The Rev. Jim Berning's weekly column in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi's Aug. 16 bulletin reported on the celebration of several sacraments, the welcoming a new deacon and updates on other parish events.

A number of St. Francis of Assisi's children recently received the sacrament of First Communion at the Rochester church.

"It is a great day for these children, their families, and for our entire parish family," Fr. Berning said in the column.

The parish also will soon be celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation during a Saturday Mass, Berning said. He asked those who typically attend the 4:30 p.m. service to consider attending a Sunday Mass so that the church could safely accommodate the families of those making their Confirmation.

Terry Smith, the new permanent deacon for the church, will be ordained next week at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus in Winona, Berning said.

The Parish Picnic and Rummage Sale and 2020 Fall Festival have both been canceled, Berning said. The parish is saddened by the decision, but felt it was the most responsible thing to do in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.