Liturgy

Liturgy is the source and summit of our lives at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. It is the fountain from which all our ministries and outreach flow. The Gospels and our Baptism call us to live as disciples of our Lord. As disciples, we hunger to be fed and nourished by the Word and Sacrament of Jesus Christ. Our liturgies celebrate the gift of renewal and challenge each of us in personal and communcal ways. Wach member of our parish family is called to full, active, and concious participation in our liturgy, an awareness that reminds us that we are God's children called to live lives that profess what we believe in our hearts and say with our lips.

Liturgy Schedule

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Altar Servers
Contact: Paul Jacobsmeyer (703.730.8280)
In this diocese, the ministry of Altar Server is open to anyone in 5th grade and higher. Altar servers assist the priest at the altar as he presides at liturgy. This ministry requires training that we offer quarterly.

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Art & Environment Committee
Contact: Fr. John Heffernan, O.F.M. 703.221.4044 x228
The role of making St. Francis a place fit for liturgy falls to the parish's Art & Environment Committee. When we speak of decorating the church, we use the word "decoration" to mean "appropriate honor," "seemly," "decent," "fit for its purpose." We welcome and need volunteers of many varying gifts to assist with this honor.

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Children's Liturgy of the Word
Contact: Colleen Wells
At the 9:30 am Sunday Mass, except for the first Sunday of month when we hold a special CHildren's Liturgy, we invite four and five-year old children to attend their own Liturgy of the Word. They begin and end Mass in the church with their families, but leave the larger assembly from the First Reading to the Offertory. We present the week's Scripture reading in words they understand with lessons that teach the essential elements of our faith through concrete examples.

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Eucharistic Ministers
Contact: John Peloquin (540.720.6448)
Eucharistic Ministers distribute the Eucharist to the assembly at each Mass. Additionally, they bring the Eucharist to the sick in hospitals and homes when requested.

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Lectors
Contact: Christina & Michael O'Brien (703.878.2587)
We train to proclaim the Word of God effectively in all Eucharistic liturgies. Please contact Christina and Michael to learn the schedule for training/workshops.

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Music Ministry
Contact: Janet Sarsfield (703-221-4745)
Leading the assembly in raising its heart to God through song, a variety of groups provide extraordinary music for all liturgical celebrations during the Church Year. Janet Sarsfield directs the musicians and singers for the Adult, Ensemble, Children's, and Teen Choirs. Singers attend weekly practices, and we hold auditions twice each year.

For those interested in auditioning for Adult Choir, Teen/Young Adult Choir, and Worship Ensemble, you are invited to contact Janet Sarsfield at 703.221.4745.

    The Adult Choir sings at the 9:30 Mass every Sunday and at all special Feast Day and Sacramental Celebrations throughout the year. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7:30pm until 9:00pm and at 9:00am each Sunday. Those interested in joining the Choir for the first time are asked arrive at 7:15 for a simple audition.
    The Teen/Young Adult Choir sings twice monthly at the Sunday 5:30 P.M. Mass and for many special occasions throughout the year. Choir Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. The group also rehearses at 4:30 before their scheduled Sunday night masses throughout the year. Those interested in joining the Choir for the first time are asked arrive at 5:45 for a simple audition.
    The Worship Ensemble sings at the 12:00 Mass every Sunday and for several special occasions throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:30 until 9:00. The Ensemble also rehearses from 11:15 until 11:45 every Sunday before the Noon Mass. Those interested in joining the Choir for the first time are asked arrive at 7:15 for a simple audition.
    Christmas Festival of Praise The annual CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF PRAISE will be presented by The ST. FRANCIS MUSIC MINISTRY on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, at 7:30 P.M. followed by a reception in the Dining Hall. The Concert will include the Adult Choir, Teen/Young Adult Choir, Worship Ensemble, Christmas Children’s Choir, and instrumentalists. Don’t miss this joyful, exciting evening of Christmas Praise for all ages. The Concert will be recorded as in previous years and CD’s of the 2004, 2005, and 2006 Festival of Praise will be available for purchase. For further information, call Janet Sarsfield at 703-221-4745 or contact by e-mail at jmily@comcast.net.



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Sacristans
Contact: Fr. Charles Miller, O.F.M., Pastor 703.221.4044 x227
We train Sacristans to prepare vessels, the Eucharistic bread, and the wine for Eucharistic liturgies, with special preparation provided during Holy Week.

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Ushers
Contact:
8:00 am Sunday: Jack Haneklau (703.680.4468)
9:30 am Sunday: Clarence Thompson (703.680.4657)
11:45 am Sunday: Cynthia Chavez
5:30 pm Sunday : Bob Horwath (703.330.7161)
UShers extend a spirit of generous hospitality as they greet parishioners, assist them in finding a seat, and take up the collections during each weekend Mass. Ushers also offer extra support on Holy Days and during Holy Week. Contact the appropriate Usher Coordinator to serve at a specific Sunday Mass.

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