June 16, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy Father’s Day to the dads of our parish!  Thank you for the good example you set for your children in helping them come to know the great love of God our Father.

Sadly, earlier this week our neighboring pastor of St. Luke’s, Msgr. Tim O’Connor died after a brief illness.  He was a great friend to the friars and our parish community over the years.  I will always be grateful for Tim’s friendship.  He was a regular visitor to St. Francis, especially a kind confessor for our parish reconciliation services.  When I became pastor of St. Francis, Msgr. O’Connor represented the bishop to officially install me as pastor.  Among his most recent pastoral assignments, Msgr. Tim served as Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Raleigh and Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Cary, prior to his appointment as Pastor of Saint Luke Church in 2011.

“Msgr. O’Connor offered his many abilities and talents to provide dedicated and generous service to the Church, the Diocese of Raleigh, and the community throughout his 40 years of Priesthood,” Bishop Burbidge said.  “He was a gifted homilist who effectively preached the Word of God and touched the hearts of his people. The support he extended to my predecessor, Bishop Gossman and to me will always be deeply appreciated.  I join his brother priests, dear mother, and all his family, friends, and parishioners in thanking God for his priestly service and in praying for his eternal happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Eternal rest grant unto Msgr. Tim O’Connor, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

June 9, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Congratulations to all of our high school seniors who have already graduated and those who will graduate this week as members of the class of 2013.

It is a time of new beginnings, of looking forward to the future, and of reflecting upon the recent past with gratitude.  As you move on from high school, there will be many exciting challenges ahead of you, ways in which you can make a difference in the world; by responding to the presence of God within you, which will make all the difference in the world for you.

As you go forth from high school, I hope you will take concrete steps to know Christ better.  This was the encouragement of Pope Francis who recently asked the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s square whether they pray and are open to the Holy Spirit every day so they can be “more sensitive to the things of God.”  Looking for a show of hands, the pope said, “Hmm … not many, not many, but we have to do what Jesus wanted: Pray every day to the Holy Spirit so that he opens our heart to Jesus.”  He asked people to take concrete steps to know Christ better, especially during the Year of Faith, by reading sacred Scripture, studying the catechism, and taking part in the sacraments.

“Let’s ask ourselves what steps we are taking so that the faith guides our existence” because “there are no part-time Christians, at certain moments, in certain circumstances, in certain choices,” he said. “You can’t be a Christian that way. You are Christians at all times, completely.”

Peace and all good to you graduates of the class of 2013.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

 

 

June 2, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This weekend we have the opportunity to spend some time in prayer and adoration in the church following the 11:30 am Mass until the beginning of the 5:30 pm Mass.  As we celebrate what has traditionally been called Corpus Christi Sunday, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the need for reverence of and for the Body of Christ.  I’ve noticed that a plethora of people seem to leave after receiving communion as if they got what they wanted and leave, disrupting, and even disrespecting the Body of Christ of which they are a part.  This early departure seems to serve individual convenience above reverence for the Body of Christ gathered.  Please arrange your schedules such that you do not leave early, even if this means reading the bulletin in the parking lot, praying the rosary for patience in your car, or discussing the homily with those who might be traveling with you.

To help us better understand and reverence the presence of Christ, the following was written by Jim Wahl, Coordinator of Liturgy and Music.

As you walk into the sanctuary of St. Francis of Assisi, you are walking into the presence of Christ.  Look to your left and notice the ever-burning candle, a sign of the enduring presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament reserved in our chapel. Every time you enter or leave our sanctuary, take a moment to acknowledge this presence. It is important, because it is who we are and what we will become.

The presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a mystery. We can hardly “understand” it, but we can attempt to “stand under it.”  That is exactly what the Church attempted to do in the Second Vatican Council when she stated that in the Eucharist, Christ is present to us in four manners: the species of bread and wine that become the Body and Blood, the Priest Presider, the Word of God and the Assembly that prays and sings. However, when the Mass ends, does the presence of Christ diminish? Do we become orphans as we wait for the next Eucharist?

The Blessed Sacrament began being “reserved” in a tabernacle early in the Middle Ages, in order to provide the sacrament to those who were ill and unable to come to the table directly.

Eventually a devotion to Christ’s enduring presence in the Blessed Sacrament developed. The Second Vatican Council truly made the connection between this enduring presence and us, the People of God. We are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ that we may become the Body of Christ to the world. It is our task as Christians to extend the peace, love, and hope that is the presence of Christ encountered in the Mass to all those we meet in our daily lives. Stopping and acknowledging the enduring presence in the tabernacle is a reminder that we all become tabernacles of God’s grace in the Eucharist and transmit to this world, helping to “renew the face of the earth.” (Psalm 104)

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

May 26, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In this Year of Faith, Pope Francis has invited Catholic parishes throughout the world to join him in prayer in honor of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood  of Christ (Corpus Christi) which we celebrate next Sunday, June 2. In particular Pope Francis invites a communion of prayer in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament beginning at 5:00 pm (Vatican time) which is 11:00 am. our (Raleigh) time. That we may join as the Body in Christ in prayer with Pope Francis and Catholics throughout the world, the 11:30 am Mass will conclude with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue in the church all afternoon concluding with benediction and reposition of the Blessed Sacrament prior to the 5:30 pm Mass. Please set aside time to join in prayer, here in church or in your home.

As we prepare to celebrate what has traditionally been called Corpus Christi Sunday, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the need for reverence of and for the Body of Christ. I’ve noticed that a plethora of people seem to leave after receiving communion as if they got what they wanted and leave, disrupting the Body of Christ they are a part of. This early departure seems to serve individual convenience above reverence for the Body of Christ gathered. Please arrange your schedules such that you do not leave early, even if this means reading the bulletin in the parking lot, praying the rosary for patience in your car, or discussing the homily with those who might be traveling with you.

On this Memorial Day weekend may we remember our service members and all who have died in service to our nation. May they rest in peace and may all who journey through grief know God’s consolation and peace.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

 

May 19, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy Pentecost!

April 25, 1982 is the anniversary of the founding of our parish and afforded us the opportunity to commemorate the 31st Anniversary of the founding of our parish and the many ways the Holy Spirit is at work within our Catholic Community with a Founders Day celebration in the labyrinth area on campus.  Earlier in the afternoon we honored those celebrating anniversaries of employment at St. Francis.

In particular we recognized Ms. Patricia Kowite’s 25th anniversary as a member of the pastoral staff.  Pat has faithfully and enthusiastically served in many areas originally as volunteer and then as Director of Faith Formation and currently as Coordinator of Finance and Administration.  Congratulations to Pat and all of our employees who faithfully lead us in living out our mission to proclaim the reign of God.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

St. Francis of Assisi Staff Anniversaries

25 Years

Pat Kowite

15 Years

Maureen Leahy

Joan Port

Fr. David McBriar, O.F.M.

10 Years

Debbie Braga

Donna Sincock

Shelly Freeman

Javier Cid

5 Years

Jamie Hall

Patsy Thieken

Laura Keltie

Connie Eastmann

Lena Fortier

Tricia Henry

Joe Leone

Donna Hennesen

Jennifer Bigelow

May 12, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms who are present here and to all who nurture and bring forth the life of Christ through the witness of their daily living and caring for others.

On April 25, the day on which our parish was founded, The Center for Volunteer Caregiving presented The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi with the John M. Meares, Sr. Memorial Award to acknowledge the collaborative partnership of caring for the needs of parishioners and neighbors since 1996.  The Center’s mission is to provide volunteer services to help Wake County seniors, family caregivers, and adults with disabilities live at home as long as possible so that they can maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life.  This award is presented annually to recognize an individual or partner that exemplifies commitment to the spirit and tradition of neighbor helping neighbor.

The Center calls St. Francis a “Model Partner” for the continued financial support to The Center, the many volunteers who serve, and the ministry leader of the volunteers.  One of the care receivers who benefits from the St. Francis community recently wrote in a survey, “I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the St. Francis Caregivers.  I don’t see how I could live alone.”  Another wrote, “I have met some wonderful people through this organization.  I am so grateful and my prayer is somebody will be there for each one of you.” Congratulations, and a big “thank you” to the many volunteers through the years who have helped us live out our parish mission by serving those in need in our community in collaboration with the Center for Volunteer Caregiving.

We were fortunate to have Bishop Burbidge with us last Sunday.  He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all who have generously donated to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, especially so many who have made sacrificial gifts.  I echo his gratitude and invite those who have not yet sent in their pledge cards to please do so.  Every gift makes a difference!

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

May 5, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Congratulations to our young children who receive their First Eucharist this weekend. Welcome to grandparents and godparents who join us.  May the enthusiastic witness of our youth coming to the altar to receive the Body of Christ help each of us to grow in our love for the gift of the Eucharist which feeds the deepest hungers  of our lives. Thank you to the many catechists including Maureen Leahy and Laura Keltie who have supported parents in preparing our 225 children and their families for this sacrament of initiation.  Congratulations to Laura Keltie on her retirement from St. Francis after serving the past five years as Administrative Specialist to the office of Family Faith Formation for children.

During the First Eucharist retreat last month, the children provided food and toiletries to the homeless. Fr. Michael Duffy, O.F.M. wrote with tremendous gratitude that “the guests at the Inn really appreciated the items and were very grateful.”

Congratulations to our parishioners Ron and Jeanette Doggett who last weekend received from Bishop Burbidge the Catholic Charities Bishop Gossman award for their outstanding service and stewardship to those in need. As founding members of our parish, they have been leaders within St. Francis in many capacities. Ron has served on our Finance Council since the beginning of our parish and has been a wise counselor to each of our pastors including myself.  Jeanette chaired the God’s Work, Our Challenge campaign for  the parish and also helped to lead our Friends in Faith

initiative. Having celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last summer, Ron and Jeanette continue to be great witnesses to God’s love at work in their lives.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark