Discover St. Francis through Jubilee Year pilgrimages and prayer opportunities #Catholic – Faithful near and far are invited to draw inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi and gain a plenary indulgence by making prayerful pilgrimages to any of five designated St. Francis-related parishes in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., until Jan. 10, 2027. On Jan. 10, 2026, Pope Leo XVI decreed that the Universal Church would commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death, which ends next Jan. 10. The decree also provides for a special plenary indulgence for parishes associated with the saint. A plenary indulgence is remission of temporal punishment that may remain after sacramental confession. On April 29, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney issued a decree designating the five parishes in the diocese where pilgrims are able to avail themselves of a plenary indulgence. These parishes are St. Francis of Assisi in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.; St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, N.J.; St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Butler, N.J.; St. Clare Parish in Clifton, N.J., and St. John Kanty Parish in the Athenia neighborhood of Clifton. St. Francis of Assisi is known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged, his care for nature and animals, his promotion of peace, and his founding of the Franciscan order, one of the largest in the Church. The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe founded many parishes in the diocese, especially in Passaic County. “The Holy Father notes that in an age known for strife, division, and interminable wars, the life of St. Francis of Assisi, ‘continues to point to the authentic source of peace.’ We profess that the source of all peace is Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” Bishop Sweeney wrote in the local decree. Some of these parishes are also planning St. Francis-related events. Check their websites, bulletins, and social media, or call them, for Mass and confession times and special event schedules if not already listed below. Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. In his Jan. 10, 2026, decree, Pope Leo wrote, “May this Year of St. Francis urge us all, each according to our own possibilities, to imitate the Poverello of Assisi… [and] to mold ourselves as much as possible on the model of Christ…May the hope that saw us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervor of active charity.” Pilgrims seeking a plenary indulgence have the opportunity to “experience the divine mercy of God,” said Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office and pastor of St. Brendan/St. George Parish in Clifton. He helped coordinate the pilgrimages under the leadership of Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious. To gain the plenary indulgence, pilgrims must show detachment from sin, receive the Eucharist, go to confession, pray for the Holy Father’s intentions and recite the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed. Those unable to travel due to illness or caregiving responsibilities may obtain the indulgence by offering their suffering to God. Each designated parish in the diocese is connected to St. Francis. St. Francis is the only parish in the diocese currently named for the saint. St. Mary’s is one of two remaining parishes in the diocese founded by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The other is St. Anthony’s, which also has a friary. In addition, St. Clare’s is named after St. Clare, a devoted spiritual student, close confidante, and first female follower of St. Francis. St. John Kanty, which serves a Polish community, is administered by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. Franciscan Father John Aherne, pastor of St. Mary’s, is pleased that the parish was selected as a Jubilee pilgrimage site. “The Jubilee Year is a way for St. Mary’s to highlight its identity as a Franciscan community and engage with the community,” Father John Aherne said. He noted that the parish has been holding a full schedule of St. Francis-related events. “As Franciscans, we endeavor to bring peace and unity to a world fraught with violence and division and cherish and protect the beauty of the world and humanity,” Father Aherne said. During the Jubilee Year, Bishop Sweeney will visit St. Francis for the annual Religious Jubilee Mass on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. All attendees will have an opportunity for an indulgence. In addition, it’s anticipated that the bishop will return on Sunday, Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis, for confirmations. St. Francis Parish is expecting the arrival of a new, larger statue of the saint from Italy for outside the church. The parish also has a first-class relic of St. Francis for veneration, said Father Greg Golba, St. Francis’ pastor. “St. Francis of Assisi was friendly to everyone and everything: people, nature, and animals. During this Jubilee Year, pilgrims can receive important graces from God by praying for people through the intercession of St. Francis,” Father Golba said. Diocesan St. Francis of Assisi pilgrimage parishes St. Francis of Assisi Parish 868 Ringwood Ave., Haskell, N.J. 07420 Phone: (973) 835-0480 Email: stfrancis@optonline.net Website: stfrancishaskell.org Daily Mass: Monday: 8 a.m. Tuesday: 8 a.m. Wednesday: noon Thursday: 8 a.m. Friday: 8 a.m. Confession: Saturday: 4:30 to 5 p.m. or upon request St. Mary’s Parish 31 Pompton Ave., Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442 Phone: 973-835-0374 Email: smc@stmarys-pompton.org Website: stmarys-pompton.org Mass times: Saturday: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m. in Spanish (also livestreamed), 9 a.m. in the Carnevale Center, 10:30 a.m. (also livestreamed), noon Monday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed) Tuesday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed) Wednesday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed) and 7 p.m. in Spanish (also livestreamed) Thursday: 8 p.m. (also livestreamed) Friday: 8 p.m. (also livestreamed) Saturday: 9 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Communion in the Prayer Room Confession: Thursday: 4 to 5 p.m. or by appointment St. Anthony of Padua Parish 65 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, N.J. Phone: 973-838-0031 Email: bleck@saopp.org Website: saopp.org Masses: Saturday 5 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. in Spanish Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. and Saturday: 8 a.m. Confession: Saturday: 8:30 to 9 a.m. after the 8 a.m. Mass or by appointment St. Clare Parish 69 Allwood Rd., Clifton, N.J. 07014 Phone: 973-777-9313 Email: office@saintclarenj.com Website: saintclarenj.com Mass times: Saturday: 4 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. Confession: Saturday: 3 to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment St. John Kanty Parish 49 Speer Ave., Clifton, N.J. 07013 Parish Office: 973-779-4102 Website: saintjohnkanty.org Masses: Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. in English Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in English, 10 a.m. in Polish, noon in English and 7 p.m. in Polish Weekend Mass: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 7 a.m. in English, 8 a.m. in Polish Wednesday and Friday: 7 a.m. in English and 7 p.m. in Polish Saturday: 8 a.m. in English First Friday: 7 p.m. in Polish Confession: Saturday: from 4 to 4:45 p.m., daily before morning Masses or by appointment

Faithful near and far are invited to draw inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi and gain a plenary indulgence by making prayerful pilgrimages to any of five designated St. Francis-related parishes in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., until Jan. 10, 2027.

On Jan. 10, 2026, Pope Leo XVI decreed that the Universal Church would commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death, which ends next Jan. 10. The decree also provides for a special plenary indulgence for parishes associated with the saint. A plenary indulgence is remission of temporal punishment that may remain after sacramental confession.

On April 29, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney issued a decree designating the five parishes in the diocese where pilgrims are able to avail themselves of a plenary indulgence.

These parishes are St. Francis of Assisi in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.; St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, N.J.; St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Butler, N.J.; St. Clare Parish in Clifton, N.J., and St. John Kanty Parish in the Athenia neighborhood of Clifton.

St. Francis of Assisi is known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged, his care for nature and animals, his promotion of peace, and his founding of the Franciscan order, one of the largest in the Church. The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe founded many parishes in the diocese, especially in Passaic County.

“The Holy Father notes that in an age known for strife, division, and interminable wars, the life of St. Francis of Assisi, ‘continues to point to the authentic source of peace.’ We profess that the source of all peace is Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” Bishop Sweeney wrote in the local decree.

Some of these parishes are also planning St. Francis-related events. Check their websites, bulletins, and social media, or call them, for Mass and confession times and special event schedules if not already listed below.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

In his Jan. 10, 2026, decree, Pope Leo wrote, “May this Year of St. Francis urge us all, each according to our own possibilities, to imitate the Poverello of Assisi… [and] to mold ourselves as much as possible on the model of Christ…May the hope that saw us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervor of active charity.”

Pilgrims seeking a plenary indulgence have the opportunity to “experience the divine mercy of God,” said Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office and pastor of St. Brendan/St. George Parish in Clifton. He helped coordinate the pilgrimages under the leadership of Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.

To gain the plenary indulgence, pilgrims must show detachment from sin, receive the Eucharist, go to confession, pray for the Holy Father’s intentions and recite the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed. Those unable to travel due to illness or caregiving responsibilities may obtain the indulgence by offering their suffering to God.

Each designated parish in the diocese is connected to St. Francis. St. Francis is the only parish in the diocese currently named for the saint. St. Mary’s is one of two remaining parishes in the diocese founded by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The other is St. Anthony’s, which also has a friary.

In addition, St. Clare’s is named after St. Clare, a devoted spiritual student, close confidante, and first female follower of St. Francis. St. John Kanty, which serves a Polish community, is administered by the Conventual Franciscan Friars.

Franciscan Father John Aherne, pastor of St. Mary’s, is pleased that the parish was selected as a Jubilee pilgrimage site.

“The Jubilee Year is a way for St. Mary’s to highlight its identity as a Franciscan community and engage with the community,” Father John Aherne said. He noted that the parish has been holding a full schedule of St. Francis-related events. “As Franciscans, we endeavor to bring peace and unity to a world fraught with violence and division and cherish and protect the beauty of the world and humanity,” Father Aherne said.

During the Jubilee Year, Bishop Sweeney will visit St. Francis for the annual Religious Jubilee Mass on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. All attendees will have an opportunity for an indulgence. In addition, it’s anticipated that the bishop will return on Sunday, Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis, for confirmations.

St. Francis Parish is expecting the arrival of a new, larger statue of the saint from Italy for outside the church. The parish also has a first-class relic of St. Francis for veneration, said Father Greg Golba, St. Francis’ pastor.

“St. Francis of Assisi was friendly to everyone and everything: people, nature, and animals. During this Jubilee Year, pilgrims can receive important graces from God by praying for people through the intercession of St. Francis,” Father Golba said.

Diocesan St. Francis of Assisi pilgrimage parishes

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

868 Ringwood Ave., Haskell, N.J. 07420
Phone: (973) 835-0480
Email: stfrancis@optonline.net
Website: stfrancishaskell.org

Daily Mass:
Monday: 8 a.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.
Wednesday: noon
Thursday: 8 a.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.

Confession:
Saturday: 4:30 to 5 p.m. or upon request

St. Mary’s Parish

31 Pompton Ave., Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442
Phone: 973-835-0374
Email: smc@stmarys-pompton.org
Website: stmarys-pompton.org

Mass times:
Saturday: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m. in Spanish (also livestreamed), 9 a.m. in the Carnevale Center, 10:30 a.m. (also livestreamed), noon
Monday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed)
Tuesday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed)
Wednesday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed) and 7 p.m. in Spanish (also livestreamed)
Thursday: 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)
Friday: 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)
Saturday: 9 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Communion in the Prayer Room

Confession:
Thursday: 4 to 5 p.m. or by appointment

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

65 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, N.J.
Phone: 973-838-0031
Email: bleck@saopp.org
Website: saopp.org

Masses:
Saturday 5 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. in Spanish
Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. and Saturday: 8 a.m.

Confession:
Saturday: 8:30 to 9 a.m. after the 8 a.m. Mass or by appointment

St. Clare Parish

69 Allwood Rd., Clifton, N.J. 07014
Phone: 973-777-9313
Email: office@saintclarenj.com
Website: saintclarenj.com

Mass times:
Saturday: 4 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.

Confession:
Saturday: 3 to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment

St. John Kanty Parish

49 Speer Ave., Clifton, N.J. 07013
Parish Office: 973-779-4102
Website: saintjohnkanty.org

Masses:
Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. in English
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in English, 10 a.m. in Polish, noon in English and 7 p.m. in Polish

Weekend Mass:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 7 a.m. in English, 8 a.m. in Polish
Wednesday and Friday: 7 a.m. in English and 7 p.m. in Polish
Saturday: 8 a.m. in English
First Friday: 7 p.m. in Polish

Confession:
Saturday: from 4 to 4:45 p.m., daily before morning Masses or by appointment

Discover St. Francis through Jubilee Year pilgrimages and prayer opportunities #Catholic –

Faithful near and far are invited to draw inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi and gain a plenary indulgence by making prayerful pilgrimages to any of five designated St. Francis-related parishes in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., until Jan. 10, 2027.

On Jan. 10, 2026, Pope Leo XVI decreed that the Universal Church would commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death, which ends next Jan. 10. The decree also provides for a special plenary indulgence for parishes associated with the saint. A plenary indulgence is remission of temporal punishment that may remain after sacramental confession.

On April 29, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney issued a decree designating the five parishes in the diocese where pilgrims are able to avail themselves of a plenary indulgence.

These parishes are St. Francis of Assisi in the Haskell neighborhood of Wanaque, N.J.; St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, N.J.; St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Butler, N.J.; St. Clare Parish in Clifton, N.J., and St. John Kanty Parish in the Athenia neighborhood of Clifton.

St. Francis of Assisi is known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged, his care for nature and animals, his promotion of peace, and his founding of the Franciscan order, one of the largest in the Church. The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe founded many parishes in the diocese, especially in Passaic County.

“The Holy Father notes that in an age known for strife, division, and interminable wars, the life of St. Francis of Assisi, ‘continues to point to the authentic source of peace.’ We profess that the source of all peace is Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” Bishop Sweeney wrote in the local decree.

Some of these parishes are also planning St. Francis-related events. Check their websites, bulletins, and social media, or call them, for Mass and confession times and special event schedules if not already listed below.

Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

In his Jan. 10, 2026, decree, Pope Leo wrote, “May this Year of St. Francis urge us all, each according to our own possibilities, to imitate the Poverello of Assisi… [and] to mold ourselves as much as possible on the model of Christ…May the hope that saw us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervor of active charity.”

Pilgrims seeking a plenary indulgence have the opportunity to “experience the divine mercy of God,” said Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office and pastor of St. Brendan/St. George Parish in Clifton. He helped coordinate the pilgrimages under the leadership of Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.

To gain the plenary indulgence, pilgrims must show detachment from sin, receive the Eucharist, go to confession, pray for the Holy Father’s intentions and recite the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed. Those unable to travel due to illness or caregiving responsibilities may obtain the indulgence by offering their suffering to God.

Each designated parish in the diocese is connected to St. Francis. St. Francis is the only parish in the diocese currently named for the saint. St. Mary’s is one of two remaining parishes in the diocese founded by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The other is St. Anthony’s, which also has a friary.

In addition, St. Clare’s is named after St. Clare, a devoted spiritual student, close confidante, and first female follower of St. Francis. St. John Kanty, which serves a Polish community, is administered by the Conventual Franciscan Friars.

Franciscan Father John Aherne, pastor of St. Mary’s, is pleased that the parish was selected as a Jubilee pilgrimage site.

“The Jubilee Year is a way for St. Mary’s to highlight its identity as a Franciscan community and engage with the community,” Father John Aherne said. He noted that the parish has been holding a full schedule of St. Francis-related events. “As Franciscans, we endeavor to bring peace and unity to a world fraught with violence and division and cherish and protect the beauty of the world and humanity,” Father Aherne said.

During the Jubilee Year, Bishop Sweeney will visit St. Francis for the annual Religious Jubilee Mass on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 11 a.m. All attendees will have an opportunity for an indulgence. In addition, it’s anticipated that the bishop will return on Sunday, Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis, for confirmations.

St. Francis Parish is expecting the arrival of a new, larger statue of the saint from Italy for outside the church. The parish also has a first-class relic of St. Francis for veneration, said Father Greg Golba, St. Francis’ pastor.

“St. Francis of Assisi was friendly to everyone and everything: people, nature, and animals. During this Jubilee Year, pilgrims can receive important graces from God by praying for people through the intercession of St. Francis,” Father Golba said.

Diocesan St. Francis of Assisi pilgrimage parishes

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

868 Ringwood Ave., Haskell, N.J. 07420
Phone: (973) 835-0480
Email: stfrancis@optonline.net
Website: stfrancishaskell.org

Daily Mass:
Monday: 8 a.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.
Wednesday: noon
Thursday: 8 a.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.

Confession:
Saturday: 4:30 to 5 p.m. or upon request

St. Mary’s Parish

31 Pompton Ave., Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442
Phone: 973-835-0374
Email: smc@stmarys-pompton.org
Website: stmarys-pompton.org

Mass times:
Saturday: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 8:45 a.m. in Spanish (also livestreamed), 9 a.m. in the Carnevale Center, 10:30 a.m. (also livestreamed), noon
Monday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed)
Tuesday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed)
Wednesday: 8 a.m. (also livestreamed) and 7 p.m. in Spanish (also livestreamed)
Thursday: 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)
Friday: 8 p.m. (also livestreamed)
Saturday: 9 a.m. Liturgy of the Word with Communion in the Prayer Room

Confession:
Thursday: 4 to 5 p.m. or by appointment

St. Anthony of Padua Parish

65 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, N.J.
Phone: 973-838-0031
Email: bleck@saopp.org
Website: saopp.org

Masses:
Saturday 5 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. in Spanish
Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. and Saturday: 8 a.m.

Confession:
Saturday: 8:30 to 9 a.m. after the 8 a.m. Mass or by appointment

St. Clare Parish

69 Allwood Rd., Clifton, N.J. 07014
Phone: 973-777-9313
Email: office@saintclarenj.com
Website: saintclarenj.com

Mass times:
Saturday: 4 p.m.
Sunday: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.

Confession:
Saturday: 3 to 3:30 p.m. or by appointment

St. John Kanty Parish

49 Speer Ave., Clifton, N.J. 07013
Parish Office: 973-779-4102
Website: saintjohnkanty.org

Masses:
Saturday Vigil: 5 p.m. in English
Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in English, 10 a.m. in Polish, noon in English and 7 p.m. in Polish

Weekend Mass:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 7 a.m. in English, 8 a.m. in Polish
Wednesday and Friday: 7 a.m. in English and 7 p.m. in Polish
Saturday: 8 a.m. in English
First Friday: 7 p.m. in Polish

Confession:
Saturday: from 4 to 4:45 p.m., daily before morning Masses or by appointment