Black Friday Becomes Brown Friday
Our Ministry of Presence at Northgate Mall in Cincinnati is going well. Here are a few of the stories.
We began on Black Friday (which we re-named Brown Friday) with pretty good crowds.
Our Ministry of Presence made the cover of the Catholic Telegraph
Many people read about us in the cover story of the December edition of The Catholic Telegraph. Some came to visit with Auxiliary Bishop Joe Binzer, who joined us for three hours. We’ve heard a few confessions, prayed with and blessed some families, gave information about the local ministries, and talked with people about the Secular Franciscans, family problems, and how they might return to Church after being away for a while.
Catholics and non-Catholics have visited. Some are in need; some are curious; some just look; most are glad to see us there. They find the novelty of our presence at a mall intriguing. They have brought us cookies to share. The interest in what we are doing is growing. Our goals are modest: we want to meet people where there are, in the marketplace, with a simple message of welcome and hospitality. It is an experiment in the “new evangelization,” bringing the Good News of God’s love to those who visit."
--- Fr. Jeff Scheeler, OFM
Bishop Joe Binzer manned the refreshments desk while Fr. Jeff Scheeler, OFM, visited with guests.
I grew up about three miles from Northgate Mall and remember when the Mall was built on a plot of land that served as an airport.
Little did I know that I would have the opportunity one day to talk about preparing for the coming of the Lord there.
It was a blessing to have been asked to share in the ministry with the Franciscans. I admire them greatly…I always have.
Last Friday I saw friends, spoke with curious shoppers, and had a chance to hear and offer stories of faith.
And I’ve reflected about my time at Northgate each day since Friday. God is good!!
--- Bishop Joe Binzer
(This is how Al Mascia announced the mall ministry in his Song and Spirit newsletter.)
“Boy” I said to my colleague Maggid Steve the other day.
Fr. Mark Soehner, OFM, and Br. Al Mascia, OFM
“You guys are lucky.”
“What d’ya mean?,” he asked suspiciously.
“Well, nobody’s hijacked Chanukah, turned it into a vulgar caricature of itself, written silly songs about it, and then transformed it into a panic ridden occasion for conspicuous consumption, that’s all.”
“H’mm,” he conceded, “I guess you’re right.”
But how do you rescue a holiday from the throes of such shameless exploitation? Well, one way some of us Franciscans are trying involves going straight to the front lines. That’s right, the Shopping Mall!
From “Black Friday” until Christmas Eve, there will be Franciscans in brown habits managing a small storefront next to Macy’s at Northgate Mall in Cincinnati. We’re selling nothing; shoppers are welcome to stop by for some coffee, hot chocolate, homemade cookies and, if interested, some conversation about what Christmas is really about!
I was there Thanksgiving weekend playing music on my aging concertina for two three-hour shifts. Understandably, we took many shoppers by surprise. Maybe some even went home with more than they’d bargained for!
--- Br. Al Mascia, OFM
Watch Br. Al’s “Let Christmas Be” video by John Lebong
Stop by for a cup of coffee or cocoa and take a few minutes to relax or pray with the Franciscans.
Br. Michael Radomski, OFM, greets visitors
Store #186 near Macy's inside entrance
Hours:
Saturdays 10:00am – 9:00 pm
Sundays 12 noon – 6:00 pm
Monday – Friday 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24: 12 noon – 3:00 pm
Information and directions to Northgate Mall: http://www.mynorthgatemall.com/visit/
Posted in: Advent and Christmas, Events, Missions, News, Prayer, Saint Anthony, Saint Francis, Senior Friars
