NEW YORK — St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street is planning a busy autumn of programs to help people grow both personally and spiritually.
Lectures and Discussion Groups
Marie Harrington, LMSW, director of outreach programs, says some of her new programs include:
• Adjustment to Retirement Series
This program includes a five-week lecture series to help people who are recently retired, to consider the issues involved in retirement. The series will be held Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 to 3 p.m., beginning Oct. 14. The fee is $20 for the series. Pre-registration is required before Sept. 30.
Harrington will discuss the “Emotional Impact of Retirement” and the session on “Creating the Future You Want.” Rosemarie Gambale Green, LCSW, will talk about “Retirement & Your Health: Tips for a Healthy Retirement.” Patricia Murphy will discuss “Creating the Future You Envision.” Clifford Meirowitz, attorney, will discuss “Legal Considerations After Retirement.”
• Women’s Evening Support Group
This five-week discussion group begins on Oct. 17, 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. The interactive group lets women discuss and share experiences, under the theme of “Taking Charge of Your Life.” Pre-registration and a brief pre-screening are required for participation. The fee is $30, and preregistration is being done before Oct. 2.
Topics and group leaders are: “Freedom to Change,” “Building Assertiveness Skills,” and “Achieving Better Self-Esteem Skills,” Harrington; “Strength and Wellness is a Breath Away: The Power of Breath,” Teddi Rosenberg-Amin, MS, LCSW; and “An Invitation to Life on a New Path,” Margaret Holden, FSP.
Information about both these programs is available through Harrington at the church office, at 135 West 31st Street, 212-736-8500, ext. 354.
Spiritual Direction
The parish is also offering several courses under the spiritual direction category.
• Franciscan Reading Group
Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, leads a group that will meet on the second Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning Oct. 11. The group will explore St. Bonaventure’s Tree of Life, which consists of a series of contemplative reflections and prayer. Information on this six-session program is available from Anthony at extension 250 in the parish office.
• Advent Scripture Sharing
Led by Anthony LoGalbo, OFM, this group meets on Mondays, noon to 1 p.m., beginning Nov. 24, to discuss and reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings.
Counseling Services
The church’s St. Francis Counseling Center is also offering new classes this fall. For more information on an “Anger Management Workshop” and “How to Cope with Holiday Depression,” check the parish’s Web site.
Adult Education
More than 20 adult education courses are being offered this fall. They are, taught by Robert Gavin, OFM, Anthony Carrozzo, OFM, Anthony LoGalbo, OFM, Kevin Tortorelli, OFM, and other religious teachers and lay persons. Classes include, “Your Soul at Work, Living With Other People,” “Work, The Lost Spiritual Exercise,” and more.
An Advent day of prayer takes place on Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with Kevin Tortorelli.
Community Outreach
The parish’s St. Francis Cares ministry continues to collect money and donations to support its programs that benefit the needy. It recently collected back-to-school supplies and, this fall, is collecting Halloween treats for children’s parties at agencies that the ministry recommends. Since storage space is always an issue, Cares Director Maureen Hess welcomes monetary donations. “Thank you for your generous spirit,” she said.
The Cares ministry is supporting the Oct. 16 gala to benefit the Dwelling Place, a drop-in center for homeless women in Manhattan operated by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. To help raise money, or to obtain information, call Hess at 212-736-8500, ext. 321. The group is also holding a craft fair, Oct. 22, to benefit the St. Francis breadline. Among the items to be sold will be handmade knitted and crocheted pieces created by the church’s knitting group, along with gifts donated by others.