Upcoming events.
A Special Parish Weekend with Tom Kendzia
You’re Invited! A Special Parish Weekend with Tom Kendzia
September 12–13 at St. Francis Parish
Join us for a joyful and inspiring parish event featuring renowned liturgical composer Tom Kendzia — a weekend of music, reflection, and renewal for our whole community.
Friday, September 12 – Concert at 6:30 PM
Come hear the music you know and love — and sing along! Tom will share some of his most beloved songs and will debut a brand-new hymn composed especially for St. Francis Parish. Don’t miss this exciting musical celebration!
Saturday, September 13 – Parish Morning Retreat
Theme: “With Burning Hearts: The Liturgy and the Road to Emmaus”
Start your morning with 9:00 AM Mass
Enjoy a light breakfast after Mass
The retreat begins at 10:30 AM, led by Tom Kendzia, and will reflect on how we encounter Christ through the liturgy, just as the disciples did on the road to Emmaus.
This is a powerful opportunity to come together as a parish family — to be renewed in faith, uplifted in song, and inspired in spirit.
All are welcome!
This is a free event; donations are appreciated!
About Tom Kendzia:
Tom Kendzia is a liturgical musician and performer who has been a published composer since 1980.
From his high school days, when he climbed into the choir loft at his parish church to surreptitiously play the church organ, through his college studies at the Pius X School of Liturgical Music at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, and in the ensuing years of parish work and collaborations with other liturgical musicians, Tom has developed a style of music that is contemporary, compelling, melodic, eminently singable, and distinctly his own.
Tom has over 30 recordings of liturgical and instrumental music, published by OCP, including By Our Love, Christ Within Me, Like a River, Endless Is Your Love, Lead Us to the Water, Clothed in Love, The Ships That Sailed, Make Us One, Get On Board, Canticle, and No Greater Love. In 2005, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of the release of his first recording, Light of the World.
He is regularly featured at national conferences, diocesan workshops, and parish events throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Tom has performed regularly in Ireland since 2002 and has been the guest conductor of the Irish Church Music Association Summer School at Maynooth, as well as an instructor at this annual event for the past 12 years.
Currently the national liturgy and music consultant for William H. Sadlier, Inc., Tom also has been a consultant for several U.S. curriculum companies including Harcourt Religion, Our Sunday Visitor, and RCL. National events at which he has presented include the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, National Pastoral Musicians conference, National Catholic Educators Association, National Conference of Catechetical Leaders, Mid-Atlantic Congress, Federation of Diocesan Liturgy Committees, East Coast Conference for Religious Education, and New England Catechetical Conference. His articles have appeared in NPM magazine, Today’s Parish, and Modern Liturgy.
Tom has been a director of liturgical music in parishes throughout the US since 1977, and the director at of music at Christ the King, Kingston, RI since 1986. He lives with his wife, Mary Carol, in Rhode Island and has two adult children.
His published liturgical songs and hymns include: “I, the Lord,” “Pieta,” “The Eyes and Hands of Christ,” “Stand By Me,” “Now Is The Time,” “Create In Me,” “Lead Us To The Water,” “Out of Darkness,” “Endless Is Your Love,” “Taste and See,” “Like A River,” “Faithful Cross,” “May the Road Rise Up,” “Christ Within Me,” “By Our Love,” “As Christ To The World,” “There Is a Season,” as well as more than 100 other pieces. His song, “By Our Love,” was chosen as Liturgical Song of the Year in 2020 by the Association of Catholic Publishers.
Blessing of the Animals
🐾 You're Invited! 🐾
In the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, we welcome you and your furry friends to join us tomorrow, October 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM in front of the Brant Beach Church for our annual Blessing of the Animals.
✨ Celebrate this special day with St. Francis of Assisi Parish as we honor all of God’s creatures—big and small. From dogs and cats to birds and even a hedgehog, all pets are welcome to receive a blessing.
Plus, we’ll be announcing the winner of our Pet Contest during the celebration!
🐾Donations of pet food and supplies will also be collected for our local animal shelter—your generosity will help animals in need.
Bring your pets, bring your family, and be part of this beloved tradition.
Dinner with Friends
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 • 4:45 PM – 7:15 PM
Senior Lunch Room – St. Francis Center
Join us for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun as our Widows Group gathers for a special Halloween Bring-a-Dish Meeting.
Bring your favorite dish to share, enjoy warm company, and celebrate the season together.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, support one another, and embrace the joy of community. Costumes are optional, but the spirit of the season is always welcome!
Dinner with Friends
As the fall weather comes to Long Beach Island, we look forward to continuing our “Dinner with Friends” gatherings for widows and widowers at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall. We also welcome vacationing visitors to join us.
We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m. This month’s gathering will be on Tuesday, September 9, at 5:15 p.m. in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Please enter through the north hall doors on the Boulevard side. Bring your own dinner and drink.
This is not a Journey Through Grief program, but rather a time for those of us who have lost a spouse to share a meal and fellowship with like-minded friends. After dinner and conversation, we often play Trivial Pursuit or other group games.
You do not need to attend every meeting—just come when you can. If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Caregivers are also most welcome to join.
This is a warm and welcoming group of men and women, and we always enjoy meeting new friends. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, the 9th!
Dinner with Friends
We invite all widows and widowers to join us at “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:15 PM. This month's gathering will be on Tuesday, August 12 at 5:15 PM in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Enter through the Hall doors on the Boulevard side.
Please bring your dinner and drink with you. After having dinner and conversation, we often play Trivial Pursuit or other group games. You do not have to attend all meetings—just come when you can.
If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your caregiver with you. This is a very welcoming group of men and women, and we all enjoy meeting new friends.
See you on Tuesday the 12th! All are welcome!
Funky Flea Market
The Funky Flea Market Returns!
Sunday, August 10 | 9:30 AM – 3 PM
$3 Admission
Join us for a day of thrifting, art, crafts, vintage finds, and more — it's the ultimate treasure hunt! It’s the perfect blend of garage sale charm and craft fair creativity. Come find your next favorite thing!
Want to be a vendor?
Email us at vendors@stfrancislbi.org to reserve a spot. They’re going quick.
Fr. Alphonse’s Orchestra of St. Peter By the Sea
Concert Seating & Ticket Information
Join us for an unforgettable musical experience!
Tickets go on sale starting June 1 and can be purchased below or in person at the Community Center Front Desk.
Please note:
Seating is first-come, first-seated within your designated ticket category.
Doors open at 2:30 PM, and parties may be separated based on availability.
No seat reservations are accepted.
All doors will close promptly at 3:30 PM when the concert begins.
Entry available through the Main Nave Church Doors
Accessible seating is limited and must be reserved in advance through the Parish Office by contacting Amy Marks at ext. 156. (PLEASE CALL AMY BEFORE PURCHASING TICKETS)
We look forward to welcoming you!
Dinner with Friends
We invite all widows and widowers to join us at “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:15 PM. This month's gathering will be on Tuesday, May 13 at 5:15 PM in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Enter through the Hall doors on the Boulevard side.
Please bring your dinner and drink with you. After having dinner and conversation, we often play Trivial Pursuit or other group games. You do not have to attend all meetings—just come when you can.
If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your caregiver with you. This is a very welcoming group of men and women, and we all enjoy meeting new friends.
See you on Tuesday the 13th! All are welcome!
Dinner with Friends
We invite all widows and widowers to join us at “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:15 PM. This month's gathering will be on Tuesday, May 13 at 5:15 PM in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Enter through the Hall doors on the Boulevard side.
Please bring your dinner and drink with you. After having dinner and conversation, we often play Trivial Pursuit or other group games. You do not have to attend all meetings—just come when you can.
If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your caregiver with you. This is a very welcoming group of men and women, and we all enjoy meeting new friends.
See you on Tuesday the 13th! All are welcome!
Red Cross Blood Drive
American Red Cross Blood Drive Appointments are now available for blood donations at our upcoming Blood Drive on April 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event will be held at the Church Hall in Brant Beach. Blood donations are essential to the health of our community. We encourage those who can join us on 4/22/25. The donation process only takes about an hour and can make an enormous difference for a patient battling illness or injury. https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=08008
Dinner with Friends
We invite all widows and widowers to join us for "Dinner with Friends" at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. We typically meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:15 PM.
This month's gathering will be on Tuesday, April 8, at 5:15 PM in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Please enter through the Hall doors on the Boulevard side.
Bring your dinner and drink with you. After sharing a meal and conversation, we often play Trivial Pursuit or other group games. You are not required to attend every meeting—just come when you can!
If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your caregiver with you.
This is a warm and welcoming group of men and women, and we always enjoy meeting new friends. See you on Tuesday the 11th!
All are welcome!
Dinner with Friends
We invite all widows and widowers to join us at “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. This is not a "Journey Through Grief" program, but a get-together for those of us who have lost a beloved spouse and a chance to have a meal with others.
We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:15pm. This month’s gathering will be on Tuesday, March 11th at 5:15pm in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Enter through the Hall doors on the Boulevard side. Please bring your dinner and drink with you. You do not have to attend all meetings, just come when you can. If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your care giver with you. This is a very welcoming group of men and women and we all enjoy meeting new friends, See you on Tuesday the 11th! All are welcome!
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! Donate blood from 1:00 - 6:00 PM at Brant Beach Church Hall.
Every donation makes a difference!
Reserve Your Appointment Here : Click here for Blood Drive Appointments
Dinner with Friends
Stay warm with friends! We invite all widows and widowers to join us at “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi Parish.This is not a "JourneyThrough Grief" program, but rather a get-together for those of us who have lost a beloved spouse and a chance to have a meal with others.. As we talk with each other, we find how liked minded we are and all that we have in common.
We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:15pm. This month's gathering will be on Tuesday, Feb 11th at 5:15pm in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Enter through the Hall doors on the Boulevard side. Please bring your dinner and drink with you. You do not have to attend all meetings, just come when you would like. If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your care giver with you.This is a very welcoming group of men and women and we all enjoy meeting new friends, See you on Tuesday the 11th! All are welcome!
Anointing of the Sick.
“When the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is given, the hoped-for effect is that, if it be God's will, the person be physically healed of illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is a spiritual healing by which the sick person receives the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to deal with the difficulties that accompany serious illness or the frailty of old age.”
-United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Sunday, February 9th, at the 11:30 AM Mass, we will offer the Anointing of the Sick in observance of the upcoming World Day of the Sick. We invite anyone in need of this Sacrament of healing to join us.
Dinner with Friends
Now that the New Year has begun we would like to invite all widows and widowers to join us at “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. This is not a "Journey Through Grief" program, but rather a get-together for those of us who have lost a beloved spouse and a chance to have a meal with others.. As we talk with each other, we find how liked minded we are and all that we have in common.
We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:15pm. This month's gathering will be on Tuesday, Jan 14 at 5:15pm in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Enter through the Hall doors on the Boulevard side. Please bring your dinner and drink with you. You do not have to attend all meetings, just when you would like. If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your care giver or a friend with you.This is a very welcoming group of men and women and we all enjoy meeting new friends, See you on Tuesday the 14th! This would be a great New Year's resolution to gather with friends old and new. All are welcome!
Dinner with Friends
Note: Change of Venue
Welcome to all! We would like to invite all widows and widowers to join us for “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi .
We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:15pm. This month we will meet on Tuesday, Dec 10th at 5:15pm in THE SENIOR LUNCH ROOM IN THE CENTER. Because this is the month of Christmas, we will be ordering food from Pietros. Donations will be accepted at the meeting to help with cost of food. It will not be just pizza, but other dishes will be available. Please bring your own beverage as usual. We are also having a Christmas Cookie Swap. If you would like, please bring one dozen home made or store bought cookies to swap with others.This is a freindly gathering for those who have lost a beloved spouse. At this time of year, we especially enjoy the company of others who have such a loss in common. You do not have to attend all meetings, just come when you can. If you need a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Feel free to bring your care giver, a friend or family member with you.This is a very welcoming group of men and women and we all enjoy meeting new friends, See you on Tuesday the 10th ! All are welcome! Peace and all good.
Dinner with Friends
You're invited! Widows and widowers, join us for “Dinner with Friends” at St. Francis of Assisi. This is not a grief program, but a casual get-together for those who have lost a spouse, offering a chance to share a meal and connect with others. We usually meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:15 PM. Our next gathering is Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at 5:15 PM in the Brant Beach Church Hall. Bring your own dinner and drink. If you need a ride, contact Angela at 609-618-9974. You’re welcome to bring a caregiver, friend, or family member. See you there!
Order of Franciscan Seculars
The Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi - the Secular Franciscan Seculars - will meet on Sunday, September 15, 2024 in the Brant Beach Church hall immediately following the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Secular Franciscans (lay people) are called to live the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the world. By following the example of St Francis, we use our God-given talent to care for all life and our environment. Come join us!
Dinner with Friends
Join our “Dinner with Friends” meetings for widows and widowers at the Brant Beach Church Hall. Bring your dinner and drink, and feel free to invite a friend. For those needing a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Our welcoming group looks forward to meeting new friends and sharing good company.
Dinner with Friends
Join our “Dinner with Friends” meetings for widows and widowers at the Brant Beach Church Hall. Bring your dinner and drink, and feel free to invite a friend. For those needing a ride, please contact Angela at 609-618-9974. Our welcoming group looks forward to meeting new friends and sharing good company.