As you see from this weekend’s bulletin, we are preparing our annual St. Francis Celebrations. I invite you to come to our special Transitus Commemoration—the Passing of St. Francis, on October 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Mission Church.  This is a very moving ceremony recalling the final hours of St. Francis life.

Then, on October 4th, we celebrate with great joy the Feast of St. Francis with a glorious Mass in Serra Center at 6:30 p.m. followed by a festive potluck reception in the Serra Gardens.  Please bring your favorite finger food to share and celebrate with us after Mass.  Bring treats such as meatballs, lumpia, taquitos, mini sandwiches, fruit, veggies, etc.  The Parish will provide dessert and beverages.

And don’t forget to join us for the St. Francis Festival and Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 5th. It will be a day filled with fun family activities, face painting, food, eco-friendly products and resources, vendors, dog demonstrations, animal rescues, and a dog costume contest.

The Franciscan tradition of Blessing of the Animals will take place at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

The Parish Social Outreach ministry will be collecting produce, canned goods, and toiletries for those in need. Pet food collections will go to the San Diego Humane Society.

Join our organist Emma Whitten for two half-hour recitals during the Blessing of the Animals festival. Emma will play music inspired by God’s Creation – cats, swan, cuckoo, squirrel, flowers, and more! Feel free to come and go as you enjoy the festival. Emma plays at 10 am and 1 pm in the Mission Church.

Let us all join together for these beautiful celebrations of Our Holy Father, St. Francis of Assisi!

— Love, Fr. Vince

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Transitus (The Passing of St. Francis)
Thursday, October 3rd – 6:30 p.m. in the Mission Church

The Feast of St. Francis
Friday, October 4th – 6:30 p.m. – Serra Center, followed by a pot-luck reception in Serra Gardens.

St. Francis Festival
Saturday, October 5th, from 10 am to 3 pm.

Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 5th. Blessing of the Animals will take place at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Organist Emma Whitten Concert for Creation
Saturday, October 5th, during the St. Francis Festival, at 10 am and 1 pm in the Mission Church.