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St. Francis Jubilee

Welcome to a sacred year of reflection, renewal, and joyful celebration as we honor the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi. Rooted in the spirit of humility, peace, and deep reverence for all creation, this Jubilee invites our community to rediscover the timeless wisdom of St. Francis and live more intentionally in harmony with God, one another, and the world around us. Throughout this year, we will come together as a community in prayer, service, and celebration, embracing the Franciscan call to simplicity, compassion, and care for all living things.

A Prayer for the Jubilee Year of St. Francis

Saint Francis, our brother,
you who eight hundred years ago went
to meet Sister Death as a man at peace,
intercede for us with the Lord.

In the Crucifix of San Damiano you
recognized true peace, teach us to seek
in Him the source of all reconciliation
that breaks down every wall.

You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of
war and misunderstanding, give us the
courage to build bridges where the world
erects borders. In this time plagued by
conflict and division, intercede so
that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the
peace that comes from Christ.

Pope Leo XIV, January 2026

 

Jubilee Events

Join us for a special Jubilee Mass in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of our parish, as we celebrate the 800th anniversary of his death. As a Franciscan parish, we are blessed to honor his life, faith, and legacy in a meaningful way. This special Mass will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:30 PM. We invite our entire parish community to come together in prayer and celebration as we give thanks for the witness of St. Francis and his enduring spirit of peace, humility, and service. 

As we celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, we invite you to live out our Franciscan spirit of service, community, and faith by joining us for our Parish Ministry Fair after all Masses the weekend of August 22–23! Representatives from all of our ministries will be available to share information, answer questions, and help you discover meaningful ways to get involved in parish life. 

Whether you’re looking to serve others, grow deeper in faith, or build community, there is a place for you here. Come explore the many opportunities to share your time and talents as part of our Franciscan parish family! 

For more information, contact Stacey Shine at stacey.shine@stfrancisraleigh.org 

Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends for the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4, at 10:00am in the TFS Courtyard, rain or shine. Join us as we honor St. Francis of Assisi and celebrate the gift of God’s creatures. All are welcome!

Join us on October 3 at 7:00 PM for our Transitus Service as we prayerfully commemorate the passing of St. Francis of Assisi from this life to his heavenly home. Through prayer, candlelight, music, and the Word, we will reflect on the final moments of our patron saint on the vigil of his death. As part of this Jubilee Year celebrating St. Francis of Assisi, this special evening invites us to honor his life, faith, and lasting legacy of peace, humility, and love for all creation.

Celebrate Francis Fest with our parish community on October 4 as we honor the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi! This special parish festival is our big celebration of our patron saint, filled with fun activities for all ages, fellowship, and joy for the whole family. Join us rain or shine as we come together to celebrate the spirit of St. Francis and our vibrant parish community. Visit our website for full details. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 

Join us for a special celebration of Laudato Si’ on Sunday, October 11 at the 9:00 AM Mass as Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama celebrates Mass with our parish community. Together, we will reflect on our call to care for our common home and live out the spirit of Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall, and all are warmly invited to attend this meaningful celebration and time of fellowship. 

On Saturday, October 17th, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, the 6th annual Franciscan Spirit and Life Convocation will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Fr. George Corrigan will be our keynote speaker.

Join us this October at St. Francis of Assisi for our Elevated Parish Mission, a powerful three-day Catholic mission experience led by Franciscan University of Steubenville. Through dynamic preaching, worship, Eucharistic adoration, and inspiring messages, this mission is designed to help our parish encounter Christ in a deeper way and renew our call to discipleship. More than just an event, the Elevated Parish Mission invites our community into lasting spiritual growth, renewal, and evangelization. Come and be part of this transformative experience for our parish family! 

As we joyfully celebrate this Jubilee Year honoring Saint Francis of Assisi and our Franciscan spirit, join us for Saint Francis Preschool’s Annual Harvest Moon Festival on Sunday, November 8, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Fellowship Hall! Enjoy an afternoon of food, games, basket raffles, and an online silent auction as we come together in fellowship, gratitude, and celebration of our parish community. 

Celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi at our Fair Trade Market! Inspired by St. Francis’ spirit of simplicity, justice, and care for others, shop returning favorites and new vendors just in time for the holidays. Discover unique gifts, handmade items, and fair trade treasures while supporting artisans and communities around the world. Join us for this special holiday shopping tradition and live out the values of St. Francis through mindful giving. 

Market Hours: 
Friday, November 13 – 8:00 AM–4:00 PM 
Saturday, November 14 – 4:00 PM–5:30 PM & 6:15 PM–7:30 PM 
Sunday, November 15 – 8:00 AM–9:00 AM, 9:45 AM–11:45 AM, 12:30 PM–2:00 PM & 6:15 PM–8:00 PM 

Join us for Living Stations of the Creche, a special parish-wide event on Friday, December 11 at 6:30 PM in the Church. Through drama, readings, music, and refreshments, we will reflect on the beauty of Christ’s birth and the tradition first inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who is credited with creating the first live Christmas creche in 1223 in Greccio, Italy. Come experience this meaningful evening as we bring the Nativity story to life.  The event will take place in the Church and conclude in Fellowship Hall.

Join us for a moving evening of traditional Lessons and Carols, where the story of our salvation is brought to life through Scripture and song. Led by the St. Francis Adult Choir, this inspiring celebration invites all to enter the joy and hope of the Christmas season.

Prepare your heart for Lent and celebrate the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi by joining us for our Franciscan Day of Reflection on Saturday, February 6, 2027. We are honored to welcome Fr. Steve Kluge, OFM, as our keynote speaker for this special day of prayer, reflection, and renewal. Come deepen your Franciscan spirit, grow in faith, and embrace this meaningful opportunity to prepare for the Lenten season with our parish community. 

Jubilee Resources

 

Explore our church and outdoor walking exhibit with 7 unique stops along the path! Follow the marked trail through our grounds and discover the rich history of St. Francis of Assisi.

Church open daily
8 am to 6 pm

Chapel open weekdays
8 am to 5 pm

Download Guide

 

 

The frescoes of St. Francis of Assisi beautifully depict key moments in the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi, capturing his deep faith, humility, and love for all of creation. Originally painted as part of a larger artistic tradition honoring his legacy, these images invite reflection on his commitment to peace, service, and devotion to Christ.

St. Francis Frescoes Information

 

 

Rev. James Sabak, O.F.M. provides an overview of the history of the Franciscan order at St. Francis of Assisi as well as details on how the parish came to be.

Watch Here

 

 

Pope Leo XIV announced a Special Franciscan Jubilee Year from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, in honor of the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death. This commemorative year reflects on his passing in 1226, known as the Transitus, and highlights his enduring legacy of peace, poverty, and care for creation. The Jubilee will include opportunities for plenary indulgences, pilgrimages to significant Franciscan sites, and a rare public veneration of the saint’s relics.

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