Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This weekend I’m very excited to welcome ValLimar Jansen to St. Francis to lead our parish mission. Blessed with an extraordinary voice, ValLimar is a highly regarded singer, storyteller, and recording artist. She is also a college professor who is especially known for her gospel, contemporary Catholic, and gospel jazz style. Her main presentations for all parishioners will be Monday and Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm (no other parish activities Monday and Tuesday at 7:00 pm are scheduled). All are welcome to join as she presents at the other times. The pastoral staff has tried to build her presentations during the day around times to make it easy for parishioners of all ages to benefit from ValLimar ‘s presentation. Please see the schedule in the bulletin or on our website. All are welcome to attend any and all of the presentations which will take place in the Church. I’m really thrilled that ValLimar is able to be with us and look forward to seeing everyone together in the church Monday and Tuesday evening that together we may be inspired and motivated to awaken our faith and have the courage to put it into action. You will be glad that you took the time!
On Monday morning, January 23 I will be joining Bishop Burbidge and some of our parishioners and many fellow Catholics from across North Carolina for Mass at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Let us pray that the dignity of all life from conception to natural death may be respected. (I’ll be back in time for Monday evening’s mission!)
Next Sunday, January 29 we begin our celebration of Catholic Schools Week highlighting our Catholic Education Ministries of preschool, elementary, and middle school. Please attend the open house and take a tour of the facilities of this most worthwhile and important of ministries of our parish. The Sunday afternoon time was selected to encourage parishioners who may not have a child attending and yet would like to see firsthand the good news of Catholic Schools dedicated to Faith, Academics, and Service. On Tuesday, January 31 Bishop Burbidge will celebrate the 9:00 am Eucharist to commemorate the 20th anniversary of our Preschool and the Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence to the Franciscan School.
In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Mark
