Fr. Larry reflects on events of this past week.

I want to thank John Rodriguez for his tremendous efforts with regard to the annual Archbishop's Appeal. It's not easy to get up in front of 800 to a thousand people and speak, let alone speak about money! But, what particularly encourages me is to see John, a member of our next generation of adult leadership, step up to the plate and take this kind of responsibility. It bodes well for our Parish's future.

Last Sunday, the 5th Sunday in Ordinary time, or on the secular calendar, Super Bowl Sunday, was an amazing weekend. We had a standing-room only turn-out for the mass of the Anointing of the sick at 5 PM on Saturday. Then, Sunday evening at the 5 PM mass, we welcomed the confirmation class and their sponsors. Again, the Church was almost standing-room only with young people and their families -- and this during the Super Bowl game! It was a moving and powerful testimony to the level of faith and commitment on the part of our young, emerging adults. I was very proud of them!

A number of months ago I received questions about the future of bible study for St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Although the Theology Café has been very successful, and our people support it, there remains a hunger to enter more deeply into God’s Word. Our plan is to offer two full bible studies by next fall. One will be for those who are new to bible study and want to learn the basics. The other will be for those who have already done some years of bible study and want to go deeper. In addition, we intend to keep Theology Café. Maybe you get a sense that we want to go full-on with adult formation at St. Francis! And you would be right! More to come.

(Note:  If you wish to hear my sermon from the Feb. 13 Mass, here's the link.)