Greetings!
"People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, "Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."
Luke 18: 15-17
May 4, 2019 was a big day at our Parish. We joyously celebrated 21 children receiving the Sacrament of First Communion at a special Mass at 10:00 am and 14 youth receiving the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 5:00 pm Mass.
The children, youth, their parents, and their teachers at St. Francis of Assisi under the guidance of Becky Massingill, Director of Religious Education and Sarah Morris, Director of Youth Ministry, have all worked hard to reach this milestone. We have included fun facts and photos, below.
Please join me in extending best wishes and keeping these young disciples in our prayers.
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Blessings to you and yours,
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VISION:
To be a vibrant community that welcomes, prays, studies, gives, and shares our faith...
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FIRST RECONCILIATION AND COMMUNION
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- Two-year program with weekly classes.
- First Year: two Family Learning Nights - dinner is included.
- Second Year: Family homework and activities plus two retreats.
Parents work with their children throughout both years!
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- One focuses on Reconciliation and the other on Communion.
- Parents are included and everyone gets a delicious meal.
- The Reconciliation Retreat concludes with the student and their parents making confession.
- The Communion Retreat includes activities to further explain the Eucharist.
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Each child completing the First Holy Communion program receives a children's bible as a gift. This is to help them develop their interest and devotion to Sacred Scripture.
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A CHILD'S LETTER TO GOD - thanking God for creation:
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Dear God,
Thank you for creating homes, food, water and all the animals.
When I go there, I see and love you.
When I go there, I hear and love you,
When I go there, I smell and love you,
When I go there, I taste and love you.
When I go there, I feel safe.
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Passionate, experienced teachers and many valuable and dedicated volunteers, especially Jodi Clothier and Patti Barth who both teach the first year class and Erlene Jarcik and Lenee Lienert who teach the second year class.
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- Religious Education is not over! At St. Francis, the RE program continues through elementary school. After that, there is a middle school and high school program.
- Register for the 2019-2020 year NOW to qualify for the early-bird discount. For details, e-mail Becky Massingill.
- Join the Altar Server Ministry! All children are welcome after they have completed their First Communion.
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- It's a two-year program.
- Classes once a week (following the school calendar).
- First Year: In addition to their studies, the students select their sponsor.
- Second Year: More studies ... plus write a letter to the Bishop, write a paper about a saint of their choice, attend the weekend retreat.
Each student also completes a minimum of ten hours of community service.
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On March 31, Adam Kimble, a parishioner, ultra-marathoner, and motivational speaker spoke to our youth about "The Power of Christ in our Lives." Adam explored the concept that
anything is possible when you put your faith and trust in God, pursue your callings, and persevere through the tough challenges and obstacles that might prevent you from making dreams a reality.
Everyone was invited to attend - all ages! It was a lively, motivational, multi-media presentation and very well received.
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- Open to all Confirmation students but required for Confirmation II students.
- Two nights away from home!
- Time is used to deepen the students' faith and relationship with the Holy Spirit.
- Fun activities build friendship among the students.
- There are guest speakers and time for reflection.
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The 2019 Retreat was held at Granlibakken - with rave reviews.
The students raised money with bake sales to make sure everyone could attend!
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All of these high school students have a wide range of interests and have excelled in areas of music, sports, debate, ROTC, and We the People ... to name a few.
Confirmation will help them take their faith with them in whatever they choose to pursue.
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"The joyful surprise this past year was the visit of a black bear during our Confirmation retreat. He was dubbed our "Spirit Animal." The students all took this as a great sign from St. Francis, our patron saint, and I know it was a lasting memory for them."
Sarah Morris
Youth Minister
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A big "thank you" to the many parents who often volunteer to bring food and snacks to class. Anyone who has had teenagers in the house knows the importance of this!
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- We welcome all youth in our Parish to join a ministry and we have many to choose from. We especially encourage participation as a Lector, Usher, or in any of our Hospitality Ministries.
- At St. Francis, we have a scholarship fund to help Parish youth with their college expenses.
- Graduating high school seniors who have been confirmed AND have served in ministry at St. Francis are encouraged to apply.
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ALSO DURING THE MONTH OF MAY:
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Mother's Day is May 12! Join us as we celebrate all Mothers during our weekend Masses on May 11 and 12.
May is also the month devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Set aside time for saying the rosary or other Marian prayers this month. We have some complimentary books on the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Welcome Counter - while supplies last.
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At our Masses during
Memorial Day weekend, May 25 and 26, we will honor members of the Military and First Responders who have given their lives for our country. Please join us as we remember their bravery.
In addition, there will be a Memorial Day Mass on Monday, May 27 at 9:00 am.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
701 Mount Rose Hwy
Incline Village, NV 89451
(775) 831-0490
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