The Franciscan St. Parish 900 H. Street, Bakersfield CA 93304 Phone: 661-327-4734 / Fax: 661-377-0363 www.stfran.org

Temporary Outdoor The Mission of St. Francis of Assisi Parish is to provide a safe, welcoming environment of Schedule (Subject to Change) Catholic worship, evangelization & fellowship, living in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Saturday 7:00 AM (English) Location - Parking Lot area West St. Francis Parish Clergy of The Youth Center Rev. Theophane N. Antony, Administrator Pro-Tem Rev. Anton J. Muthuneidalage, Parochial Vicar/Hosp. Ministry 7:30 PM (Vietnamese) Rev. Warnakulasooriya, Parochial Vicar/Hosp. Ministry Location - East Parking Lot, Outside Deacon Joseph Lubatti of Mary’s Chapel Deacon Francis Moore

Sunday Deacon Hugo Navarrete 7:00 AM (English) Deacon Scotty Bourne, Ret. Detention Ministry Rev. Msgr. Nathaniel Diokwere, Ret.- In Residence Location - West Parking Lot, in Front

of Msgr. Lahey Hall

Livestream Mass Sunday @ 10:00 AM St. Francis Parish School Rev. Theophane N. Antony, Administrator Pro-Tem St. Francis Parish Facebook Kelli Gruszka, Principal Weekdays Cindy Schoorl, Vice Principal 6:30 AM (English) Sr. Cris Caballero, RSM, Spiritual Director Location - Parking Lot area West 2516 Palm Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304

of The Youth Center Phone: 661-326-7955/Fax: 661-327-0395 Sacrament of Penance

Saturday after the morning Mass St. Francis Religious Education

Eucharistic Adoration Dinah Marquez, Director of Religious Education Temporarily On Hold 2424 Palm Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304 Phone: 661-323-8800

Administration Front Office Communications

Deacon Francis Moore, Chief of Operations Carla Medina, Parish Secretary Sandra Galicia, Bulletin Editor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Danny Berber, Facilities Manager Security [email protected] Accounting Stella Garcia-Hernandez, Accounting Church and School Security: [email protected] 661-201-2489

Bulletin for August, 2020 The Month Dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Praised be Christ.

Dear Francis Family,

I have been here almost three weeks and it has been such a pleasure and a wonderful experience to serve this faith community and I thank God for you!

Catholic worship in our Parish, long characterized by its adherence to tradition, have been significantly al- tered by the pandemic. It has completely changed our lives. Let me bring to your kind attention that the his- tory of humanity is one of survival. Think of our forefathers who survived two world wars, the great depres- sion of 1930s, the Korean and Vietnam war, and many more challenges in their lives! Saint Paul reminds us that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8, 28). Let us thank God for our faith, and please hold on to it. Fr. Joe and myself keep you in our prayers every day. We also have started our staff Rosary daily at the rectory entrance patio. What a beautiful thing, to begin our day with a prayer. Credit goes to our wonderful staff.

Thanks to Msgr. Nathaniel, Fr. Joseph, Fr Anton, Deacon Francis and an amazing staff, here at Saint Francis. I cannot thank you enough for everything you do for the people of God. Our Parish is truly blessed with many deacons; Deacon Scotty Bourne, Deacon Hugo Navarrete, Deacon Joe Lubatti. Thank you for your ministry at Saint Francis. I look forward to meeting with our ministry leaders and their members. Fr Joseph has been appointed as the administrator at Our Lady of the Snow in Frazier Park. Congratulations!

The viewing and funeral Mass for Msgr. Swett went very well. Since it was a private celebration, many of our parishioners could not attend but thanks to all those who prayed for him and those who did their final tribute to great shepherd. Deacon Francis and myself co-celebrated the funeral Mass. May his soul rest in peace.

I have been visiting Saint Francis School and I look forward to serving our school community. Thanks to Mrs. Gruszka, Mrs. Schoorl, Mrs. Baker, all our teachers and staff for forming our future. I would request the parents and friends of Saint Francis School, please continue to support this abode of wisdom and knowledge.

Take care of yourself, stay safe, stay healthy.

Blessings, Fr. Theo

St. Francis Parish & Ministry Announcements

Father Theo Father Theophane N. Antony is a Discalced Carmelite priest who was born and raised in a Cath- olic family in Kerala, India. He joined the Carmelite Order at the age of 16 and became a mission- ary priest on January 2nd 1997. Having taught at the Carmelite minor seminary for two months, he set off to a mission station in Northern India where he served two years. In the following years, he went to Anna Malai University and obtained a master's degree in Applied Psychology. He served four years as a lecturer of psychology at the Carmelite Center of Theology and Spirituality in In- dia. In 2005 he went to Los Angeles, California, where he served as a hospital chaplain at Saint Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, for three years. He joined the Diocese of Fresno in 2008 and served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Helen’s Church in Fresno and later was assigned, Pastor at Saint Lucy’s Church in Fowler. Father Theo states, it has been truly a blessing to have the oppor- tunity to serve under three Bishops of our diocese; Bishop John Steinbock, Bishop Armando Ochoa and lately Bishop Joseph Brennen. Father Theo has done extensive research and studies in psychology in various universities including Cal State Los Angeles, California School of Professional Psychology (Alliant International University) Fresno Campus, and California Southern University. He has conducted several mental health workshops in the United States, India and Australia. His specialty is psycho-spiritual inter- ventions in treating anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association since 2008. In 2015 he obtained his doctorate in Clinical Psychology and the following year, he became an adjunct professor of psychology at Oakhurst Community College. For the past three years, he has been teaching Psychotherapy online at Fresno State University, now appointed Administrator Pro-Tem to our wonderful Parish Family!

Father Joe I was born as the third child to Law- rence and Clara Thottukadavil, on September 11, 1952, in the Parish of St. Mary’s, Thanky, in the Diocese of Kochi, We Invite you to join us in our parking lot in Kerala, India. My siblings are Antony, services! We are now offering Saturday, Sunday and daily Mass. Please refer to the Eliza, Rita, Joe and Rani. The middle pair cover page for detail information. of brother and sister are a Priest and Nun in the Carmelite Order. *Masks are required. I joined the Seminary of the Carmelite Or- der in 1971 and am Ordained a Priest on December 18, 1982. As a priest before Sanctuary Lamps coming to the US in 2017, I served in dif- ~ Deceased Family Members of Julie Yoro ferent parts of India- Mumbai, Manjum- ~Isabelle Church & Family mel, Gwalior, Pius Nagar, Kolayad and ~Arthur J. Rodrigues Odisha. For the past three years I have ~John P. Miksits been serving at ’s Church, ~Walt Widhalm Sonora, CA. Anointing of the Sick is cancelled until further notice. For more information please

contact the front office. St. Francis Parish & Ministry Announcements Religious Education Youth Program Marriage Bans

We continue to attend mass at home The Month of September through fb livestreamed at 10am Travis Watts & Lauren Antongiovanni on Sundays. Remember to prepare a Sacred Space for Julian Romero & Raquel Rosa Mass in your home. Ruben Espinoza & Yvette Salazar

“Temporary” registration forms are available Alexander Marquez & Jessica Sandoval online at stfran.org under Ministries and Faith Formation. You may mail in completed forms to Saint In John 10:27–28 Jesus states that: "My sheep hear my voice, Francis Religious Education, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give to them 2424 Palm Street, 93304 or email to eternal life; and they shall never perish." [email protected]

All classes will be online via Zoom this fall, In memory of parishioners who have been given the gift of including parents orientations. eternal life in the month of June 2020 with services through St. Francis: 3rd - 4th - 5th Grades Youth Group Will be starting back up in October Nana Williams Salvador Ibarra Maria Guadalupe Ponce Jose De La Luz Marcelina Sotelo Gavin Pelayo Esther Franco Velda Pena Frank Arambula Ingeborg Sesanto Charles Hernandez Laura Paulk Religious Education for High School Our funeral team wishes to accompany those who are Temporary registration forms are online at stfran.org under Ministries grieving and to show the light of Jesus Christ risen to those and Faith Formation. whose hearts are broken. Our Parish embraces all who are You may mail in completed forms to Saint Francis Parish High School Confirmation, 900 H Street, 93304 mourning and gives direction for funeral services. We give or email to: [email protected] thanks to God for the deceased's life and hold family and friends close in prayer as we travel together through these The diocese should have the new liability release forms ready this difficult times. month. All our groups will be online via Zoom in September. Once again, we find ourselves unable to hold funeral Masses in the church at this time. We will continue to provide grave- All returning 2nd year students MUST fill out a new registration form. side services, chapel services, and schedule memorial masses Due to COVID 19 Middle School and High School Youth Ministries for a future time as allowed. For any questions please contact are on hold until October. Roylene See through the Parish Office.

“Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Saint Francis of Assisi

Religious Education for Adults

Even if we can’t sit in His presence at church, or We are continuing with the Sacrament of Bap- receive Him in the Blessed Sacrament His presence tism and Baptism classes via zoom. Contact is everywhere in creation and in each other! Bianca in the church office for more “Temporary” registration forms are online at information. (661) 327-4734 stfran.org under Ministries and Faith Formation. You may mail in completed forms to Saint Francis Parish Religious Education at 900 H Street, 93304 or email to: [email protected] Parish Office Hours

The diocese should have the new liability release Monday thru Thursday forms ready to complete registrations this month. All our groups will be online via Zoom this fall. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

St. Francis Parish Community News Recitation of the Rosary The Queenship of Mary Staff members of the St. Francis Saint of the day for August 22 Parish gather weekday mornings Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But to pray the rosary. We welcome Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. you to call the office with your As Saint Paul suggests in Romans 8:28–30, God has predestined human beings from all eternity special intentions. to share the image of his Son. All the more was Mary predestined to be the mother of Jesus. As Prayer to End The Coronavirus Pandemic Jesus was to be king of all creation, Mary, in Pope Francis dependence on Jesus, was to be queen. All oth- O Mary, er titles to queenship derive from this eternal intention of God. As Jesus exercised his king- You shine continuously on our journey ship on earth by serving his Father and his fel- as a sign of salvation and hope. low human beings, so did Mary exercise her We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, queenship. As the glorified Jesus remains with who, at the foot of the cross, us as our king till the end of time (Matthew were united with Jesus’ suffering, 28:20), so does Mary, who was assumed into and persevered in your faith. heaven and crowned queen of heaven and earth. “Protectress of the Roman people”, you know our needs, WONDERING WHO TO CALL? and we know that you will provide,

so that, as at Cana in Galilee, PARISH CONTACTS

joy and celebration may return • Baptism of infants and children under seven years of age: after this time of trial. Bianca Bravo, [email protected]

• Sacraments for children seven years of age Help us, Mother of Divine Love, through High School: to conform ourselves to the will of the Father Angelica Victoria and Tracy Rodriguez @ The Religious Education at (661) 323-8800, 2424 Palm Street and to do what Jesus tells us.

• Baptism / First Communion / Confirmation for For he took upon himself our suffering, Adults & High School Confirmation: and burdened himself with our sorrows Dinah Pequeno, [email protected] to bring us, through the cross, • Parish Scheduling/ Quinceaneras: Carla Medina, [email protected] to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. • Marriage, Weddings, and Convalidations: Francie Marchetti, [email protected] We fly to your protection, • Bulletin Submissions and Sacramental Certificates: Sandra Galicia, [email protected] O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions • Sick and Death Anniversary Lists: Sr. Mary Impellizzeri, [email protected] in our necessities, but deliver us always • RCIC 9th through 12th grade not baptized and Spanish RCIA adults: from every danger, Alma Navarrete, [email protected] O Glorious and Blessed . Last Month’s Weekly Collections June 28 2020 - July 5 2020 - July 12, 2020 - July 19 2020 - July 4, 2020 July 11, 2020 July 18, 2020 July 25, 2020

Total: $16,025 Total: $24,784 Total: $23,064 Total: $18,991

We Appreciate Your Donations! Donations can be mailed into the church office. 900 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304

"It’s not just about working hard, it’s about working together. You have to care more about the team than you do yourself." ~ Coach John Calipari, College Basketball~

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