Evangelization Commission Cold Weather Initiative

February 6, 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!

Theresa Simone Murray

April 24, 2025
Theresa Simone Murray, born Pepin on August 24, 1934, in Chicopee, MA, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, at the Arbors in Westfield. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Theresa's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A Memorial Mass will be held in her honor at St. Francis of Assisi, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and legacy on April 28, 2025 at 11am. Click here for more information.

Sheilamae M. Cole

April 9, 2025
Sheilamae M. (Marchessault) Cole, 86, of Ware, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on April 4, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Sheilamae's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 Visitation will be at Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Church in Belchertown at 12:30 pm, with Interment to follow at South Cemetery in Belchertown. Click here for more information.

James L. Scott

April 4, 2025
James Leonard Scott, 78, passed away March 25, 2025, at his home with his wife by his side. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May James' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 9:30-10:30am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi. Burial will immediately follow in New St. Williams Cemetery in Ware. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Patricia A. Squires

March 19, 2025
On February 24, 2025, six days after her 85th birthday, Patricia Ann (DeSantis) Squires passed away at Cooley Dickinson Hospital following a brief illness. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Patricia's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Francis Church, 24 Jabish St., Belchertown from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed by the Liturgy of Christian burial at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow in South Cemetery in Belchertown. Click here for more information.

Thomas T. Soja

March 7, 2025
Thomas T. Soja, 82, of Belchertown passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Tom's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 12 from 9:30-11:30 am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home with a Funeral Mass at 12pm at St. Francis Church. Burial will be at the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 2pm. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Denise O. Cote

February 14, 2025
With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Denise O. (Grondin) Cote, who peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on February 10th, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Denise's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home during calling hours on Wednesday, February 19th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Francis Church. Following the Mass, the burial will take place at West Cemetery in Granby. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Dennis Riel

February 12, 2025
Dennis Louis Riel, 72, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Dennis' soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A calling hour to honor Dennis' memory will be held on Monday, February 17th, from 9:00am -10:00am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Francis Church, Belchertown. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Veronica C. Shea

February 5, 2025
Veronica C. Shea (née Higgins), born April 7, 1941, in Holyoke, MA, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in Springfield, MA. Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Veronica's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be on February 6 from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home, 10 Maple St. A Funeral Mass will be conducted on February 7 at 11 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 24 Jabish St in Belchertown, followed by her interment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Gerald J. Millen

January 30, 2025
Gerald "Jerry" J. Millen, 84, passed away January 26, 2025. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Jerry's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1-3 pm at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to join the funeral procession on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11 am to St. Francis of Assisi Church, where Jerry’s life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at 12pm. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery at 2 pm. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.

Michael J. Lamoureux

December 18, 2024
Michael J. Lamoureux passed away on December 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Michael's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. A celebration of Michael’s life will commence with a period of visitation on Monday, December 23, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Click here for more information from Beers and Story Funeral Home.
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