St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Visit our sister parish, St. Mathews Church in Longview at:http://stmattlgv.com for more mass times.  Father Cesar is at both parishes.  

Click this map link.https://maps.apple.com/place?address=2514%20FM%20852%20Gilmer%2C%20TX%2C%20United%20States&ll=32.778309%2C-95.065880&lsp=6489

 

Hello Everyone!
Today is our patron Francis of Assisi Feast day, and hopefully many of you will join us to share this community day. Thou we are outside celebrating the mass I will make sure you will feel welcomed and safe. Our parish doesn’t have this year the many amenities that have characterized this long yearly standing traditional event in the past, but I am praying that it will be successful and enjoyable this year as well. I thank you for your presence at this event this weekend. I am getting to know more parishioners who are terrific and ready to pitch into any activity we are putting up; both Spanish and English speaking communities have joined efforts to bring about such activities wholeheartedly. Thanks to the “Arboreans” of Saint Francis for keeping the church’s grounds and electrical so well. It is a common effort that brings beauty and a welcoming atmosphere to Our Church. I am still praying that Saint Francis’ example and virtuous life will draw more people from Gilmer to join our church. This isn’t proselytism it is about bringing the joy of the Gospel to whomever is ready for it. Since you are the messengers of Jesus in the world, be sure to invite people to join Saint Francis and especially those who because of Covid or anything else have shunned away from church. It is an act of charity to bring people to Christ and solely to him (II Corinthians 12, 19b)
I have observed that the Blessed Sacrament’s Sanctuary Lamp in Saint Francis doesn’t have a sponsor to be burnt for. The Sanctuary Lamp or Eternal Lamp is the lamp that has a red globe. This lamp is kept alight next to the tabernacle in every catholic church. It stands burning brightly as a reminder of Jesus’ real presence in the Hosts that are consecrated at the Mass, and then kept secured in the Tabernacle for private and public adoration of the faithful or when needed for the sick of the church. The tradition of burning a lamp for the Blessed Sacrament most probably comes from Holy Scripture (Ex 27, 20-21), but it also most definitely comes from the very words of Jesus when he said: “Ego Sum Lux Mundi” which stands for: I am the light of the World (John 8,32) You can dedicate the burning of the Sanctuary Lamp for a deceased family member or for an especial intention or you can offer it on behalf of others. Also you can team up with others in order to burn it as well. It is my wish you could do beginning Sunday October 10-11. In case you wish the Sanctuary Lamp to be lit for your intentions please call by the office or drop off an envelope with the offering in the collection basket with your special request and we will burn the lamp for that intention next time available. Also the intention will come up in the bulletin with the following reading: The Sanctuary Lamp in the church will burn this week for: + N.N or for the especial intention of … followed by the name of whomever the donor is. The retail price of a Sanctuary Lamp is around 55.40 dollars each and it lasts 8 days in a row. When there is no intention the wording will appear as: for the intention of the Parish. Please consider this option to pray for you and your beloved ones.
Pax et Bonum Peace and Good, 
Fr. Cesar Betancourt Parochial Administrator of Saint Francis of Assisi

Anytime by Appointment 
English and Spanish