Since I was a kid (like Pope Leo; circa 1955), I was taught to express gratitude in the moment.  Delaying is not in my vocabulary, so I wish to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for all the words of encouragement, well wishes and generous gifts as I retire from my responsibilities as a priest-pastor.  It seems that I have been saying ‘adios’ for months but now are the moments that I must make transition in my ministry as priest.  Like most people, I have never retired before so I know that it will be a learning experience with new opportunities to ‘give back’ yet rest and enjoy whatever comes my way.  I hope to take some “picker” trips and eventually finish unboxing all my hobbies of vinyl, books and ephemeral.   

Please pray for me as I will you daily.  Father Jeff is a very blest priest to be pastor of such a wonderful community as SFX!

Much peace and joy!

Starting the weekend of June 28th & 29th, we will begin following the Norms of Posture during the Communion Rite as described in the following letter from Archbishop Shelton.

Congratulations to Sarah Bischoff for being awarded the Patricia French Honorary Scholarship.  

This scholarship was established and awarded for the first time in 2017 with an objective to honor Patricia K. French by recognizing and financially supporting a deserving member of the St. Francis Xavier Community with tuition assistance for college or vocational  school. To qualify, students must be SFX parishioners in their senior year of high school, demonstrate a solid work ethic, and be a service-oriented person of high Christian moral values.

This year’s field of applicants were all deemed by the judges to be highly qualified and their decision was a difficult one, but Sarah Kate’s involvement at St. Francis Xavier and her plans for the future, lifted her to the top. The daughter of Ronnie and Jaime Booker, Sarah impressed the judges with her can-do attitude and self awareness. With plans to attend Murray State University, majoring in Agricultural Education, Sarah hopes to find a church community that offers the same small town parish atmosphere that she enjoys at SFX. She intends to continue answering Christ’s call to love and serve through music ministry wherever her journey takes her.

Prayer for Vocations

God our Almighty Father, you call each of us to a particular vocation.

Bless your Church by giving men and women the courage, zeal, and humility to respond “Yes” to your call to serve the people of the Archdiocese as holy priests and consecrated religious.

Call forth from our families those who will serve faithfully and generously in the generations ahead.

We bring our prayer for vocations to You, Father, through the intercession of Mary our Mother, in the Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Little Way Pregnancy Center will be offering a beautiful, grace-filled gift for mothers. Archbishop Shelton will offer a mass for your mother—living or deceased.

It is said that— “The graces acquired by having a Mass said for a special intention are beyond earthly comprehension. The Mass is the greatest prayer and therefore the most powerful means to help others and ourselves gain eternity with him.”

Mother’s Day cards detailing the gift of this special Mass offered by our Archbishop, will be available Mother’s Day weekend in the back of church. For on-line donations and Mass enrollment visit www.littleway.org/mothersday or click HERE.

For over 40 years, Little Way has served the women and families in our community—offering free medical services for expectant moms, parenting classes, baby closet items, and support groups for both mothers and fathers.

All proceeds will benefit the life-saving work of Little Way. Thank you for your support.