2016 archive of FROM THE DESK OF FR. JEFF
December 10-11, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 12/12/16
We are beginning the 3rd week of Advent; the days slip by so quickly for all of us. Ask me if I have finished sending out my Christmas cards - ask me if I have even addressed the envelopes yet! Perhaps writing this out on Monday will motivate me ... Read More »
December 3-4, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 12/12/16
You may have noticed the television in the gathering room last weekend. I've come across a series of 31 short videos which covers many different aspects of the Mass in short, understandable episodes. Each week we'll have 2 videos looping before and after each weekend liturgy. I hope they ... Read More »
November 26-27, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 11/28/16
Today is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new year of worship. We will hear from the gospel of Matthew on most Sundays in this cycle. Why not begin Advent by coming to our Thursday evening bible study with Sr. Helen Therese Bodziak? This group ... Read More »
November 19-20, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 11/28/16
The friars and parish staff wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving. Every mass is certainly the deepest possible expression of Thanksgiving, but we still need this holiday to gather with our family (if possible) and express to one another a deeply-felt thanks. I will be in Indiana with some ... Read More »
November 12-13, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 11/28/16
We are entering into the final week of the Holy Year of Mercy. Looking back over this past year, I find that my own spirit was touched by the recurring and persistent call to accept and to give mercy. I hope that the practice of mercy has taken root ... Read More »
November 5-6, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 11/28/16
You may notice that our Sunday readings leading up to November 20th have taken on a different tone. The Church asks us to reflect more deeply upon the time that is allotted to each of us, especially in regard to the end times and the final judgment.
But even ... Read More »
October 29-30, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 10/31/16
The church calls us to celebrate the victory of grace in the lives of all the saints this Tuesday, the Feast of All Saints. In addition to the regular noon mass, we will have another mass at 7:00 pm as we do on all the holy days of obligation. ... Read More »
October 22-23, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 10/24/16
As the cold weather season approaches, we are hearing frequent reminders about getting a flu shot and becoming more careful about our personal health habits. The archdiocese also circulates a memo which addresses possible changes in how we celebrate mass during these times. You can find the guidelines in ... Read More »
October 15-16, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 10/24/16
A heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you who were involved with the South Oakland Shelter this past week. There is so much done behind the scenes to make this week go smoothly. Again, a special thanks to Tim and Nancy Cahoon for shepherding this good deed along.
... Read More »
October 8-9, 2016
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 10/10/16
Thanks to the many volunteers who will be involved with the South Oakland Shelter in the days ahead, especially to those for whom this is the first time. It takes a lot to step outside our familiar routines. I know that you will find yourselves enriched by this experience.
... Read More »