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Evangelization Commission Cold Weather Initiative

Feb 06, 2017

An Encounter with Christ

The St. Francis of Assisi Parish New Evangelization Commission is hoping that you’ll join us in a cold weather initiative. It will provide a little respite from the cold for His children on the street corners as well as the gift of grace that you’ll receive from the Lord for loving those less fortunate than ourselves. Think about it; hear Pope Francis’ words, “go out, go out and encounter Christ in others. Feed the hungry and clothe the naked!”

We can have this encounter whenever we are stopped at a crossroads for a red light. THERE HE IS! He is the one begging, holding the cardboard sign. You may, like most of us feel a little nervous, a little anxious, but don’t look away! What does Jesus say?

“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 40b )

You ask, “Lord, how do I feed the hungry and clothe the naked?” It’s easy. He will give you the grace to move beyond your anxiety. At your next encounter, with God’s Grace, roll down your window, hand him or her a gift and the two prayer cards provided by our commission. You’ll be taking care of one of his immediate needs and this request will elevate the beggar on the corner; elevate his human dignity! You’ll be asking the beggar for something in that encounter that only he/she can give. Their prayers!

Do you want to join us? Wonderful! Here’s how.   First, you choose the gift. (See ideas below.) Along with your gift, you’ll hand him the two cards mentioned.   One is a prayer card invoking the intercession of Mary, Our Blessed Mother. The other will be a request for him/her to pray for you (write your 1 st name on the card) and an invitation for them to join us at church. That’s it. God will do the rest!

Gift Ideas : a pair of socks, a pair of gloves, a warm scarf, a warm hat or a $5.00 gift card from McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts, an apple, orange or even a granola bar. These are just a few suggestions. You may have something else in mind; you decide.

We would love to hear from you. When you have such an encounter, please tell us about it! We will share your story in the bulletin, on our website and on Facebook. We all need inspiration. Please share yours with us. Send an email to: st.franbtown@gmail.com

Prayer cards are available in the gathering space. Please help yourself!

28 Feb, 2024
Sister Jeanne T. Hubert, 93, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Sister Jeanne's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Monday, March 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
28 Feb, 2024
Gloria J. (Sedelow) Fredette, 80, passed away at her home on February 23, 2024. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Gloria's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 26 Jan, 2024
Martha E. Fredenburgh, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at Baystate Medical Center on January 18, 2024.  Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Martha's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 19 Jan, 2024
  David S. "Dave" Paul, 78, passed away January 17, 2024 with his loving wife by his side. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May David's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 16 Jan, 2024
Kathleen A. Francis passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May Kathleen's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
By Donna Laviolette 20 Dec, 2023
Dr. Lawrence Roberge, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Dec 14, 2023. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and may Lawrence's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Click here for more information from Sampson Funeral Chapel.
By Donna Laviolette 16 Dec, 2023
Ellen (Real) Campbell, 69, died at home on December 13, 2023, due to complications from ALS. She was surrounded by her loving family. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may Ellen's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, on Wednesday December 20, 2023 at 11 A.M. Friends and family may meet at the funeral home at 10 A.M. Click here for more information from Beers & Story Funeral Home.    
By Bulletin Editor 25 Oct, 2023
Rita M. Butler, 96, passed away at Vantage of Wilbraham on October 21, 2023.  Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and may Rita's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Click here for more information from Beers & Story Funeral Home.
By Bulletin Editor 25 Oct, 2023
Robert "Bob" L. Methot passed away on his 82nd birthday October 17, 2023 succumbing to several debilitating diseases.Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and may Robert's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Click here for more information from Beers & Story Funeral Home.
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