35 Norfield Road Weston, Connecticut 06883 ST. FRANCIS We extend a warm welcome to all who worship at our church! We hope that you will find our parish community to be a place where your faith is nourished.
OF ASSISI Rectory: 203-227-1341 FAX: 203-226-1154 Website: www.stfrancisweston.org Facebook: Saint Francis of Assisi - The PARISH Catholic Community in Weston Religious Education/Youth Ministry: 203-227-8353 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN WESTON Preschool: 203-454-8646
Rectory Office Hours November 10, 2019 Monday Through Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Sunday Masses Saturday Vigil - 5:00 P.M. Sundays 8:00, 9:30 - Family Mass, 11:00 A.M. 5:00 p.m. Scheduled Weekly - Except for Christmas & Easter.
Weekday Masses Monday - Friday- 7:30 A.M. Saturday & Holidays - 9:00 A.M.
Holy Day Masses 7:30 A.M. , Noon , 7:00 P.M.
Novena Novena prayers in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal every Saturday following the 9:00 A.M. Mass.
Sacrament Of Reconciliation Saturdays, 4:00-4:45 P.M.; Sundays 4:00 P.M.
Sacrament Of Baptism The Sacrament of Baptism is offered every Sunday at 12:00 noon. Please make arrangements for the Pre-Baptismal instructions after the birth of the child in person at the rectory. Pre-instruction for both parents is required.
Sacrament Of Matrimony Arrangements must be made at the rectory in person by the couple. Where possible, arrangements should be made one year in advance and no later than six months.
Sacrament Of Anointing Communal anointings of the sick are celebrated. Individual anointings may be celebrated anytime by request.
Hospital And Home Visitation Please notify the parish of any family member who may be ill at home or in the hospital. We welcome the opportunity of visiting them and bringing them the Eucharist
“ Our Mission Statement: In the spirit of Saint Francis, to know Jesus and make Him known. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Weston, CT Pastor’s Page
Saint Martin of Tours’ Story
November 11th we celebrate the Feast of St. Martin of Tours. Born of pagan parents in what is now Hungary, in the year 316 AD and raised in Italy, this son of a veteran was forced at the age of 15 to serve in the army. Martin became a Christian catechumen and was baptized when he was 18. It was said that he lived more like a monk than a soldier. At 23, he refused a war bonus and told his commander: “I have served you as a soldier; now let me serve Christ. Give the bounty to those who are going to fight. But I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight.” After great difficulties, he was discharged and went to be a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers.
He was ordained as an exorcist and worked with great zeal against the Arians. Martin became a monk, living first at Milan and later on a small island. When Hilary was restored to his see following his exile, Martin returned to France and established what may have been the first French monastery near Poitiers. He lived there for 10 years, forming his disciples and preaching throughout the countryside.
The people of Tours demanded that he become their bishop. Martin was drawn to that city by a ruse—the need of a sick person—and was brought to the church, where he reluctantly allowed himself to be consecrated bishop. Some of the consecrating bishops thought his rumpled appearance and unkempt hair indicated that he was not dignified enough for the office.
Along with Saint Ambrose, Martin rejected Bishop Ithacius’ principle of putting heretics to death—as well as the intrusion of the emperor into such matters. He prevailed upon the emperor to spare the life of the heretic Priscillian. For his efforts, Martin was accused of the same heresy, and Priscillian was executed after all. Martin then pleaded for a cessation of the persecution of Priscillian’s followers in Spain. He still felt he could cooperate with Ithacius in other areas, but afterwards his conscience troubled him about this decision.
St. Martin was so loved that as his death approached, Martin’s followers begged him not to leave them. He prayed, “Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse the work. Your will be done.” St. Martin died on November 11 , 387ad. St Martin is the patron saint of horses and soldiers.
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Sincerely Yours in Christ, Rev. Jeffrey W. Couture
The thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary time
Next Week, Nov. 16th & 17th
Ushers/Greeters 5:00 p.m. Joe Kaddis 5:00 p.m. John Bell, Sr. (D) by Sarah Napolitano 8:00 am. Mike McGlone Sunday, Nov.10th- The Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 9:30 a.m. Bogdan Karwowski 8:00 a.m. Chris Kopas (L) by the Fleming Family 11:00 a.m. Carmen Sabatelli 9:30 a.m. Bogdan Karwowski (L) by Robert and Helen Pryor 11:00 a.m. John Bell, Sr. (D) by Sarah Napolitano Eucharistic Ministers 5:00 p.m. George Guerin (D) by Patrick Guerin Monday, Nov. 11th-St. Martin of Tours, Bishop-Veteran’s Day 5:00 p.m. Vigil Kay Byrnes, Mike Byrnes, 9:00 a.m. Donald F. Carter (D) Marc Fontaine Tuesday, Nov. 12th-Saint Josaphat, Martyr 8:00 a.m. Mike Komar, ElizabethMaglione, Mike 7:30 a.m. Sharon Kluchnick (D) by the McCarthy and Smith McGlone Family 9:30 a.m. Deacon Tom, Carol Palumbo, Peg Wednesday, Nov. 13th-Weekday-Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Shaeffer 7:30 a.m. Mary Elizabeth Judith Helen Doyle Ahearn (D) by 11:00 a.m. Karen Cornell, Elise Major, Mark Bill Doino, Jr. Unangst Thursday, Nov. 14th-Weekday- 5:00 p.m. Nancy Murgalo 7:30 a.m. Mary Piscelli Vasquez (D) Friday, Nov. 15th-Weekday-St. Albert the Great, Bishop Lectors 7:30 a.m. Donald F. Carter (D) 5:00 p.m. Vigil Sandy Mumbach Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Hicks, Professor Emeritus of 8:00 a.m. John Crowe 9:30 a.m. Lisa Moskal Sacred Heart University, will be held in the double classroom this 11:00 a.m. Nicole Solis Tues., Nov. 12th @ 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. All are welcome. For 5:00 p.m. Declan Miles more information, please call Gloria Doino at 203.349.5443 Altar Servers
5:00 p.m. Vigil Denise Walsh 8:00 a.m. Kayla Baines and Emma Baines 9:30 a.m. Grace Forte, Sophia Forte, Annika Moskal 11:00 a.m. Sean Creamer 5:00 p.m. Marc Mbwa-Mboma
Counters Chris Pohlmann and Marcellin Mbwa-Mboma
How are we doing this month compared to last year?
September 2019 September 2018 Delta
$23,205 $25,778 ($2,573)
$3,555 $10,738 ($7,183)
$26,760 $36,516 ($9,756)
How are we tracking to our annual budget?
July 2019- - September 2019 –
Actuals Budget Delta
$73,306 $108,453 ($35,147) Religious Education News September 30, 2018
Learning….. Religious Ed. Office Hours Learning…..
Loving…. Monday-Thursday 10:30 am -5:30 pm Loving…. Living… Living… CHRIST! CHRIST!
Important Upcoming dates:
Tuesday, November 5th and Wednesday, November 6th - No Religious Ed. Wednesday, November 6th , Religious Ed. Make up for grades 4th -5th 6-7:15pm Saturday and Sunday November 16th and 17th – Bake sale at all Masses Wednesday, November 20th , Religious Ed. Make up for grades 7th -8th 6-7:15pm Wednesday, November 20th , Religious Ed. Online Class - 6-7:15pm Sunday, November 24th Letters of Intent due
This week the 6th graders enjoyed playing Kahoot, a game-based learning platform, to see how much they are retaining. We covered, Prayers, Sacraments, and Bible. The students loved competing against each other and did really well! Everyone is ready and excited to do it again the next time we meet. I encourage you to ask your child to share his or her experience.
Parents, you are always welcomed and encouraged to come and observe a class at any time. Come see what your children are learning!
Love and Peace Gina Fleming
Preschool News
Our Preschoolers have had a busy season! Our Halloween parade and party afterward was attended by children and parents. Our classrooms are enjoying story time together and invited their parents to listen to a story they created themselves.
Our Mommy and Me playgroup has begun! If you are interested in joining this playgroup for children and their parents from birth to toddler age, please join us on Mondays at 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Space is limited, so please call us at 203 454 8646 to register. –Marianne Keith, Director
Events November 10, 2019
Our Annual Thanksgiving Drive is here! Please consider joining us as we spread love to those around us who are in need. We are sponsoring baskets for Sister T's Mission in Bridgeport and Weston Social Services. Weston Social Services is currently helping 136 individuals with 43 seniors and 29 children.
.Here's how to help with our Thanksgiving Baskets:
1. Sponsor a basket on your own. This is a great project as a family or maybe 2 families working together. It is also a great project for a soccer club, confirmation class or Girl Scout Troop. The necessary ingredients are listed below. Feel free to personalize the baskets with drawings/ Sundays after 9:30 a.m. Mass homemade cards from the kids Our seniors especially love the cards! You can involve kids who need service hours by Talk it up with your friends and come join the fun! having them personalize the basic for a child their age or a senior. Have them pick out a favorite snack, picture book, St. Francis provides the coffee, tea, sugar, juice and paper candle, pretty napkins or even playing cards. Have them products. write a note or card with it. For information or to volunteer to help, please contact Carol Palumbo at 203-227-3271 or 2. Donate a check written to St. Francis with a special nota- [email protected] tion in the memo section "Thanksgiving Baskets" & we will shop for you! Drop it off at the office, place it in weekly collection or mail it to 35 Norfield Rd. *Thank you to the Religious Education First Communion Please email me at [email protected]) to let me know if Families for hosting this week. Next week’s hosts are the you would like to take on a basket, so that I can keep a tally, or if Preschool Families. you will be sending a check, so I can plan a shopping trip. Thank you in advance for helping! Hosts are needed for the following weekends: 12/29, 1/5, 1/19, 2/2 Suggested items for each basket: -$25 Stop and Shop Gift card for the purchase of a turkey, milk & butter -Bag of potatoes -Fresh vegetables/ fruit( something that does not refrigeration like whole carrots, squash, onions, apples or oranges) or a $15 Stop and Shop gift card to purchase (The families we are reaching out to eat canned vegetables all year, so we are trying to provide fresh for the holiday). -Gravy packets( no glass please) -Canned cranberry sauce, stuffing (bagged or boxed), rolls (not refrigerated), coffee or tea, cookies or pie (some sort of dessert, not refrigerated) (We have to avoid items that need refrigeration as it may take a few days for all the baskets to get delivered to the families.) ****Please drop off baskets by Sat., Nov. 23rd in the back of the Church***************
Thank you, St. Francis, for your generosity. Missy
“When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love!” Pope Francis
Parish Calendar .St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Sunday, Nov. 10 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time The Catholic Community in Weston 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass 35 Norfield Road • Weston, Connecticut 06883 9:30 a.m. Sunday Family Mass Parish Office: (203) 227-1341 10:15 a.m. Coffee Social Rev. Jeffrey W. Couture, Pastor 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass [email protected] Rev. Joseph Sidera, CSC-Resident 5:00 p.m. Youth Mass Thomas J. McManus, Deacon Mon. Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day [email protected] Parish Office Closed Kimberley Del Corso, Parish Administrator 9:00 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Tues., Nov. 12 Gina Fleming, Director of Religious Education [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Priscilla Mahar, Director of Y outh Ministry Weds., Nov. 13 [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Elizabeth Crocitto, Religious Education Administrative Assistant 8:00 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration [email protected] Thurs., Nov. 14 Marianne Keith, Preschool Director [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Mary Odierna, Preschool Program Coordinator Fri., Nov. 15 [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Don Rickenback, Music Coordinator Sat., Nov. 16 [email protected] William Smith, Maintenance Supervisor 9:00 a.m. Daily Mass Jose Trujillo, Maintenance Assistant Immaculate Conception Novena Parish Pastoral Council 4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Mike Byrnes, Joanne Daversa, Chris Eidt, Pam Franco, Ann Garvey, 5:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass Missy Iatesta, Keri Kelleher, Andrew Knuth, Elise Major, Leigh Sunday, Nov. 17 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Meccay, Lisa Moskal, Nancy Murgalo, Stephen Odierna 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass Parish Trustees Mike Byrnes and Elise Major 9:30 a.m. Sunday Family Mass Worship Ministry 10:15 a.m. Coffee Social Coordinator: Stephen Odierna (544-8834) 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass [email protected] 5:00 p.m. Youth Mass Altar Servers: Priscilla Mahar Mon., Nov. 18 [email protected] Arts & Environment: Joan Curran, 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Tues., Nov. 19 Eucharistic Ministers: Peggy Shaeffer 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Weds. Nov. 20 Lectors: Chris Eidt (762-7987) 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass [email protected] Spiritual Formation 8:00 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration Coordinator: Pam Franco (227-5821) Thurs., Nov. 21 Religious Education: Gina Fleming (227-8353) 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass Adult Education: Gloria Doino, Anita Field Fri., Nov. 22 [email protected] 7:30 a.m. Daily Mass R.C.I.A.: Pam Franco [email protected] Sat., Nov. 23 Community Outreach 9:00 a.m. Daily Mass Coordinators: Melissa & Robert Iatesta (227-4668) Immaculate Conception Novena [email protected] 4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Soup Kitchen: Linda Nash (226-7680) Network of Care: Carina Silvestri (226-0884) 5:00 p.m. Sunday Vigil Mass Pastoral Care Ministry: Anita Field (938-0874) [email protected] Communications Ministry Coordinator: Leigh Meccay [email protected] Webmaster: Rosa Lagana [email protected] Social Events Ministry St. Francis of Assisi Parish Phone Numbers Coordinator: Joanne Daversa [email protected] Finance Council Preschool: 203 454 8646 Members: Mike Byrnes, Joe Jordan, Andrew Knuth, Chairman(226-9178), Blandine Lewine, Elise Major Rel. Education Office 203 227 8353 [email protected] Knights of Columbus Parish Office 203 227 1341, ext. 127 Mike Purdy [email protected] Fr. Jeff 203 227 1341, ext. 128 Women’s Guild Kathy Failla [email protected]