The Women of St. Francis
The Woman’s Activities Ministry, The Women of St. Francis, is a welcoming group of women who are involved in most of the activities of the Parish and lend support to the other ministries. All women are welcome. If you are interested in joining this group (and all women of the parish are invited), contact Georgia Capobianco at womensactivities
The Men of St. Francis
The Men of St. Francis meet on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. They support the YUM food pantry by making monthly runs to pick up food at Feeding Northeast Florida and delivering it to the food pantry. They also deliver food contributions from our parish on a weekly basis and organize St. Francis’s participation in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. There are no meetings in July or August. For More Information on this ministry, email Deacon Bill at mensactivities
Well, We’ve certainly had a joyful December so far! The Christmas luncheon, cookie exchange, and Pot Luck evening Christmas Party were a great success. We had lots of fun and laughter with the white elephant gift exchange. And the room was filled with delightful aromas of the delicious food everyone brought. Christmas music played in the background while everyone had a chance to enjoy the food, drinks and conversation. Thank you to all who participated and helped with setup and cleanup.
Opening Prayer ― This morning’s reading from the Book of Jerimiah:
“It is I this day who have made you a fortified city.” (Jer. I:18)
“Lord Jesus Christ, in you we have A strong city, built upon rock and surrounded with fire of the divine Presence. Grant that we may always dwell in you, who live and reign with the Father in unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.”
The Christmas Luncheon was enjoyed by all. The menu was partially provided by participants, which included:
Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches Coleslaw
Cornbread (Regular and Gluten free) Potato chips, GF pretzels and Dip Fruit Salad
Brownies
Sweet tea and Sangria
Afterwards, we enjoyed fellowship; it was nice to get to know one another better.
Helping the homeless – Mary Flanagan told us about what she learned about the Nassau County Coalition for the Homeless program. A mobile trailer helps provide fee haircuts, showers, and laundry for those in a hard situation and trying to get back on their feet. We plan to have the charitable group speak at one of our gatherings soon to find ways we can help.
Some of us participated in the cookie exchange and we made lovely platers wrapped in holiday cheer to take home
Next Meeting ― Thursday, Jan 2nd, 2025, 10:45
- Topic: Estate Planning and record “What do I need? What can I toss? What should I Keep? How can I get it for low cost or free, and how do I organize it?
*Note: We had planned for Ted Benning to give us information on Spiritual Direction. But he is recovering from some health issues. So we have postponed this and we keep him in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Closing Prayer ―
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to thank you, for the time we had to come together today to discuss issues and make decisions. “May the Lord, our rock and our fortress, protect us from all distress. Amen” (cf. 2 Sm. 22:2)
Meeting Adjourned ―
Opening Prayer ― This morning’s reading from the Book of Isiah:
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Is. 56:7)
O God, you dwell in our midst even as you call us to walk forward toward the future dwelling place which you have promised for all your people. Keep us faithful to the way you have laid out for us so that we as one Church with one Shepherd may follow where you lead us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray the Hail Mary prayer.
After a light breakfast, we watched a video about the Eucharist Video with Father Mike Schmidt, followed by a group discussion, and some shared some Eucharist experiences. The topic was: What has the Eucharistic Revival done for me and what now? If you would like to see Father Schmidt’s full Eucharistic congress speech, here is the link, https://youtu.be/l2QtWaEFq3E
Helping the homeless – Mary Flanagan
Mary told us she would attended a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Nassau County Coalition for the Homeless. Here is what she learned:
- This non-profit organized in 2006 & had been affiliated with Gracie’s Kitchen prior to COVID lockdowns.
- The homeless are mostly men over the age of 50. They are not as visible West of Amelia Island because they stay in the woods.
- The mobile unit is equipped with shower & laundry facilities.
- Carlene McDuffie, President, would be interested in speaking at one of our meetings. Maybe a joint meeting with the MOSF.
- A popular item given to the homeless is a mat crocheted from plastic shopping bags.
I plan to contact Carlene to learn what items they need most & schedule a collection date, maybe for January. I’m including a link to their website & a link for crocheting mats from plastic bags and a link for anyone looking for volunteer opportunities & ways to help.
https://www.chnassau.com/gethelp
Wreath making gathering – Georgia
On Sunday afternoon some of us gathered to learn to make Wreaths.
Discussion on future topics, ideas, and member needs – Everyone
Georgia asked for volunteers to help as co-chairs for the ministry. Also we need volunteers to help with the Christmas party and decoration the church next month. Please email me.
Next Meeting ― Thursday, Dec 5th, 2024, 12:00 2:00 pm
- Luncheon and cookie exchange
Closing Prayer ―
As we close this meeting, Lord, we want to thank you, for the time we had to come together today to discuss issues and make decisions. O Lord our God, you sent into the midst of faithless humanity the living bread, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to nourish and strengthen us on the road. Lead us in your ways today and everyday according to your will, through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen
Meeting Adjourned ―
Guest Speaker: Fr. Slawek Bielasiewicz
Topic: The Mass
Father presented a very informative presentation of the Mass. He spoke of how the readings in the Roman Missal are presented in red & black text. The red text are instructions, explaining what the priest must do. For example: “After the Gospel, the Celebrant kisses the Missal, …” It was extremely informative! Fr. also gave us a “test” – Check it our and see how well you do!
1. When we enter church we:
a. Genuflect and make the Sign of the Cross with holy water (HW) and go to a pew
b. Bow and make the Sign of the Cross with HW and go to a pew
c. Make Sign of the Cross with HW and go to a pew
d. Any of the above as a sign of reverence
2. How many Eucharistic Prayers do we have:
a. 2 b. 4 c. 6 d.10
3. Which One of the main Eucharistic Prayers can be said ONLY on weekdays of Ordinary Time (no Sunday, no feast):
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
4. (Fr. passed around a painting of Jesus holding a Host above a Chalice) When during the Mass is a whole Host held above a Chalice:
a. During Consecration
b. Before Communion
c. After “Lamb of God”
d. Never
5. In the Roman Missal there are different marks (text) with different colors and numbers. Ex: R1/R2 Purple. What do they mean?
a. Ritual for Lent 1 and 2
b. Special Eucharistic Prayers q and 2
c. Ritual for reconciliation 1 and 2
d. Ritual for funeral 1 and 2
6. During the “Our Father” prayer, who should extend hands?
a. Everybody
b. Priest
c. Priest and Deacon
d. Nobody
7. Eucharistic Prayer 1 is called the Roman Cannon because:
a. It was created and used in Rome
b. It was originally said in Latin
c. It refers to the early martyrs
d. St. Paul mentioned it in the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans
8. How many times per day can we receive Communion?
a. Once per day within Mass only
b. Twice per day within Mass only
c. As many times as we attend the Mass
d. Once per day within Mass or if we are sick when brought to us
9. Before receiving Communion we should:
a. Bow or genuflect
b. Bow and make the Sign of the Cross
c. Genuflect and make the Sign of the Cross
Volunteer Spotlight – Living with Dementia
What do you do when you are a brilliant board-certified internist and oncologist, and you are diagnosed with dementia? Ask Brenda Nicholson, MD…she can tell you from personal experience. Dr. Nicholson, a previous Director of the Breast Cancer Program at Vanderbilt University and physician with Tennessee Cancer Specialists, was diagnosed in 2014 with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease at age 49. Rather than sitting around feeling sorry for herself, Dr. Nicholson has become a champion for Dementia research and advocacy, working with Alzheimer’s Tennessee, the NIH, the NIA and UCLA. She has been a speaker at the Annual Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Management Symposium, served as a member of the Stakeholders Group at the National Institute of Health (NIH) National Research Summit on Dementia, and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Stakeholder Engagement Team for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) IMPACT Collaboratory. She currently serves on the Study Advisory Committee of the UCLA D-Care Study involving 2150 patients with dementia. Her diagnosis has empowered her to share personal insights and experiences with research groups, advocacy groups, advocacy and governmental agencies, and more. Since she and her husband moved to Amelia Island in 2020, she has been an invaluable volunteer for the Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) . She currently serves on the Advisory Panel of NCCOA’s Club day wellness program for adults needing assistance. She also provides in-depth training and education on dementia to Council on Aging family caregivers, Club families and volunteers, and has initiated a project to create a Resource Book for caregivers.
Because of Dr. Nicholson, Nassau County now has its first and only Memory Café. The Memory Café promotes social support, connection, health and well-being for persons diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and/or mild cognitive impairment in a welcoming environment. The Café is a safe space to share experiences, focus on strengths and learn how to live well with disease. Members learn how to adjust to life changes, combat stigma and isolation, develop a safe social peer group, and live their best life. NCCOA’s Memory Café meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 2-3 pm at our Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way.
I’ve attached a list of tips for living with cognitive impairment. Attached also is a list of resources for adults and caregivers available through the Nassau County Council on Aging. For more information about caregiving support groups, contact Emily Kunzelmann at 904-775-5472 or by email ekunzelmann@nassaucountycoa.org
HANDOUTS: FOR CAREGIVERS and LIVING WELL (downloadable)
If you missed the meeting, you missed two very interesting & important presentations! The first was by Dr. Arthur Bert, (retired, Anesthesiologist-in-Chief Rhode Island Hospital/ Hasbro Children’s Hospital & Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI. Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology, Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University.) After retiring to Fernandina, he joined the Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps. As a member, he is very involved with Nassau County’s The Lifesavers Initiative, which empowers everyday citizens to be life savers by providing Hands-Only CPR, AED, and NARCON administration training. The training will be on May 25th from 10:30 am – 12:00 noon and on May 29th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Upcoming Events — Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps (nassaucountyflmrc.com)
The second presentation was given by Denise Kiernan on the administration and use of the EpiPen, also a life-saving tool. Many schools & daycare centers have these pens to use in emergencies. It would be a good idea for St. Francis to couple also. Here’s the link for information on how to use an EpiPen:
howtouseepipenautoinjector.pdf
Items needed are snacks/coffee, ground or K-cups, sunscreen, and individually wrapped hard candy. There is also a great need for feminine hygiene products for the women military members. Please do not drop off donations in the Narthex. You can give them directly to Jo-Ann at the 9:30 a.m. Mass or feel free to contact her at dadpimentel@comcast.net to make drop-off arrangements. Thank you for your support!
It is in giving that we receive!
Our parish has a variety of opportunities for those wishing to share their time, talents, and treasures with those less fortunate. Volunteering with one of our charity ministries is a way to be grateful for our blessings and improve the community in which we are so fortunate to live.
If you are interested, please contact Mary Flanagan at charities@stfrancisyulee.org
The first ever SFA Not So Newlywed Game was held Friday evening, September 15th thanks to Walt and Vivian
Paskowski who did a great job as the emcees, to Ken Risberg who provided audio support, to Bob Bell, and Mike and Mary Flanagan, who helped with a host of tasks including set up.
Ands of course, thanks to our game contestants and studio audience. In all, about 35 parishioners attended. The Huddaks—Gene and Sandy— won the first game, and after a tie, David and Genny Barker won the second. The game followed the same format as the 1960’s game show including a “sound-proof booth” – the quiet room.
Given its success and popularity, we’ll look at doing another one sometime afer the holidays in January 2024.
MOSF Firepit
Many thanks to Tony Vellucci, Ish Hernandez, Walt Paskowski, Gene Hudak, Mike Flanagan, and Don Kirk for their efforts in building a firepit. Construction went smoothly until they discovered an underground plastic pipe right where the pit was going to be, prompting a move of about three feet to the side. Of course, they then needed to build up the area that had just been cleared away before construction could continue. All this under the watchful eye of Jean Stanley who gave the firepit the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. There’s nothing like sitting around the campfire with a beer and a stogie telling or listening to a good story.
Have You Noticed the Beautiful Planters as You Enter the Church?
They were donated by the Men of St. Francis as part of their effort to enhance the beauty of the entrance to our church. They purchased the two flower planters and arranged for a landscaper to install the pots and watering system and plant the arrangements. Each arrangement consists of Apostle Iris, Gold Dust and Mystic Spires Salvia flowers. Many Thanks to the Men of St. Francis for this beautiful addition to our entranceway!
The Men of St. Francis take on most of the behind the scenes operations of the parish. They undertake setting up the hall for various activities and ensuring the Hall is ready for Masses. Until our Church is built, the Parish Hall is used for our Masses and all our events. There is A LOT of unseen activity that goes into the support of all that SFA offers.
The Mission of Men of St. Francis (MSF) is to provide a means for men of the parish who desire a greater involvement in our Church community in a social and fraternal atmosphere. In support of our mission, our objectives are:
a. To perpetuate the spirit of “giving back” to our church, to the community and to our parish family.
b. To foster and grow our MSF as a place for fellowship, friendship, spiritual growth, service and recreation among Catholic men of our parish, now and into the future.
c. To establish physical, spiritual and monetary support to individuals, organizations and groups identified by the MSF members that is in keeping with our mission and ideals.
d. Sponsor and assist with Parish social functions to promote a sense of community within the Parish.
e. To set a positive example to our Parish and community by supporting our belief in the doctrines of the Catholic Church.
f. To serve the religious, social, and civic dimensions of the community through support of our youth, other parish ministries, and the needs of the parish and local community in general.
Men’s Retreats
Men’s Tune-Up 2020
Doug's Flag
