The Church of St. Francis Xavier — Attraction in New York

I completely believe I was led into this church by something way beyond me. There was NO coincidence. I unknowingly parked right in front of this gorgeous church because I was gonna check out a gay pride event at some Jewish center down the block. I ended up in my car on a phone call for an hour and during my call, I noticed how beautiful the interior of this church was, as the front doors were open. I noticed people filing in. And as it neared 5 PM, I told my friend I’d been talking to that I was gonna go in the church because I assumed a service was going to take place. Of significance is that my sister passed away last year and I’m in a pretty dark place at the moment and I’m ‘seeking’, I’m asking for guidance, so I felt like “pulled” or “drawn” into this church. Now bear in mind I was wearing a gay pride shirt but because there were banners on the outside of the church welcoming migrants and refugees and a Black Lives Matter poster, I felt this Catholic Church was ‘different’. I’m so glad I went in for the service. I was honored to be at the priest’s first mass - he kicked ass! I think his name is Halloran. The brochure thingy they hand out to everyone included lots of info on all the different groups and things affiliated with this parish. I saw something that said “Catholic Lesbians” and I felt at ease here (which is not a feeling I always have in a Catholic Church, ESPECIALLY wearing a gay pride shirt!). I noticed they were having a Healing Prayer Ministry after the service. I had NO idea what it was going to be but I knew I was gonna go. I need healing prayers right now 🙏🏼. It was two very kind parishioners who sat at the Mary Altar, asked me about my situation and then prayed for me. I was in tears on more than one occasion during my unexpected visit to this church. I consider myself spiritual, not religious. I haven’t been affiliated with the Catholic Church since I made my confirmation over 30 years ago. After today, I am now contemplating going back to this church and maybe even becoming a practicing Catholic. I don’t know. But I do know that this whole thing felt very special to me, as does this beautiful church - St Francis Xavier....

What an experience . I’m so happy my friend & I happened to walk by here . We stopped to peak inside because you could tell from the outside this church was going to be a beauty ! ;)

Smiled big the minute we stepped in & saw our Mother of Disability Rights , Judy Heumann displayed on a large tapestry in the lobby .

Once we opened the door the view was breathtaking . Exceptionally tall ornate ceilings and vivid paintings were at every turn . I couldn’t wait to come back the following weekend for worship services .

Upon returning , I was blown away by the accommodations offered . This was the most accessible inclusive church service I’ve ever witnessed .

ASL interpreters are present at the 11:30 am mass in person & live streamed .

There are Braille hymn texts available in the back to the right on a table for people who are blind .

The pamphlet that is used to follow the mass is nice with larger font & spacing making it easier to read than typical Catholic missals .

Gluten Free patrons can even rest easy knowing their communion wafers are low gluten .

There is a nice ramp near the altar for walkers /wheelchairs & strollers to sit up front .

The Accessible Entrance is 55 W 15th .

Everyone there was warm friendly and welcoming as well . Especially Trinnie ;)

May more Churches follow this shining example of accessibility .

I look so forward to coming back again and again St Francis Xavier . Thank You for your dedication to including everyone in...

Don't know the church but I'm familiar with their Sunday lunch program. Each Sunday meal is different but the same schedule each month. Seconds on lunch is allowed but tickets are needed for each meal to receive. Vegetarian options are available but not that great. Entrance for the disabled (and women?) are on 16th st and starts at 12:30 for them. Everybody else enters on the 15th st entrance and that starts at 1pm. Doors close at 3. Coffee (black and creamed), tea, and rarely juice are available during lunch as much as you want. Sweeteners available. Bathrooms available (women's behind the serving line in the back.

clothing for men once a month, chiropracting, legal aid from NYU students, referrals for other services, and occasionally a Lifeline agent such as Safelink offering free phones with service for those who qualify are available during lunch. Other services might be as well but best to...