Jesus I Trust in You
"Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
As we continue this difficult journey of living with the threat of the Coronavirus pandemic, we do so celebrating with Easter joy the Resurrection of the Lord! The scriptures that we hear at the televised or streaming masses that have become our "new normal" continue to speak to us and resonate with the experience through which we are now living.
An Easter Like No Other
How many people have had the experience in the last few weeks of going to a store to get some much needed supplies or food items only to find the shelves empty? Feelings of disappointment, frustration and even anger have become commonplace. In the gospel for Easter Sunday Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, the beloved disciple go to Jesus' tomb only to find it empty...
Hosanna in the Highest
Because of the Coronavirus crisis we are in, we are not able to distribute blessed palms this Palm Sunday. One thing you can do this week is take a branch from your own tree or bush near your home and place it on your front door.
The Resurrection is Real
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
With these words Jesus assures Martha, the sister of the dead man Lazarus, that the resurrection is real, and that her brother will live in that new life that comes from Jesus’ resurrection. Even as Martha mourns her brother’s death and questions Jesus (“Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died”), Jesus brings her to a new level of faith, where Martha is able to say “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe”. And then he shows her the power of the resurrection when he brings Lazarus out of the tomb.
Health Crisis and Challenges Ahead...
Dear Friends,
I know that the news that public masses are suspended throughout the diocese until April 14 is upsetting to all of us. During this time St. Francis de Sales church will be open for private prayer in the morning and afternoon. While we won’t be gathering as usual for mass for now, I invite you to unite yourselves with the Lord in prayer, whether at home or in a visit to the church.
Catholic Ministries Appeal
Last year, because of your generous support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal, St. Francis de Sales Parish reached its 2017 CMA goal and received more than $17,000 in rebates!
We Give Thanks
It is November and suddenly the holiday season is upon us. Already families are making preparations for Thanksgiving. Advent begins in just three weeks, and Christmas will be here before you know it. I hope that it’s a time of joyful anticipation. But for some this time of year can be a difficult time. With the cold weather and shorter days, along with the anxiety that holidays can bring, many people experience a heaviness of heart.
September 10, 2017
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”
These words from the conclusion of today’s gospel ring especially true for us this weekend as we gather for our annual outdoor mass and parish picnic. This is the 21st year for the picnic, and I am happy to be celebrating my second as pastor of St. Francis de Sales.
From the Pastor's Desk
Welcome to St. Francis de Sales Parish!
St. Francis de Sales is a Catholic community of faith in beautiful Patchogue, Long Island, one mile from the Great South Bay. (You can read about the history of the parish by clicking "About" on the home page.)
