The Divine Art of Pastoral Care

This past Sunday, we had a wonderful meeting of past, current and future pastoral care givers in our parish. Rather impromptu as it was, some fifteen people showed up to talk pastoral care, and to help shape this important ministry of our parish. It was a wonderful celebration of the character of our parish, and one of the vital practices we strive to vigorously uphold.

I can remember, years ago, wondering if I had "what it takes" to be a pastoral care giver. I imagined it was rather important, you know, as I was planning to be a priest and all. So I had visions of dramatic pastoral scenes, and wondered if I would know what to do, what to say. It all seemed way beyond my skill set, and I doubted if I was the right person for this kind of work.

But you know what I learned? Across my 11 years as a priest, as well as several years prior, I discovered that pastoral care doesn't take tremendous talent. You don't have to be an amazing counselor, or have all the answers to the mysteries of existence, or have that special, gentle touch that everyone responds to. The truth is, to be a good pastor, I've found you just need two things, really: You need to be able to listen, and you need to be willing to be you.

That's it, really. Oh, there are some things you pick up along the way. Some technical details that can further your craft. But really and truly, if you can be a genuine, caring presence, you are already at the very least a neophyte in the Divine Art of Pastoral Care.

That being said, pastoral care takes many forms: Visiting, bringing Eucharist, meeting someone for coffee, making "check-in" phone calls, writing notes, delivering flowers.. How many different ways can we, as a parish, say: "We haven't forgotten you. We love you. We want to be there for you."

I f you would like to serve in the ministry of Pastoral Care, we'll find a place for you. This is a rewarding, life-giving work, and it will stretch and grow you in ways you cannot imagine.  To get involved, just contact me or Steve Castellan, our Vestry Liaison for Pastoral Care. 

In Christ,

Fr. Kevin+

Our summer Francis and Friends theme is Dogs on the Deck!  Come join the fun on Friday, August 9 from 6 pm to 9 pm on the Healeys' lovely deck (humans only - leave the canines at home!)  The menu will feature grilled hotdogs with all the fixings.  Soft drinks will be provided but BYOB beer or wine if you prefer.    

 

Please sign up so we know how much to purchase, and also to indicate if you will bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert.  

 

The Healeys' address is available in the parish directory. Hope to see you there!! 

Grow Together in Faith and Hope... 
$500,000+ Capital Campaign Goal

Refresh              Renew           Rejoice

Our facilities                        Our Faith                           In God's plan  

                                                                                      for our future 

St. Francis Capital Campaign Update 

 

We are nearing the finish line of our Capital Campaign, and the Campaign committee wants to thank all parishioners that have submitted a pledge. If you have not yet pledged, there's still time. Please give the Campaign and its goals careful consideration and send your pledge form in by September 1. We will announce the results of the Campaign at the 10 am service on September 8 - Welcome Back Sunday.

 

Thank you.

 

David Culver

Capital Campaign Committee Chair

Important Parish Dates in 2019

A list of some important upcoming dates for St. Francis, as currently scheduled.  Note that some events - like "Welcome Back Sunday" - have changed from their original date. Always check parish bulletins, etc., for updated information on service times and events.

 

Friday, Aug. 9         "Dogs on the Deck" Francis and Friends Fellowship

Sunday, Sept. 8     "Welcome Back Sunday"                                                                                Regular Service Schedule resumes (8 and 10 am)

Sunday, Oct. 6        St. Francis Day & Blessings of the Animals

Saturday, Nov. 2     Diocesan Convention

Sunday, Nov. 3       Sunday of All Saints; Daylight Savings Time ends

Sunday, Dec. 7       Cookie Walk for Domestic Violence Shelter

Sunday, Dec. 15     Las Posadas

 

Mahala J Renkey

 

Online Resources for Discipleship

 

More of Fr. Kevin's teaching series are now available on our parish website. The may be streamed or downloaded and followed at your own pace. In his four-part series, Stages on the Journey: The Three-Fold Path and the Spiritual Life, Fr. Kevin Dellaria considers an ancient spiritual perspective on Christian growth.  In Introduction to the Bible , Fr. Kevin introduces basic ideas for encountering and engaging the Bible. In his most recent series, Made for this World , Fr. Kevin explores the creation and purpose of human beings. These are available on the St. Francis website under Education/The Rector's Study.

The St. Francis Youth Group exists to give our high school aged youth an opportunity to come together in a safe and relaxed setting so they can grow, connect with God, connect with each other and serve people in need.  

 

We welcome ALL High School Youth whether they belong to St. Francis or to another church.

 

From Sept through June, the Youth Group keeps busy, meeting every other Sunday. Meetings include lessons, discussion, activities, games and outings.

The 5w's of Youth Group

 Some of our favorite activities and opportunities

Any questions please contact Youth Group Leaders:

Tom and Laura O'Brien

Dave and Noel Dutton

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 7 p.m.

9/21, St. David's Episcopal Church, 763 South Valley Forge Rd, Wayne, PA 19087. 1 to 3 p.m. 

 

We are repeating last year's successful tea with more fun (and more food!) Join us for an afternoon of fellowship with women from the 134 churches across this diocese. Event tickets are $10 which includes a catered tea party. ALL proceeds go to the diocese's female veterans moral injury project.

Do you love to shop on Amazon? If so, please consider selecting the St. Francis smile account before you begin your shopping.   Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the parish. The Vestry approved designating this money for Outreach during the coming year.

 

 

Get in on the fun on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. (Summer months at 9 a.m.) by wearing your name tag during the service and coffee hour and placing it in one of the small buckets at each door on your way out.  Diane will draw a name on Monday and announce the winner in the Friday Parish News!  

 

 

Want to get personally involved?  If you are over the age of 18 and want to donate your time and talent to the 100% volunteer team at the West Chester Food Cupboard, please email Charlotte Cain at [email protected].

 

Money and food is welcome too, because no one should go hungry.

 

Thank you!

 

610-344-3175

 

431 S. Bolmar Street, West Chester, PA  19382

Did you know that you can dedicate the Sunday Altar Flowers in honor of a friend or family member, in remembrance of a loved one, or for some other special recognition? Altar Flower dedications are just $50.00, and helps provide a fresh arrangement each week. The form for dedicating Altar Flowers can be found on our parish website at: https://stfrancisfields.com/wp-content/uploads/Altar-Flowers-Dedication-form.jpg

Sunday Lessons  

If you would like to read the lessons for Sunday, click on the link below. 

Monday, August 26, 2019!

For the calendar of events, please click the link below to the website.

St. Francis-in-the-Fields Calendar