This week, we reviewed the guidelines provided by the Archdiocese of San Antonio that were issued in May for the reopening of the masses. The only adjustment that we identified was the mask requirement. The guidelines state that "Masks will be required for all persons except those too young to wear a mask throughout the Mass and anyone unable to remove a mask without assistance." Therefore, beginning this weekend, St. Francis Xavier will follow this requirement. The guidelines are posted on the Archdiocese’s website. The link is provided on the St. Francis Xavier website under Covid-19 Update.
Fatima will be shown at the Holy Family Center at St. Mary's. We have permission from the movie company to show the movie and we would like for you to join us. Cost - $19.80 per family. Fatima will be viewed using Fandango. Each family will receive a code to watch again later at home or to give to someone who cannot attend. Contact Ethan Weltons before 4:00 pm Thursday 9/17 at 830-997-9523 to reserve your spot. Codes will be purchased (cash or check) the evening of the purchase.
Fr. Ricardo is joining us this weekend from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Helotes. We thank him for celebrating mass with us and for his kindness to us. May God bless him and his ministry.
Summer Break is over and it's time to get back to work, The St. Rose Society will hold their meeting in the church rectory on Sunday, September 13th following the 9:00am Mass. Masks are recommended. Please join us, we have a lot to catch up with since last March.
The St Thomas Society will meet in the St Thomas Hall at 10:00 AM after the 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday September 13th. We will be practicing social distancing and please bring a mask.
If you missed the second collection for the Shrines of the Holy Land earlier this year, because of the pandemic. We have a second opportunity to give next weekend. This collection supports the Franciscans who staff and maintain the shrines. More information about this ministry: https://myfranciscan.org/good-friday/
On Sunday, September 13, 2020, a parent meeting for religious education at St. Francis Xavier will be held after the 9:00am Mass. Parents are encouraged to attend as teachers will be discussing their plan for the year! The meeting will be in St. Thomas Hall. Please practice social distancing and the wearing of masks is encouraged. We are also in need of third/fourth and seventh/eighth religious education teachers. If you have any questions regarding teaching, KIm Baethge is happy to visit with you.
Paperwork is available in the foyer of the church. EVERYONE MUST COMPLETE a registration form as there are more forms to complete regarding COVID 19! Please return the paperwork to the church office or email to Kim Baethge at kdbaethge@gmail.com. The registration forms are also available on the St. Francis Xavier website, https://www.stfrancisxavierstonewall.org/faithformation
RCIA - Are you interested in becoming Catholic or want to learn more about what Catholics believe? Are you Catholic but have not received all of your Sacraments such as 1st Holy Communion or Confirmation? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then RCIA is for you. RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process for full initiation into the Catholic Church. Meetings will be every Wednesday night from 6-7:30pm beginning September 16 in the Holy Family Center in Fredericksburg. Registration is FREE! For more information or to register, please contact the Director of Religious Education, Ethan Weltens at eweltens@stmarysmail.com or 830-997-9523.
The calendar to sign up for altar flowers is in the foyer of the church. There are several weekends available between now and the end of the year for those who wish to provide the flowers in thanksgiving, in memory of, or in honor of someone special or a special event.
For those who have help us get started with Online Giving, whether a one-time donation or recurring gift for the offering or the building fund, we are grateful. Thank you so much! If you are interested in using this option, the link is available on our website.
Beginning August 22nd, St. Francis Xavier will be blest to begin having priests who will celebrate our weekend masses with us in addition to Fr. Jim Harnan. Fr. Scott Janysek, Fr. Raja Alangaram, and Fr. Ricardo Ramirez from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Helotes. We look forward to welcoming them. We also give Fr. Jim a huge thank you for his love and ministry to God’s people at St. Francis Xavier.
Throughout these months with the coronavirus impacting everything, including our church attendance, parishioners have continued their offerings whether visiting in person at a mass or coming by the rectory, mailing their contribution to the PO box, or using the new online giving. Your contributions allow us to meet our expenses and keep our parish going. Your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated!
Many of our volunteers are taking the precautions they need to take. Working together as a community will be key to filling in where needed. You will notice some spaces on the ministry schedule. If you are attending one of these masses, please feel welcome to step in to those roles.