Holy Week 2020 “at the Casa”
For the first time, we celebrated Holy Week apart but together, with more than 18,000 YouTube views of the Casa's liturgies and prayers! Some of you even “attended” Mass outside in your yard on Easter morning to keep the tradition. On social media, Fr. Sam shared the lonely feeling of an empty Palm Court on Holy Saturday, and you immediately replied with many words of love and encouragement. What a caring and connected community we are!

You continue to send us letters, emails, and phone calls about how touched you have been by our liturgies, prayers, and communication efforts. And it’s no surprise that many of you were comforted by Fr. Peter’s Easter dance. Here’s one message we received on Facebook:

“After watching the beautiful (Easter) Mass, I got a great feeling, as I always do when I’m there in person. And when Fr. Peter ended the Mass and started his dance, with his hat, like he does when the service is outside, I both choked up and laughed, and knew everything was going to be all right! We members of the Casa needed that bit of “normalcy.”

Yes, we all need some normalcy!

Visit our YouTube channel for Daily Mass, Monday - Saturday at 8 am and Sunday Mass on Saturdays at 5 pm .


Witness an Ancient Franciscan Tradition
Our friars engaged in an ancient Franciscan tradition on April 16, the date St. Francis received approval for the Rule of Life of the Order of Friars Minor (called the “Primitive Rule”) from Pope Innocent III, in 1209. Br. John Boissy, OFM, renewed his temporary vows and the rest of our friars made a recommitment to their Franciscan way of life. If you missed this very touching ceremony, you can watch it here .

Earth Week is Coming!
It’s spring—a time of renewal and rebirth. While we are socially distancing, we can still see nature blooming and hear baby birds chirping outside our windows or during our safe outings for fresh air. To celebrate Earth Week (April 19 – 26), the Casa’s Care for Creation ministry team invites you to participate in eco-conscious programs and prayers each day. Please visit the ministry's webpage for all of the information.

Staying Social with Family Catechesis
The Casa’s Family Catechesis and Youth Ministries are staying connected by meeting up on Zoom and social media! Donna Kinzie, our Family Catechesis and Infant Baptism Coordinator, shares some family-focused resources t o build and strengthen your  Domestic Church.  
 
  • Parent Life — for resources on various topics for parents of teens.
  • Summit— for resources on doing youth ministry as a family in your home.
  • Enjoy a special ice cream treat for Divine Mercy Sunday on April 19. This fun sundae activity is sure to be a hit with kids.
  • Work on the free Divine Mercy coloring page near Divine Mercy Sunday.
  • Be a Good Steward of the planet God created for us. Explore ways to help the environment through your actions at home. Pick one project or lifestyle change to do as a family. Consider this activity by coordinating a prayer hour with family and friends via Zoom on Earth day, April 22nd.
  • Plant a backyard garden. This is a perfect time to plan a summer garden or start cooler weather crops. Even a small garden can help children feel close to God through His Creation. If gardening really isn’t your thing, considering growing a small indoor plant. (Here are Mary Garden ideas, if you want to make one.)

This Week’s Franciscan Vision Classes
(courtesy of the Franciscan School of Theology)

Lady Jacopa dei Settesoli with Darleen Pryds, PhD

A Franciscan View of Kings with Garrett Galvin, OFM, President of the FST

Thank you for your support!
You support is a testament that our community remains strong and undeterred, even when we are not able to be physically together on our beloved Casa grounds. As you know, we are not just a church, but also a renewal center. A big part of our revenues come from other religious and non-profit organizations that book our facilities for their retreats and meetings. Because of the pandemic, all those groups have cancelled or postponed their events, leaving us with zero income from hosted meetings and retreats. We are relying on you to help us continue our mission, acknowledging that some of you might need to prioritize the well-being of your family first. That is why we are extremely grateful for you who have been able to still send donations to us during this time. A winter resident community member (who is staying connected online) shares:

“Thank you for sharing your talents, inspiration and gifts with the world! We made a donation as a symbol of our appreciation and desire to keep you running for years to come, as you touch many lives and offer a unique gift to the world.”

In addition to the many forms of contributions we receive (check, credit card, cash, stock), we have been approached by community members requesting the option of ACH payments. If interested, please click here for the form. The most secure ways for us to receive the completed form would be to personally drop off the form at the Casa or call our Resource Development Director, Michael Stephan, at 480.306.4589 with your information.

We continue working, preparing, and praying to welcome you home. Until then, be well and stay connected with us at TheCasaFRC on Facebook and YouTube !    


Peace and good,

The Casa friars and staff