St. Frances of Rome

Parish Newsletter

St. Leonard

Weekly Parish Update

February 4th, 2021

Weekly Winter Retreat 2021

In our second-to-last Winter Retreat installment, on Monday our very own Father Jerry shared his reflections on the theme, "Embracing Both Sides of Celebration." Thank you for praying along with us this winter!

The Struggle: Dealing with Mental Burden of the Pandemic

We are supposed to offer sufferings to God and share in the sufferings of others . . . is looking for relief or professional help a cop-out?

Redemptive suffering is a truth taught by the Church: we can unite our suffering with Christ, and find spiritual transformation by meeting him on the Cross. It’s natural to think about the martyrs who gave their whole lives for Christ as a good example, but we have to remember that the word "martyr" means witness. The big way that Jesus allows redemption through the suffering of martyrs is that by giving their lives, they make the ultimate witness to their faith in Christ’s gift of eternal life. If we allow ourselves to be crippled by suffering, it’s hard to imagine how we are actually witnessing Christ to the world. Offering up our sufferings is noble, but if they become severe to the point that they affect our power to embody God’s love, God is probably calling us to suffer the humility of asking for help.

The Diocesan Office of Family Ministries offers opportunities to connect with Counseling Services, especially with faithful therapists. For info, contact Martine Siegel (502) 636-1044; counseling@archlou.org)

Worship Updates

Liturgies for Ash Wednesday: February 17, 2021

Our parishes will be offering Masses and the distribution of ashes at the following times on February 17:

  • 8:30 am at Saint Frances of Rome

  • 12:00 noon at Saint Frances of Rome

  • 6:00 pm at Saint Leonard

Check next week's newsletter for updates about how ashes will be distributed safely during this unusual time of COVID-19.

Knoop Notes

SFR and SL Communities, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 7, 2021

“O come, let us worship God, who made us, for he is the Lord our God!”

BE OPEN with a SONG in OUR HEARTS

Gathering Hymn - Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

Responsorial Psalm - Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

Gospel Acclamation - Alleluia Mass of Joy and Peace

Preparation of Gifts - God of Mercy (Manalo)

Communion - In the Breaking of the Bread (Bob Hurd)

Sending Forth - We Are the Light of the World (Greif)

A Joyful Week to All…Let them thank the Lord for his mercy!

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

Alleluia Mass of Joy and Peace

God of Mercy (Manalo)

In the Breaking of the Bread (Bob Hurd)

We Are the Light of the World (Greif)

Current Mass Schedule

At this time, you will need a reservation to attend St. Frances of Rome for Sunday Masses only. Call the parish or click here to use the RSVP feature on our website to make a reservation.

St. Frances of Rome

Sunday, 8:30am

Sunday, 11:30am

Monday, 8:30am

Wednesday, 8:30am and Noon

Friday, 8:30am

St. Leonard

Saturday, 5pm

Sunday, 10am

Tuesday, Noon

Thursday, Noon

Please note that the weekday Mass at Saint Frances of Rome will be cancelled if Jefferson County Catholic schools are closed due to inclement weather. Watch Saint Leonard's Facebook page for updates about weekday Masses on snowy Tuesdays or Thursdays. Weekend Mass cancellations for both parishes will be posted on the local news stations.

Mass Intentions

St. Frances of Rome

Friday, Feb 5, 8:30am: Wiletta Bleuel

Sunday, Feb 7, 8:30am: People of the Parish

Sunday, Feb 7, 11:30am: Jayne BecVar

Monday, Feb 8, 8:30am: Jim Milliman

Wednesday, Feb 10, 8:30am:

Wednesday, Feb 10, 12Noon:

Friday, Feb 12, 8:30am:

Sunday, Feb 14, 8:30am: People of the Parish

Sunday, Feb 14, 11:30am: Mary Ann Schwantes

St. Leonard

Saturday, Feb 6, 5pm:

Sunday, Feb 7, 10am: People of the Parish

Tuesday, Feb 9, Noon:

Thursday, Feb 11, 12Noon:

Saturday, Feb 13, 5pm: Holy Souls

Sunday, Feb 14, 10am: People of the Parish

Tuesday, Feb 16, Noon: David Staggs

Wednesday, Feb 17, 6pm:

Thursday, Feb 18, Noon:

Please pray for the repose of the soul of DeeDee Jones, a longtime SL parishioner who passed away on January 28, 2021. Also, please pray for the repose of the soul of Ellen Marie Jaggers, sister and sister-in-law of SFR parishioners, Donna and Arnold Brown, who passed away on January 30, 2021. We pray for them and for the comfort of their bereaved family and friends.

Prayer Requests

The link below will take you to our prayer list for 2021. Thank you for your prayers for these members of our parishes facing an especially difficult time.

Faith Formation Updates

Bible in a Year Check In - This Wednesday, February 10

Some of us at St. Frances of Rome are getting together and listening to the Bible (yeah, the whole thing) via podcast this year. The podcast started Jan 1, but you can listen anytime, and there's plenty of time to catch up! We are gathering via Zoom every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 6 pm to discuss!

Our next meeting is Feb 10th at 6! Hope you can join us!

Family Day: Feb 14th

On February 14th, SFR is hosting our multi-parish Family Zoom at 10am! We'll be playing games and talking about one of the things below. Which one? Join us to find out!

Want to stay up-to-date with Family Faith Formation news?

Andrew Hennessy regularly communicates reminders and resources to parish families via emails and mailings. Not yet receiving Andrew's updates? Or do you want to become a regular participant in our Family Faith Formation opportunities? Click on the link below to download a registration form and return it to your parish office. Questions? Reach out to Andrew at ahennessy@sfrlou.org.

Parish Life

Renew your commitment to Saint Leonard!

Thanks to those who have already returned their Membership Renewal forms to our parish office! Please take time to complete and return your forms to us by February 15. Thank you!

Leonard Ladies Lenten Journey: Imagine

Our next meeting is Wednesday, February 10 at 7:15 pm via Zoom

The next meeting of the Leonard Ladies series Imagine will take place on Wednesday, February 10 at 7:15 pm via Zoom. Our discussion this week will be based on “Episode 2 - The Call of the Disciples” of the podcast Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer. After you listen and pray with this episode, we encourage you to ponder the following questions:

  • As you imagine the scene of Jesus calling the disciples, what words, images, sounds, smells, or other details stand out in your prayer?

  • How does your perspective on this scene change when you imagine it from different points-of-view (such as that of Jesus, one of the fishermen, or an onlooker)?

  • How do you feel that Jesus is speaking to you through this Scripture passage and prayer?

This link will take you directly to this podcast episode on the America website. You can also access additional reflection resources here!

Click above to join us via Zoom on Wednesday, February 10 at 7:15 pm

Honoring our Student Achievers

Congratulations to the following SL and SFR students who have been recognized by our Catholic high schools for their scholastic achievements for the fall semester!

Assumption High School

Lilly Ford (SL, Principal's List), Kandace Gahafer (SL, Principal's List), Nia Gandolfo (SL, First Honor Roll), Anna Gardone (SL, Second Honor Roll)

DeSales High School

Zachary Sutherland (SL, Honor Roll)

Sacred Heart Academy

Kara Adams (SFR, Principal's List), Jaela Callahan-Murphy (SL, Principal's List), Eloise Eifler (SFR, Principal's List), Stella Mastropaolo (SL, Principal's List), Brooke Missi (SL, First Honors), Alexandra Zoeller (SFR, Principal's List)

Saint Xavier High School

Matthew Baker (SL, Second Honors), Andrew Robello (SL, Second Honors), Matthew Wantland (SL, Principal's List), Charles Sander Wiebe (SFR, Second Honors)

Trinity High School

Evan Casper (SFR, First Honors), Simon Hildenbrand (SFR, First Honors), Leo McAllister (SFR, First Honors)

Serra Club features book by Saint Leonard parishioner

The February 2021 newsletter of the Serra Club of Louisville features an article about deceased Saint Leonard parishioner Marie Heckel, whose book Kokoroko: Brother John Heckel's Singular Devotion to the Ghanaian People for 40 Years was published posthumously last year by her cousin Laura Horina Schuhmann. Kokoroko tells the story of Marie's brother John, a missionary brother of the Society of the Divine Word. Click on the links below to read the full article and learn more!

Outreach

A note from the Saint Vincent de Paul conference of Saint Leonard

The Saint Vincent de Paul conference of Saint Leonard Parish offers financial assistance to neighbors in need throughout our 40206 zip code. We want to be sure that all parishioners know that this assistance is available for you, too! SL and SFR parishioners experiencing financial distress are welcome to call the parish office at 502-897-2595 and ask for Saint Vincent de Paul, and we will be glad to help. Be assured that your request and information will be kept confidential.

St. Frances of Rome's

"Make A Difference" Outreach Project for United Crescent Hill Ministries

St. Frances of Rome is collecting the following items: Clorox Wipes, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Soap and Shampoo. Donations can be placed in the basket near the organ at the entrance of the church or dropped off at the parish house, Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 2:00pm. Thank you in advance for your ongoing generosity and support!

An update from the Justice Ministry of Saint Leonard

Here are just a few of the community initiatives that we are working on with our partners at CLOUT:

  • Working with JCPS to implement restorative practices in local schools

  • Researching and evaluating community safety & equity issues, and setting up a dialogue with community, government, and policing leaders

  • Through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, assisting in the construction and/or preservation of 2807 units of affordable housing

  • Planning to launch Flourish Village for older adults in the community

Want to get involved? Contact David Dutschke at 502-905-6908 or djdutschke@gmail.com. We hope you'll join us in this important work!

Treasury

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION

“If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship.” 1 Corinthians 9:17

Doing good works that are enjoyable, or that come natural, can be a pleasure. When faced with good works that are not simple, or that challenge us, do we serve as the hands of Jesus or do our hands stay tucked in comfortable pockets?

St. Frances of Rome

Collections February 1, 2021: $6,000

Online Giving : $720

New Budget needed weekly : $6,942

Amount over YTD: $ 28,483

St. Leonard

Collections February 1, 2021: $4,228

Online Giving: $950

New Budget needed weekly: $6,975

Amount under YTD: ($14,031)

Text Donations

You can now donate to our parishes using text messaging! You can use the following phone numbers to make a donation (click here to learn how):

  • SFR: 844-923-2478

  • SL: 844-925-2436

2020 Catholic Services Appeal

Bringing Christ to Others

Our Parish Goal: $37,000 (SFR), and $32,000 (SL)

Our Parish Participation Goal: 106 (SFR) and 78 (SL) households

Thanks to those who have already responded with a gift to the 2020 Catholic Services Appeal. To date SFR has raised $33,530 and SL has raised $33,270 toward our goals through the support of parishioners. There is still plenty of time to respond with a gift to last year’s Appeal. Gifts can be made through our parish office or online at www.ArchLou.org/CSA.

Community Updates

Did you know? February 8 is both the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking and the feast day of St. Bakhita. Our Bakhita Empowerment Initiative bears her name. She was sold into slavery as a child in 1877 and 12 years later, with the help of Canossian Sisters in Venice, freed herself. We help those exiting human trafficking to free themselves, too, all across Kentucky. If you think you see human trafficking, call the National Hotline at 888-373-7888.

Conversations with Archbishop Kurtz

During segment one of February’s Conversations with Archbishop Kurtz, Chancellor Dr. Brian Reynolds and Archbishop Kurtz discuss the themes of Pope Francis’ new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. In segment two, Archbishop Kurtz welcomes Anna Mayrose, a Mercy Academy junior, to talk about the history and mission of the Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl Program and Mercy’s involvement with this annual Lenten appeal. In segment three, Archbishop Kurtz and Chancellor Dr. Brian Reynolds discuss the four marks of the Church. Click below to find out how you can listen or watch Conversations with Archbishop Kurtz on TV, radio, or iTunes this month.

From Catholic Charities of Louisville

You're invited to the fun! Save the date for Catholic Charities’ festive fundraiser, Rouler! It’s Fat Tuesday, New Orleans style: February 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Facebook Live. Register for free today at https://cclou.org/rouler-2021/. Let the good times roll!

Social Media Links: Stay Connected!

Last Week's Masses

Catch St. Leonard's Mass at 10am on Sunday and St. Frances of Rome's Mass at 11:30am on Sunday on our respective Facebook pages.

Contact Us

Saint Frances of Rome

(502) 896-8401

Office open to the public by appointment from 9am to 1pm, Monday through Friday.

Saint Leonard

(502) 897-2595

Office open to the public by appointment from 9am to 1pm Monday through Thursday and 9am to noon on Friday.

Fr Lou Meiman

Pastor SFR/SL

Sharon Coonan

Pastoral Associate SFR

Ashley Logsdon

Pastoral Associate SL

Steve King

Parish Administrator SFR/SL

Andrew Hennessy

Director of Faith Formation SFR/SL

Rick Knoop

Director of Music SFR/SL

Allison Deaton

Bookkeeper SFR/SL

and Admin Assistant SL

Suzann McGarvey

Admin Assistant SFR