Father Raul has asked that the following letter from the Diocese of Crookston be published.
Fathers,
A national abortion advocacy group has called on supporters to protest at Catholic Masses around the country this weekend. While the Diocese of Crookston has no information that disruptions are planned locally, we wanted to make you aware of this trending topic on social media.
You may want to consider the following:
• Having extra parish leadership and staff present at Masses to watch for unusual behavior or disruptive activities.
• If protestors disrupt the Mass, prepare hospitality/usher staff to peacefully and respectfully escort protestors out of the church.
• Announce that the Mass is not the proper forum for protesting and encourage demonstrators to move outside the church to public property to express their views.
• Ask the faithful to pray quietly.
• Lead the faithful in prayer after demonstrators exit to calm parishioners.
• In the event a demonstration takes place, it may be upsetting to some in attendance. Please acknowledge that parish staff will be available following Mass to speak with them (if that’s possible). Otherwise, remind the faithful that they are welcome to call the parish office to make an appointment with the pastor. If you believe that a situation may become or is becoming unsafe, please contact your local law enforcement agency for advice and assistance.
In addition, Catholic Mutual Group has supplied us with the following comments:
In light of the potential changes from the U.S. Supreme Court on abortion, law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are issuing alerts for violence and civil unrest starting with this weekend, with the target of Mother’s Day. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that you inform your Pastors of this matter. They should remain vigilant and be prepared should protestors decide to show up in front of one of your churches.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Join the St. Francis Tigers Youth Softball Team and have fun this summer! All youth who are completing grades 6th through 12th are welcome to join. Invite your friends to join the team with you! Everyone is eligible to join--parishioners and non-parishioners...experienced or inexperienced!
We will meet for a few practices in May and then just for games on Monday evenings through June and July.
Registration forms are available here. Cost of participation is $30. Team shirt is $15 (past year's shirts may be worn, if you have one). Please contact Mary Johnson at 218-790-1584 or ryanmaryjohnson@hotmail.com with questions.
Our Parish Mission Statement
“To inspire all people to know, love, and serve God, by cultivating our faith family,
embracing our cultural diversity,
and serving the greater community.”
Misión de nuestra Parroquia
“Inspirar a todas las personas a
conocer, amar y servir a Dios,
cultivando nuestra familia de fe,
abrazando nuestra diversidad cultural y
sirviendo a la comunidad en general.”
Pray the Act of Consecration at home. Click here.
We always need help with light maintenance inside and outside the church building. Our all-volunteer maintenance crew works on Wednesday mornings from 8 am to noon, and keeps our parish from having to pay full or part-time staff. If you can help only one Wednesday a month, or even just a couple hours a month, it would be greatly appreciated. Free coffee, water, and treats, along with the eternal thanks of your parish community.