Updated: 04/27/2024​

 

Eucharist Instruction Celebration: This weekend’s Eucharist sacrament bread was baked by our Eucharist Instruction students!  Ethan Christainsen, Adrian Giarusso, Eleanor Jensen, Jacob Mellors, Zoe Quinn, and Miles Vitko will be celebrated during the 10:00 service this week for completing the Eucharist Instruction program.  Congratulations!!  Please join us in Fellowship Hall after the service for some cake and congratulations!

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The Rector’s sabbatical: Patrick will be taking a time of sabbatical leave this summer. He will be away from the office from May 1st until August 19, 2024. If you have been planning on meeting with him for any immediate questions, please contact him sometime during the coming week prior to his departure. While he is away, please contact the office or the wardens (Sue Bastardo or Craig Stanovich) and they will respond to your questions or assist you in obtaining pastoral support from a member of the clergy.

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First Sunday Conversations for May will feature Ray Kane, the executive director of the Mustard Seed. Ray also runs the food pantry for the Mustard Seed and is our Wednesday night feeding partner. Please come and welcome Ray to St. Francis. Coffee and bagels will be served.

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The Concert for the Hungry will take place on May 17, 2024, at 7-9pm. Tickets will be on sale beginning this coming Sunday. Advance tickets are 2 for $25.00. Tickets at the door will be $15 each. All proceeds go to support our feeding ministries. We hope everyone will support this important fund raiser. We are encouraging ticket sales to those in the wider community. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend.

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Congratulations Graduates: Since graduation time is upon us, we would like to celebrate with those receiving a diploma, degree, GED, or acknowledgement of their next educational or vocational step. Please provide the name of your “graduate” to the office by May 20th (email: parishadmin@stfrancisholden.org), so the parish community can pray for you and celebrate with you! If you would like to submit a photo print or online photo that would be wonderful! If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen O’Connor (keomarsar@aol.com).

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Diocese seeking new Executive Director for Investments: The Trustees of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts is seeking a new Executive Director.  Averaging 16 hours week with the ability to work hybrid (1 day per week in office), this part-time position reports to the Trustees and its Board of Managers (which consists of the Officers and other elected members) and oversees all aspects of planning, management and day to day operations of the Trustees, including management of the investment portfolio and supporting operations. Please contact Chris Berglund (cjberglund55@gmail.com) or Ann Tripp (mesafarm@msn.com) for further information and a full position description.

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“WE ARE GIVERS, BEARING WITNESS TO CHRIST’S LOVE.”

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On Friday evening, May 3rd, Mission Ministries will present the 3rd and last Ted Talk, in this year’s Spring Series. 

• The talk is entitled, “WHERE JOY HIDES AND WHERE TO FIND IT.” Ingrid Fetell Lee, an author and founder of the “Aesthetics of Joy”, reveals the surprisingly tangible roots of joy and shows how we can find and create more in the world around us. The discussion will be led by Parishioner, Matt Surabian.

• A Pizza Night will precede the Ted Talk at 6:30 PM.  The cost is $8 per person which includes 2 slices of pizza, salad, dessert and beverages. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex under the television. You can put your payment in the envelope or bring it to Pizza Night. Sign-up is preferred to help us plan but feel free to come if you forget to sign up. Come join us for an evening of joy and fellowship!

 

 

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HOPE FOR HOUSING CARDS: The cards are available for pick up after services on April 21

 

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SPECIAL EASTER COLLECTIONS: We are happy to report that $1500 will be sent to the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. This is a combination of the Good Friday donations and $660 from the Mission Budget. Dismas Farm will receive $150 in Maundy Thursday donations and the Mustard Seed will receive $1135 in Easter donations. Thank you all for your generosity!