This annual tradition at St. Francis parish of bringing Christmas cheer of our neighbors in need begins on today, December 1. Gift tags are placed on the Advent trees in St. Francis Church and at St. Romuald Chapel. The Giving Tree provides much needed support to our St. Vincent de Paul chapter here at St. Francis, the Elks, and to the Jonnycake Center which services local families providing basic necessities. This year with food insecurity reaching its highest level, there is a great need for gift cards from food stores ($25 increments preferable) The gift cards should be returned no later than the weekend of December 14/15. They can be placed in the collection baskets or brought to the parish office.

We will be celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a Holy day of obligation) on Monday, December 9th with a 7am Mass and 6:30pm Mass at St. Francis Church. This solemnity which usually is celebrated on December 8th but falls on the second Sunday of Advent this year has been moved to December 9th. The Immaculate Conception refers to the dogma that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without any stain of Original Sin. No sin would touch her, so that she would be a fitting and worthy vessel of Jesus, the Son of God.