In addition to the liturgical celebrations, our parish hosts several annual events to celebrate our history, our patron saint and our faith.
March for Life
4th Sunday in January
2021 March for Life: Sunday January 24
St. Francis of Assisi will provide everyone an opportunity to participate in the March for Life this year by hosting a local event in Nixa on Sunday, January 24.
The March officially starts at 1:30 p.m. at the parking lot by O'Reilly's/The Bridge Church, across from McDonald’s in Nixa. The main route is Mt. Vernon east to Main Street then north. The entire March will be on sidewalks. Parishioners have volunteered to assist with traffic safety when crossing streets. Dress warmly. Bring water or snacks if you wish. EVERYONE WELCOME!
Activities during the March will include carrying Pro-Life signs, praying the rosary in small groups and picking up trash along the route.
Participants can choose short or longer routes:
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- 1 Hour: Begin at 1:30 p.m. from the O'Reilly parking lot. Turn around at Nixa Jr. High.
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- 2 Hours: Begin at 1:30 p.m. from the O'Reilly parking lot. Turn around at Tracker Road.
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- 4 Hours: Begin at 12:00 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi. Travel north on Gregg Rd, east on Mt. Vernon and join the main group in parking lot. Note: if Mt. Vernon sidewalks are not complete, an alternate route will be used.
Want to participate but NOT march? Here are two options:
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- Hold signs and form a prayer chain on a three-block stretch of Mt. Vernon street from Hwy 190 to Main Street.
- Gather at St. Francis of Assisi for a Rosary dedicated to protecting the sanctity of Life.
For more information contact Deacon Gary at [email protected].
Parish Anniversary
August 22
St. Francis of Assisi was established as a parish in April 2004 and remains the newest parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. As a Total Stewardship Parish, the founding parishioners were very generous in their stewardship offerings to create the parish community and worship space we have today. We are proud of our strong faith community in Nixa and celebrate our anniversary each year, typically with a special meal on a Sunday close to the anniversary date of August 22.
St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
October 4
The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi is a special day for our parish. As the patron saint of animals, we offer a special blessing of animals. The celebration is held on a Sunday close to the anniversary date of October 4 and provides an opportunity for fellowship. Festivities in past years have included Mass under a tent on the lawn, a potluck lunch, children's games and a pie-making contest.
Evening of Gratitude
Typically in the spring
Lenten Activities
Lent is a time for everyone to reflect on the sacrifice of the cross and rejoice in the resurrection. Each year we host several events to bring our parish together for worship and fellowship.
The Lenten Eucharistic Adoration and Potluck Dinner is held toward the beginning of Lent. Adoration begins immediately after Sunday mass and ends in time for a parish potluck dinner.
The Lenten Fish Fry is hosted by the Knights of Columbus every Friday evening during Lent, immediately followed by Stations of the Cross.
Then on Easter Sunday, an Easter Egg Hunt is held for the children.
