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Mass and Reconciliation
The Cathoic Mass is the center of worship in the Catholic faith. The Liturgy of the Mass has four components: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites as explained below. Going hand-in-hand with mass is the sacrament of Reconciliation. Because sin separates us from God, it is imperative that we seek forgiveness from Him before receiving the Holy Eucharist.
Mass Schedule
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Masses are offered throughout the weekend and during the week.
Saturday evenings is our Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m. On Sundays we have Mass at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Weekday Masses are held Tuesday through Friday at noon.
Masses for Holy Days are held at noon and 6:00 p.m. Masses for holidays will be announced and published in the bulletin as the holiday approaches.
​To inquire about any of our Masses, call the Parish office at 538-3662.
The Catholic Mass
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During the Introductory Rites, the priest enters with the crucifx, torch-bearers and thurible. Here he greets the people liturgically then concludes with the priest's prayer of absolution, the Kyrie Eleison is sung or said, followed by the Gloria and ending by the Collect Prayer.
The Liturgy of the Word includes three Scripture readings: the first reading is from the Old Testament which is followed by a psalm, either sung responsorially or recited. The second reading is from the New Testament and the final reading is the proclamation of the Gospel by the deacon or priest. A homily, which draws upon some aspect of the readings or the liturgy of the day, is then given. Finally, the Creed is professed and the Prayers of the Faithful ends the Liturgy of the Word.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the altar and gifts. The priest continues with one of many Eucharistic Prayers, the central part of which recalls the words and actions of Jesus at his Last Supper, which he told his disciples to do in remembrance of Him. Following the Consecration, all together recite the "Lord's Prayer". The sign of peace is exchanged and then the "Lamb of God" litany is sung or recited, while the priest breaks the host and places a piece in the main chalice. The priest then presents the transubstantiated elements to the congregation. The priest then receives Communion and distributes Communion to the people. Silence is called for following the Communion procession. A Prayer after Communion is then proclaimed by the priest while all stand.
Lastly, during the Concluding Rite the priest imparts a blessing to those present. The people are dismissed with the priest and other ministers leaving first.
Reconciliation
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The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ. (Catholicscomehome.org)
Reconciliation is offered Saturdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.. Father will also offer reconciliation by appointment. Please call the church office to schedule a time.
Sacraments
The purpose of the sacraments is to make people holy, to build up the body of Christ, and finally, to give worship to God; but being signs, they also have a teaching function. There are seven sacraments in the church, below are four.
Baptism
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Children under the age of reason* (approximately 7) may have their baptism scheduled by a parent or guardian. Sponsors and Parents must take a Baptism class at the parish.
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Parents/Guardians can download a Baptism Form from the link below or come into the parish office to pick one up.
* If someone is past the age of reason, he/she will have to complete either the OCIA or RCIA classes, dependent upon age.
First Holy Communion
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Following Baptism, the next sacrament is First Holy Communion. Children will need to be enrolled into the CCD (Religious Education) classes in 1st or 2nd Grade. They will need to have 2 years of education in order to receive their First Holy Communion in the 3rd Grade. If they are beyond the elementary school age, they can enroll in the OCIA or RCIA program to receive the necessary instruction to prepare to receive this sacrament.
CCD classes begin in the fall about the time that public schools begin in August. Registration normally starts in July and details are published in the bulletin when this happens or you can contact the Parish office for more information.
Confirmation
Teenagers who have received their sacraments of baptism and first holy communion are ready to receive their sacrament of confirmation. Once they have completed two years of classes, they will be prepared to select a sponsor and receive their confirmation around Easter. If they have not yet received the sacraments of baptism and first holy communion, they can enroll in the RCIA program to receive the necessary instruction to prepare to receive all three sacraments.
Regular classes for confirmation begin in the fall about the time that public schools begin their new school year. Details will be published in the bulletin when registration is opened up or you can contact the Parish office for more information.
Marriage
Couples who wish to be married in the Catholic church must have received all of their sacraments. Before getting married at St. Francis, engaged couples must attend a FOCCUS class (call the office for more information).
If the marriage is a convalidation, please call the parish for direction.