Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Parishioners are prepared by the diocese and installed by the pastor for the privileged ministry of distributing the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to our fellow parishioners. Ministers provide this service during the celebration of the Eucharist, as well as to the home-bound, and those in nursing homes and hospitals.
Lectors
Lectors are prepared by the diocese and installed by the pastor for the ministry of proclaiming the Word of God in our liturgical celebrations. Through their ministry, they help facilitate the worship of our faith community.
Choir
The English, Italian and Children’s Choirs enhance liturgical celebrations through song, enabling the faithful to have a deeper spiritual experience. The Italian choir sings at the 12:30 pm Italian Mass each Sunday. The Adult choir sings a select Sunday Masses and the Children’s choir consists of boys or girls of grammar school age who sing at the 9:30am Family Mass each Sunday and at special liturgies. Practice takes place every Monday. New members are always welcomed.
Resurrection Choir
The Resurrection Choir sings at parish funeral Masses as a ministry to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. They help parishioners find solace in their most difficult moments through song and community.
Ushers
Ushers serve the Church by welcoming parishioners and visitors. Their duties include greeting people as they arrive at church, taking the collection, and generally assisting the parishioners attending Sunday Masses and special liturgies. They take great pride in contributing to St. Francis’s friendly and warm atmosphere.
Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the priest, deacon and assembly during the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies to ensure the proper celebration of the liturgy with reverence. Servers may be boys or girls in the fourth grade or older. Instruction for new servers is held each year.
Bereavement Group
The Bereavement Group helps those individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Members support the overall grieving experience. They assist each other in the emotional, physical, spiritual, and practical problems which may be encountered during this process.
St. Francis of Assisi School
“Start with what is necessary, do what’s possible, and soon you’re doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi
As a Catholic community, which believes in God’s love for each individual, we consider it our primary goal to bring to each student at St. Francis of Assisi School a sense of belonging to God’s family. Like our Patron Saint, we hope to instill in each unique child self-respect, love for learning and a sense of responsibility for oneself, for others, and for all creation. In a Catholic environment, we strive to teach our students to use their God-given gifts of knowledge and intelligence to expand their learning in all academic and religious areas and to grow to become responsible adults. By example and experience, we hope to foster a faith community of patience, trust, compassion and forgiveness. We offer an Extended Day Program available from dismissal until 6:00pm and Early Morning Drop-Off beginning at 7:30am
Educational Experiences include:
Oratorical Contests
Spelling & Math Bees
Science Fair
State of the Art Science Lab
Field Trips
Title I Services for Math & ELA as well as Social Services
The “Ruler Approach” sponsored by the Diocese Office in connection with Yale University for Character Education/Development
OUR SPECIAL CURRICULUM INCLUDES
Art, Music, Italian, Physical Education, Multi Media Library Center, Smart Boards and Computers with Internet Access in every classroom
STRONG CATHOLIC ENVIRONMENT INCLUDES
Bi-Monthly Class Masses/Prayer Services, Altar Servers, Choir, and Sacramental Retreats, Pre-Communion asses, Student Council, Christmas Show, Mission Banner School
SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Science Night, Family Fun Night, Halloween Party, Dance-a-thon, Fall Festival, Spring Fling
NYS Test Scores meet or exceed state standards. Our graduates are accepted into the Catholic or Public High Schools of their choice, with many full and partial scholarships awarded. Please contact us for a tour or for more information: 718-726-9405 or www.sfaschool.org or email the principal Ms. Reilly at principal@sfaschool.org.
SFA – Success For All