Christmas Mass

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013

5:00 pm

The Sts. Clare & Francis Christmas Mass will be celebrated on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th at 5:00 pm at the home of Ann and Bob Leible.  

Their address is: 

830 Craig Forest

Kirkwood, MO 63122

Bringing Christmas Cheer to Dorothy

Christmas Eve, December 24

4:00 pm

Anyone wishing to visit and sing a few carols with Dorothy Armbruster, (our oldest SCF member, who now lives at The Glen at Aberdeen Heights), is welcome to come.

Where:  meet at The Glen lobby, 575 Couch (just a block from the Leible's house)

When: 4:00 , Christmas Eve before our Mass at the Leible's house.

Song sheets will be provided.

A Letter from Michelle

Dear Parish Council and SCF Community,

I want to begin by thanking each of you for your love and support offered each in your own way as I journeyed through these past months. Taking time away from ministry allowed me to focus on my immediate task of getting through this difficult semester of work in school as well as adjusting to life with Sharon and Joe after my father's passing.

The time on sabbatical has allowed me to gain perspective on where and how I feel called to ministry and the time I need to devote to my family. With this new-found blessing and understanding, I am able to share with you that I have made the decision to resign as member and Chair of the Parish Council.  I have several reasons for my decision, but I will share the primary reasons.

One reason for my decision is that I am nearing the end of my term and I do not plan to serve another term. My call to chaplaincy is strong and I see my ministry efforts moving in that direction in the future.  

Another reason relates to the current transition taking place in the parish. The discussions, decisions and current planning have taken place without my full participation and I do not feel that returning to the parish council for only a limited time will benefit SCF or me.  

However, the most important reason for my decision is my family. Sharon has expressly asked for me to devote time to her and to Joe as we figure out together what it means to be a family unit and I realize the time that they have lost with me over the years because of my dedication to ministry and service to the church has been significant and, given what lies ahead for SCF as a community, my time and energy would remain split in a way that could strain my relationship with them.  My plan for now through May is to focus on my family and my final semester of study at Eden (while continuing to work FT and 6 hours a week as chaplain).  What happens after graduation in May only God knows.

I continue to work through my feelings of loss and grief for my dad, while celebrating a wonderful new chapter in my life with Sharon and Joe. As I embrace my vocation as chaplain at Ackert Park, I continue to be grateful for the people of Sts. Clare and Francis who have prayed and discerned with me and encouraged me in that ministry.

I have learned so much in my tenure on the Parish Council and hope that I have offered something of value to the SCF community through this ministry.  I pray for peace and wisdom to surround each of you in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.

Your sister in Christ,

Communal Work of Service

KIVA

We extended a loan to Gerardo, in Peru. 

Gerardo requested a loan of $300 to buy organic fertilizer and it has been fully funded.  We extended $100 toward his loan.  This is Gerardo's second loan with Kiva. He is happy. He has the money needed to improve his business, and, in turn, his quality of life. 

Franciscan Hermitage Experience

December 29, 2013 - January 1, 2014

Sunday 4:00 pm - Wednesday after 11:30 Mass

IL RITIRO Franciscan Retreat, Dittmer, MO