St. Francis of Assisi Archives - Mississippi Sisters

Opening St. Francis of Assisi Church for Public Mass

June 16, 2020 by webadmin Leave a Comment

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Kathleen Murphy shares on the opening up of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Greenwood, Mississippi for public Masses.

The Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi declared that Pentecost Sunday would be the day that parishes would open their churches for public Mass. So, preparations began to make this a safe, welcoming and joyful liturgical celebration. One of the first tasks was to take down the hymn numbers which remained from the season of Lent.

Father Kim met with the ushers during the week preceding Pentecost. They developed a seating chart to be used as church members arrived. This provided for seating at opposite ends of the pew and leaving an empty pew between worshippers. Father also scheduled an English and Spanish Mass on Saturday and the same on Sunday. Staff called each parish member to find out which Mass they planned to attend.

Sister Kathleen and the ladies of the Liturgy Committee worked at separate times to cooperatively create a fitting environment for the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit among us.

Father Kim had also requested help from Sister Linda and her sewing crew to provide masks for those who needed one. This help was much appreciated and the mask basket was soon nearly empty!

The church maintenance crew worked to sanitize all areas of the church and hand sanitizer bottles stood ready near the entrance. No hymnals were to be used so Brother Craig prepared typed copies of song lyrics which were projected on the wall.

With all in readiness, the church was unlocked about 45 minutes before the 4:00 p.m. liturgy. Brother Craig and Mr. Jones head usher stood near the doors with no-contact thermometers in hand. As parish members arrived, their temperature was taken and they were shown a place to sit. 16 members attended this first Mass with great joy. The process was repeated on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. 20 attended this Mass which was also livestreamed for those not comfortable in attending.

When the last hymn was finished, the ushers led church members out one pew at a time so that they could socialize outside in the fresh air and at a distance.

All seemed filled with joy to return to the church on the Birthday of the Church!

As the parish gathered again for Trinity Sunday, numbers increased at each of the Masses and all seemed very comfortable and joyful in offering praise to God together.

Filed Under: Our Mission Tagged With: Public Mass, St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi Convent at Pentecost

June 1, 2020 by webadmin Leave a Comment

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Kathleen Murphy shares two images of the St. Francis of Assisi Convent Chapel, Greenwood, Mississippi.

On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” Mk 1:10-11

Filed Under: Our Mission Tagged With: Convent, Pentecost, St. Francis of Assisi

Catholic School Week Liturgy and Convent Open House

January 27, 2020 by webadmin Leave a Comment

St. Francis of Assisi School, Greenwood, Mississippi celebrated Catholic Schools Week on Sunday, January 26 at the parish Mass. The national theme was Catholic Schools Week: Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed.

Students served in various roles throughout the liturgy from the entrance procession to reading the Word of God to singing their hearts out in the choir.

Franciscan Friar of the Assumption BVM Province, Fr. Camillus Janus presided at the inspiring Eucharist with family members also present.

Sister Kathleen Murphy was organist and directed the children’s choir. Sister Janet Rose and Sister Maria Goretti Scandaliato assisted wherever there was a need for extra hands.

After Mass, everyone was invited for an open house at the convent.

Included in the tour was the convent chapel. All were able to add their prayer intentions to a book for the Sisters to remember during their Community prayer times.

Refreshments provided time for warm-hearted conversation.

Guests took the opportunity to enjoy pictures collected in albums over the years.

Filed Under: Our Mission Tagged With: Catholic Schools, St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi Fall Festival

October 14, 2019 by webadmin Leave a Comment

Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Kathleen Murphy reports on St. Francis of Assisi Fall Festival, Greenwood, Mississippi.

Here’s a photographer snapping another photographer situation. Sister Maria Goretti snaps a quick photo of her customers at the busy prize booth. Game winners brought colored tickets to the booth. The color of the ticket indicated what types of prizes they could choose. So many choices, so little time!

Here’s all that’s left of the silent auction-clipboards for bidding, the empty bidding rules sign and table cloths used to accent the auction items with style.