December 1, 2019 1st Sunday of Advent
Inspired by our patron Francis of Assisi, we seek to proclaim the reign of God by growing in Holiness through our experience of Christ in word, sacrament and one another, offering Hope to those who hunger for human dignity, and extending Hospitality to all.
Our Mission Statement Weekend Mass: Saturday: 5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am 9:30am 11:30am 5:30pm
Daily Mass: Monday - Friday: 9:00am St. Mary of the Angels Chapel
The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 919-847-8205 www.stfrancisraleigh.org
See page 6
Planting the Seeds
of Social Change
See page 3
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Assistant to the Pastor – full-time position The Assistant to the Pastor is responsible for providing a high level of support of the pastor in a wide range of activities, while interacting with staff, parish members, and the community at large. This position admin- isters the parish Columbarium and Memorial Wall and is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of sacramental records for the parish. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills, including proficiency with MS office, as well as demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality in all areas. This posi- tion is classified as full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Trish Adamkowski at trish.adamkowski@stfrancisraleigh.org.
December 1 Coffee and Donuts after 9:30am and 11:30am Masses, hosted by the Knights
December 8 Coffee and Donuts after 7:30am and 9:30am Masses, hosted by the Seculars
December 15 Coffee and Donuts after 9:30am and 11:30am Masses, hosted by the Knights
Franciscan Fellowship
Through marriage may their lives always bear witness to Christ’s love: Karmina Ishak and Nicholas Hunckler
May they rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon them:
+ John Slobodzian Husband of Frances Slobodzian
+ Low Jonske, Sr. Father of Low Jonske
Welcome back to all who have been traveling for Thanksgiving and as we now enter the beautiful, dark-leading-to-light season of Advent; as we be- gin to look forward to Christmas with its astounding story of the God of all Creation being born among us, not as royalty or in bright shining splendor, but in an out-of-the-way stable on the outskirts of
Bethlehem. Jesus is born poor and needy and unnoticed by most and in these days we light the Advent candle in anticipation of the light that shines among us on Christmas.
This is also the season of movies, and I recently went to see the movie “JoJo Rabbit” which tells the story of a young boy in Germany during the Second World War who is part of the Hitler Youth and of his mother, played by Scarlet Johansson, who quietly resists what is hap- pening in Germany, and who is hiding a young Jewish girl in a spare room of the house. What happens when all this comes together? I found the movie to be beautiful.
And a reminder that this Monday evening, December 2, our par- ish joins with St. Luke’s for a shared penance service at St. Luke’s at 7:00pm. And we will have our penance service for seniors on Wednesday morning, December 4, at 11:00am here at St. Francis. Blessings on your week!
December 1, 2019 Weekly December 1, 2019 Mortgage Sunday December 8, 2019 Weekly December 9, 2019 Immaculate Conception December 8, 2019 Retirement for Relig/Aging with Grace December 15, 2019 Weekly December 22, 2019 Weekly December 25, 2019 Christmas December 25, 2019
December Envelope Schedule December 1 Weekly December 1 Mortgage Sunday December 8 Weekly December 9 Immaculate Conception December 8 Retirement for Relig/Aging with Grace December 15 Weekly December 22 Weekly December 25 Christmas December 25 Diocesan Priest Retirement December 29 Weekly January 1 New Year's Day/Mary Mother of God
This Weekend!
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Christ teaches us that social change starts at home, with the small acts that we do for our friends, family, and neighbors at large. At The Franciscan School, we teach our students to plant seeds of social change, no matter how small they may seem. Stu- dents learn how social action can have a significant impact on others, even some- one that they've never met.
In November, we focused on the Dignity of Work and used our annual Fair Trade Market as an opportunity for students to give back. We built upon our partnership with Melissa Radcliff of Our Children's Place of Coastal Horizons Center. Our Children's Place is an organization that is leading the way in state advocacy for children with incarcerated parents. Did you know there are 2.7 million children impact- ed by incarceration in the United States and 25,000 alone in North Carolina? We have staff and students who have been directly affected by incarceration and know first-hand how challenging the experience is for the entire family but especially the children.
Planting the Seeds of Social Change
We take this opportunity to have an open discussion with students. Students an- swer questions like, "How would you feel if you had a parent in prison?" This year, a student raised their hand and said, "I know exactly how it feels, and [I] don't want to talk about it." Shawn Tenace, one of the TFS Middle School religion teachers recalled, “This reminded me of the need to see the students clearly, as they are, with their individual needs. To see them as Christ sees them, with their perceived weaknesses as strengths.” That's the beauty of social change; it re- minds you that everyone has a story and that you must seek to see one another as individuals with unique situations and stories. Following our discussion, the 6th grade students partnered with their 3rd grade prayer buddies to stuff teddy bears. We sold the bears at the Fair Trade Market, with proceeds going to Our Children's Place. In December, the focus is on the “Care for the Poor” Catholic Social Teaching. The Franciscan School and our school
families hold our traditional Passage Home Food Drive in December. Pas- sage Home’s mission is to “break the cycle of poverty and create genera- tional self-sufficiency for the individuals and families of Wake County by helping them achieve housing and income security.” Each classroom adopts a lo- cal Passage Home family and provides enough food for them for the Christmas break from school and a special holiday meal. Each year approximately 30 families receive the food and supplies they need during the break met by the 20-25 student families in each of those classrooms. Before being loaded on the truck, representative boxes of food are blessed by the friars at our daily morning prayer, where all our students gather in our courtyard to start each day with prayer. It is a beautiful way to recognize this season of giving and offers perspective and a chance for reflection and thanksgiving for all we have, while recognizing others may not be as fortunate. It is an acknowledge- ment that we have a call to action as Catholics to provide for those in need as Jesus would and as He calls us to do in His place.
Through these acts of love and similar service projects throughout the year, and through the teaching principles and opportunities we have available in The Franciscan School as a ministry of St. Francis parish, we help our students understand how to follow Christ in the light of social justice. At the end of each project, every student and adult partici- pant walks away with a new apprecia- tion for our role in demonstrating God’s love for all His people.
Nov. 20 - Dec. 15
December 2 and 4
After 9:30am or 11:30am Mass Clare Fellowship Hall
Franciscan Fellowship After Masses
Penance Services at St. Lukes and St. Francis
Help a family in need or an outreach ministry this holiday season. Stop by and pick up one or a few of the ornaments on any of the Advent Giving Trees around our campus. The gift deadline for returning and return location are all listed on the ornament. .
A D V Learn how to make Advent more meaningful and pur- poseful. Enjoy light refreshments as you explore crafts, a service project for Oak City Cares, and more! All are welcome. There is no cost for this event, but please RSVP at http://bit.ly/SFAFamilyAdvent. To volunteer for the event, visit http://bit.ly/AdventVolunteer.
The word posada means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish. In this tradition, the Bible story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay is re- enacted. The tradition also involves a variety of Mexican Christmas carols, breaking piñatas, and celebration. It will take place after the 5:30 Mass in Clare Fellowship Hall.
Join us for Franciscan Fellowship with Coffee and Donuts after 9:30am and 11:30am Mass. What a won- derful opportunity to celebrate with other St. Francis parishioners throughout the season of Advent.
Join Fr. Steve K. on Mondays after daily Mass from 9:45am to 10:30am as we break open and discover how the Scriptures speak to us. (This is a great way to help the presiders in their homily preparation, too!) To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/90414246203143.
Reconciliation services will be available at St Lukes on Dec 2 at 7:00pm. St. Lukes is located at 12333 Bayleaf Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614. Reconciliation services will be available at St. Francis at 11:00am on Dec 4.
Tickets are $12 ($8 for ages 7 and under) and can be purchased at https://membership.faithdirect.net/ events/details/2409.
This year, recently ordained, Casey Cole, O.F.M. will preside his first Christmas Mass with us! Join us for a very special celebration!
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Outdoor Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling
Advent Evening Prayer and Reflectiont led by Fr. Jim Sabak Monday, December 16 at 7:00pm
in the church
Lessons and Carols
Blessing of Tree at Masses
E N T The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates an important point of Catholic teaching and it is a holy day. Join us as we celebrate Mass on Monday, December 9 at 9:00am and 7:00pm.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe is a Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a Marian apparition and a venerated image enshrined within the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Join as we celebrate Mass on December 11 at 9:00pm.
You are invited to join us for the lighting of our outdoor Christmas Tree, located just outside the Preshool build- ing. On this festive occasion, we will gather at 6:30pm to light the tree, share hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, and go caroling in the neighborhood.
Join us for music and fellowship. The Festival of Les- sons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. This service consists of Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News - followed by a carol or other song reflecting the lesson's message and a brief prayer.
As we gather for Mass on December 21 and 22, the fourth Sunday of Advent, we will take the opportunity to bless our wonderful Christmas tree.
7:00pm in the church. Refreshments to follow in
Clare Fellowship Hall
This Christmas, it’s easier than ever to give from the pew. Simply text your contribution to 919-629-1199.
Take some time in community to center yourself in preparation for the Christmas season! Join Fr. Jim as he leads us through Evening Prayer and an entertaining and insightful talk, followed by small group discussion and refreshments. All are welcome. RSVP at https://form.jotform.com/93145789505164.
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Christmas is Coming The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi welcomes all to rejoice in the coming of the Lord.
Accept our invitation to   Our NEW 2019 Christmas Mass times.
 Christmas Eve Masses 3:00 pm and 3:15 pm
Child-focused Masses 3:00 pm - Located in Clare Fellowship Hall
with guest Franciscan Friar, Casey Cole, OFM presiding 3:00 pm - Located in Gym (incense free location)
with additional seating in Assisi Community Center 3:15 pm - located in Church
5:30 pm with Contemporary Ensembles Located in the Church and in the Gym
with accessibility seating in Gym location
9:00 pm with Traditional Ensemble
Located in the Church
12:00 am Midnight Mass with Classical Choir and String Quartet
Located in the Church
 9:30 am Located in the Church
11:30 am Located in the Church
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to celebrate these Masses. Interested in helping? Visit www.stfrancisraleigh.org/christmas-volunteer
The Catholic Community of St Francis of Assisi 11401 Leesville Road
Reemember, it’s easier than ever to give from the pew. Simply text your Christmas contribution to 919-629-1199.
Bring your Christmas bells
Masses.
Outreach Ministries
Thank you SO much for supporting our Fair Trade and Alterna- tive Gift Market! Whether you shopped, provided hospitality, or served parishioners as they went through the line to get a cup of coffee or cookie, you embodied the Gospel centered reality of what it means to live your life for others, especially those less fortunate. It was a joy to see so many of you shopping and visiting with other parishioners during the market and your pres- ence was so appreciated by our vendors.
Once again our vendors commented on how special our market is, especially our four new vendors who could hardly believe what they were witnessing; the kindness, hope, graciousness, and knowledge of Fair Trade and solidarity that you all embody was clear to them and they told me. One vendor said, ”You know, this is a special community you have here. If this is what it means to be Catholic, then I’ll think about converting!” Another responded when I asked how many other markets like ours they do throughout the year, “Oh, this is the only market we do now. And it’s not because of the size of your parish that we come, it’s because of your people. Your people are great … they really understand justice and the Gospel.” And finally I caught one vendor, who had just told me how disenchanted he’s been lately with organized religion, leaving Mass. “Yeah,” he said, “If I could worship within a community like this every week, I would.” That community is you! So thank you again for living the Gospel in so many beautiful and meaningful ways!
Every year, we provide a parish wide opportunity to share the spirit of the Christmas season with families in need through our Advent Giving Trees. There are several St. Francis fami- lies and individuals who are recipients of gifts from our Giving Tree, but our primary partners are a number of organizations in the community who work directly with people in need. We have around 2000 ornaments on our trees. Community organizations whose families are included on our tree include Catholic Parish Outreach, Duke Children’s Hospital, Birth Choice, Helen Wright Center, Hispanic Family Center, Emily K Center, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Passage Home, Ronald McDonald House in Durham, Helene Foundation, and St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. Parish ministries that benefit include: Sister Parish Guatemala, Support Circle families, Prayer Shawl, Feed the Need, St. Francis Brown Bag Minis- try, and our St. Vincent DePaul Ministry. We are always amazed at the support and generosity of our parish community. Thank you!
Advent Giving TreeThank you! Trevor Thompson, Director of Justice and PeaceBecky Cawley, Justice and Peace
Parish Life Ministries St. Francis Youth Basketball League: Volunteers Needed The 2019-2020 season of Youth Basket- ball is now underway! Games are every Saturday and Sunday. We have a need for volunteers to help make this program a great success. All volunteers will be provided training and must be at least high school age! If you would like to volunteer as a basketball referee, please contact Rich Wessel at RichWessel@earthlink.net. If you would like to volunteer as a scorekeeper, please contact Mary Arleth at mary.arleth@stfrancisraleigh.org. High School Students, this is a great opportunity to earn hours!
Bridges After School Program
Part-time position We are currently seeking candi- dates to work in our Bridges After School Program on a part time ba- sis. Candidates must have a strong desire and ability to work with children, be at least 18 years old, and pass a background screen- ing. Bridges staff work within the program hours of Monday through Friday from 2:00 to 6:00pm. If inter- ested, please submit a cover letter and resume to Joey Bradshaw at joseph.bradshaw@stfrancisraleigh. org, Head of Bridges.
Employment Opportunity
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Social/Community Group Opportunities: Men’s Ministry Women’s Ministry 50+ Adults Group, LGBT Ministry Knights of Columbus
As much as we all look forward to the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays, there are also some ‘not so welcomed’ guests during the season. Job pressures, family feuds, memories of those who have passed away can all converge to create a less than happy holiday. So I hope you’ll keep this page handy – for you or a friend – and reach out if we can help. We are more than just the community that prays together. Let’s be the community that stays together – in good times and bad. Wishing you all the best this holiday! Kathleen
For those who are ill: Home Eucharistic Visits Visiting Ministry Stephen Ministry Feed the Need Prayer Shawls Transportation to Mass
For those who need support: Cancer Support Group Alzheimer’s Dementia Caregivers Support Group Stephen Ministry DivorceCare DivorceCare4Kids Job Connections Grief Share Grief Support
Reach Out If We Can Help Kathleen Owen, Director of Parish Life
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for JESUS, may the light of His presence bring JOY
to our hearts!
As we enter the season of Advent I thought we could use the 4 candles to help us focus on what is most important during the season. The first Sunday of Advent is HOPE and is represented by a purple candle. As I reflect on ways that we teach our little preschoolers about hope, I’m reminded of what our 4 and 5-year-old classes did this past week! Their little hands helped in decorating the trees that you’ll find in the Stewardship Center for those in need. Their HOPE is that those in need will feel the warmth and JOY that Christmas brings to all of us.
O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation,
Savior of ALL peoples, come and dwell among us.
AMEN
HOPE
Throughout the Advent season, we anticipate the greatest gift of all from God, the birth of Jesus. We are reminded of the gift God has given us in ourselves. The Advent season is not the only time of year that we should be reminded of the talents that God has given us, but rather, reminded on a daily basis of how we can help make the world a better place by sharing our gifts and talents with those around us.
One of our areas of focus at TFS is in our service to others and that service takes many forms. Last year we directly served over 3000 people across the local area, nation, and world with the various service projects we held during Catholic Schools Week. We hope to
have an even greater impact as part of the celebration of our 20th year at TFS. We are always looking to form our students as part of the larger focus on being the “hands and feet of Christ” on Earth; in being His presence to others, especially those in need. To quote from one of our students in the Faith video on our website, “my friends at TFS have made me a better person” and part of that is through the example we hope all of our students set through their service to others. If you haven’t had a chance to view our website videos, we encourage you to do so by visiting www.franciscanschool.org. They represent the school well through the many perspectives presented! Additionally, TFS is comprised of a caring and dedicated faculty and staff who generously give of their time and talents in so many ways. Whether they are traveling on mission trips during the summer, ministering to the homeless at the St. Francis Inn in Philadel- phia, serving as small group leaders on Sundays with our youth at St. Francis, lectoring during Mass or serving as Eucharistic Ministers, these are only some examples of ways our faculty and staff give back to the community all year long.
We invite you to come and see a community at TFS that is committed to helping others. This is our gift to you and we hope our gifts will offer hope to those around us. For more informa- tion about TFS, please contact Lura Tysiac at lura.tysiac@ stfrancisraleigh.org or 919-847-8205x469
Our Gift to You
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December 2 Men’s Prayer Breakfast Join us at 7:00am in the Padua Room of the Assisi Community Center. Fr Steve K. will continue his review of The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Any questions, contact Norman Tuomi at norman3722@att.net. December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, January 6 Homily Helpers with Fr. Steve Kluge A great and easy way to live the Advent Season of preparation for Christmas is to spend some time reflecting on the up- coming Sunday readings. Join Fr. Steve K. on Mondays after daily Mass from 9:45 to 10:30am as we break open and discover how the Scriptures speak to us. Cost: FREE, but please RSVP. Contact jennifer.fiduccia@stfrancisraleigh.org. Dec. 14 – Dec. 22 St. Francis Feeds Breakfast at Oak City Cares. We are now serving every 4th Sunday of the month, in addition to every other 2nd Saturday of the month! Oak City Cares is a new multi services center which replaced our beloved Oak City Outreach Center. On our scheduled dates, we pro- vide the food, serve the breakfast meal, and visit with guests in the dining room of this brand new, beautiful center. We hope you’ll join us sometime and bring your family and friends as together we seek to live out the Gospel in this very meaning- ful and much needed way. Thank you for any help you can provide! To sign up: www.bit.ly/breakfastatOCCdecem- ber14-2019 www.bit.ly/breakfastatOCCdecem- ber22-2019 Starting December 22 Hosting Homeless Families at St. Francis In Wake County, there are many families facing homelessness and thus struggling, on a daily basis, to even survive. We as a community are helping in a profound way, and we hope you’ll join us. Begin- ning Sunday, December 22 for a week,
This Week and Beyond... St. Francis will shelter four of these fami- lies through our partnership with Family Promise. Opportunities to volunteer include providing meals, sharing dinner, offering childcare, driving the families to/ from the day center, and being an overnight host. Contact Ron Smith directly at stfa.fp@gmail.com or 919-455-7786 to volunteer. Thank you for any help you can provide! Dec, Jan, Feb, March, April Helen Wright Center for Women The Helen Wright Center for Women has been providing warm food, genuine care, and safe shelter from the weather and violence to single women without children in their care for years. Guests of the center are offered an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency through intensive case management services. For over 20 years, St. Francis parish families have been quietly and beautifully providing meals, serving, and visiting with women of the center on a monthly basis. These families attest to what we know to be true in the Gospels; reaching out to people in need not only connects you to them, it connects you to each other and it connects you to God. Would you and your family consider helping your sisters in Christ with a home cooked meal a couple of times a month? We hope so! How wonderful to be better connected with your growing children and spouse while helping others lift themselves out of poverty. If you would like more information or to sign up to help with dinner meals, please follow this link: www.bit.ly/SFA-HWCWdinnermealminis- try or contact Angela Zemonek at zfami- lync@yahoo.com or 919-931-3293. For information and to sign up to help with breakfast meals, please contact Nam Douglass at namdouglass@bell- south.net or 919-412-5182. Thank you.
Bible Study in the New Year! The Gospel of Matthew Standing at the start of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew provides a bridge from the Jewish world awaiting a Messiah to the emerging Christian world of Jesus and his followers. This Gospel in- troduces us to Jesus as the Master Teacher whose words of instruc- tion are captured in large teaching sections. Part One covers Matthew 1:1—16:28, from the birth of Jesus through much of his public teaching life, to the first prediction of his pas- sion. Commentary, study and reflec- tion questions, prayer, and access to recorded lectures are included. This second part of the study of Matthew starts with the Transfigura- tion of Jesus in 17:1 and reveals a growing tension as Jesus ministers around Jerusalem, is arrested, is crucified, and rises to new life. Revealed as Emmanuel (God with us) at the start of the Gospel, Jesus will promise his continuing presence as the disciples are commissioned at the close of the Gospel. Because materials are provided, registration is required. Dates: Wednesdays – 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 (10 sessions) Time: 10:00-11:30am (hospitality available starting at 9:30am) Location: Padua Room of the Assisi Community Center Facilitators: Barbara Efird and Cindy Cardello Cost: $25 per person (includes two books containing commentary, study, reflection questions, and prayer, online access to recorded lectures, hospitality, and other materials)
To register, visit https://www.stfran- cisraleigh.org/adult-formation/.
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Volunteer Opportunities AA Meeting: The Daily Reprieve Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets Mon. thru Fri. at 7:00am in the Laverna Center (log cabin across from the Chapel.) Enter thru the garage. Al-Anon Meetings: Sun. 7:00pm, LaVerna, lower level. Always God’s Children: LGBT people, family, and friends are invited to this support group to discuss issues of personal concern in a confidential, welcoming place. Meets December 1 at 3:15pm in Anthony Hall Room 406. Visit www.stfrancisraleigh.org/LGBT. Adult Open Play Nights: Assisi Community Center Gym. Visit http://stfrancisraleigh.org/adult-open-play to contact the ministry leaders for each of our adult open play nights. Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group: The first Wednesday of the month, 1:00 - 3:00pm in the Padua Room of the Assisi Community Center and the third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 - 9:00pm in Anthony Hall Rm. 402. Linda Tucker, ltucker40@nc.rr.com, 937-478-9537. Centering Prayer: Thursdays, 9:35am or 7:30pm in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel. Community Center Classes: Regular exercise classes and parent/ child classes run weekly, September-May. www.stfrancisraleigh.org/programs-and-classes. Community Garden: Saturday mornings,10:00am. Call Pat or Paul Kelly at 919-413-8833, email mpmkelly@hotmail.com, or just drop by. Divorce Care: Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00pm in the Cupertino Rm. of the Assisi Community Center. Confidential, co-ed healing from separation and divorce. Contact Bill Morgan at dejanuts@yahoo.com. Grief Support Group Next meeting is December 11 at 10:00-11:30am in Clare Hall Room 201. Contact Marsha Riely at marshariely@mac. com or Marlys Varga at marlysvarga@hotmail.com. GriefShare Contact Marlys Varga at marlysvarga@hotmail.com. Job Connections: We provide tools and advice on how to stay motivated and on target. To enroll, contact Mary Horner at SFA.JCM@gmail.com. Men’s Ministry: Breakfast December 2, 7:00am, Padua Room of the Assisi Community Center. Visit https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/ mensministry/ for details. Padre Pio Secular Franciscans: Learn more about living Franciscan spirituality in the secular world. Monthly Gatherings the 4th Sunday of the month, 1-3 Founders Room. Contact: Lee Cunningham - emcunningham3@gmail.com. Peace Pole Prayer: Join us after the 9:30am Mass on Sundays to pray for peace in the world and our country. Meet in front of Clare Hall for a few minutes of prayer. Prayer Shawl Ministry: Clare Hall Room 201, December 5, 12:00noon-2:00pm. Contact Cindy Cardello, 919-846-8825 or Diane Rotunno, 919-844-7153 for details. Rosary Ministry: Mondays, 7:30 - 8:30pm, St. Mary of the Angels Chapel. 50+ Adults Group: Monthly potluck luncheons throughout the year and monthly game days, September through May in Clare Fellowship Hall. Contact Angela Azzopardi, 919-848-1347. Women’s Ministry: - Tue Evenings with Anna Fowler – annafowler@nc.rr.com - Friday Morning with Celesta Carlson – ccarlson210@gmail.com
Group Opportunities DivorceCare and DivorceCare4Kids: We need adults and teens to help facilitate our next session of DivorceCare and DivorceCare4Kids session. Training is provided. If you or your 9-12th graders have experienced divorce and are looking for service hours Contact Kathleen Owen at kathleen.owen@stfrancisraleigh.org or 919-847-8205x241.
Stephen Ministers: We’re always looking for Stephen Ministers who are inactive, but who would like to become active ministers again. We’re offering some skills refresher gatherings and would love to have you there. Contact kathleen.owen@stfrancisraleigh.org or 919-847-8205x241.
Transportation Ministry: Drivers Needed for the Transportation Ministry. There are people on our waiting list who would like to come to Mass, but don’t have transportation. If you have room in your car, could you bring someone even once each month? Contact Stephanie Smith at 919-302-0080.
Eucharist Ministry to The Meadows Would you consider volunteering on Saturday at The Meadows? There is a need for volunteers with the Eucharist Services. This is a great opportunity for families. Contact Andrea McVerry at amcverry@yahoo.com.
Caring Casseroles: Please remember that some of our families are facing challenging circum- stances and could use your help. Consider making a freezable casserole (not frozen) to help someone who is caring for a loved one who is ill, some- one who is between jobs, or someone who just needs to feel the care and love of our parish as they rise to meet the challenges of life. Visit https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/caring-casserole/.
Job Connections Ministry: If you are a human resources professional, life coach, or employer, please consider volunteering to help those who are looking for their next job or career. Job Connections Ministry works with people on how to network, resume updates, interviewing skills, etc. Contact Mary Horner at 610-755-5392 or sfa.jcm@gmail.com.
Parking Ministry: Help needed for the Parking Ministry. Our mission is to provide safety in the St. Francis parking lot for pedestrians. Perks are an orange vest, a road cone, and the thanks of many parishioners. Just a few extra minutes before you attend mass will make all the difference. Contact Steve Burdett at 919-669-8099.
Pen Pal Ministry: Several parishioners write to the men on NC Death Row and the men sure enjoy hearing from them. We currently have a waiting list of men who hope to hear from someone soon. Could you be that person? For more information and help with discerning whether this ministry is for you, please contact Jill Balogh at jbalogh@nc.rr.com or 919-847-5872.
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Diocese of Raleigh News Cardinal Gibbons High School Placement Test: All 2024 applicants must take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and there are two opportunities to do so: December 7 and January 11. Please visit our website at www.cghsnc.org/admissions/apply to sign up for the test. The next step is to complete the online application which is due on January 3. Please contact Marianne McCarty, Director of Admissions at mmccarty@cghsnc.org, with any questions.
Contact Us! Parish Office: 919-847-8205 fax: 919-870-1790
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The Franciscan School Principal Mike Watson 919-534-4840 Receptionist (Main Number) Terri Layer 919-534-4837 Admissions & Marketing Lura Tysiac 847-8205x469 Assistant Principal, K-5 Michele Northington 847-8205x254 Assistant Principal 6-8 Colette Dziadul 847-8205x651 St. Francis Preschool Director Heidi Hobler 847-8205x240 Assistant to the Director Shelley Freeman 847-8205x262 Admissions and Marketing Jennifer Stephens 847-8205x377 Faith Formation Director Jenn Fiduccia 847-8205x238 Children’s Faith Formation Sarah Bowser 847-8205x496 Middle School Faith Formation Thomas Bulick 847-8205x239 Coordinator of Youth Ministry Marisa Ferrara 847-8205x223 Play and Pray (Sunday Nursery) Tara Moore 847-8205x489 Parish Operations Dir of Strategic Planning Tricia Henry 847-8205x375 Communications and Webmaster Diogenes Ruiz 847-8205x271 Human Resources Trish Adamkowski 847-8205x236 Safe Environment Specialist Trina Sugrue 847-8205x245 Director of Stewardship Deb Royals-Mizerk 847-8205x222 Parishioner Records Toni Hammes 847-8205x265 Director of Finance Rob Neppel 847-8205x243 Director of Facilities Marc Kielty 847-8205x227
Get Care! Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Care Home Eucharist Visits Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Feed the Need (meals) Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Medical Facility Visits Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Transportation to Mass Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Stephen Ministry Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 St. Vincent de Paul Leave Voicemail 919-534-4842 Good Grief Marlys Varga marlysvarga@hotmail.com GriefShare Marsha Riely marshariely@mac.com
Prayers Prayer Line Jackie Adamo 847-8205x268 Prayers Jackie Adamo 847-8205x268 Receive a Prayer Shawl Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Support Groups Divorce Care William Morgan dejanuts@yahoo.com Job Connections Mary Horner 610-755-5392 Seeing God in your Cancer Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 AA Daily Reprieve Group Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Al-Anon Madeline Horrigan 919-923-1234 Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Linda Tucker 937-478-9537
Get Involved! Deb Royals-Mizerk 847-8205x222 Worship Ministries Director of Liturgy and Music Jim Wahl 847-8205x230 Coordinator of Liturgical Ministers Tim Hetzel 847-8205x244 Altar Servers & Thurifers Joanie Madormo rmadormo@sbcglobal.net Children’s Liturgy of the Word Jackie Kelly 203-512-8807 Church Keeping Beverly Saunders 919-846-5795 Cross Bearers Joseph Randazzo josephjrandazzo1@gmail.com Deaf Ministry Jean Cooke-Byrne 919-412-8365 Environment & Art Theresa Baumgartner 919-848-3383 Eucharistic Ministers Tim Hetzel 847-8205x244 Funeral Ministers Lisa Gianturco 919-845-9718 Hospitality Hands Deb Royals-Mizerk 847-8205x222 Lectors Mike Wrzesien 919-624-1592 Master of Ceremonies Michael & Julie Ducatte 919-622-8883 Medical Presence at Mass Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Music Ministry Joyce Petzka jepetzka@gmail.com Parking Ministry Steve Burdett 919-845-2714 Ushers Troy Chaput troy.chaput@gmail.com Weekend Receptionists Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Weekend Welcome Hosts Deb Royals-Mizerk 847-8205x222 Wedding Directors Carol Ricotta 919-554-8896 Outreach Ministries Director of Justice and Peace Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270 St. Francis Feeds Becky Cawley 847-8205x267 Brown Bag Ministry Mailbox stfrancisbbm@gmail.com Oak City Cares Becky Cawley 847-8205x267 Catholic Parish Outreach Food Drive Sue Hand 919-846-7954 Panera Food Pick Up Becky Cawley 847-8205x267 Ronald McDonald House Mailbox stfrancisrmhministry@gmail.com Jobs for Life Dinners Ellen Ferrone ellen.ferrone@gmail.com Our Lady of Rosary Food Pantry Becky Cawley 847-8205x267 Interfaith Food Shuttle Becky Cawley 847-8205x267
St Francis Serves Community Garden Pat & Paul Kelly 919-413-8833 Curbside Care Ian Gillen ianjgillen@gmail.com Duke Children’s Hospital Joe and Geanie Slifer 919-870-6993 Family Promise / WHIN Hosts Ron Smith 919-455-7786 Gabriel Project Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270 Migrant Ministry Bruce Cartier bcartier7@gmail.com Prison Pen Pal Jill Balogh jbalogh@nc.rr.com R.A.R.E. Tom Zimmerman thomaspzimmerman@bellsouth.net Red Cross Blood Drive Bryan Kozak 910-728-9200 Refugee Resettlement Aggie Dalton aggiedalton@gmail.com St Francis Builds / Habitat Diane & Bob Steinbeiser 919-846-8026 St Vincent de Paul Ministers Cathy Smith 419-348-8843 Support Circles Kat and Ferrel Guilroy ferrel.guillory@gmail.com Whitaker House Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270 St Francis on Mission International Mission Trips Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270 Sister Parish - Guatemala Carie Gunnells carie.gunnells@gmail.com St. Francis Inn, Philadelphia John Budway 305-205-5104 St Francis Learns Catholic Social Teaching http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/ Care for Creation Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270 Community Conversations Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270 Engaging Spiritualty Becky Cawley 847-8205x267 Just Faith Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270 Justice Theater Project http://www.thejusticetheaterproject.org/ Peace Pole Prayer Ben Whitehouse whitehouseben5@gmail.com Study Circles Trevor Thompson 847-8205x270
Staff email: firstname.lastname@stfrancisraleigh.org
Parish Life Ministries Director of Parish Life Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Pastoral Presence Ministries Caregivers Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Centering Prayer Alice Stanford 919-781-5860 Emmaus Ministers Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 EMs to Abbotswood Anita Misko 630-699-0519 EMs to the Homebound Pat Spencer 704-608-1678 EMs to the Magnolia Glen Jacob House 919-449-7634 EMs to the Meadows Andrea McVerry amcverry@yahoo.com EMs to Rex Hospital Edward Gilmartin edward.gilmartin@gmail.com EMs to Springmoor Janice Horner 484-949-1417 Prayer Line Ministers Jackie Adamo 847-8205x268 Prayer Shawl Ministry Cindy Cardello 919-846-8825 Dianne Rotunno 919-844-7153 Rosary Ministry Barbi Taperek 919-744-7234 Ministries of Support & Care Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Linda Tucker 937-478-9537 Caring Casseroles Cooks Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Feed the Need Cooks Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 Job Connections Mentors Mary Horner 610-755-5392 Medical Facility Visitors Sharon Holland hollandbozo@yahoo.com Transportation to Mass Drivers Stephanie Smith 919-302-0080 Weekday Volunteer Receptionists Tresa Pickup 847-8205x249 Social Groups AAMEN Ministry Leon Cooke 919-740-7515 Always God’s Children Chuck Small 984-204-0012 LGBT Ministry Jane Paris 919-847-7431 Men’s Ministry Norm Tuomi norman3722@att.net Ralph Guenther rguenther2@nc.rr.com Young Adults https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/youngadults/ Women’s Ministry Kathleen Owen 847-8205x241 50+ Adults Group Angela Azzopardi 919-848-1347
St. Francis of Assisi Community Center Coordinator of Community Center Ashley Watson 847-8205x444 Athletic Programs Mary Arleth 847-8205x358 Assisi Café Ashley Watson 847-8205x444 Parish Events (FrancisFest) Ashley Watson 847-8205x444 Summer Camps (Camp Francis) Ashley Watson 847-8205x444 Community Organizations Girl Scouts of USA Melissa O’Connor 847-8205x296 BSA Scouts:Troop 352 (6th-12th, boys) Mark Priest scoutmaster352@gmail.com BSA Scouts:Troop 219 (6th-12th, girls) Scott Cash scoutmaster219tfs@gmail.com BSA Cub Scouts: Pack 352 (K-5th) Mike Hutchinson membership@pack352.com Knights of Columbus Bob Weisenberger 919-723-7424 Secular Franciscan Order Lee Cunningham http://ofscentralnc.org Faith Formation Ministries Director of Faith Formation Jenn Fiduccia 847-8205x238 Assisi Scripture Study Jenn Fiduccia 847-8205x238 Baptism Ministry Tim Hetzel 847-8205x244 Marriage Ministry Tim Hetzel 847-8205x244 Confirmation Sponsors Thomas Bulick 847-8205x239 Children’s Formation Group Leader Sarah Bowser 847-8205x496 Family & Marriage Enrichment Team Tim Hetzel 847-8205x244 Middle School Formation Group Thomas Bulick 847-8205x239 Faith Formation Retreats and Camps Jennifer McCourt 847-8205x269 Faith Formation Registration & EventsPatti Panizza 847-8205x237 Youth Ministry Group Leader Marisa Ferrara 847-8205x223 RCIA Team & Sponsors Jenn Fiduccia 847-8205x238 Play and Pray (Sunday Nursery) Tara Moore 847-8205x489 Young Adults Bible Study Group Tim Hetzel 847-8205x244 Stewardship Ministries Director of Stewardship Deb Royals-Mizerk 847-8205x222 Stewardship Committee Deb Royals-Mizerk 847-8205x222 Way of Francis Ben Whitehouse whitehouseben5@gmail.com
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006792 St Francis of Assisi Church (A) www.jspaluch.com For Ads: J.S. Paluch Co., Inc. 1-800-432-3240
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006792.12012019_web_UNCOMPRESSED
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