We want to hear from you!! Contact us to register at the Parish! St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School SFA Catholic School receives Archdiocese of Philadelphia Distinguished Instruction Award for 2025 We are proud to announce that Saint Francis of Assisi School has been named an Archdiocesan School of Distinction for 2025 for Student Growth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia . This award is bestowed by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in recognition of our students' exceptional academic growth as measured by year over year performance. God Bless Saint Francis of Assisi School, our Staff, Teachers, Students, and Families! Congratulations! St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School (SFA) is the only Catholic School located in historic Norristown, Pennsylvania. We have been in operation for almost 100 years, beginning in 1926. SFA School is one of 122 Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, America's First Catholic Schools. Saint Francis of Assisi School serves students from Pre-K (4 Years Old) to 8th Grade. SFA School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is a Keystone STAR 4 Facility. In July 2025, Saint Francis of Assisi School was named an Archdiocesan School of Distinction for Student Growth. Contact: 610-272-0501 601-A Buttonwood Street, Norristown, PA 19401 Principal: Miss Bridget Tigue

Catholic Resources for those new to the Church, returning to the Church, widows and widowers, married couples, men, women, children, and everyone else. "Becoming a priest or a man or woman religious is not primarily our own decision.... Rather it is the response to a call and to a call of love." - Pope Francis, Address to Seminarians & Novices, July 6, 2013 VOCATIONS & HOLY ORDERS Resources for men considering a vocation Discernment from Peter Kreeft 6 Steps in Vocation Discernment Heed the Call - AoP Office for Diocesan Priesthood AoP Office for the Deaconate Fishers of Men DiocesanPriest.com Religious Brotherhood The Melchizedek Project VISION Vocation Network Resources for women considering a vocation AoP Office for Consecrated Life Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious Leadership Conference of Women Religious United States Association of Consecrated Virgins Imagine Sisters VISION Vocation Network Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth (PA) Sisters of Saint Joseph Philadelphia Sisters of Life Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

All important information about St. Francis of Assisi's Christmas Bazaar! CHRISTMAS BAZAAR About St. Francis of Assisi's Christmas Bazaar is a celebration of the Lord, the Christmas Season, and our community. After a 5+ year hiatus, the Bazaar is returning! The Christmas Bazaar will be held in our School Gym, located at 601 Buttonwood Street in Norristown. The Bazaar is organized and run by our dedicated volunteers.

Meet the Clergy and Staff here at Saint Francis of Assisi! CONTACT US Saint Francis of Assisi Pastoral Office: 601 Buttonwood St. Norristown, PA 19401 (610) 272-0402 Monday - Thursday: 9:30AM-4PM Fridays: 9AM-12PM Church offices are closed from 12:00PM-12:30PM for lunch CLERGY Reverend Richard J. Smith, M.Div., Pastor Father Smith was ordained to the Priesthood in 2009. He served in parishes across the Archdiocese and was a chaplain for a time at Archbishop Ryan High School. In 2020, Fr. Smith was assigned as the Parochial Administrator here at SFA, and was made Pastor in August of 2022. Fr. Smith enjoys all sports and traveling. One of his passions is hiking the Camino de Santiago, a hiking pilgrimage to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Deacon David Matour, Permanent Deacon Deacon Dave was ordained in 2018. He served his home parish, St. Teresa of Avila, for 3 years before being assigned to St. Francis of Assisi. He has been married to his wife, Susan, for 30 years and has 2 adult children. He graduated from Temple University and has worked as an engineer at Lockheed Martin for 32 years. He loves to watch sports, enjoys the outdoors, and is an avid runner. Deacon Dave volunteers at the Missionaries of Charity Sisters in Norristown and at the Vocations Office for the Diocesan Priesthood, where his wife works as an Associate Director. Msgr. Peter Doody, Weekend Mass Help Rev. Abel Osorio, C.M., Weekend Mass Help STAFF Miss Bridget Tigue, School Principal Miss Tigue earned a BS in Elementary Education with minors in Special Education and English from Marywood University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Citation in Honors. Miss Tigue earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Gwynedd-Mercy College. She worked as an educator in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for eight years before coming to St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Currently, Miss Tigue is a member of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Mathematics Curriculum Committee and serves as a Safe Environment Trainer for the Office of Children & Youth Protection. In addition, Miss Tigue serves as a Visiting Team Chairperson for the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools. St. Francis of Assisi School is a Middle States accredited institution which serves children in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. School: 610-272-0501 School Website: https://www.sfacatholic.org/ Virginia Bueno, MEd., MAED, Early Learning Center Director Early Learning Center: 610-757-1523 Early Learning Center Website: www.saintfranciselc.org Miss Lauren Kibler, Administrative Assistant & Safe Environment Coordinator Lauren Kibler serves as the Parish Administrative Assistant here at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. A 2016 graduate of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, she has an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies and a B.S. in Criminal Justice. She was also Treasurer of her college’s Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter. She left the legal field in 2020 and joined the SFA family, where she has been ever since. Mrs. Maritza Reyes, Coordinator of Religious Education Mr. Carl Needles, Business Manager Mr. Andrew Fedak, Property Manager Mr. Padraig Hurd, Maintenance

Are you an adult who would like to become a Catholic, or who still needs to receive a Sacrament? Consider RCIA! OCIA - The Journey The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults - OCIA OCIA, formerly known as RCIA, is the process through which those who are over the age of 18 enter the Catholic Church. This group is meant for those who are not Baptized, or who are Baptized in another ecclesial (faith) community. It is also for anyone who is Baptized Catholic and desires to receive Holy Communion and/or Confirmation. Catholics who have already received the Sacraments of Initiation, or Catholics who were raised in the Church ('Cradle Catholics"), and would like to learn more about our faith are also welcome to attend this group. Those enrolled in OCIA must be at least 18 years old. We also have the Order of Christian Initiation of Children, or OCIC, for those over the age of 10 who are in need of multiple Sacraments and are unable to be placed into a traditional PREP class due to never having attended Religious Education before, or if they have missed multiple years of classes. Our classes are on Tuesday nights, beginning in September, at 6:30PM. Classes are in the St. Francis of Assisi School. Those on this spiritual journey of inquiry have the opportunity to come into full communion with the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil Mass, Easter Saturday evening. At this time the catechumens and candidates are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Welcome to the homepage for St. Francis of Assisi Religious Education! RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Welcome to PREP The Saint Carlo Acutis Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) focuses on the religious education needs of the entire parish community of St. Francis of Assisi. Our catechetical programs seek to provide a Catholic Education to all children in our parish who do not attend Catholic School. Our catechetical programs begin in Grade 1 and extend to Grade 7. Students who complete this studies program are prepared to meet the initiation into the Catholic faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Families must be registered at St. Francis of Assisi to attend. The 2025-2026 Program Overview: The current PREP format includes: All students and their families are expected to attend Mass each weekend. Classes are held in person for all grades. Sunday classes are in the school from 10 to 11:15 a.m. for all students. A homeschool is an option for those who prefer that format. See the PREP calendar attached below. PREP classes run from September to May. INFORMATION & RESOURCES 2025-2026 Registration Form (English) 2025-2026 Registration Form (Español) 2025-2026 Handbook (English) 2025-2026 Handbook (Español) January Mass Attendance Sheets 2025-2026 PREP Calendar CONTACT US Rev. Richard J. Smith, M.Div. Pastor Call: 610-272-0402 Mrs. Maritza Reyes Coordinator of Religious Education Email: sfa600prep@gmail.com Call: 610-272-0402 PREP Registration Inquiry & Email sfa600prep@gmail.com Call: 610-272-0402 1/6

Welcome to Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania! Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Located in the heart of historic Norristown, Pennsylvania, St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) has been spreading the word of God for over 100 years. With a rich cultural history, a strong faith community, as well as our own School and Early Learning Center, we invite you to join us in proclaiming the Good News. 1/8 ABOUT US Located in the heart of historic Norristown, Pennsylvania, St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) has been spreading the word of God for over 100 years. With a rich cultural history, a strong faith community, as well as our own School and Early Learning Center, we invite you to join us in proclaiming the Good News. GET INVOLVED Our Parish is a vibrant community of believers who work together to make our parish and community better. We are always looking for volunteers to assist with our many groups and events here at SFA. If you want to learn more about a ministry or join one, more information is available on the Ministry page. SACRAMENTS Sacraments are defined as outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ to help individuals in their spiritual life and to grow in holiness. Details on receiving these Sacraments can be found on our Sacraments information page. PREP PROGRAM Saint Francis of Assisi has a vibrant and growing Religious Education program (PREP). Registration for this year is closed. There are some important meetings coming up for those who are enrolled in classes - stay tuned! LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE News & Events Ash Wednesday Schedule 8:30 AM - Spanish 12:15 PM - English 7:00 PM - English A PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI Feast Day: October 4 Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. Bulletin Calendar Parish Giving Pastor's Corner Newsletter

Interested in learning about what we have to offer here at Saint Francis? PARISH GROUPS COLLECTION COUNTERS There are several volunteers for collection counters who count the collection on Monday from 9:00 AM until approximately 11:00 AM. Contact: 610-272-0402. DEAF APOSTOLATE The St. Francis Deaf Association of Norristown, PA was founded in 1977. It is one of five organizations which serve the deaf population of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Under the auspices of the Archdiocesan Deaf Apostolate, its purpose is to meet the religious needs of deaf people in the Norristown area. This is accomplished by providing sign language interpretation service at selected Sunday Masses, by conducting a monthly religious study group, by providing religious instruction for deaf children, by visiting the sick and by attending to specific pastoral needs as they arise. The leaders are Father Anthony Russo, CSSR and Sister Kathleen Schipani, IHM. Deaf Apostolate News in the Norristown area can be found in The Deaf Catholic Newsletter, The Deaf Apostolate, 222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Phone 215-587-3913, Fax 215-587-3561, Email pcpddeaf@adphila.org EUCHARISTIC ADORATION SOCIETY Personal prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is a special gift. We offer exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for the purpose of uninterrupted adoration on Mondays. Our summer adoration schedule (Memorial Day to Our Feast Day) is after the 8:30 AM Mass concluding at 10:00 AM with Benediction. After Our Feast Day, Adoration will begin after the 8:30 AM Mass and end at 1:00 PM with Benediction. We seek dedicated volunteers to sit with Jesus for one hour, and we would like as many people to sit with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as possible. If your schedule only permits you to be with Jesus in adoration for ½ hour, that is fine too. If you cannot commit to a regular hour or ½ hour, you are welcome to come at anytime for a visit. EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE Before His Ascension into Heaven, Christ commissioned His disciples, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). In doing so, the Lord handed on to the Church His own mission of drawing the world into a living and saving relationship with Him. The Church exists for this mission, she exists to evangelize. She is the living and efficacious sign of God’s desire for man’s salvation and her mission is to gather the world into the embrace of God in Christ Jesus. The Evangelization Committee’s ministry and mission are to follow Jesus in proclaiming the Kingdom of God to all people, by witnessing their faith to others and to help foster a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church. This group is currently on a hiatus, but we look forward to bringing it back to be stronger than ever. LADIES OF SAINT FRANCIS The Ladies of Saint Francis have been a staple at our Parish. They took a hiatus during COVID, but they’re back and ready to bring their traditions back with them! Our Ladies are responsible for many of the events here at SFA, including the Monthly Parish Social, the Christmas Cross Sale in December, the Palm Braiding and Spring Sale before Easter, and Crafting Events. If you are interested in joining the Ladies of Saint Francis, either email Sandy Pascavage at ladiesofstfrancis@gmail.com or come to the next meeting! Our Ladies meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 7:00 PM in the Meetinghouse. MEN'S GOSPEL REFLECTION GROUP This Parish is Looking For a "Few Good Men". - Who Yearn for Catholic Fellowship as Brothers - Who Yearn to Journey with God’s Word - Who Yearn to Discern and to Listen and Learn Come and See as we reflect on the upcoming Sunday Gospel, how it relates to our lives and speaks to our hearts. We meet in the meetinghouse every Wednesday at 7 pm. For information, Email Deacon Dave at matourd@verizon.net or text him at 610-945-6388. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The purpose of our Ministry is to give tangible "touchable" love to a recipient of either a prayer shawl or lap robe - prayer that can be felt. Each of our members listen to the whisper of God's call upon our hearts... it is then that we can see how he uses us to wrap others in his love. Our group always welcomes new members. You do not have to know how to crochet or knit, someone in our group would be very happy to give you instructions. If there is someone you know of who could benefit from either a lap robe or prayer shawl, or would like to join this very active group, please contact Kay Boyce 484-322-5466. Our Prayer Shawl Ministry currently meets at 1:00 PM on the first Wednesday of the month in the Meetinghouse. PRAYER REQUESTS Our prayer-line is available to anyone in need of prayer. Please feel free to click the link below and add a prayer request for yourself or someone you know. Please know that all requests are prayed for in private prayer by many individuals, as well as before the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic Adoration. If you would like to become a participating member of the prayer line and pray for the intentions of our community, please contact Nancy DeKok at 610-277-1344 for more information. Click here to make a prayer request. PRO-LIFE MINISTRY "Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life." - Catechism of the Catholic Church 2270 Please join us for the reformation of the SFA Pro Life Ministry, honoring the legacy of Joseph Aquilani. Our Ministry seeks to provide education, promote awareness and encourage action to uphold the dignity and sanctity of every human life from conception to natural death. Please contact Judy Fenerty at 215-530-2337 or email SFAProLifeGroup@gmail.com for more information or any questions. All are welcomed and encouraged to become a part of this vitally important ministry. The Pro-Life Ministry meets on the first Saturday of every month at 9:00 AM in the Meetinghouse. After the meeting, we have a prayer vigil at the Planned Parenthood on Powell Street. SENIOR CITIZENS The Senior Citizens group is a fellowship organization for people age 55 and over who meet twice a month September through June. We go on trips together, play bingo, share meals and much more! For more information, please contact Barbara Ruser at 610-831-1063 or see the weekly bulletin for more information. WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY REFLECTION Our Women's Bible Study and Gospel Reflection Group meets every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Parish Meetinghouse. All women are welcome and invited to attend - no prior registration is necessary. The group is run by Olga Russo & Theresa Greco. They can be contacted at olgarusso6255@gmail.com or theresagreco67@gmail.com

Interested in the bible Study groups we have at St. Francis? BIBLE STUDY Saint Francis of Assisi is proud to offer both Men and Women's Bible Study Groups. Both of these groups meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM in our Parish Center (the old Convent). The Men's Bible Study is run by Deacon Dave Matour. The Women's Bible Study is run by Olga Russo & Theresa Greco. They can be contacted at olgarusso6255@gmail.com or theresagreco67@gmail.com Registration is not necessary to attend, all are welcome! **NOTE: FOR THE SUMMER, THE WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY IS ON HIATUS WHILE WE WATCH AND DISCUSS THE CHOSEN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT 6:30 PM. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.**

Our most up-to-date Mass Schedule for every day of the week (in English and Spanish) can be found here. CONFESSIONS Confessions / Confesiones Saturdays after 8:30 AM Mass, 4:00 - 5:00 PM All other times by appointment. Call the Rectory to schedule. Confessions are available in English and Spanish. Sábados después de la misa de 8:30 a. m., de 4:00 a 5:00 p. m. El resto de horarios con cita previ a. Llame a la Rectoría para programar. Las confesiones están disponibles en inglés y español. Been a while since you've gone to Confession? Need a refresher? Click here for Hallow's "How To" Confession Guide.

Welcome to the Pastor's Corner! Stay up to date on news, announcements, and anything Father Smith wants you to know. PASTOR'S PAGE The Treasury of Faith The treasury of our faith is a beautiful gift that we have here in the Catholic Church. It has been handed down to us by countless generations. Men and women of every age and occupation have helped in the spread and protection of this treasure. They did so because they saw how much is contained in that treasure. They saw what our loving Father in heaven is offering each and every one of us. For those who came before, their actions were not seen as their duty but as a loving response to all that God has offered us. Here at St. Francis, we have endeavored over the last one hundred years to take our part in this mission. This will be done by sharing our love of the Gospel, our unwavering belief in the true presence in the Eucharist, our ability to welcome all who come to our door, and our charity to all who come wanting to change their lives through encountering Christ. I wish to encourage and call on all parishioners of St. Francis to see their role in their faith. This is how we continue to hand on this great treasure. For those who are visiting us, if this sounds like what you are looking for, we would be happy to welcome you to our parish family. El tesoro de nuestra fe es un hermoso regalo que tenemos aquí en la Iglesia Católica. Nos ha sido transmitido por incontables generaciones. Hombres y mujeres de todas las edades y ocupaciones han ayudado a difundir y proteger este tesoro. Lo hicieron porque vieron cuanto contenía este tesoro. Vieron lo que nuestro amado Padre en el cielo nos ofreció a cada uno de nosotros. Para los que vinieron antes de nosotros, sus acciones no fueron vistas como su deber si no como una amada respuesta a todo lo que Dios nos ha ofrecido. Aquí en San Francis, nos hemos esforzado durante los últimos cien años para tomar parte en esta misión. Esto se hará compartiendo nuestro amor por el Evangelio, nuestra inquebrantable creencia en la verdadera presencial en la Eucaristía, nuestra habilidad por darle la bienvenida a todos los que vienen a nuestra puerta, y nuestra caridad hacia todos los que quieren cambiar sus vidas por medio del encuentro con Cristo. Deseo animar y llamar a todos nuestros feligreses de San Francisco a ver su papel en la fe. Así es como continuamos dando este gran tesoro. Por aquellos que hoy nos visitan si esto suena como lo que están buscando, estaremos encantados de darle la bienvenida a nuestra familia parroquial. SCAM ALERT! Father Smith and the staff at SFA will NEVER contact you via text/email asking for money, gift cards, or any other help. If you receive an email or text from someone claiming to be Father Smith, Deacon Dave, or any other member of the SFA Staff that seems suspicious, block whoever it came from and mark it as junk. We here at SFA will never personally contact a parishioner asking for gift cards or money. If you receive correspondence and you still aren't sure if it's us, call the office at 610-272-0402 and ask!

Interested in learning about the Devotions we offer at Saint Francis? Look no further! ADORATION PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TAKE EFFECT BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024 Adoration will now be in the new Adoration Chapel on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Please stop by the Parish Center for the code to the Chapel door.