Christmas Eve Children's Homily 2011

Fr. Jim gathers the children round him (Fr. Jim is seated far right & center) as he holds a giant candy cane and speaks to the children of Jesus as the good shepherd.  The children's Mass is traditionally the 5 p.m. Mass on Christmas Eve.

The Mass began with a posada or the asking by Joseph for room in the Inn, followed by a procession of children bringing the baby Jesus (statue) and placing him in the manger.  Fr. Jim then blessed the manger scene and the congregation lifted their voices in song with the Gloria.

Thank you to all those who took part in the procession and to all those who shared their company with us on this holy evening.  Merry Christmas!

RE classes resume Sunday, January 8

Religious Education classes resume Sunday, January 8 with Family Session A.  (There are no classes the week of December 19/21 through January 2/4).  Monday & Wednesday classes resume January 8 & 11.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Photos from the St. Nick & Donuts Social

If you are viewing this on an iphone or ipad, click here to see the album.

Thank you to all those who stopped by this past Sunday, December 18 to visit St. Nicholas and to share the enjoyment of your company with us!
Thank you to Cici and John Miller and the middle school youth helpers for making all those delicious donuts.  Thank you to Rich Badics for playing the role of St. Nicholas.  Thank you to the Sunday Coffee & Donuts crew and to all those who helped make this event possible.  Merry Christmas!

St. Nick & Homemade Donuts: Sunday, December 18

If your plans include attending the 8:45 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Masses this Sunday, December 18, then stop in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) after Mass.  Enjoy homemade donuts (courtesy of Cici and John Miller), fresh fruit, & coffee.  St. Nick will be present with a simple gift for the children.  See you soon!

Living Nativity Procession: Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m.

You and your family are invited to the Living Nativity Procession this Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. beginning in Church!  The story of the birth of Jesus Christ is told with live animals, light acting, song and scripture and a candlelit walk.  A grand party follows the procession with refreshments for all and games for the children.

Calling all children for the Nativity Procession!

We are now recruiting children for the roles of angels, shepherds, townsfolk, and the king's caravan.  Sign up by using the Sign Up Form.
Read more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Combined sessions of Family RE A & B meet on November 20. (Please refer to your email regarding changed room assignments for B classes.

There are no Religious Education afternoon and evening classes on Monday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 23.  The First Reconciliation meeting is Sunday, November 20 at 3 p.m. and Monday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the PAC.  Happy Thanksgiving!

First Reconciliation Meeting: Sunday/Monday, November 20/21

The First Reconciliation Meeting for parent and child is this Sunday, November 20 at 3 p.m. and Monday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  Parents, please attend one of these meetings with your child.

Tapas & Art: Thursday, December 1 at 6:30 pm. (PAC)

Rembrandt:  The Face of Christ

TAPAS & ART:  Thursday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m. (PAC)

The Face of Christ in Our Midst  

WHAT:  An enjoyable evening of Tapas (Spanish mini-dishes) & Art

WHEN:  Thursday, December 1^st at 6:30 PM

WHERE:  Parish Activities Center  (PAC)

WHO:  Our guest speaker, Fr. Peter Fenessy, will talk on the artwork of Rembrandt, currently on exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts, in the presentation, "Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus."   Fr. Fenessy is experienced in theology and the arts and is currently helping with the DIA exhibit.

HOW:  RSVP by using the sign up form or contact us and let us know the name and number attending.

Cost is $10 per person or $30 per family.  Cost includes dinner.  The Art Presentation begins at 7 p.m.  Childcare is available in the school preschool room for the evening.  Children up to age 10 years are welcome in childcare.  (A simple meal and activities will be provided for the children). 

For more information, please contact Marty Lucas at mlucas@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2125 or Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2132.

Nativity Choir Practice Begins Wed, Nov. 9 and Sun, Nov.13

Children interested in singing in the Nativity Procession (December 11) are invited to choir practice starting Wednesday, November 9 (grades K-3) at 4:30 p.m. in church and Sunday, November 13 (grades 4-6) at 9:30 a.m. in the school music room.  Sign up by showing up!  Contact Ellen Ward at 734-821-2132 or ward@stfrancisa2.org for information.

Happy Hallow's Eve and a Blessed All Saint's Day

There are no 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. classes on Monday, October 31 and Wednesday, November 2.

Matt Maher Concert for Middle School Youth

Sorry,our tickets are sold out! Please feel free to call Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth to see if perhaps they have tickets.  If so, please plan on driving and attending as a family.

Sign up for the "Love in Between Tour" featuring eight-time dove award nominee & Christian Rock singer Matt Maher!  The excitement begins Saturday, October 29 at 5:45 p.m.  We meet in the PAC and will travel to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth for this event.  Tickets are limited!  (And remember to fill out and complete the Field Trip Permission Form).  Click on the Middle School Youth Group above the slideshow for more information.

A Presentation on the Mass Word Changes

On the first Sunday of Advent, the Church begins using the new (Roman missal) translation during Mass.  Interested in knowing more about the word changes in the Mass?  The whys, the whats, and the wheres of these new changes? 

Fr. Jim will be presenting on the Mass on Sundays, October 23 & repeating the presentation again on Sunday, October 30 at 11:15 a.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  All are invited! 

Child care is available in the preschool room (located in the school).  For more information, contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132 or Marty Lucas at mlucas@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2125.

(BTW:  Fr. Jim’s presentation follows the Family Session in the PAC.  So, if you arrive early, be bear with us as we conclude the Family Session and transition to the presentation.  All are welcome!)

2012 Date of Confirmation

The 2011-12 date for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for St. Francis Parish is Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m. in church. Candidates and sponsors will be asked to arrive by 1:30 p.m.  The date for rehearsal is Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Religious Education Classes Begin

Religious Education classes have begun! It's not too late to register your children! For more information, contact the Religious Education office at stfreled [at] stfrancisa2 [dot] org or 734-821-2130. You can enroll your children using our on-line or paper registration form.