SUNDAY, November 12 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Wis 6:12-16 1 Thes 4:13-18 Mt 25:1-13

8:00 A.M. Holy Name Society

9:30 A.M. For the People of St. Francis of Assisi

11:00 A.M. Charles Formosa

12:30 P.M. Giuseppe Ruffini

Annibole Alfonzo

Salvatore Romano

Michelle Kahriman

Anina Gioino

Elizabeth Gioino

MONDAY, November 13 - Weekday Readings: Wis 1:1-7 Lk 17:1-6

9:00 A.M. D’Alleva Family

TUESDAY, November 14 - Weekday Readings: Wis 2:23-3:9 Lk 17:7-10

9:00 A.M. Frank Bianco

WEDNESDAY, November 15 - Weekday

Readings: Wis 6:1-11 Lk 17:11-19 9:00 A.M. Concetta Gandolfo

THURSDAY, November 16 - Weekday Readings: Wis 7:22b-8:1 Lk 17:20-25

9:00 A.M. Peter Dujmovic

FRIDAY, November 17 - Weekday Readings: Wis 13:1-9 Lk 17:26-37

9:00 A.M. Salvatore Giovanna Cinquemani

SATURDAY, November 18 - Weekday

Readings: Wis 18:14-16, 19:6-9 Lk 18:1-8

9:00 A.M. Purgatorial Society

Dorothy Leonard

Deceased Members of the Legion of Mary

Stephanie Saley

5:00 P.M. Richard Mohr

SUNDAY, November 19 - Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 1 Thes 5:1-6 Mt 25:14-30

8:00 A.M. Herbert Cruz

9:30 A.M. D’Ercole Family

11:00 A.M. For the People of St. Francis of Assisi

12:30 P.M. Rose Brucculeri

Famigilia Annibole

Giuseppe Saraceni

Calogero Taormina

Carmela Brucculeri

Chiara Nicolich

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

My Dear Parishioners,

Wisdom, like a many faceted diamond, has a

brilliance of meaning that seems to change according to how

we view it. At first glance, the parable to the wise and foolish

bridesmaids seems to be a story about the need for common

sense, and what can happen to those who don’t have it. But we

know that parables have many different levels of meaning. We

know that in being unprepared for a very significant meeting,

the foolish virgins were lacking in both common sense and

courtesy. The meeting with the bridegroom was not

unexpected; there was time to prepare their torches but they

foolishly believed that everything would go according to plan.

Because they didn’t take the unexpected into consideration, we

can say that they were lacking in wisdom.

Wisdom and intelligence are not the same. There is no

degree we can earn that will certify that we have achieved

wisdom. An intelligent person will write a will or perhaps even

plan their own funeral. A wise person will plan for meeting

God. A person of wisdom realizes that we are already immor-

tal and such a person looks toward eternity. Without such

looking forward we will not be ready for the bridegroom’s

arrival. A truly wise person looks for the presence of God in

every situation, and is thus always ready to meet God.

There is no escaping the fact that one day we will die.

We are reminded of this every time we say the Hail Mary. We

ask Mary to “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our

death.” In the midst of all life’s activities, we tend to get

caught up in doing, rather than in living. It has been said that

life is what happens while we are making plans. We plan for

vacations; we plan for graduations and retirement. We even

plan for tomorrow, with no guarantee that any of these events

will happen. But death is very real, and to be expected. The

wise person plans for this first.

Using today’s reading from Wisdom as a model we

can see that there are other aspects of Wisdom that shine with

the same brilliance. We can see that a wise person is gracious

and always at the disposal of others. A person of wisdom is

able to perceive God in even the most ordinary of people and is

able to see and understand the needs of others. One who is

wise is sensitive to other people’s feelings and is able to meet

them “with all solicitude.” This beautiful description of

Wisdom gives us a very good picture of Jesus and his relation-

ship with us.

Common sense and good preparation are the practical

aspects of Wisdom, but a loving attitude toward all of God’s

people is what is important.

God Bless, Msgr. Maresca

2017 – 2018 Religious Education school year has

begun for 1st through 7th graders.

8th grade Confirmation classes begin.

Registration is always open and forms are available

at the rectory. Classes take place on Sundays from

10:40am – 12 noon in the academy building.

Upcoming Class Schedule

November 12th - Classes for grades 1-8.

November 19th - Classes for grades 1-8.

ARE YOU SOMEONE OR DO YOU KNOW

SOMEONE WHO…

Has expressed an interest in becoming

Catholic?

Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has

not celebrated the Sacraments

of Eucharist and/or Confirmation?

Then RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is

what you're looking for! RCIA offers seekers the

opportunity to come together in a small group to learn

more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings

and experience of Church as well as prepare

individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism,

Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter

season. You are welcome to participate in the process

with your questions, your insights and your faith story

in a warm accepting setting. For information please

contact our Director of Faith Formation, Kristina

Blair 718.278.0259 or dre@sfaacademy.org.

ACADEMY NEWS

We thank our families who placed orders for

our Cascon fundraiser. We really appreciate

your support.

Our students will enjoy Chicken Nuggets Lunch

Day this Monday. We thank Our Home Acad-

emy Association for organizing, shopping, and

cooking for this treat for our children.

Grocery Bingo is this coming Friday, November

17th in Msgr. Campbell Hall. Doors open at

6:00 p.m. and bingo begins at 7:30 p.m. Admis-

sion is $5.00 per person. We want to thank our

parents for their donated items for the bingo,

everyone who attended and supported this

event, volunteers who helped, our Home Acad-

emy Association for all their efforts in planning

and organizing, and the many businesses for

their generous donations of gift certificates.

This Week at SFA Catholic Academy

Monday Chicken Nugget Lunch

Friday Grocery Bingo

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Weekly

Offering

Thank you for your continued

generosity of giving each week. Your

weekly offering helps us pay our monthly

bills. Please remember if you miss a week

for any reason, try to make up for it the

following week or when you return.

The Collection/Donation for the weekend:

Collection: Nov. 4th & 5th $ 5709.00

School parents must use church

envelopes.

Advent Giving Trees

The Advent Giving Trees will be setup in the

back and front of church and decorated with

colored Tags next weekend.

Each color Tag identifies the charity that will

receive the gifts. Please tape the Tag to the un-

wrapped gift purchased and place back under

the Giving Tree before or after any one of the

Masses.

ALL GIFTS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17TH.

We thank you for always being so generous and helping to brighten the

Christmas Season for so many families.

There will be a 2nd

collection next weekend:

Catholic Campaign For

Human Development.

Thank you for your continued support

and generosity.

Remember in your prayers all

those in our parish who are sick,

that they may find health and com-

fort:

James Nunez, Vincent Wytak, Carol Ross,

Rolondo Larrondo, Jeffrey Hyans, Jessica

St. Preux, Al Ciani, Alesha Moses,

Samantha Fabrizi, Nancy McCaffrey,

Christopher Wojtalik, Marie Guerriero, Theresa Pacheco,

William Goss, Luke Pacheco, Vincenza Papa,

Jim Schneggenburger, Anthony Criscuolo, Ann Anselmi,

Alice Franklin, Saverio Giordano, John Ross,

Terri Kornalewski, Samantha O’Sullivan, Marilyn Miller,

Lenny Franklin, John Carmody, Jennie Bizocco, Rosario

Duran, Edena Iorfida, Mary DeGloria, Vivian Papa,

Joel Steinmann, Dr. Arthur N. Gualtieri, Anna Governali,

Antonio Postiglione, Mario Tamburello, Mary Rerecich,

Christopher Araimo, Charles Principato, Isabella

Columbo, Christine Elmendorf, Georganne

Cunningham, Jim Kreitler, Elisa Aracena, John Schakir.

Also remember in your prayers all the

deceased of the Parish. Please remember to continue to

pray for vocations to the priesthood, religious life,

diaconate, and married life.

Please be mindful that there

are people who come to

church early in order to

pray. Please show respect by

observing silence.

ATTENTION Please be aware that when the

schoolyard gates are closed in the evenings, no

one is allowed to be in the schoolyard. The

past few weeks, children have been in the

schoolyard in the evenings and have been asked

to leave. This is an insurance liability.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

New York’s

POOP SCOOP LAW

Please remember if you are walking your dog

in the schoolyard or on church property, please

pickup after the dog.

It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

RECTORY OFFICE WILL BE

CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY

Friday, November 24

Rectory Office will be opened from

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

No evening Hours.

Saturday, November 26

RECTORY OFFICE WILL BE OPEN

FROM 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. Most Precious Blood Parish in As-

toria is inviting you to join us on

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

@ 7:30PM

For a beautiful evening of adoration,

confession, praise and worship

presented by BI. Ivan Merz Apostolate.

Fellowship and refreshments to follow!

All are welcome! Come and worship

with us!

Any additional info, contact Fr.

Vedran Kirincic: don-

vedran@gmail.com

ATTENTION:

Please DO NOT light the candles in

Church by using another candle. One

could get burned and the wax is

dripping all over the candle stands

creating a mess. PLEASE use the

lighter. If you have trouble with the

lighter, ask for help.

Thank You.

Family, Marriage &

Individual Therapy

Professional therapy, provided by NYS

licensed therapists is available. This

program, under the direction of Dr.

George Guiliani, has been conducted in

the Diocese for the past 38 years. Most

insurance accepted. Appointments

available by calling Dr.Giuliani @

(631) 243-2503 - or go to our website: http://thecatholiccounselingcenter.com

DO YOU ENJOY SINGING?

Then use your voice to praise the Lord!

Join St. Francis of Assisi choir.

We meet each Monday evening @ 7:00 pm

in the choir loft in church.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 12, 2017

“For we are God’s co-workers....” How

are you being called to build the king-

dom of God as His co-worker? Consider

the generous service of priesthood or

consecrated life. Contact the Vocation

Office at (718) 827-2454 or

email:vocations@diobrook.org

YEAR OF VOCATIONS Our vocation committee is looking for a few

more members. We lost a couple because

they moved. It is only a one year commit-

ment. Please give serious thought to becom-

ing a member. Our next meeting will be on

Thursday, November 30th at 7:30pm in the

rectory. If interested please see Fr. Francis

or Msgr. Maresca.

MEMORIALS FOR THE WEEK

OF NOVEMBER 12, 2017

ALTAR BREAD

For this week is donated

in loving Memory of

Carmela Cicconetti

Requested by:

Riccardo Cicconetti

ALTAR WINE

Is being Offered for

Carmela Cicconetti

Requested by:

Riccardo Cicconetti

SANCTUARY LAMP

Is Burning for

Joycelin Eiaw

Requested by:

Eiaw-Dee Family

ALTAR CANDLES

Are dedicated to

Joycelin Eiaw

Requested by:

Eiaw-Dee Family

Please Consider Remembering St. Francis of Assisi Parish in your Will.

Legion of Mary is looking for men

and women to join the society. The

meeting is every Thursday after

9:00 am Mass in the St. Francis

Meeting Room in the lower level

of the Rectory. Members receive

many blessings.

SFA SCRIPTURE STUDY "Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of

Christ." - St. Jerome

Join us on Thurs., Nov. 16 @ 7:30 pm

(rectory/lower level - St. Joseph's Room)

We will discuss The Gospel of Matthew Chapters 26 - 28

The Conspiracy Against Jesus

The Empty Tomb The Great Commission

For information: sfascripturestudy@gmail.com

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Gives Back

For each car, truck or van,

running or not, St. Vincent de

Paul will give back to St. Francis

of Assisi $50/100 per vehicle.

Maybe you don’t have a vehicle, but a family

member, friend or neighbor has an old or

neglected vehicle in their driveway that they

would like to dispose of. Call the Society of St.

Vincent de Paul at (718) 491-2525.

Banns of Marriage

1st Time:

Iris A. Vazquez

St. Francis of Assisi

Astoria, N.Y.

and

Devian Ramos Jr.

St. Francis of Assisi

Astoria, N.Y.

2018 Mass book is opened for anyone who wishes

to schedule masses for next year.

ST. JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

ANNOUNCES the

Peter F. Vallone Scholarship

Examination

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Applications are available on our website:

www.stjonsprepschool.org

Or call the Admissions Office at:

(718) 721-7200 ext. 699

2017 CATHOLIC APPEAL

The 2017 Catholic Appeal will be coming to an end next month. I am grateful to so many who have contributed to help us reach our goal. I am aware of the many financial responsibilities each one has. If you have not contributed to the appeal for this year, please make every effort to find the means to make a donation. Your donation will help us reach our goal. We are short of our goal by $11,105. Every donation not only will help our parish but will benefit the many services our Diocese provides. I appreciate whatever you can do to help us reach our goal. May God bless each of you for your continued generosity. Msgr. Maresca

THE 2018 LECTOR WORKBOOKS

ARE AVAILABLE AND CAN BE

PICKED UP IN THE SACRISTY.

THE NEW BOOK BEGINS WITH

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

WHICH IS DECEMBER 2/3.

ON THE ROAD TO THE DIACONATE

Last Friday, John Messina, who will be

ordained for the Permanent Diaconate in

May of 2019, received the Office of Lector

from Bishop Massa. John has one more

Office to receive which will take place in

May of 2018, the Office of Acolyte, before

he will be ordained. At that time, John

will then be able to give a reflection on

the readings. (not a homily).

Let us continue to pray for John and all

those who may be discerning a vocation.

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE – NOVEMBER 2017

Fri. Nov. 10th

2:00pm Wedding- Gianna & Richard Fabrizi

Sat. Nov. 11th

5pm Samantha Dee, Sal Demma

Sun. Nov. 12th

8am Mia Lopez, Kayley Burns

9:30am Frankie Marzella, Gianna & Richard Fabrizi

11am Giulia Graci, Leandra Rodriguez

12:30pm Luisa Schwab

==============================================================================

Sat. Nov. 18th

5pm Samantha Dee, Aden Ali-Seecharan, Damian Pan

Sun. Nov. 19th

8am Sophia Mellis, Adrian Machnik, Adrianna Guelleme

9:30am Isabella Ronacher, Jordan Ceron, Isabella Ortiz

11am Angelina Efstratiou, Fiona hosey, Abigail Vorlicek

12:30pm Francesco DiMarco

==============================================================================

Sat. Nov. 25th

5pm Samantha Dee, Choloe Kebbe, Mia Lopez

Sun. Nov. 26th

8am Giuliana Lucia Antonaccio, Nanci Scarpelli, Grabriella Soldo

9:30am Emily Muskardin, Emma McCloskey, Joseph Todaro

11am Erin Camilleri, Vasilios Nassis, Jordan Ceron

12:30pm Luisa Schwab

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW ALTAR SERVERS:

Aden Ali-Seecharan Chloe Kebbe

Guilianna Lucia Antonaccio Sophia Mellis

Jordan Ceron Emily Muskardin

Angelina Efstratiou Vasilios Nassis

Adrianna Guelleme Damian Pan

November 19 - November 25

Sunday, November 19 2nd Collection Catholic Campaign for Human Development

NO Children’s Liturgy

9:30 A.M. Pre-Communion Banner Mass - Church

10:40-12 Noon CCD/Confirmation Class - School

Monday, November 20 12 Noon Golden Age Anniversary Mass - 46 Years!

12:30 P.M. Golden Age - Msgr. Campbell Hall

2:30-4:00 P.M. Girl Scouts - MMC

2:50-3:45 P.M. Children’s Choir - CH

7:00 P.M. Adult Choir - CH

Tuesday, November 21

2:30-4:30 P.M. Girl Scouts - MMC

6:30 P.M. AA Meeting -St. Francis Meeting Room

7:30 P.M. Astoria Homeowners Meeting - MMC

Wednesday, November 22 7:00 P.M. Bereavement - St. Francis Meeting Room

7:30 P.M. Thanksgiving Mass

Thursday, November 23 THANKSGIVING DAY

RECTORY OFFICE CLOSED

9:00 A.M. Mass of Thanksgiving

Friday, November 24 Rectory Office will be opened from

9:00 am - 5:00 pm ~ No evening Hours.

Saturday, November 25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THIS WEEK NEXT WEEK

November 12 - November 18

Sunday, November 12 8:00 A.M. Holy Name Society Mass - Church

(Bkfast Mtg to follow - Msgr. Maresca Center)

9:30 A.M. Children’s Liturgy - Msgr. Campbell Hall 10:40 A.M.- 12 Noon CCD/Confirmation Class - School

Monday, November 13 12:30-3:30 P.M. Golden Age - MCH

2:30-4:00 P.M.- Girl Scouts - Msgr. Maresca Center

2:50-3:45 P.M. Children’s Choir - Church

7:00 P.M. Adult Choir-Church

Tuesday, November 14 2:30-4:30 P.M. Girl Scouts - MMC

6:30 P.M. AA Meeting -St. Francis Meeting Room

Wednesday, November 15 3:00-4:30 P.M. Drama Club Practice - MCH

7:00 P.M. Bereavement - St. Francis Meeting Room

Thursday, November 16 10:00-11:30 A.M. Legion of Mary-St. Francis Mtg Rm

4:00-6:00 P.M. Girl Scouts - MMC

7:00 P.M. IACA - St. Francis Meeting Room

7:30 P.M. Scripture Study - St. Joseph’s Meeting Room

All Day Setup Grocery Bingo - MCH

Friday, November 17 2:30-6:00 P.M. Girl Scouts - MMC

7:30-9:00 P.M. Teen Group - St. Francis Mtg Room

6-11:00 P.M. Grocery Bingo - Msgr. Campbell Hall

Saturday, November 18 2:00-6:00 P.M. Youth Group Meeting (following Mass)

Msgr. Campbell Hall Our Parish Calendar will be published weekly.

Please submit changes or updates to

chsecy@sfaschool.org

We Cordially Invite All of Our Parishioners To Celebrate Thanksgiving

On Wednesday evening, November 22nd at 7:30 P.M.

OR Thanksgiving Day ,

Thursday, November 23rd at the 9:00 A.M. Mass.

Please Note: At each mass we will be collecting non-perishable goods

to give to Marguerite’s Pantry. Baskets will be in front of the sanctuary for you to place your goods. The collection taken up at each Mass will go

to the St. Vincent DePaul Society to assist the poor and needy.

Thank you for your generosity.

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Families!