Saint Francis Parish News

Stations of the Cross and a bowl of Soup
On Fridays during Lent we pray the Stations of the Cross at 6PM in the church, followed by a simple meal of soup in the parish hall. All are welcome! The soup kitchen will not meet on April 11, we have confirmation.

This Sunday Parishioners are invited to the courtyard for some fellowship time in the Come and pick up some Carne Asada Tacos or some Baked goods. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the parish.

Safeguard the Children—Parents and teachers can prevent abusive behaviors. Children, in particular, may have difficulty channeling their feelings appropriately and can easily pick up negative or demeaning cues given by adults around them. Given the diversity of America’s schools, some students may become targets of hostility and blame. Bullying and harassment are never acceptable, but they can be especially damaging at this critical time in our nation’s history. Parents and school personnel need to be prepared to quickly and effectively prevent and stop abusive behaviors that are directed toward any students.
For a copy of the VIRTUS® article, “A National Tragedy: Promoting tolerance and peace in children,” email jvienna@la-archdiocese.org.

Holyheroes.com A great website for kids of all ages. So many great Catholic teachings!

St. John’s School of Theology and Seminary: Theology Day, “The Suffering Servant and Discipleship,” with
Fr. Michael Patella, O.S.B., Saturday, March 29, in Mission Hills next to the San Fernando Mission. Fr. Michael Patella, O.S.B., is Professor of New Testament at the School of Theology and Seminary at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, as well as seminary rector and director of its Holy Land Studies program. His areas of specialty as a New Testament scholar include Mark, Luke-Acts, and Paul. He will present “The Suffering Servant and Discipleship” on Saturday, March 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the San Fernando Regional Pastoral Office in Mission Hills. In this presentation, he will explore and discuss that when the earliest Christian missionaries went forth to proclaim the Good News of Christ, they did so by drawing on Sacred Scripture. Their Gospel proclamation of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection was, for the early Church, the culmination of the Law, Prophets, and writings found within the Old Testament. This presentation is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. Registration can be made by calling (320) 363-3570. If you would like to carpool, please call Michael Lara at the Pastoral Center by April 24th.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO EVANGELIZE AND BRING PEOPLE TO CHURCH? COME TO SAINT FRANCIS ON SUNDAY MARCH 23RD To help get you started in your life of evangelization (or assist you if you are already active) Saint Francis will be bringing Mr. Terry Barber as a guest speaker on Sunday afternoon, March 23rd from 3 to 4PM in the church, followed by a coffee social in the courtyard. Terry has 30 years experience in evangelization and has recently authored a book entitled, “How to Share Your Faith with Anyone-A practical manual for Catholic Evangelization”. The conference is free. If you wish to purchase a Book, they will be available for around $17. Everyone is Invited. EVANGELIZE THIS LENT!

All parish men are invited to go to Facebook and Like this page MEN living for Greatness— that has excellent tools and resources for living a life of greatness in their Catholic Faith. For internet users go to www.MenLivingForGreatness.com Men living for greatness, is continually coming out with
new tools and resources that are simple to use and extremely effective. Visit the site regularly. Enjoy !

On Sunday March 30th all Parishioners are invited to our Parish Hall for a nice Breakfast of; Pancakes, link sausages, scrambled eggs, coffee and juice. $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. The family of Rosa Morales will sponsor this event 4 times a year and all proceeds will go to the Parish. Thank you Morales Family !

Good Catholic reading is free and available at the pamphlet rack in the main entrance to the church. Start your Lenten journey learning more about your faith in short and easy pamphlet form that will inspire, inform, and help you to evangelize others. Wishing you a Holy and Blessed Lenten Season!

The Metropolitan Tribunal has an online course, “How to Navigate the Annulment Process,” for parishioners who may be considering approaching the Tribunal about a prior marriage. This short, online course (free and open to the public) will introduce people to the annulment process, in which people (already civilly divorced) approach the Marriage Tribunal and inquire about the possibility of receiving a declaration of nullity. Starting with a theological foundation for the Tribunal's ministry, this course will then explore the parts of a formal trial, introduce terms used, answer frequently-asked questions, and offer guidance for working with Tribunal staff who are assigned to the cases. It also includes a sample brief, so people can see the personal aspects of the final report. The Moodle software used for the creation of this course prefers the use of the Firefox browser. Google Chrome is also acceptable. It does not favor use of Internet Explorer. The course can be accessed at: http://archla.org/annulmentprocess

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence. What does it mean to fast? According to Canon Law, the law of fasting allows only one full meal and two small meals a day.

What does it mean to abstain from meat? According to Canon Law, the law of abstinence forbids the use of meat. (this includes chicken) Roman Catholics who are 14 years of age and older are bound to abstain from meat. Disabled or feeble, pregnant women and nursing mothers are exempt.

Why should we fast? The earliest and most often cited purpose of fasting is penance, that is, atonement for sin. Through fasting we humble ourselves before God – setting aside that which sustains us and gives us pleasure – and turn ourselves toward our merciful Lord.

Families of Nazareth meet on Tuesday nights in room 4 from 7:30 to 8:30pm. For an evening of prayer and reflection, come join us. All are welcome!

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat weekend for Healing after Abortion
Rachel's Vineyard retreat is for men and women struggling with the emotional and spiritual pain of abortion. The retreat is designed to help participants work through repressed grief and anger in a safe, nonjudgmental setting and come to acceptance, healing, and hope for the future. Developed in the Roman Catholic Tradition, it utilizes spiritual exercises and rituals to help grieve the loss of unborn children and to accept God’s forgiveness. All inquiries and registrations are confidential. April 4-6, Duarte, CA Cost: $215. per person. For registration or more information please call: 866-272-2435

Saint Francis of Assisi Children's Ballet Folklorico (Mexican Folk Dance) - Our dance group is accepting new members from ages 8—up. Practice is on Sunday’s at 2PM in the church hall. For more information, contact Liz Hernandez at flwr2k@hotmail.com

Forty Days for Life ends on April 13. Please join us in prayer in front of Planned Parenthood from 7am-7pm. 7 days a week. You can go to www.40daysforlife.com/ventura website and sign up for a scheduled time. Also you can remember this cause in your daily sacrifices and prayers too.

2nd Sunday Children's Choir!!! Come make a joyful noise!!! It is never too late to join. Please
call Marie Alviz at 509-0467 if your children are interested in singing. We have a lot of fun singing and playing instruments together

CHILDREN’S MASS—Second Sunday of the month at the 9:15AM MASS
Our next Eucharist is on April 13, Palm Sunday. After Mass, everyone is invited to the courtyard for a coffee, hot chocolate and doughnut fundraiser, all proceeds go to the parish.

Children are on Spring Break from School No Catechism on March 18/19 & 25/26.

Parents If you missed the First communion meeting please call Michael at 524-1306

An invitation to experience God’s Mercy and Forgiveness

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE
As part of our Lenten journey, we invite you to join us for a special time of prayer,
reconciliation and healing. Individual confessions will be held. Come by ourself, come as a family, or invite a friend who has not experienced the Sacrament of Reconciliation in some time. Join us as we experience the gracious mercy of God! TUESDAY, APRIL 8TH AT 6:3PM

Michael A. Lara
Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church "A rest stop for the Soul"
1048 W. Ventura Street Fillmore, CA. 93015

Telephone: (805) 524-1306 ext. 17 FAX: (805) 524-0784
Email: stfrancisoffice@sbcglobal.net

PAX ET BONUM!
Thank you for your message and for all that you do for Saint Francis of Assisi! God Bless