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Survey: Why I Attend St. Francis
We received a number of responses to our survey of why people attend St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and would like to share
them with you. Below are some of the responses we received. We will continue to post more to this page in the future.
We invite you to submit your own response below.
Submit Your Response
If you would like to submit your response to our survey question,
"Why I Attend St. Francis", please use one of the
following methods:
- Online Form:
Complete and Submit the online Survey Form.
- eMail:
Send an email to
Info@stfrancisparish.com.
Please indicate if you would like to remain anonymous.
- US Mail:
- Download and Print the Survey
- Complete and Mail the survey to the parish office:
Bulletin Editor
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
1066 26th Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Read Responses (Revised: 4/9)
Here are some of the responses we received to our survey of why people attend St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
We will continue to post more responses in the future.
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Response from Sal Marcellana:
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“Coming from the Philippines, St. Francis has
become a home to me, my wife Angelita and our
children. We’ve been living in the South Area / Elk
Grove area for decades but remained St. Francis
parish members because it’s a unique place to get
both spiritual and bodily recharging.
We strongly feel it’s the unconditional love that fills
the church that does it - from the parishioners who
welcome you at the door, to the words and music
one hears, and the elements and movements that
one feels, sees and touches with his/her senses.
Moreover, we always get the odd but great feeling
that during community prayers and singing, departed
parish members are also fervently praying and
singing in the background in unison! Experiencing
‘the communion of Saints’ here is both an unusual
occurence and priviledge especially for us who still
are unworthy mortals.
Mabuhay ang St. Francis!”
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Response from Pat Trippet:
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“I see St. Francis as a transformative church as
clearly evidenced by the beautiful Day of Remembrance
in October where all faiths met to pray
together over ‘hate crimes.’
My husband and I moved from the peninsula, Bay
Area about four years ago and, through reputation,
I knew St. Francis would be the church for me. In
my former parish, I had been active in various
ecumenical outreach programs and had tried to
start a Gay and Lesbian support group there–not
an easy thing. I wondered if God would ask that of
me again as I was now 87 years old! At St. Francis
it didn’t take me long to realize that “All Are
Welcome” was already here.
I love you, St. Francis.”
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Response from Rich & Fay Traynham:
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“All are welcome in this place. We lived in the St. Francis neighborhood years ago when we were
first married, and our first child was baptized here. Then we moved away. Ten years ago, we moved back to
El Dorado Hills and found our way back to St. Francis. It has been like coming HOME.
The beauty of the sanctuary speaks to one’s soul. The welcoming environment surrounds us every time we enter.
We are moved and educated each week by the down-to-earth and up-to-date homilies of Fr. Anthony, as well as
his pastoral letters in the bulletin. We are impressed by the liturgical presence and bulletin messages of
first Sr. Margie and now Sr. Peggy.
And the music – Oh! The music! We attend 9:30 Mass and depart every week uplifted and inspired to try to live
our lives as Christ would have us do.
Thank you St. Francis.”
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“Since coming here from another parish where I started my Catholic experience, I felt like this was
home. When I miss a Sunday, I feel like I have missed a month. I know that this is my home no
matter where I live. This is the church for my family and all the friends we have made over the last three years.”
– A St. Francis Parishioner
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Response from Thais Turner:
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“I come to St. Francis because the first time I
attended Mass here, a priest did something I had
never seen before in a Catholic church. As in all
Masses, he consecrated the bread, and it became
the Eucharist. But then, he lifted it up with both
hands, so that his entire body seemed to stretch up
toward the roof.... Then he lowered his arms slowly,
and brought the Eucharist down to eye level, but I
was sitting very close to the altar, and could see a
look of wonderful tenderness in his eyes as he
gazed, just for a second, at the [bread] ...he was
gently holding in his hands. It was a look I will never
forget, and tears started streaming down my cheeks,
because in that briefest moment, the love on his
face showed me something a thousand homilies never did.
I have been a Catholic all of my life, but it wasn’t
until the day I came to St. Francis that I really began
to understand the mystery of the Eucharist. It wasn’t
until I saw the priests in this parish alays receive
Communion last, not first, that I began to really
understand what community means. It wasn’t until I
discovered that, for the first time in my life, I was
actually beginning to wish that the Mass would last a
little longer, that I knew I had found the parish I would call home.”
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Response from Theodore Gabales:
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“The lives of St. Francis and St. Clare demonstrate values which emphasize compassion, simplicity,
tolerance, community, social activism and a visionary hope for our future.
I attend St. Francis because I acknowledge that spiritual development and growth is an integral facet
of evoloving into a successful, happy and whole human being. I attend St. Francis because, alone, I
struggle with my own faith, and experience difficulty in transforming the ‘values I espouse’ into genuine
actions that work towards making ‘real differences in our world.’ The community here at St. Francis
Parish/School provides the viable forum required for the continual development of my own spirituality.”
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“I was searching for something that would fill the void and uncertainty that I and my teenagers were feeling.
I have attended Mass at other area parishes, but it always felt so unwelcoming or a chore for the clergy.
I feel that finally I have what was missing. The smiling faces, up-beat music and, most of all,
THE WORD OF GOD. Not a Sunday goes by that I have not felt its message. Thank you.”
– A St. Francis Parishioner
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“My husband and I...found out about St. Francis from Judith Blazun, a member. We were talking, and I
mentioned how much I missed the Catholic Church but, due to the fact we had both been divorced, we had not
been able to practice in the few churches we tried and felt left out.
Judith explained that St. Francis embraced everyone and treated all as equal. We were delighted to have
been at the Noon Mass yesterday, when Father gave the wonderful talk on ‘Treating Others as you would like to
be treated!’ No labels! It was like he was talking to us! I felt so good!
I have filled out an application to join your church and hope we can be of value to you. ...We are looking
forward to staying after [the 9:30 Mass] to speak with members. We left the service with happy hearts!”
– A NEW St. Francis Parishioner
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“For years, I was heartbroken over my decision to leave – and stay away from – the Church. I just
couldn’t come to terms with my hurts. After 40 years away, I received the warmest welcome home.
Franciscans are loving, open-minded, and this parish walks the talk and teachings of Jesus far more than I
have experienced anywhere else.
Although my relationship with God remained strong, I didn’t believe I would ever be able to heal my
relationship with the Church. Thanks to St. Francis and waiting for inner readiness, it was easy.
I am proud to belong to a parish that is so compassionate, joyful, and embracing. Here, I have all the
blessings of being Catholic with none of the negative experiences I encountered as a child. St. Francis is
my dream come true.”
– A St. Francis Parishioner
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“When I volunteered to be an attendant for the Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday, I received a beautiful gift.
I was very close to those who were receiving and giving the gentle, caring foot washings. As I observed, most seemed
to be strangers at first, but when their eyes and gentle smiles connected and they hugged, it was as if they had been
friends for years.
One of our Step guests participated in the ceremony of giving and receiving, and it seemed from her expression that she
really felt part of St. Francis community.
I was deeply touched when a father asked to wash the feet of his small son. His son stood in the bowl while his dad
washed his little feet, and then he put him on the chair and dried his little toes. Then the father sat in the chair
and asked his son to wash his feet. The little boy awkwardly poured water over his father’s feet with the little shell
and gently rubbed his father’s large feet with his small hands. The father picked up his son with such a loving
expressing, and the little boy smiled contendedly. I am very grateful that I volunteered... as I received an eye-
witness touch of the love of Jesus.”
– A St. Francis Parishioner
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Response from Patrick Kuske:
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“I had been away from the church for a while. I decided to check out St. Francis when my first daughter was born.
I knew that I wanted her baptized. From the first moment I walked through the huge doors, I felt like I was home.
I had arrived early and was sitting when people started coming up to me and welcoming me to church.
The emotions were overwhelming, and I sat through the first part of Mass just sitting there silently crying.
I have three children now and have been coming on a regular basis for 11 years now.
I still get overwhelmed from time to time with the love and inclusiveness of St. Francis, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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“When we moved here to the Sacramento area, what attracted us to St. Francis was its welcoming spirit. And
very shortly afterwards, we discovered not only did St. Francis welcome everyone, but that it excluded none
and reached out to all.
In the Eucharistic celebrations – through its music, homilies, well-planned liturgies and community participation
– we found the Spirit of Christ to be alive and well. Added to this was St. Francis’ outreach to others,
its spiritual enrichments, education and other programs which witness to its mission of bringing Christ to others.
To our joy and delight, we also discovered the face of God in some of the prophetic individuals in our midst.
Most of all we found in the community of St. Francis a propthetic parish witnessing to others what the Body of
Christ is meant to be. Yes, we have shortcomings, but so did the early Church. Our prayer and our hope is for
St. Francis to continue to grow in its prophetic mission to Sacramento. We feel blessed to be a part of the St.
Francis community.”
– A St. Francis Parishioner |
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Response from Sophia Roccucci:
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“I attend St. Francis because it is a lovely community that welcomes me and my family.
I want my children to grow up in a loving and open church.”
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“When faced with a moral decision that had no clear answers, and coming from a place of minority within the
“Big Church,” I had a place to go where I could be informed of (and ask questions about) the full teaching
of the Church, was given guidelines for making moral decisions, and was provided the comfort of having
several people who were willing to actually flesh out what full knowledge, full consent and full choice really
looked like in the situation, without judgement, without fear of rejection, and with complete confidentiality.
My response to God’s love was increased, my awareness of God’s mercy was profoundly made manifest, and I
continue to remain open to the stirrings of the Spirit....”
– A St. Francis Parishioner |
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“I have never known another place filled with such love, caring, and devotion not only to the
Holy Trinity and the Blessed Virgin but to each other. It is truly a blessing to be able to further
my faith journey with such beautiful spirits in such a wonderful community.”
– A St. Francis Parishioner |
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“After attending many different Catholic churches in Sacramento, I always felt left out. I always had this
sense of not really belonging.
Upon coming to St. Francis, I felt this spiritual feeling of being welcomed. After attending many Masses at
St. Francis, I began to feel as if I belonged here.
I also embraced this new found belonging with great pride.
The church, the people, the priests are all one incredible package. I am proud to belong here, and
now I tell others of this magnificent church.”
– Anonymous
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“I attend St. Francis because it doesn’t exclude people who are gay and lesbian. I was having a hard time being
Catholic because I felt like I was shelving some of my most cherished values every time I received communion. After
learning about St. Francis and coming back to Mass, I realize that being Catholic isn’t something you can turn off.
There was a hole in my life that couldn’t be filled any other way than returning to the faith that has sustained my
family over, literally, centuries. Thank you to the priests, the sisters, the friars, and the congregants who have
built the St. Francis community – what would I do without you?”
– Anonymous
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“When they shut down the Cathedral (downtown) a few years ago, a friend suggested St. Francis.
I have brought my family here ever since. I like Fr. Anthony’s personality and method of delivery as
well as the atmosphere that the parishioners create.”
– Anonymous
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“I attend St. Francis because it provides me with a feeling of belonging, of a place that is safe,
a community that not only supports the belief system but actually lives it. Everyone at St. Francis Parish from the
priests/friars/sisters, staff, volunteers and parishioners seems genuinely committed to their faith and being
caring, supportive and sensitive to the various levels of needs that make up the family of St. Francis Parish.
For me, I first started coming to St. Francis Parish after a long, drawn out, and at times, ugly separation
and custody battle. I wasn’t sure how the church would receive us based on my post-marital standing and current
status of ‘single mom with three small children.’ I felt love, acceptance, safety, and the ability to share in
my faith with the many others that call St. Francis Parish home.
I believe it is one of the most progressive, openminded, honest and inclusive parishes I’ve ever attended.
My busy travel schedule keeps me from participating on a regular basis, but St. Francis is part of the foundation
of my personal family and to this day, my children (who are now in high school and one in college) always talk
about our many years there, from their Communion and Reconciliation experiences to the other noteworthy activities,
to the songs sung at the 9:30AM Mass.
Thank you for welcoming me and my children during a time when we felt like lost souls; not worthy to be represented
in the Catholic Church because of our status. I hope that we have returned the welcoming spirit of St. Francis to
newcomers; we sure have tried.”
– Anonymous
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Response from The Galves Family:
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“The Masses are wonderful, but St. Francis escorts us straight to the acts that Jesus performed,
so that we might become people who value each other as equals, who forgive, share, repent, rejoice....”
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“I have circled around Catholicism for many, many years. Aside from not making a clear decision,
what has stopped me is institutional imperfection. Here at St. Francis is a willingness to strive towards
the holy as individuals and as an institution. That makes a comforting spiritual home for one like me who
is far from perfect.
The other major factor for me is the encouragement of practical spiritual application, encouraged both in our
personal and public being. This creates a community of living faith, a wonderfully supportive place in which
to grow, for which I am so very grateful.”
– Anonymous
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Response from Mary Eve Peek:
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“Although I am a member of another parish in the foothills, I attend St. Francis whenever I am
visiting Sacramento. The spirit of the people is so positive and warm. You feel like a congregation
nourished by both the Word and by each other.”
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Response from Susan Kenney:
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“I can come as I am:
dejected or exuberant, solemn or silly,
troubled or serene, weeping or dancing.
I know that we all come as we are:
before each other, before our God.”
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“I attend St. Francis because it lives by its mission statement.”
– Anonymous
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“After a difficult separation from the Church I was born into, St. Francis Parish filled a void that nothing
else filled. I arrived very ‘broken’ to this faith community, and with this community I am healing and experiencing
God’s love again.”
– Anonymous
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“Our family attends St. Francis Church because we always feel welcomed. There is a strong sense of
community and caring.
The Sunday services, specifically the 9:30am services, are spiritually uplifting.”
– Anonymous
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Response from Inga DeSouza:
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“I attend St. Francis because you are more tolerant of people than any other Catholic parish!” |
- “Beautiful church.”
- “Spiritually nurturing and relevant (to current times) homilies.”
- “Beautiful music.”
- “Atmosphere of the peaceful presence of Christ in all liturgical ministries.”
– Anonymous
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Response from John C. Hernandez:
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“I began to attend St. Francis Church in 1991 with my daughter, Tina Pyara, at 7:30AM Mass.
We had been going to other churches in the area to their early Masses– my daughter and I liked going early
to church. At all the other churches the Masses were so quiet; people came in and left, and no one said
anything. We would come in time for the Gospel and leave after Holy Communion. We started coming to Mass here,
and it was so different! The people were so friendly and smiled and welcomed us! And it was so early in the
morning! Then Tina and I began to come on time to hear the first song, and then we’d stay for the last song.
Tina loved “I Am for You.” And the sermon was always so special. The priests cared about us as people and talked
to us about regular life, not just up in the clouds. Tina and I began to understand the difference of belonging
to a Franciscan parish.
In 1996 my beloved daughter Tina passed away, and it was this parish that gave her such a
beautiful service. They sang all her favorite songs, the priest (Fr. Richard) gave such a nice sermon, and
Sr. Margie did a lovely reading. As overwhelming as my grief was, I felt such a sense of peace that this parish
cared about my daughter and me. So, I still attend 7:30AM Mass every Sunday. I still sit in the second pew, and I
shake hands and am so grateful for my friends at this Mass. Then, I know that next to me is Tina. As the music
starts, I can hear her sing in her off-key voice, “I Am for You,” and I thank God for bringing me to this church.”
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Response from Julie Ann Jordan:
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- “I was a student at Holy Cross Church in Bryte. My 2nd-grade class was the last one to have to
learn the Mass in Latin for my First Communion. I remember that the only women allowed on the altar were the women
responsible for cleaning and laundering the altar cloths. I believe it was usually done by the Sisters of Mercy who
had a convent on the premises. I had definitely gotten the impression that women were “second-rate citizens” in the
Church. I was apprehensive about raising my daughters in a church that treats women in this manner. But, I was even
more reluctant to look for a church outside of the Catholic faith. When I finally found St. Francis of Assisi Parish,
I felt welcomed, and more, I felt at home.”
- “Being a member in the spiritual family of this parish has been a lifeline to me in times of
great sadness. It has also been a place for sharing great joy with my family of choice.”
- “I have been a member of the Choir Ministry for 9 years. I have participated in the Liturgical
Dance Ministry. And I was a member of the Administrative Council for 3 years. I have never before belonged to a
parish where I joyfully gave of my “time and talent.” I will never leave if I have anything to say about it.
All my love and blessings from the Holy Spirit.”
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Response from Trish Boynton:
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- “This is a beautiful Catholic Church infused with the Holy Spirit.”
- “The love of Christ dwells here for each and every one of God’s precious children.”
- “The Friars, the Sisters and my fellow parishioners have shown and continue to show me Jesus’
love and bless me abundantly.”
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Response from Blaise de Souza, M.D.:
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- “There has never been another Parish that so empowers community tolerance and fellowship.”
- “Everyone is made welcome regardless of race, creed or sexual orientation.”
- “I drive an hour from Foresthill to worship with...a congregation that is culturally diverse and
led by a charismatic, dynamic leader.”
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Response from Dave & Leann Cooke:
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- “Outreach programs”
- “Great liturgies”
- “A parish where everyone is welcome and made to feel at home”
- “The super Franciscan spirit that pervades”
- “Exceptional homilies .... Just to name a few!”
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Response from Evelyn Villanueva:
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- “This is the church that embraces people of every walk, wheelchair, and cane of life.”
- “Through Franciscan charism, this community is fed, cared for and empowered to walk the walk of
Jesus.”
- “We are all welcomed home.”
- “We come to share and heal ourselves and each other.”
- “...AND the Music Ministry is pretty fantastic!”
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Response from "someone who returned to God because of St. Francis”:
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- “Worshipping in a building with pre-Vatican II architecture mixed with modern ‘upgrades’ and
vibrant liturgy gives a wonderful sense of our heritage and provides common ground for the different expressions of
our faith.”
- “The ‘are you returning to the church’ group, along with several parish leaders (past & present)
who took the time to listen, welcome, include, not push, not judge, apologize, accept apology & allow for healing.”
- “The people of this parish really do include single parents, gays & lesbians, people with
disabilities, rich, poor, homeless–everyone is welcome and made to feel cared about.”
- “Parish leaders are honest and real about the way they shepherd this huge, diverse flock; how
they express their faith, how they challenge, inspire and include the lay people, and how they recognize and
celebrate the Risen Christ in each of us and how we all do that for each other.”
- “In this joyful Franciscan place, love is sown where there was hatred, pardon is given where
there is injury, unity (not uniformity) is sought where there is discord, truth trumps error, hope (life,
Communion–not guilt) is offered in place of despair, joy is expressed much more than sadness, and light was
cast on the darkness of my heart, leading me home and, most importantly, into the arms of a loving God....”
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- “Friendly people”
- “Homilies that are enjoyable and inspiring”
- “Feeling of inclusiveness”
- “Beautiful church architecture”
- “St. Francis of Assisi (one of my favorite saints) and the
Franciscan order”
- “Involving parishioners in decision-making”
- “Community service”
– Anonymous
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Response from John and Imelda (Mel) Schroeder, SFO:
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“We have been coming to St. Francis Parish since 1969. We believe in Franciscan ideals and try to follow a gospel life.
We are very proud of all the ministries here in the parish and all who work to make this a City of God. We love our
Franciscans – they have been a part of our life since coming here. We have found love and support from many of the
parishioners for our own ministries. We enjoy working in whatever way we are able, even now when our ages have slowed us
down.” |
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“We were married at St. Francis 31 years ago and have always enjoyed the care and friendship of fellow parishioners.
The Liturgy is full and excellent. We have volunteered in various activities and enjoyed it.”
– Anonymous
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“I attend St. Francis of Assisi Church because of the love I feel when I walk into the church. I also like the liberal
views of the Pastor and Parish Council. I like how we help our community in so many ways. Everyone is very friendly.”
– Anonymous
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- “We walk in the footsteps of Jesus.”
- “Community”
- “Love, Kindness, forgiveness, healing”
- “The inclusivity of the Mass”
- “Homilies”
- “The spirit of this church...”
- “Because it’s not the conservative Catholic Church”
- “You speak to me and my heart.”
– Anonymous
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“I’ve attended St. Francis on and off for many years – even when it was hard to come because I did not have a car.
The liturgy is always wellplanned, appropriate and worshipful. The music at all the masses is always prayerful.
I love the liturgical dancing on special feast days. The Parish is very friendly and welcoming. The homilies
give food for thought. The community is active on social issues and inclusive in attitude. I am seriously
considering registering as a parishioner here.”
– Anonymous
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Response from a parishioner who travels from San Francisco to attend Mass at St. Francis:
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“The lectors are at once reverent, yet read with a quality that is unmistakably alive.... The songs sung at St.
Francis bring my soul to a level that is difficult to achieve any other way; I am full, and feel loved and
cherished by God.... I love the outward movements of everyone’s hands when responding to the priest.... the prayers
of the faithful (We are allowed to call out the names of the people we are praying for, and the prayers are
sincere, and I sense the healing of the Lord is in our midst!).... the holding of hands during the Lord’s prayer
and how genuinely the Peace is passed.... I imagine that the same quality that draws me to this church is what they
experienced when Jesus walked the Earth and the people said that the scriptures became alive!
I leave inspired and filled with grace.” |
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“I attend St. Francis because of the community and because “all are welcome!” I have attended services at
many churches, but have often left those services wondering how Jesus would have reacted to their very
rigid, plastic and unfeeling worship. I truly think Jesus would feel comfortable and at home at St. Francis.
You can feel the love here.”
– Anonymous
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