Nazareth Catholic Community
October 2, 2016 ~ 27th Week of Ordinary Time
Chaplain's Chatter: Thoughts, Reflections and Musings from the Catholic Chaplain
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi
Greetings Everyone,
Tuesday, October 4th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - my favorite saint! Francis, born in 1182, was the son of a very wealthy textile merchant in the medieval town of Assisi, Italy. In his late teens, Francis was known in Assisi for his excessive lifestyle of expensive clothing and partying. He dreamed of knighthood and longed for power and influence. In pursuit of that dream, he joined in the war between the Italian cities of Assisi and Perugia at the age of 20.
Francis was wounded in battle and taken prisoner; he spent a year imprisoned in a dungeon where he contracted malaria. He was freed after his father paid a ransom and he returned to Assisi. However, Francis had changed; his experiences of war and prison caused him to reevaluate his life and his priorities. Francis felt an inner emptiness and his heart longed for something more.
One day not too long after returning to Assisi, Francis had an awaking experience in prayer when he felt God calling him to do more with his life – God called Francis to “Go and rebuild my church.” Francis turned away his materialistic lifestyle and embraced a life of simplicity and service – where he found great joy!
Francis found the fulfillment his heart desired by living life not as others and culture thought he should, but rather by living simply focusing on what really mattered in life. Francis serves as a wonderful inspiration for all of us. Francis, while only in his early 20’s, started a movement that changed the world. He was able to do this because he lived simply and let God’s voice – found deep within his and all of our hearts – guide him along his life.
Francis heard God’s call and responded wholeheartedly. As we celebrate St. Francis of Assisi this week, ask yourself: How is God calling me? What am I being called to free myself from? Where do I find joy and fulfillment? How are you being invited to respond with your life?
Peace,
~ Jamie
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Canticle of the Sun by St. Francis of Assisi
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours,
all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and
he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who
grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
By You Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.
~ St. Francis of Assisi ~
Service Retreat to St. Francis Inn!
Service Retreat to St. Francis Inn!
Friday, December 16 to Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Cost $60.00 (partial scholarships available)
St. Francis Inn is a Catholic Franciscan community located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia where they minister among the poor and homeless by means of a soup kitchen, a thrift shop and a woman's day center. They empower persons to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, and to address structural injustice, by building relationships, respecting their human dignity, helping them restore hope in their lives, and by living simply among them.
Priority is given to those who have not visited the Inn before. If you are interested or would like an application please email jfazio1@naz.edu.
Muslim-Catholic Alliance
Participants will learn from the story of the peaceful encounter between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil to increase understanding between Christians and Muslims and to demonstrate how Christians and Muslims can work together for social justice. It will be seen how both the Bible and Quran both call for actions that promote the common good and love of neighbor.
If you are interested in being involved in the Muslim-Catholic Alliance, please email Jamie Fazio at jfazio1@naz.edu.
Do you like to sing? Do you play an instrument? Our Church Choir is for you!
Come again or for the first time!
If you play an instrument bring it along!
Questions?
E-mail Jessica Tripi, choir director, at jtripi3@mail.naz.edu
Do you know the story behind our processional cross we use at Mass?
Our processional cross is a replica of the San Damiano crucifix, which is known to be the icon that inspired St. Francis of Assisi to begin his life of service to the poor.
The original San Damiano crucifix hung in the little church of San Damiano , which was outside the walls of Assisi, Italy. When Francis stopped by the church to pray, he found the church to be “collapsing from old age…No one went down the worn staircase into the church: But Francis did, and with that act, the Franciscan Order was born.”
As Francis knelt in prayer before the painted Byzantine Cross, “Suddenly it seemed to him that Jesus’ gaze was fixed upon him…They were speaking and expressing a burning passion…Francis distinctly heard his name being called…‘Francis, go repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.’”
Francis stood up, frightened but moved. Believing that the message of the San Damiano Cross was to be taken literally, Francis began to repair the church by begging in Assisi for stones. Other young men came out to help with the renovation of the little church with the painted Cross. In time, Francis and his followers came to believe the message of the painted image on the wooden San Damiano Cross meant that Francis should rebuild the gospel church in the world through charity and service.
Are You Free on Wednesdays at 12:30? Come to Mass!
NAZ CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (NCF)
If you're looking for Bible Study, fellowship, music, food, and more, NCF is the place to be!
NCF meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in GAC 151. Visit our Facebook page for more info!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/626735367468217/
For more info about NCF contact Ceara Curry (ccurry6@mail.naz.edu) or Rachael Engert (rengert4@mail.naz.edu).
"NCF is a community that welcomes and supports one another by modeling Christ in service to others."
Nazareth College Catholic Community
Wednesday Mass: 12:30PM
Gluten free hosts available upon request.
For the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please e-mail one of our priests to schedule an appointment.
Jamie R. Fazio, M.Div., Catholic Chaplain, Office: GAC 160
The Nazareth College Catholic Community is part of the Nazareth Center for Spirituality. All are always welcome!
Email: jfazio1@naz.edu
Website: http://www.naz.edu/center-for-spirituality/catholic-community
Location: Linehan Chapel, East Avenue, Rochester, NY, United States
Phone: 585 389 2308
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/35057526410/
Twitter: @NazCatholic
Nazareth College Catholic Community Pastoral Team:
Taylor Santabarbara
Jeanie McCarthy
jmccart429@naz.edu
Jessica Tripi
jtripi3@naz.edu
Andrea Peters
apeters1@mail.naz.edu
Sr. Donna DelSanto, SSJ
ddelsanto@ssjrochester.org
Kayla Page
kpage0@mail.naz.edu
Fr. Robert Resier, SJ
rreiser@mcquaid.org
Fr. Matthew Temple, O.Carm.
Fr. Ed Salmon, SJ
esalmon@mcquaid.org
Jamie R. Fazio, M.Div.
Fr. Richard Briclker
Pope Franics
Follow on Twitter: @Pontifex