The Guiding Power of Hope
"Hope is the most fragile of all virtues
because it requires a leap of faith beyond evidence.
Hope is that inner conviction that life,
despite its pain, loses and disappointments
is still open to new possibilities,
to the unexpected, to the amazing and the marvelous."
From Father Bill's Homily; November 3, 2019
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The Liturgy Committee at St. Francis has some suggestions for Advent that will transform our hearts with the
Guiding Power of Hope.
Please consider at least a few of them and transform your Advent into something truly special as you prepare for the coming of Jesus with anticipation and
hope.
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Blessings to you and yours,
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Katie Christensen
Pastoral Associate
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WAYS TO FOCUS ON THE GUIDING POWER OF HOPE
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Our 2019 devotional pamphlet with daily reflections, practices and prayers will be available after all Masses on the First Weekend of Advent, November 30 and December 1.
Commit now to spending some time each day in prayer and reflection ... perhaps with other family members or close friends.
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Wreath Lighting at our weekend Masses will take us deeper into the meaning of Advent:
The 1st Week of Advent, we remember the
Gift of Hope ...
and that God keeps his promises.
The 2nd Week of Advent, we remember the
Gift of Peace ...
and the peace that Jesus gives us.
The 3rd Week of Advent, we remember the
Gift of Joy ...
and the knowledge that our Lord makes our joy complete.
The 4th Week of Advent, we remember the
Gift of Love ...
and our mission to open our hearts and spread that love.
If you are out-of-town and wish to receive a copy of our Parish Wreath Lighting Prayers, please
send an e-mail to HelenN@sftahoe.org with
"Wreath Lighting Prayers" in the subject line.
During each week of Advent, our bulletin will include reflections and scripture readings to include with your wreath lighting at home during the week.
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ADVENT COMMUNAL
RECONCILIATION SERVICE
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Tuesday, December 3 at 6:00 pm
In
this video
,
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses why confessing the same sins over and over isn’t entirely a bad thing. He also offers some ways we can make our confessions more effective in helping us avoid those same sins in the future. He also encourages us to move past simply wanting forgiveness and into having true repentance so we can experience deep conversion and freedom.
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Give hope to others. Please bring new, warm socks
stuffed
with toiletries or snacks to church during Advent.
Ideas for "stuffing:"
toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, small shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant, energy bar, beef jerky, nuts, and a hand-written card with a message of hope and love.
Directions: stuff one sock inside of the other, fill the sock, tie with a scruchie or bow.
There will be a collection basket in the gathering area.
Your gifts will be delivered to The Truckee Warming Shelter, Family Resource Centers, Catholic Charities in Reno and other local non-profits.
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STAYING CONNECTED ... ON-LINE
MORE WAYS TO PREPARE OUR HEARTS FOR THE LORD
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Users of MyParish App will notice a new background design during Advent ... and even better, the addition of an
"Advent" button.
Click the button to read a daily reflection on the Mass readings as we Prepare our Hearts for the Lord.
If you are not yet using the MyParish App on your smart phone, download for free here and have the convenience of our bulletins, church calendar or events, homilies and much more at your fingertips!
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What is FORMED.org?
Faith building online … on your time … for free. Watch movies, listen to audio books, listen to talks on being Catholic, read an e-mail, start a small study group with friends and family, subscribe to a daily reflection by e-mail.
Over 4,000 titles – now available on almost any device. Search for “Formed” on your favorite app store.
Want some recommendations for December, 2019?
click here.
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Other Advent On-Line Options
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BEST ADVENT EVER is a
free email program from Dynamic Catholic that will help you
slow down and focus on what matters most during this busy season. Each day of Advent, you’ll receive an email with an inspirational video, practical tips, and encouraging stories.
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ADVENT WITH
RICHARD ROHR
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You're invited to celebrate the joyous season of Advent with Richard Rohr!
Each day of Advent, receive Scripture readings, prayers, and meditations on this joyful season from the book
Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent,
by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM (one of Father Bill's favorite authors).
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UNITED STATES COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
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The USCCB website has a wealth of information on Advent, including an interactive
Advent Calendar with a daily reading and reflection
. There are also prayers for your Advent Wreath lighting and a Christmas Tree blessing.
Get all the details
here
.
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A SEASON TO GIVE
Thank you for remembering St. Francis in your year-end giving.
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No gift is too small
and all gifts are appreciated.
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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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