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

With the seasons of Advent and Christmas just past, I would like to extend thanks and gratitude to all who shared so generously with St. Francis. Your Christmas and end of year donations help us to make our budget and faithfully live out our mission. In addition the Advent Giving Tree is a significant outreach to those who are in need and struggling financially. I received several notes on behalf of parishioners and other families that we have supported during this holiday time (and that we support throughout the year.) One mother wrote “thank you again for the generosity you have shown my family. I don’t know where we’d be without your kindness.  You have made a difference for my children.”

 We also supported the families of men and women who are incarcerated  in Raleigh prisons. A thank you was received from these parents who     are so grateful to us for helping to care for their children. They also greatly appreciated the toiletries that we provided for them.

 The USO at Raleigh-Durham International Airport sent a letter thanking    us for our food donations to the USO Center at the airport. “Without your support, we could not provide the quality of services to the men and women honorably serving our country,” wrote Connie Inggs, the Director.

Jill Staton Bullard, Executive Director of the Inter-faith Food Shuttle wrote: “As usual, we are thrilled with the donations designated to our programs from St. Francis.  The kitchen equipment, and gift cards and more will go to further our efforts to build an equitable food system.  Special thanks go to Glen and Ellen Kort for taking charge and making this happen for us year after year.  The Inter-Faith Food shuttle is built on people like you, who make generous donations because they believe in our mission.  Thank you so much for being there for us.”

Next weekend, we welcome ValLimar Jansen, a remarkable story teller  and spiritual guide who will break open the scriptures for us in a parish  mission.  ValLimar has been with us before and as those of us who have heard her can attest, she is remarkable!  You’ll want to be engaged and inspired by her.

Next Monday, you’re invited to join Bishop Burbidge, myself and many from the diocese as we journey to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC for the annual Right to Life Mass on Monday January 23.  I realize most are not able to go to DC, and so together let us join in prayer on Monday that our nation’s laws may respect the dignity and sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.

In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Mark

Epiphany greetings of peace.

In the five years since Bishop Burbidge has been our shepherd he has quickly grasped the unique challenges that we face as a large and culturally-diverse Diocese.  One of the needs he has identified within our diocese is a new    Cathedral.  The need for a new Cathedral is prompted, in large part, by the continuing vibrant growth of the Catholic population throughout the Diocese, which covers the 54 eastern counties of the state.  In the 10-year period     between 2000 and 2010, the Catholic population in the 54-county Diocese has increased approximately 42 percent from 152,493 to 217,125 registered Catholics, with an estimated 200,000 plus unregistered Catholics, mostly of Hispanic origin. With a seating capacity of 320, Sacred Heart Cathedral, as the “Mother Church” of the Diocese, is unable to accommodate most of the Diocesan liturgical celebrations.  For Roman Catholics, the Cathedral stands as the visible unifying presence of the Church.  It is the sign of the mission of Christ to be exercised there among the people.  All parishes in the Diocese are extensions of the Cathedral, as it holds the chair, the cathedra, of the   Diocesan Bishop, from which he gathers the faithful to guide and lead them, as teacher and shepherd.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA), which provides the essential funding for existing ministries and the operation of the Diocese on a yearly basis, is being combined with a capital campaign “Our Cathedral: One Faith, One People.”  The BAA responds to Diocesan-wide needs, those which transcend parish abilities and boundaries. Whether acting justly through the local Catholic Charities office, loving tenderly as we grow in and proclaim our faith in schools and parishes, or walking humbly as partners in ministry – all are vital and   important ministries worthy of our support.  As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, thank you for responding with generosity to the BAA serving the Church in Eastern North Carolina – just as the Three Wise Magi from the East gave so generously to the Christ Child.  Your partnership in this year’s BAA is very much appreciated and is important as another means of sharing in the ministry of Jesus Christ.  All parishioners will be invited to an information session in the coming months to learn more about the important work and mission of the diocese and how we can play an important part in supporting the BAA and Our Cathedral: One Faith, One People.  More information is also available at www.holynamecathedralnc.org 

The month of January provides two significant opportunities to witness to     the sacredness and dignity of human life.  On Saturday January 14 Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Mass at St. Joseph Church in Raleigh at 8:00 am.   On Monday, January 23, you’re invited to join Bishop Burbidge for a special Mass at 11:30 am. at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, followed by a Respect Life witness on the National Mall.

In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Mark

New Years Greetings of peace.

Many thanks to all who labored to enrich our Christmas liturgies. The simple beauty of the church was stunning, the music uplifting, and the generosity of so many ministers welcoming.  Thank you to all for sharing your faith in Jesus our Christ.

Sincere thanks to all who made an end of year gift to the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated as we attempt to fulfill our mission as a gospel faith community and reach out to those who hunger and thirst for human dignity.

Today marks a new day, month, and year.  By its nature, a time to reminisce and based upon our reflection to make resolutions for new ways of living in the year ahead.  Our church gives us the example of Mary, the first disciple of Jesus, the first to embrace his gospel of compassion and reconciliation.  As we reflect and reminisce about the past year and look forward to the new year, a new millennium — will we be disciples of Jesus differently than the past year?  If you had the year to live over, would you do it differently?  If you could live your life over  again would you change anything?  The late Erma Bombeck responded at first – no — I wouldn’t change a thing.  But upon reflection she changed her mind and said yes, you know there are a few things that I would change. Here are some of the things on her list.

• I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
• I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
• I would have burnt the pink candle that was sculptured like a rose before it melted in storage.
• I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching real life.
• I would have eaten less cottage cheese and more ice cream.
• I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for a day.
• There would have been more “I love you’s”, more “I’m sorry’s”, more “I’m listening’s”, but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, try it on, live it, exhaust it and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.

Maybe we have some things in common with Erma, maybe our list would be completely different, or we wouldn’t change a thing.  But worth pondering . . . .

Happy New Year!

In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Mark

Merry Christmas! Welcome to the many visitors, family members, and guests who join us to celebrate the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the peace and joy of Christ be born anew in your hearts this Christmas.

Recently the English-speaking world of the Catholic Church made some adaptations to the Mass and introduced a revised Roman Missal. On the worship aid for today’s Mass, you’ll note some of the new responses. The responses have also been included inside the back cover of the hymnal. If you’d like more information about the Roman Missal, a good web site is www.revisedromanmissal.org.

Perhaps you’d like to learn more about your Catholic Faith, awaken it as an adult, deepen your faith in God, discover anew who Jesus is and can be in your life, and realize the gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit. “Awakening Faith” is one way to join with others who are seeking to learn more. For more information, please email Gladys Whitehouse at gladys.whitehouse@ stfrancisraleigh.org or call 847-8205×236.

There are many ways to put your faith into action at St. Francis and yet I realize that a community as large as ours can be overwhelming. Please speak with one of the friars or members of the pastoral staff and we’d be glad to help you find your way so that you can become involved. A renewed initiative for this Lent will be Small Christian Communities (SCC’s). They are one of the best ways to meet people and learn more about our Catholic Faith in a small group setting.

If you are in a position to make a financial end-of-year gift to St. Francis of Assisi, please consider us. During these difficult economic times, our resources are stretched further than ever before. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. All the best to you and your loved ones in this Christmas season.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

(Podcasts of the music, Gospel reading and Homily from Christmas Eve midnight mass can be heard at http://stfrancisraleigh.wordpress.com/events/podcasts/)

During this season of Advent, I am filled with hope.  Through your generous support, we continue to be a beacon of light for our community, welcoming all, witnessing faith, and reaching out to those who hunger and thirst for human dignity. 
In times of need, I feel I can always come to you, the parishioners and ask for your continued support.

This year, both Christmas and New Years Day fall on a Sunday.  We count on your financial support of these holy days in addition to your weekly Offertory contributions.  Please consider these as separate events in your Offertory giving.

The Second Collection on Christmas supports the Priests welfare and retirement fund which the diocese depends on for the elderly and retired priests.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Our financial plan depends heavily on the fulfillment of GIFT pledges.  Please continue to fulfill your commitments to the GIFT campaign.  We are certainly benefitting from these expanded facilities- our Assisi Community Center, St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, Elizabeth Hall St. Francis Preschool, and the Siena Center for Lifelong Learning.

I know that the economic downturn continues to affect many of our parish families.  We continue to get requests for support; financial and spiritual.  If you are able to make an end of year gift, it will mean a lot.  Please note in the memo line of your check, “year-end gift.”

Again, thank you for all that you do. Your support of this parish this year is greatly appreciated. As we approach the Christmas holidays, know that we friars, as well as our dedicated staff lift you and your loved ones up to the Lord that he might continue to bless you and give you his peace.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

Twenty years ago the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi invested in a preschool program.  Nancy Bourke was founding director and has led this ministry wonderfully since that time.  This morning, Nancy announced that at the conclusion of this academic year (May 31, 2012) she will be retiring after 40+ years as an educator, including 25 years with the Diocese of Raleigh and 21 years here at St. Francis.

Upon reflection, Nancy described her time here at St. Francis as rewarding.  “My passion has been to help form young families in their faith and continue to develop their relationship with Jesus.”  When asked what she liked best, “I love the children, the teaching of the young child . . . the child is our future.  It has been an honor and privilege to work with the children and help connect their families with the many ministries of St. Francis.”

Nancy’s ministry has been one of evangelization, welcoming families to our faith community, and sometimes back to church.  She has grown this ministry throughout the 20 years of its existence with great enthusiasm and southern charm.   Any time I hear “Hell’s bells,” and “Bless their heart” I will think of Nancy!

The preschool continues to be an important ministry of Catholic Education and Formation.  I have asked Jennifer Bigelow, Director of Catholic Education and Formation, to put together a search committee to name a successor to Nancy.  In the coming months I look forward to continuing the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the preschool, combined now with retirement festivities for our founding director, Mrs. Nancy Bourke. 

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

In this season of Advent, we journey together to seek the presence of God anew in our lives.  Often times because of our frail humanity we know sin and brokenness in our lives.  I invite you to share in the Sacrament of Reconciliation / Penance as an important and meaningful way to celebrate God’s mercy, forgiveness and love.  This week there are several opportunities here at St. Francis of Assisi:

 Sunday (tonight) at 7:00 pm is geared particularly for the middle and high school youth and their families.

Monday at 7:00 pm is for the entire parish community.

Wednesday at 11:00 am for those in their wisdom years who are able to come during the day.  A luncheon follows (please call the parish office to RSVP for lunch).

Last month we were fortunate to have a visit from Katie Sullivan, the Director of Franciscan Volunteer Ministry (FVM) of Holy Name Province.  FVM is a year-long volunteer program placing young (men and women) adults in communities to work in an array of ministries with the Friars in Camden, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE.  For young adults including recent college graduates who may be discerning a one year commitment I would encourage you to look at our web site: www.franciscanvolunteerministry.org.

Here are some excerpts from Katie’s talk:

When I first came to FVM, it was with the intention of giving back — for I had been so richly blessed.  Upon arriving to St. Francis Inn, the Franciscan soup kitchen in Philadelphia, I learned quickly that I was going to receive far more than I could ever give.  Living with my fellow Franciscan Volunteer Ministers, we learned to communicate.  We learned of our own strengths and limitations.  We learned to push each other’s buttons.  We laughed.  We prayed.  We became a family.  God nurtured us in our home and carried us beyond into our ministries.  Our work was a living out of our Faith.  It was easy to see the effects of our ministry: serving ten meals a week to three or four hundred Guests, coordinating parties and outings for the children, helping someone get into a treatment program.  As important as those acts were, those were not the most significant missions.  The greatest was Love.

Our program, the spiritual and personal growth, the ministries we do are all possible because of God’s grace.  We are a ministry of Holy Name Province.  Today, I invite you to share in our ministry.  If you are a young adult, please consider spending a year with us.  If you know a young adult who might consider a year with us, please share our information with them.  If you feel called to be a steward of our ministry financially, wonderful.  Most importantly, I humbly ask you to hold us in prayer.  That is strength and nourishment for our souls.  You and your community are held in our prayers.  Thank you for welcoming me to St. Francis and for this honor of being with you.  It would be great to meet you directly.  May God continue to bless you, your loved ones, and all the Good you do.  Thank you.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark

Welcome to family and friends who visit this Thanksgiving weekend.  As our nation celebrates Thanksgiving, I am grateful for so many of you who generously share your time and talent with St. Francis to build up the Body of Christ within our community. One such member of our parish, Rich Wessel, has recently been recognized by DuPont for the time and talent that he has given to our youth basketball program. Rich is one of nearly 400 employees as part of the 2011 DuPont Volunteer Recognition program. Established in 1998, the program recognizes employees or teams of employees who devote their time and talents to improve the quality of life in their communities. On behalf of each honoree or honoree team, $1,000 is donated to the organization where the community service is performed. In response to this recognition by his employer Rich wrote to Tricia Henry our Coordinator of Community Life,

“Thank you for the support, trust and confidence that is provided from you to the SYYBB core volunteers and big thank you to the staff that this year has made the program even stronger.”

Thank you, Rich, for your dedication to our youth and their families!

On this first weekend of Advent, we begin using a revised Roman missal. Since Easter we’ve had a column in the bulletin to help us prepare for these adaptations. The past three weekends, we friars have incorporated into our homilies some of the reasons for the adaptations that it might be an occasion for us to deepen the “full active conscious participation” that the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy calls us to. A special thanks to our Coordinator of Liturgy and Music, Jim Wahl, who has provided strong leadership to help us celebrate the Eucharist.

In the peace of Christ,

Fr. Mark