"For it is in giving that we receive." — St. Francis of Assisi

Farewell Celebration for Father Herb Essig

Celebrating Father Herb’s retirement after years of faithful service!

When: Saturday & Sunday, June 28–29

Where: After each Mass, in the St. Francis Room for cake and coffee.

To help with the Retirement Reception, please sign up with Deb Blumenstein in the parish office, stop by the Welcome Table after mass, or email Maryann Jozwiak and Michelle Smith at parishcouncil@stfrancisbb.org.

In Lieu of Gifts

Father Herb has been deeply touched by the many thoughtful and generous gifts he received during his 50th Jubilee celebration last year. With a heart full of gratitude, he expresses that he has been abundantly blessed and needs nothing more; he does not require any additional personal items or gifts. To honor his lasting legacy at St. Francis of Assisi, we invite you to consider the following contributions:

·        Commemorative Benches Fund: Two commemorative benches to be placed at the North and South entrances of the church.

·        Health and Wellness Fund: A collective gift from the parish for Fr. Herb’s health and well-being in retirement.

·        Gift Cards

·        Cards or Letters with personal messages, prayers, or memories you’ve shared with Father Herb.

Giving Options

Farewell Fund Envelopes are available at the Welcome Table and in the Parish Office. You may return the envelopes to the parish office or the Welcome Table, place them in the collection basket during Mass, or mail them to the Parish Office. Please make checks payable to St. Francis of Assisi and write Father Herb’s Farewell in the memo line.

For more information, contact John McIntosh at parishcouncil@stfrancisbb.org.

Memory Book

We are compiling a Memory Book in Father Herb’s honor. If you have photos, stories, articles, or memories involving Father Herb and your family, we warmly welcome your contributions. Please drop them off at the Parish Office. If you’d like to assist in creating the Memory Book, please contact Donna Russ-Hayes at markhdonnar@aol.com.

A Life of Service Video Tribute

A heartfelt Video Tribute honoring Father Herb on the occasion of his retirement is being created. The process will involve gathering short video messages from parishioners, colleagues, friends, and family members who wish to share memories, express gratitude, or offer blessings.

Members of the community are invited to record a short video message (1–3 minutes) to share a memory, story, or personal thank-you for Fr. Herb. Video recording sessions will be available after each Mass on June 21st and 22nd, as well as during the retirement reception. Additional submission options are being explored. For more information, please contact Caiden Cando at caidencando@gmail.com

A Picture Montage of Love, Service, and Faith

A picture montage comprising short clips from individuals sharing memories, old photos, and parish memorabilia set to music will be compiled to capture the story of Father Herb’s life. This beautiful montage will run continuously during Father Herb’s reception. It will be a lovely way to celebrate Father Herb by combining the community’s messages, memories, and images into one heartfelt video. It’s like a visual scrapbook set to music. For more information, please contact Roy Pura at roypura@sbcglobal.net.

Let us come together as a parish family to celebrate Father Herb’s

faithful ministry and express our heartfelt gratitude for his years of love, leadership, and devotion.

SAVE THE DATE:
Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 28
9 am - Noon

Registration to start in May

Volunteers are needed to make this program run. Adults and teens (8^th grade and up) are needed. Service hours will be given. Please volunteer early so we ensure we have enough people to run this program.

VBS:
Children entering Kindergarten – 5^th grade in the Fall.
We will have bible stories, crafts, games, music and so much more. Come take a dive with us where we will learn to shine the light of Jesus.

To volunteer or ask questions, please contact:

April Johnson,   VBS Co-Director
  ajohnson@stfrancisbb.org

or Liz Wagner, Director of Faith Formation
lwagner@stfrancisbb.org