Welcome to our July 5, 2020

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Family

Sharing the love of Jesus in the north Georgia mountains, and beyond……

Archdiocese of Atlanta

Deacon J.P. McGuire - Administrator Mass Times: Sat: 4:30 pm - Vigil

Deacon Paul Dietz Sun: 8:30 am, 11:00 am

Deacon Larry Casey 1:00 pm (Spanish)

Business Manager Communion Svc: Mon - Fri: 9:00 am Jim Gioia ____________________________________________

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Office Assistant Sat: 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm Lisa Howard Eucharistic Adoration: Finance Manager Mon. – Fri. 9:45 am – 12 noon Rita Baker

Church Office Phone: (706) 745-6400

Dir. Of Religious Education 3717 Hwy 515

Joe Kwiatkowski Blairsville, GA. 30512

Adult Faith Formation

Colleen Orchanian Office Hours: Mon – Thurs: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Music Director E-mail: office@stfrancisblairsville.com

Bill Haller Website: www.stfrancisblairsville.com

July 5, 2020 Mass Intentions

Sat. 4:30 PM + Deacon Bill Diehl By Marie Diehl Sun 8:30 AM Geneva Tigue By Cricket & Jerry Aull Sun 11:00 AM Tom & Martha Brown By Human Life & Dignity

WEEKLY CALENDAR July 5th- July 11th

SUNDAY No Activities Monday 11:30 am Pray the Rosary Together Zoom Tuesday 10:00 am Book Club Zoom 10:00 am Disciples of Jesus & Mary Zoom 11:30 am Pray the Rosary Together Zoom 12:30 pm DJM Zoom 3:00 pm Liturgy Committee Library

Wednesday 10:00 am Spirit of Fire Prayer Group Meeks Park 11:30 am Pray the Rosary Together Zoom 7:00 pm Spanish Prayer Meeting Church (Safe distancing precautions) Thursday 10:00 am SVdP Meeting Zoom 11:30 am Pray the Rosary together Zoom 1:00 pm Laudato Si Study Group with Mary Smith Zoom 2:00 pm Koffee Klatch & Good News Club Zoom 4:00 pm Choir meets to pray the Rosary Zoom 6:00 pm Knights Meeting Zoom

Friday 10:00 Sisters in Faith Zoom 11:30 am Pray the Rosary together Zoom

Saturday 12:45 pm SFO Zoom

Offertory June 20th & 21st First Collection $ 4,292.00 Online Giving $ 995.00 Second Collection $ 377.00 Catholic Communications

Readings: The Week of July 5th-July 11th

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Zec 9:9-10 Rom 8:9, 11-13 Mt 11:25-30 Monday – Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin & Martyr Hos 2:16, 17b-18, 21-22 Mt 9:18-26

Tuesday of the Fourteeneth Week in Ordinary Time Hos 8:4-7, 11-13 Mt 9:32-38

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Mt 10:1-7

Thursday – Saint Augustine Zhao Rong Hos 11:1-4, 8e-9 Mt 10:7-15

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time Hos 14:2-10 Mt 10:16-23

Saturday – Saint Benedict, Abbot Is 6:1-8 Mt 10:24-33

Prayer Requests Liz Beaudet Jean Caputa David Drake Pam Snyder Ann Jacques Rita De’Marco Rita Casey Diane Kwiatkowski Familia Perales Mattew Kwiatkowski Isabel Chaves & Familia Jean Hiler, ofs Susan Porter Kathy & Jim Deen Terry McKnight Jerry & Madeline Rousseau Brian Ridley John Lena John Supinie William McConnell Greg Raupp Wayne Sanders Sean Sullivan Veronica Sanchez Pat Pierce Flon’na Perez Alvarez Jay Robinson Jim Halloran Betty & Herschel Brown Chip Clandandiel

Names will be removed after 30 days unless requested to remain

Prayer for Healing Almighty and merciful Father, by the power of your command, drive away from them all forms of sickness and disease. Restore strength to their bodies and joy to their spirit, so that in their renewed health, they may bless and serve you, now and forevermore.

General Notices

Following consultation with the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s College of Consultors, Deans of the 10 Deaneries, and lay professionals, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., announces the following and conditions regarding in-parish worship and access to parish facilities. These procedures will be evaluated and amended, from time to time. Out of concern for the well-being of all in our communities, everyone is urged to monitor carefully and abide by the directives of federal, state and local authorities, as well as guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for persons with health reasons or concerns remains in effect for all in the Archdiocese through Sunday, August 2. Because of this, those wishing to participate in Mass and receive Holy Communion can do so by attending any Mass any day of the week. Persons are encouraged to take their temperature before leaving home and to avoid coming to church if the temperature is 99.6 or greater. Taking of temperature at church entrances is allowed, and may be incorporated at some future time, if necessary. Anyone who is not feeling well should remain at home, out of concern for others. Those who are at risk, provide care to an at-risk person, or are concerned that they, or their family might become sick should stay at home and view live-streamed or online Masses.

WELCOME Msgr. Barona!!

As we eagerly await the

arrival of our new pastor,

Fr. Mario Lopez, from

Colombia, we are also

overjoyed to have

Monsignor Jaime Barona

filling in the gap until Fr.

Lopez arrives. Please

extend a warm Georgia mountain welcome to

Msgr. Barona and thank him for his service to

our St. Francis of Assisi parish community.

MASS ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

At St. Francis of Assisi

While we have resumed our regular Mass schedule, there are requirements that remain in effect for attendance. As a reminder, those requirements are: -Attendance at each Mass is limited to 100 people. - It is required to wear a mask upon entering, and while in the church. - Ushers will escort you to your seat, which will require appropriate distancing within the pews. Please be understanding, and occupy the seat that you are escorted to. -Ushers will also direct you to receive Holy Communion. Either toward the front or rear of the church. At present, Holy Communion is to be received on the hand, out of love and concern for our fellow parishioners. Finally, when exiting the Church, please also follow the guidance of the ushers, who will direct that the side aisles be used, to minimize contact, and maintain proper distancing.

Some FAQ’s

Q. Are we allowed to resume meetings at St. Francis? A. For the remainder of the summer, and until the guidelines are changed, all ongoing ministry meetings are to be ZOOM meetings. Q. How does our new phone system work. A. Last year we joined the 20th century, and now have an automated phone system. Due to the Coronavirus, the majority of the message is currently consumed with guidelines and directions for attending Mass, out of love and concern for our parish family. As a result, extensions have temporarily been relegated to a dial by name, rather than direct by pushing a single button. You can bypass the message, if you’ve heard it before, and push the number 6, which will allow you to then press the buttons that correspond to the name of the person you’d like to reach.

St. Maria Goretti July 6th Born on October 16 1890 in Corinaldo, in the Ancona Province in Italy, her farmworker father moved his family to Ferrier di Conca, near Anzio. When he died of malaria, Maria's mother had to struggle to feed her children. Maria's mother, brothers, and sisters worked in the fields while she cooked, sewed, kept the house clean, and watched her youngest sister Teresa.

Though the family's circumstances were extremely difficult, they were very close and loved God. On July 5, 1902, Maria was sitting outside the steps of her home sewing her 18-year-old brother or neighbor -it is unclear which - Alessandro's shirt while he threshed beans in the barnyard. As she concentrated on her sewing, Alessandro surprised her and grabbed her from her steps. When he tried to rape her, Maria cried that it was a mortal sin and warned he would go to hell. When Alessandro persisted, she fought him and screamed, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!" At her words, Alessandro began to choke her and she said she would rather die than submit. Upon hearing her words, Alexander pulled out a knife and stabbed her eleven times. When she attempted to reach the door, he stabbed her three more times then fled. Teresa woke to the sounds of her sister's cries and began to cry. Maria's family returned home and found her bleeding on the floor. They quickly took her to the nearest hospital in Nettuno, where she underwent surgery without anesthesia. Unfortunately, her wounds were beyond the surgeon's ability to help. Halfway through the surgery, the man asked her, "Maria, think of me in Paradise." As she lay on the table, she looked up at him and said, "Well, who knows which of us is going to be there first?" She did not realize how terrible her situation was, and the surgeon replied, "You, Maria." She said, "Then I will think gladly of you." She also mentioned concerns for her mother. The next day, Maria forgave Alessandro and said she wanted to see him in Heaven with her. She died that day while looking upon an image of the Virgin Mary and holding a cross to her chest.

Shortly after Maria's family discovered her, Alexander was captured and questioned. He admitted Maria was a physical virgin as he was unable to assault her and he was sentenced to thirty years. He also admitted he had attempted to persuade her to accompany him to bed on several occasions in the past and had attempted to rape her before. Alessandro remained unrepentant for his actions until he had a dream that he was in a garden. Maria was there and gave him lilies, which immediately burned in his hands. When he woke, he was a changed man. He repented his crime and living a reformed life. When he was released 27-years-later, he went directly to Maria's mother and begged her forgiveness, which she gave, saying, "If my daughter can forgive him, who am I to withhold forgiveness?" Maria Goretti was beatified by Pope Pius XII in a ceremony at Saint Peter's Basilica on April 27, 1947. Three years later, on June 24, 1950, Maria was declared a saint and Alessandro was present in the St. Peter's crowd to celebrate her canonization. He later became a laybrother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, where he lived in a monastery and worked as its receptionist and gardener until his death. Saint Maria is called a martyr because she fought against Alessandro's attempts at sexual sin; however, the most important aspects of her story are how she forgave her attacker - her concern for her enemy extending even beyond death - and the miracle her forgiveness produced in his life. Saint Maria's body can be found in the crypt of the Basilica of Nostra Signora delle Grazie e Santa Maria Goretti in Nettuno. Though several claim her body is incorrupt, she has been proven to be corrupt. Her body is kept in a statue which lies beneath the altar and has been mistaken to be all of her remains. Images of Saint Maria often represent her with wavy hair dressed in either white or farm clothes and is often

depicted holding lilies.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Please take some time this 4th of July weekend, aside from the picnics, fireworks, and fun to thank God for the

many blessings that he has bestowed upon the

United States of America. May we always be a

country that acknowledges God as the true Leader of our nation. And despite

whatever challenges we may be facing, let us

realize that we are truly a blessed nation, and that it

is only by the hand of God that we enjoy the many blessings that we sometimes take for granted.

St. Benedict, Abbot

On July 11, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Benedict of Nursia, the sixth-century abbot who gave Christian monasticism its lasting foundation in Western Europe. For his historic role as the “Father of Western Monasticism,” St. Benedict was declared a co-patron of Europe (along with Saints Cyril and Methodius). St. Benedict is also the patron saint of Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate. In a 2005 general audience, Pope Benedict XVI said St. Benedict was a “powerful reminder of the indispensable Christian roots” of Europe. He cited the monk's instruction to “prefer nothing to the love of Christ,” and asked his intercession “to help us keep Christ firmly at the heart of our lives.” Born to upper-class parents in modern-day Italy during the year 480, Benedict was sent to Rome to study the humanities. However, he soon became disgusted with the loose morals that prevailed among the students. Withdrawing from the city, he lived briefly with a group of monks, then as a hermit. The young man spent three years in solitude, facing and overcoming severe temptations through prayer and asceticism. Only after doing so, did he have the confidence to emerge as an organizer of monastic communities. His first monasteries were established in the Anio valley outside Subiaco. Benedict's monasteries in Subiaco became centers of education for children, a tradition which would continue in the order during his lifetime and beyond. His monastic movement, like its forebears in the Christian East, attracted large numbers of people who were looking to live their faith more deeply. During 529, Benedict left Subiaco for Monte Cassino, 80 miles south of Rome. The move was geographically and

spiritually significant, marking a more public emergence of the Western monastic movement. Benedict destroyed a pagan temple atop the mountain, and built two oratories in its place. It was most likely at Monte Cassino that the abbot drew up a rule of life, the famous “Rule of St. Benedict,” which emphasized prayer, work, simplicity, and hospitality. Though known as a rule for monks, it is addressed to all those who seek “to do battle for Christ the Lord, the true King.” Benedict's life was marked by various intrigues and miraculous incidents, which are described in his biography written by Pope St. Gregory the Great. One of the most remarkable was his meeting in 543 with Totila, King of the Goths, in which the abbot rebuked the king's lifestyle and prophesied his death. St. Scholastica, Benedict's sister, also embraced religious life as a nun. She most likely died shortly before him, around the year 543. In his final years, the abbot himself had a profound mystical experience, which is said to have involved a supernatural vision of God and the whole of creation. Around the age of 63, Benedict suffered his final illness. He was carried into the church by his fellow monks, where he received the Eucharist for the last time. Held up by his disciples, he raised his hands in prayer for the last time, before dying in their arms.

As a reminder, the opportunity to give directly to our parish, as well as to donate to any and all second collections can be facilitated by giving online. We especially appreciate the ongoing support that we have received during this difficult time. The link to give online, either one time, or on an ongoing basis, is on the website, www.stfrancisblairsville.com

A TRIBUTE TO OUR RETIRING MUSIC DIRECTOR, MARIANNE ENGELMANN

Our Music Director, Marianne Engelmann is riding off into the sunset. She likes the sunsets in North Georgia, in Blairsville especially, but she is moving – from the front of the church into a pew

where she will sit next to her husband John for Mass. It may only be a few steps, but they are giant steps. Retiring. Taking a step back. Being home. There comes that time when you just know. You just know. Music is a funny thing. It moves our souls. It lifts our spirits. It opens our hearts. It even comes in styles. There’s harmonies. Instruments. Choirs. Soloists. Contemporary music. Traditional. Gregorian Chant. No music, please. As a music director, where and how do you strike a balance? Every week? Marianne did it, as members of the music ministry attest. Says Tony Pirkle, cantor at the 8:30 Mass, “Marianne was always very kind, thoughtful and considerate to me. She made sure that she kept the focus on Christ during the Mass. I think she always did her best for God.” Quite a compliment! “You were a wonderful director and really made us perform to our highest potential.” says Cary Derflinger, cantor and choir member. “You knew how to get the best out of us and that’s why our choir sounded wonderful. You were patient with us when Marianne with Jan Dietz patient with us when we got a little rowdy and you listened when we had suggestions.” All true! Being a music director requires time commitment, planning, knowledge of the liturgy

and especially of the role of music in the Mass. It’s a big job. Says Maryjane Wycoski, choir member: “She selects new music with the hope of widening our parish repertoire with music easily sung by the congregation but with enough complexity to engage our musicians. Her emphasis on tight harmonies and beautiful words that raise our hearts and souls to the Lord is well-known.” Atta girl, Marianne! Always smartly dressed, out front but not demanding attention, Marianne managed to balance the talents and personalities of the group called “choir” with good humor. She will be missed. You may find her Marianne with husband, John at a local art class, helping her son at Epic Catering, or home with John humming church songs. Retirement sure looks good…sure looks good. Thank you, Marianne. The Mass is ended. Go in peace.

Ann Gaucher and Marianne

Tribute written by Mary Smith

A Yoke for the Childlike:

Scott Hahn Reflects on the

Fourteenth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

Readings: Zechariah 9:9–10 Psalm 145:1–2, 8–14 Romans 8:9, 11–13 Matthew 11:25–30 Jesus is portrayed in today’s Gospel as a new and greater Moses. Moses, the meekest man on earth (see Numbers 12:3), was God’s friend (see Exodus 34:12, 17). Only he knew God “face to face” (see Deuteronomy 34:10). And Moses gave Israel the yoke of the Law, through which God first revealed Himself and how we are to live (see Jeremiah 2:20; 5:5). Jesus too is meek and humble. But He is more than God’s friend. He is the Son who alone knows the Father. He is more also than a law-giver, presenting Himself today as the yoke of a new Law, and as the revealed Wisdom of God. As Wisdom, Jesus was present before creation as the firstborn of God, the Father and Lord of heaven and earth (see Proverbs 8:22; Wisdom 9:9). And He gives knowledge of the holy things of the kingdom of God (see Wisdom 10:10). In the gracious will of the Father, Jesus reveals these things only to the “childlike”—those who humble themselves before Him as little children (see Sirach 2:17). These alone can recognize and receive Jesus as the just savior and meek king promised to daughter Zion, Israel, in today’s First Reading. We too are called to childlike faith in the Father’s goodness, as sons and daughters of the new kingdom, the Church. We are to live by the Spirit we received in Baptism (see Galatians 5:16), putting to death our old ways of thinking and acting, as Paul exhorts in today’s Epistle. Our “yoke” is to be His new law of love (see John 13:34), by which we enter into the “rest” of His kingdom. As we sing in today’s Psalm, we joyously await the day when we will praise His name forever in the kingdom that lasts for all ages. This is the sabbath rest promised by Jesus—first anticipated by Moses (see Exodus 20:8–11), but which still awaits the people of God (see Hebrews

4:9).

Lecturas: Zacarías 9: 9-10 Salmo 145: 1–2, 8–11, 13–14 Romanos 8: 9, 11-13 Mateo 11: 25–30 Jesús es retratado en el Evangelio de hoy como un Moisés nuevo y mayor. Moisés, el hombre más manso de la tierra (véase Números 12: 3), era amigo de Dios (véase Éxodo 34:12, 17). Solo él conocía a Dios "cara a cara" (ver Deuteronomio 34:10). Y Moisés le dio a Israel el yugo de la ley, a través del cual Dios se reveló por primera vez y cómo debemos vivir (véase Jeremías 2:20; 5: 5). Jesús también es manso y humilde. Pero Él es más que el amigo de Dios. Él es el Hijo que solo conoce al Padre. Él es más que un legislador, presentándose hoy como el yugo de una nueva Ley, y como la Sabiduría revelada de Dios. Como Sabiduría, Jesús estuvo presente antes de la creación como el primogénito de Dios, el Padre y Señor del cielo y la tierra (ver Proverbios 8:22; Sabiduría 9: 9). Y Él da conocimiento de las cosas santas del reino de Dios (ver Sabiduría 10:10). En la misericordiosa voluntad del Padre, Jesús revela estas cosas solo a los "niños", aquellos que se humillan ante Él como niños pequeños (ver Sirach 2:17). Estos solos pueden reconocer y recibir a Jesús como el justo salvador y manso rey prometido a su hija Sión, Israel, en la primera lectura de hoy. También estamos llamados a la fe infantil en la bondad del Padre, como hijos e hijas del nuevo reino, la Iglesia. Debemos vivir por el Espíritu que recibimos en el Bautismo (ver Gálatas 5:16), matando nuestras viejas formas de pensar y actuar, como Pablo exhorta en la Epístola de hoy. Nuestro "yugo" debe ser su nueva ley de amor (véase Juan 13:34), mediante la cual entramos en el "descanso" de su reino. Mientras cantamos en el Salmo de hoy, esperamos con alegría el día en que alabaremos Su nombre para siempre en el reino que dura para todas las edades. Este es el descanso sabático prometido por Jesús, anticipado por primera vez por Moisés (véase Éxodo 20: 8–11), pero que aún espera al pueblo de Dios (véase Hebreos 4: 9).

TAXING SOLUTIONS 614-207-4767 Mary Rehling-Shepherd-Parishioner

Over 20 years experience

Registered Tax Return Preparer 179 Scout Trace, Blairsville, GA 30512

taxing.solutions@att.net E-File available

ARNE’S AUTO SERVICE Complete Auto Repair & Tire Ctr.

18 Doc Thomas Ridge Rd. (706) 745-4633 Blairsville, GA 30512 Bus (706) 745-1909 arnesauto@windstream.net Fax (706) 745-3879

Lucas Home Services, llc

Handyman * Paint * Remodel * Drywall Repair

Trim * Doors * Fans * Lights * Fixtures

Paul Lucas 706.461.7329

Parishioner 20+ Years Experience Insured

NELSON’S ACE FARM & GARDEN

Carhartt Clothing, Paint, Pet Supplies

Lawn & Garden Power Equip & Garden Ctr. 1839 Blue Ridge Hwy (706) 745-6380 Blairsville, GA. 30512 OPEN 7 DAYS

Knights of Columbus St. Francis of Assisi Council 11746

Bus. Meeting 2nd Thurs each month, 6:30pm

Socials will be announced https://oc176.blogspot.com

Members of St. Vincent de Paul Society see extreme suffering every day. We are blessed to be able to help a small percent of those who suffer thanks to your

donation.

Mayra L. Owen

Independent Senior Sales Director 770-833-8842

Over 30 Years’ Experience www.marykay.com/mayraowen

parishioner

BLUE RIDGE LAW

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

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Custom Design

Remounts

37 Young Harris St.

706 835-6365 Blairsville GA 30512

Our Father’s Place

St. Francis of Assisi Gift Shop

Religious articles, gifts, bibles, cards, jewelry OPEN BEFORE AND AFTER

ALL WEEKEND MASSES

TATA on Main Time And Time Again

Upscale Consignment Boutique

706-896-0567 Theresa Gaeta Andretta & Lisa Crilly - Parishioners

Charles Johnston - Numismatist 30 Years Experience ۰ President emeritus

Parishioner 706.781.3402

. Buy old gold & silver coins and jewelry

Mountain View Funeral Home Distinctive Service at Moderate Cost

Dr. Benny Erwin * Charles Long, Owners 513 Murphy Hwy, Bldg. 3 P.O. BOX 1676 Blairsville, GA. 30514 706-745-3456

Steak * Seafood* Pasta * Salad

Monet’s . Italian Grill & Pizzeria

Tue – Sat. 4:30-8:30 Closed Sun. & Mon.

130 Blue Ridge St.

One block from the Square in Blairsville Outdoor Seating & Billiards

706.745.5305

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Cone & Associates CPAs, LLC Accounting * Tax * Consulting

Litigation Support * Financial Forensics

John T. Cone, CPA, ABV, CFF (706) 781-1700 * (706) 781-2502 (fax)

office@conecpafirm.com john@conecpafirm.com

www.conecpafirm.com

9 Cook Street PO BOX 2478 Blairsville, GA 30512 Blairsville, GA 30514

Carolina Sheet Metal

Seamless Guttering

Metal Roofing – Chimney Caps – Copper Work

Ray & Rosie Hohmann Jr., Parishioners www.carolinasheetmetalgutters.com

Tel. (828) 389-6027 Email: csm6@frontier.com Fax (828) 389-6134 3430 US 64 West Cell (678) 332-7592 Hayesville, NC 28904

Greg DeCaro & Associates, LLC Remodeling & Renovation

Small & Medium Projects Cell: (770) 714-7613

Independent Senior Living in the North Georgia Mountains

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WESLEY MOUNTAIN VILLAGE 493 Wesley Mountain Dr. Blairsville, GA. 30512

www.wesleywoods.org 706-745-5565

Tom’s Truck & Auto

Gas & Diesel Engines ASE Master Diesel Tech Tom Martin, parishioner Specializing in FORD 90 Madeline Way Powerstrokes & All Blairsville, GA 30512 F-Series Trucks