Christmas Photos

St Francis of Assisi historic church

Here are a few photos from around the parish, emphasizing the Christmas spirit.

 

The outdoor Nativity

 

Our Lady of Guadalupe fiesta

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 was celebrated among the Mexicans and English-speaking people alike with a special bi-lingual Mass and a Mexican fiesta following afterwards. Some ethnic dancing was held, with ethnic costumes both for men and women. The statue of Our Lady was inundated with roses, as you can see from the second of these photos.

Cardinal Otunga Guest House

The new Cardinal Otunga Guest House run by the Sisters of Kakamega was officially blessed on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, by Father Julian, and attended by 4 of the sisters and some parishioners. The license to operate was officially given that same day, and now the sisters await their first residents. The House is located at Stonebrooke Loop in NE Bend.

L to R: Sister Ann, Sister Silvia, Sister Sabina and Sister Inviolata.

 

Annual Christmas Parade in Dowtown Bend

More photos from the annual Christmas Parade held on Saturday December 5th in downtown Bend, with the participation of a float representing our St Francis of Assisi Parish School.

First Prize winning ribbon for the school float

Craig May, creator and driver of the float

Fontanini Nativity

The new Fontanini Nativity is being setup slowly slowly during the weeks of Advent in our new church. The above photos shows what it will look like when the majority of the characters are displayed. I thank the sponsors who donated money for each character, and their names will appear in the Bulletin in a few weeks. I also thank Rick and Lupita Wesseler who created the beautiful stable, complete with palm trees, a well, a starry night backdrop and other rustic touches. These other photos show also the entire Wesseler family setting the Nativity last week.

 

Christmas Faire

Click to enlarge

The annual Christmas Faire will be held on Saturday November 14 between 2 PM and 7:30 PM. Lots of gifts to buy, to browse through,, besides auction items, a spaghetti dinner from 5 PM onward, a Dollar Store for children, a Fun room, besides the presence of Santa Claus and Mrs Claus. The Faire will be held at the Community Center. Doors will not open before 2 PM. Come over and see for yourself.

Honoring Veterans

Some photos from the Bend Veteran's Day Parade in downtown held in the morning of November 11. The other photo show two of our veterans, who are faithful Acolytes in our church, just before the Mass at 12:15 PM, in memory of Veterans deceased, and in honor of those living. Sitting is John Henchman, a Silver Star recipient and standing is Joe LaCasse, a Purple Heart recipient.

With John Henchman and Joe LaCasse

 

Encuentro Hispanico

The Hispanic Group at the Encounter

Here are some images of our First Hispanic "Encuentro" (Encounter) held in October 2015 at the Parish Community Center.  Over 40 people from our parish attended and also some leaders from St. Patrick in Madras.

Saintly children

Group photo of all the children as Saints

All Saints celebration featured a display of children dressed up as saints, presented by Father Julian with a brief biography during the 10 AM Mass. Please check Fr Julian's blog for more photos... www.fatherjulian.blogspot.com

St Junipero Serra

St George Preca, a Maltese Saint

St Francis Xavier Cabrini

Saint Mary Magdalen

Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto

Saint Rita

Halloween in our school

The celebration of Halloween was held yesterday in our school as schoolchildren dressed up in various costumes. They paraded in the hallways, visiting each other, ending with the second annual Trunk-or-Treat celebration in the church parking lot. Enjoy these pictures of children in their respective classes and collecting candy from the parents.