reque

sts for Masses, please note the following:

Each Family will only be able to reserve

3 Masses on that day.

There is a 7 A.M. mass Monday to Friday

excluding the summertime, holidays,

Christmas, Easter and winter vacations.

(Please note: until further notice there

will be NO 7:00 A.M. Mass from Sept.

through Dec.)

Saturday the 9 A.M. Mass will be

multiple intentions.

Sunday 12:30 P.M. Italian Mass will be

multiple intentions.

NO Masses will be taken over the phone and no

lists will be accepted to be picked up later.

Please have alternate dates ready in case your 1st

date is taken. Also please PRINT the names

CLEARLY on your paper so the process will move

along smoothly.

All Announced Masses will be $15.00 *

Purgatorial Mass Cards will be $30.00. *

Memorials (Altar Bread, Wine, Sanctuary lamp

and altar candles will be $40.00 * Altar Flowers

will be $60.00).

I thank you in advance for your cooperation and

understanding in this matter.

Msgr. Maresca

Saturday, October 4th we celebrate

the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and

the 84th Anniversary of our Parish.

All are invited to join us at the

9:00 a.m. Mass as we celebrate and

give thanks for 84 years of service to

the people of Astoria.

FOCUS: God invites us to

imitate the humility and obedience

of Jesus.

Jesus was outspoken when it came

to doing the will of the Father.

We may think of a humble person

as being spineless, but that is not

the case. Humility helps us to

know our true self so that we are

able to open our hearts to the

grace of God. This, in turn, can

empower us to speak the truth in

all things.

Religious Education Classes begin Today

@ 10:40 a.m. in School.

You can still register.

Confirmation Preparation classes begin

on November 23rd

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.

Are you interested in being Baptized or complete your initiation by the reception of

the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation for Easter 2015?

Join the 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.

2nd Time: Molly Klusek

And David Caballero

St. Francis of Assisi Astoria, N.Y.

Sunday, October 5th

at 1:30 PM

we will have the

Blessing of the animals

in honor of St. Francis of

Assisi.

All are invited to bring

their pets for this

blessing. This will take

place in the school yard.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Finances

Thank you for your weekly

contributions which pays our bills.

Your sacrifice and generosity is

much appreciated.

The Collection/Donation for the weekend: September 20/21 $ 5569.00 Replenish Parish Reserves $ 1624.00

Just a reminder to our envelope

users to please mark the amount

on the outside of the envelope.

It is a great help to our counters.

Also, if you are not using the

envelope system and would like

to please call the rectory. School

parents are strongly encouraged

to use the envelopes.

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,

David Schneggenburger, Larry Trischetti, Anthony Criscuolo, Ann Anselmi, Alice Franklin,

Saverio Giordano, John Ross, Terri Kornalewski, Samantha O’Sullivan,

Marilyn Miller, Domenica Brandon, Victor Di Donato, Rosanne Costello, Jake Pontillo, N. Donn Talenti,

Adele Fusco, Lenny Franklin, John Carmody, Jennie Bizocco.

Friday, October 3rd is First Friday

Exposition of the blessed Sacrament

will take place after the 9:00 AM mass

provided there is no funeral.

Benediction will be at 2:00 P.M.

Saturday, October 4th the 9:00 AM

mass will be an anoint-

ing mass. All those

who wish to receive the

sacrament of the sick

are asked to participate

in this mass. All are

invited to join us in

prayer as we remember

to pray for all those

who are in need of

God’s healing power.

OPEN HOUSE The Mary Louis Academy

Sunday, October 19th

10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

176-21 Wexford Terrace,

Jamaica Estates, NY 11432

Legion of Mary All are invited to join the Legion of Mary.

The Legion of Mary is a lay catholic

organization whose members are giving

service to the Church on a voluntary basis.

The object of the Legion of Mary is the

Glory of God through the holiness of its

members developed by prayer and active

co-operation in Mary’s and the Church’s

work. The Legion of Mary meets here in

St. Francis of Assisi every Thursday at

4:00 p.m. in the rectory basement. Come

and join us in prayer and hear of the good

works the Legion does for God’s people.

Msgr. Maresca

Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary

OPEN HOUSE St. John’s Preparatory

High School

Saturday, October 18th 11:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

21-21 Crescent St., Astoria NY 11105

OPEN HOUSE

St. Francis Preparatory School

(Grades 9-12)

Fresh Meadows, Queens

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH

12:00 NOON till 4:30 P.M.

Auditorium Presentations

12:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:30.

OPEN HOUSE Msgr. McClancy Memorial

High School

Saturday, October 11th

1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.

71-06 31st Avenue

E. Elmhurst, NY 11370

Contact Office of Admissions

Mr. Nicholas Melito

(718) 898-3800 Ext. 2

A Harvest Homecoming fundraiser

benefitting Homecoming Farm, a

sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St.

Dominic in Amityville.

Sunday, October 5th

12 Noon—5:00 p.m.

Join us for music, dancing, raffles and

great food. Tickets $60.00 Adults;

$10.00 for Children.

More information contact Jeanne Clark

(631) 842-6000 Ext. 307

2014 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

The theme this year is, “When we Give We Share the Light of Faith.”

I want to express my appreciation and

gratitude to everyone who has

supported the appeal. Your sacrifices

and prayers have been a wonderful

support and have helped us to reach

our goal and go over. Our goal is

$44,615. We have pledged $48,496.00

and monies collected to this date

amount to $41,914.50. This amount is

from 168 donors. GREAT JOB! Please

continue to honor your pledges. If

there are some who did not pledge,

please prayerfully consider if you are

able to give at this time. Last years

records show that we had 201 donors.

It would be a great help to the parish

if we could achieve that goal.

Remember all monies received over

goal come back to our parish 100%.

Thank you again for the many

sacrifices you continue to make to

support this appeal. Please know that

you are remembered every day in my

prayers.

God Bless,

Msgr. Maresca

We would like to thank all

the students and school

families for volunteering

and supporting our 8th

Annual Parish Festival this

year in so many capacities.

Please try to attend the first

Children’s Liturgy for the

new school year on Sunday,

September 28, 2014 at the

9:30 a.m. Mass.

Please join us for the

9:00 a.m. School Mass on

Friday, October 3 as we

celebrate the feast day of St.

Francis of Assisi.

Society of St. Vincent

de Paul Gives Back 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. Call the Society of St. Vincent de

Paul at (718) 491-2525.

Students, faculty and staff of

LaGuardia Community College are

invited to visit the table of Catholic

Campus Ministry at the Fall Club

Fair in the Atrium on Friday,

October 19th from 2:00 pm until

5:00 pm. For more information

contact:

GFrohnhoefer@lagcc.cuny.edu or

Father.rob.powers@gmail.com

TACHS Preparation Program

A (6) week Program offered

at Holy Cross High School

beginning Saturday,

September 27th. Parents of

students who will be entering

the 8th grade may call the

following number for further

information (914) 771-8577.

The St. John’s

University Speech and Hear-

ing Center

will be offering FREE

hearing Aid Help

They will be conducted from

September 15 - December 15, 2014. This is

a free service and is available for anyone

who has a hearing aid and may be

experiencing some difficulty caring for it or

using it. Please call the center at

(718) 990-6480 to schedule an appointment.

Center located at 152-11 Union Turnpike,

Flushing, N.Y.

Family, Marriage &

Individual Therapy

Professional therapy,

provided by NYS licensed

therapists is available. This

program, under the direction of Dr.

George Guiliani, has been conducted in

the Diocese for the past 36 years. Most

insurance accepted. Appointments

available by calling Dr.Giuliani @

(631) 243-2503 - or go to our website:

http://thecatholiccounselingcenter.com

THIS WEEK NEXT WEEK

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October 5 - October 11

Sunday, October 5

9:30 A.M. Children’s Liturgy—MCH 10:40-12 Noon CCD - School 1:30 P.M. Blessing of Animals—Schoolyard

Monday, October 6 12:30 P.M. Golden Age - Msgr. Campbell Hall 2:30-4:00 P.M. Daisies - MMC 2:50-3:45 P.M. Children’s Choir - Church 7:00 P.M. Adult Choir - Church

Tuesday, October 7

6:30 P.M. AA - R/B

Wednesday, October 8 7:00 P.M. Baptism Class - R 7:00 P.M. Bereavement Meeting - R/B 7:30 P.M. Communion Parents Mtg - MMC

Thursday, October 9

4-5:30 P.M. Legion of Mary - R/B 7:00 P.M. I.A.C.A. - R/B

Friday, October 10 2:30-6:30 P.M. Girl Scouts—MMC

Saturday, October 11

September 28– October 4

Sunday, September 28 Special Collection for the Middle East 9:30 A.M. Children’s Liturgy—MCH 10:40-12 Noon CCD - School 1:30 P.M. Baptisms - Church

Monday, September 29 12:30 P.M. Golden Age - Msgr. Campbell Hall 2:30-4:00 P.M. Daisies - MMC 2:50-3:45 P.M. Children’s Choir - Church 7:00 P.M. Adult Choir - Church

Tuesday, September 30

6:30 P.M. AA - R/B 7:00 P.M. Holy Name Executive Mtg - Rectory

Wednesday, October 1 7:00 P.M. Bereavement Meeting - R/B

Thursday, October 2

4-5:30 P.M. Legion of Mary - R/B 7:00 P.M. I.A.C.A. - Church 7:30 P.M. - Scripture Study - RER

Friday, October 3 2:30-6:30 P.M. Girl Scouts—MMC 10:00 A.M. 2015 Mass Book Opening

Saturday, October 4 9:00 A.M. ~ 84TH ANNIVERSARY OF SFA

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

FOR SEPTEMBER 2014

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sat. Sept. 27th 5pm Samantha Dee, Sal Demma, Leandrea Rodriguez

Sun. Sept. 28th 8am Joseph Todaro, Nicole Pereira, Frankie Marzella

9:30am Lauren Staats, Adrian and Jose Hernandez-Yepez

11am Isabella and Sophia Ortiz, Nikki McNamara

12:30pm Francesco DiMarco, Caterina Gioino

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Altar Servers,

I hope you have a relaxing and safe summer vacation. Please remember your assignments. If you

attend mass and there is no altar server, please come up to serve. I realize that some masses have only one

server or no servers, that is because of vacation schedules. I tried to honor everyone’s vacation schedule.

Please remember to say your prayers everyday and attend mass every weekend, even if you are not

serving or are away. (www.masstimes.org)

Thank you for your service at the altar.

God Bless, Msgr. Maresca