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By now you have probably heard the news that a new pastor has been named for St. Francis, and he is Msgr. Michael Clay. He will begin here as pastor on September 1, 2020. He will also have an associate who will be named at a later date. Msgr. Clay is currently teaching at the Catholic University of America
in Washington, D.C. In addition to his teaching, he has served as pastor of parishes in Greenville, Clayton, and Chapel Hill NC. I have heard from some familiar friars – Mark Reamer, David McBriar, Bill
McConville – all of whom know Msgr. Clay and rave about his becoming pastor here. He and I have spoken on the phone and he is excited about getting started here in September. Overall, St. Francis has made out well. He is an excellent choice for our parish and I am looking forward to working with him during this time of transition.
We friars will continue to be here through the end of August. As of
September 1st, Fr. Jim Sabak, who now works part-time for the Diocese of Raleigh as Director of Worship, will become full-time for the diocese in that same role. He will continue to reside somewhere in the Raleigh area. Fr. Steve Kluge and I will move on to new assignments in September, and we expect to hear where we’ll be going sometime in the next few months.
We continue to monitor all the phases of the re-opening in North Carolina.
As of now, our primary means of reaching people is via our Sunday 9:30 livestream. Bishop Zarama continues to waive the Sunday mass obligation, which means that people do not have to attend Sunday mass, due of course to the virus. There are still strict limitations on gatherings, and at this time we are looking at possible options we might have for any kind of re-gathering here on site. We will keep you informed as we continue to look into possible options.
Finally, an enormous thank you to those who have contributed financially to
our parish during these times. We have seen more people sign up for Faith Direct, which is our online giving option, and that is very helpful to us. You can sign up directly by calling 866-507-8757 and giving our ID NC674. Also, many people continue to send in envelopes with donations, and we are grateful. Our parish continues its mission, only now in different form, and we are grateful for all who continue to support us.
Blessings on your week!Fr. Steve Patti, OFM
Weekly Financial UpdateLast week, we shared with you the Offertory numbers for April. We have
come a long way since the initial COVID-19 shutdown to where we are today. Our initial shutdown donations were down about $15,000 per week. We continue to see week to week improvement, where now we are off by $6,500 per week. We finished April under our Offertory plan by @ $26,000. Looking forward, over the course of the year that equates to a shortfall of over $300,000, or 9% of our Offertory budget.
Our Parish Offertory remains the primary means of supporting our Parish ministries and operations. We understand that for many, it’s difficult to continue prior levels of contributions at this time. We are profoundly grateful for those who continue to generously support our Parish financially during these challenging times, and ask that you continue to prayerfully consider St. Francis in your giving. Thank you.
Rob NeppelDirector of Finance and [email protected](919) 534-4846
May she rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon her:+ Gloria DeForge, Mother of Dan DeForge
As The Catholic Community of St Francis of Assisi, we are continuing to respond to the Corona virus as the many aspects of our lives personally and professionally are affected. Let us share how we are moving forward
as a community of faith.
Please see our Special Announcement about the appointment ofRev. Msgr. Michael Clay, D.Min.
as our New Pastor_____________
we continue toLive Streaming Sunday
All are Welcome!
Sunday, May 17, 9:30 am The 6th Sunday of Easter
We have four ways for you watch:
1) Select our NEW St Francis Churchonline platform, 2) Follow our Facebook Live stream, 3) Watch through our Youtube channel, 4) Watch directly on our SFA webpage
From our homes, let us gather as one community of faith. We invite you to join us for all our video broadcasting.
#SFAStayConnected
we continue to Care & Serve
Urgent NeedsMulti-Agency Donation Drive
We are hosting!!! Can you help?
Saturday May 30th Sunday May 31st11:00 am – 3:00 pm both days
Donations will support 11+ partner agencies
Only urgent needs will be collected, please see our urgent needs webpage for details.
Volunteers are needed, click here to volunteer.
*****
Job Connections Ministry Are you looking?
Our job connections ministry is hosting a free weekly virtual group Job Coaching Call led by Mike McGrail on Mondays at 04:00 PM
Click Here to Register in advance
Job Searching in these Uncertain Times by Linda Conklinon Thursdays, at 7:00 PM
Register in advance for this meeting
Please see the job connections webpage for other upcoming workshops and coaching opportunities.
*****Caring Connections Ministry
“Ring, Ring” We are calling ….We are coming together as a community to support our community. We are
connecting opportunities to serve our community with those who need to receive help from our community. Did you know that We’re calling all
parishioners to check on each other??
If you need help or want to offer help, please visit our SFA help webpage .
we continue toZoom Connect
The Cry of the Earththe Cry of the People
A Conversation about Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’in context of COVID-19
May 21st, 7-8:30pm. In honor of the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ landmark
teaching document Laudato si’, we will reflect on Pope Francis’ document and his challenge to us to consider this current Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic as a timely opportunity to pause our lives and consider the kind of world we are living in and what we want the world to become in the future. We will be using Zoom online conferencing and you will be sent a link to join after you
*****
Adult Faith Formation Opportunity Reflecting on the Word
Join in Lectio Divina followed by small group discussion on the upcoming Sunday readings! We will be using Zoom online conferencing and you will be sent a link to join after you register. Attend all meetings, or drop in for just one!
THURSDAYS, from 7:30 to 8:45pm Register here
FRIDAYS, from 10:00 to 11:15am Register here
we continue toDaily Posts
We encourage you to stay connected as a virtual community in these days at home. Have you found all our online opportunities to stay connected?
UPCOMING!! Memorial Day Mass
Our Memorial Day Mass will be live streamed through our SFA webpage on May 25 at 9:00 am, hosted by The Knights of Columbus for deceased veterans. Parishioners with immediate family members or deceased Knights of Columbus that served in any branch of military may enroll the deceased veteran in the Council’s Memorial Roll by May 24. Please click here to give the deceased’s full name, rank, branch of service, and date of death. If the deceased veteran has already been enrolled, reenrollment is not necessary. Questions please contact Jeff Rohman
Every morning, The Franciscan School is continuing to post “TFS Morning Prayer” and can be located here fto assure our community connection remains strong and rooted in our shared daily faith experience.
Every day, we are posting a video with a “Daily Friar Reflection” to our
SFA website and our SFAFacebook page.
Each noon, we are live streaming to our SFA Facebook page. “Lunch Break with Mr. Jim” which is meant for the youngest members of community.
Each evening, we are live streaming to our SFA Facebook page: “Virtual
Evening Prayer.”
And, several times a day, we are posting to all our social media accountsthrough Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Are you following us?? Don’t miss out! Links are at the end of this newsletter.
we continue ourFaith Formation
Our Faith Formation program has gone digital and we invite you to visit our new Formation Resources web page! Visit for links to virtual resources for people of all ages. Take a virtual tour of the Vatican, join us for daily events, learn how to pray the rosary, and connect to virtual resources and programming for our preschool, elementary, middle and high school parishioners. Be sure to watch them on their facebook page as well.
Faith Formation Registration for 2020-2021 is now open!
Our Sunday Cross Walk, Cross Train and Cross Road programs are group-based, centered on the Mass, and offer fellowship, in a fun, safe environment. In addition, we hold monthly Family Events that will help build upon the teachings presented each week and foster opportunities in which the families can grow in faith together. Also, we understand that all
family schedules and situations are different and that some families may choose to home school their children/youth. We do offer this as an option as well. Please visit https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/faith-formation-k-12/ to register and for additional information about our programs for Grades K-12.
we contnue toDistance Learn
The Franciscan School is closed for the remainder of the school year. Guidance for the start of the new school year will come with direction from the NC Governor’s Office and the Diocese of Raleigh. The Franciscan School continues to provide excellent instruction to students to assure they are prepared for their academic futures. The school continues to host our daily Morning Prayer, which can also be found on our COVID 19 resource page. This shared prayer keeps the school community connection strong and rooted in a daily faith experience.
To find out more about TFS, please contact Principal Mike Watson at
[email protected] and to take a virtual tour of the school, please click here.
Our St Francis Preschool is also closed through the end of the school year.
However, you can continue to see fun and educational preschool activities on the preschool Facebook page as well as on our preschool website.
we continue our
Online Parish Support
Did You Know?
Since the COVID-19 shutdown, we have seen a major shift in how our families provide monetary support to the Church and our ministries. During this period, 125 families have enrolled with Faith Direct for their weekly or monthly donations. Thank you to everyone for your support through these trying times and enabling St. Francis to continue our ministry work serving the community.
Faith Direct is easy to set up. You can select which special collections you
would like to support and establish your own schedule for your weekly or monthly regular donations.
If you would like to sign up for Faith Direct, you can call (866) 507-8757 and our church number is NC674 or you can click below.
For Easy Online Giving, Start Here:Faith Direct
For other Online Giving Options:Online Banking
To mail your contribution:St Francis Of Assisi
11401 Leesville Road Raleigh, NC 27613
Inbox Communications
Please make sure you are receiving this weekly communication with your current email address and by accepting these emails from our parish constant contact. Please follow this link to verify you will receive our emails. http://bit.ly/SFAsignup.
Our weekly bulletin will continue to be available on our bulletin webpage
and emailed to you directly on Sunday mornings after Mass. Even though the parish offices are closed to visitors, you can contact our
parish staff through email and you can reference the ’Contact Us’ pages of the parish bulletin or look in the “Get Involved” tab of our parish website for all ministries contacts.
Through virtual communications, our faith community is keeping us connected as Catholics filled with hope and grace.
At the end of each week, you will receive this email: Weekly Franciscan
Flash newsletter from the parish. We hope you will stay connected through liturgy, prayer and formation,
caring and serving with our community, ministries and schools. This correspondence will enable the growth of our faith together as
The Catholic Community of St Francis of Assisi.
Formation Registration for 2020-2021 is now open!
Register by 6/15 to receive the early registration discount.
Our Sunday Cross Walk, Cross Train and Cross Road programs are group-based, centered on the Mass, and offer fellowship, in a fun, safe environment. Sessions meet twice per month, September through May. The Formation Team also offers monthly Family Events and other special events that will help build upon the teachings presented each week and foster opportunities in which the families can grow in faith together.
We understand that all family schedules and situations are different and that some families may choose to home school their children/youth. We do offer this as an option. Participation in this program includes appropriate age level materials and open invitations to our Family Events.
Please visit https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/faith-formation-k-12/ to register and for additional information about our programs for Grades K-12.
Call for VolunteersWould you consider becoming a Formation Volunteer for 2020-2021? We have a large K-12 Formation program at St. Francis of Assisi and serve
more than 600 children/youth in our Cross Walk, Cross Train, and Cross Road Sunday programs. Because Mass is the source and summit of our faith, our programs are scheduled following the 9:30am Mass (K-5 children) and following the 5:30pm Sunday Mass (6-12 youth) to break open treasures of the faith that have just been proclaimed. We offer a small group-based faith formation program for K-12, and Small Group Leaders are always needed! Our Sunday programs meet twice a month, September through May, during the traditional academic year. The time commitment for Small Group Leaders over the course of the year is 18 sessions, or approximately 22 hours.
Want to learn more? Visit https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/ff_volunteer/Interested in becoming a Formation Volunteer? Visit
https://form.jotform.com/201044103073032 to complete a Volunteer Interest form.
At Home with the WordReflecting on the WordLectio Divina followed by small group discussion
Join our Director of Formation, Jenn Fiduccia, for Lectio Divina followed by small group discussion on the upcoming Sunday readings! We will be using Zoom online conferencing and you will be sent a link to join after you register.
TWO COHORTS:
THURSDAYSstarting APRIL 30, from 7:30 to 8:45pm – Register here:
https://forms.gle/nKWBNadq4uKeCgV4A
FRIDAYSstarting MAY 1, from 10:00 to 11:15am – Register here:
https://forms.gle/zkbFaN751nBqgdVL9 For more information, email
The Cry of the Earth, the Cry of the People
A Conversation about Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ in the context of COVID-19
May 21, 7-8:30pm
In honor of the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ landmark teaching document Laudato si’, we are celebrating “Laudato si’ Week” May 16-24, 2020. This invites an opportunity to revisit the document’s main
themes that challenges us to deepen our shared responsibility to care for our common home, address climate change, and live into a new spirituality in this technocratic age. So too, Pope Francis has challenged us to consider this current Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic as a timely opportunity to pause our lives and consider the kind of world we are living in and what we want the world to become in the future. With our hearts open, we might hear in a new and fresh way the cry of the earth and the cry of humanity.
This evening conversation will be facilitated by Trevor Thompson, Director
of Justice and Peace at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in conjunction with Interfaith Creation Care of the Triangle (ICCT).
After a short overview of the Pope’s teaching, we will have an extended
opportunity to have virtual small group discussions that invite a reflective space for sitting with deeper questions related to Laudato si’ about how we are experiencing this moment. We look forward to being with you and hearing how God is moving in your depths during these uncertain days.
Register at https://bit.ly/laudatosiweek2020 We will be using Zoom online conferencing and you will be sent a link to join
after you register.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Our parish is full of people just like you, deeply caring, deeply faithful, focused on others less fortunate, incredibly generous, and at the forefront of so many injustices leading the charge for change - be it poverty, abortion, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, a broken immigration system, mass incarceration, the death penalty, etc. So I am convinced, if you knew the whole story behind the reality of systemic racism, its longevity and ubiquitous nature, how it undergirds virtually every other social evil in our country, you would be at the forefront of this issue too.
Our Bishops understand the fierce and destructive nature of racism and in 2018 elevated it to a life issue in our church. People are dying as a result of racism. Though, the truth is, no one alive today created systemic racism or the situation our country finds itself in. So there is no need for shame or guilt. But all white people, perhaps without even knowing it, have benefitted from it. And all of us together, black and white, can work to change it. This change begins with understanding and education. So please join us as we continue to explore this topic as a community of
faithful Catholics committed to the life and dignity of all of humanity. Sign up here: www.bit.ly/SFA-FRH2020
As part of our journey to deconstruct racism in our country, we must listen to people of color who have felt the devastation of this sin in countless ways. “By listening to one another’s experiences, we can come to understand and empathize, which leads to right relationships that unite us as brothers and sisters.” (USCCB - Open Wide Our Hearts p.21) What follows is a heartfelt witness from Leon Cooke, one of our own.
I just completed co-facilitating an eye-opening JustFaith eight week program with two wonderful co-facilitators. The subject was about Faith and Racial Equity. Sharing this journey with eighteen other St. Francis parishioners about racism has re-opened my eyes to the privileges whites knowingly or unknowingly take for granted on a daily basis in this country. Discrimination in education, housing and job opportunities have disproportionately and deliberately denied blacks the chance to obtain the “American Dream”.
Working through the eight weekly sessions has reinforced the fact that this country has not become “post-racial” as a result of Barack Obama's election as President. His two terms and the subsequent one have only exacerbated America's pent-up subjugation of people of color. One of the most recent cases in point: The hunting down and killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia on February 23, 2020. The two pursuing men were not taken into custody and charged with murder until May 7, the National Day of Prayer. Not much has changed.
Though it may not be any living person's 'fault', subjugation has been institutionalized into everyday living as a consequence of slavery; Jim Crow laws; lynchings; the War on Drugs; mass incarceration and three strikes laws. All were meant to marginalize black people who literally BUILT this country with their blood, sweat and tears.
If this program has been eye-opening for me, a black man, imagine how eye-opening it would be for whites in our parish community and beyond. I strongly recommend that many more St. Francis parishioners take this or subsequent programs on racism. It is a reality that we must face head on. If not, we as a country, will continue down the path of subjugation of those presumed 'lesser than'. Please contact our Justice and Peace Office for more information on anti-racism programming or sign up here: www.bit.ly/SFA-FRH2020. And as Whoopi would say, “Take a look...”
Over the last few weeks, I’ve realized what a big word ‘if’ is. In the past, I used ‘if’ as the foundation for negotiating tasks at home with my husband. ‘If you do this task, I’ll do that task.’ Or I’d used ‘if’ to describe back up plans, like, ‘if a happens, let’s go to plan b.’ Or I’d use ‘if’ when repeating a say-ing I learned while living in Texas, ‘If wishes and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas.’
Lately though, when I start to ask a question with ‘if’ in it, there’s no answer. If our country opens too fast or too slow…..If more people get sick and if the hospitals get full and if there’s not enough personal protective equipment and if there aren’t enough tests to go around, and what if I or a loved one gets COVID-19? The list of ‘ifs’ goes on for quite a while.
I’m not a worrier, but these are worrying times. And don’t get me wrong. I am fully aware that I am very privileged to be in the situation I am in. I can work from home, I am able to pay my bills, I have loved ones around me who can help if needed. So it got me thinking about people who are not in this position. People who are worried about losing their jobs, or have already lost their job. People who have to make the choice between trying to avoid contact due to health conditions and people who must go to work – even in risky situations. People who have been sheltering in place and trying to work from home as well as home school their kids and their relationships have be-come frayed. People who may have been dealing with a health condition before COVID-19 and suddenly medical resources are in short supply, having been diverted to the pandemic.
If any of these descriptions hit a bit too close for comfort, please consider reaching out for a Stephen Minister. A Stephen Minister will meet with you ‘virtually’, by phone or in a responsible, socially distant way. They will listen to the burdens on your heart. They will ask questions to help you process your feelings more completely. They will pray for you and with you. They will walk with you on this journey from ‘if’ back to ‘when.’
And on a positive note, we just finished training a new class of 16 Stephen Ministers. We haven’t been able to commission them yet, but they will be joining the ministry now and will be eager to help by being present to those who need to share their burdens. It’s so much easier to carry something heavy when you have help.
So when the ‘if’s get you down, take heart. We will get beyond this pandemic. We will get back to a new normal. There are better days ahead. Through faith, through fellowship – even if it’s stream-ing – we will be able to weather the storm. And if it would help to share your ‘if’s with someone who is compassionate, confidential, and caring, contact me at [email protected] or 919-847-8205x241. We can help.
In Community Together…
What does it mean to be “in community together” as a school, and especially as a Catholic School, during this time of the Coronavirus pandemic? In normal times, we are a community that begins each day with Morning Prayer, we spend the day learning and growing in our friendships and knowledge, and build personal relationships through academic, social and TFS “cultural” events. With the “stay at home” orders this has
changed, but building community remains as a priority at The Franciscan School!
We celebrated Spirit week at the end of April to honor our students, our faculty and staff, our families, and to have a little fun building school spirit. The first week of May, as was mentioned here last week, was Teacher Appreciation Week. Our faculty and staff were celebrated by our Home and School Association, by the school administration, and, most importantly, by our families and students. Next week we recognize our graduating 8th grade class with a Baccalaureate “Liturgy of the Word” and commencement as they prepare to leave their TFS academic career and head to high school well-prepared! These events aren’t academic in nature, but are recognitions and celebrations and appreciations. In this time of pandemic and Distance Learning, do we have the time to do these “accessory events”, especially when everyone is stressed with all that is involved in dealing with the resulting social and personal upheaval?
At The Franciscan School we make the time, because community is the main focus of what we do here. We have a community mission that includes academics, of course, but just as importantly a focus on our Faith and a dedication to service to others. To accomplish this, we must be a cohesive community bound by Faith, appreciative of others, and cognizant of recognizing success and achievements. We spend valuable time to build community at TFS because it is the mortar that holds together the building blocks of strong Faith, academic rigor, and devotion to others which we provide to our students and families when they make the choice to join together in mission with us. Come join our community and embrace our mission; we are always looking for more great families!
We are continuing our admissions process for the 2020-21 school year and we are excited to share all we offer here in The Franciscan School community. Please visit our website or contact Principal Mike Watson at [email protected] to find out more and to get insight into the community of excellence we have built here over the past two decades!
Preschool Prepares for Their Summer Goodbyes!
Mass for Deceased Veterans
The Knights of Columbus will host a virtual Mass for deceased veterans on Monday, May 25 at 9:00am and you can join us and watch live from our website. Parishioners with immediate family members or deceased Knights of Columbus that served in any branch of military may enroll the deceased veteran in the Council’s Memorial Roll.
Please click on this link https://form.jotform.com/201335286936055 and provide the following information for each entry, by 9:00am on May 20: the deceased’s full name, rank, branch of service, and date of death. If the deceased veteran has already been enrolled, reenrollment is not necessary. Questions please contact Jeff Rohman at 919-787-7042 or email [email protected].
_______
SFA – Book Club
Every 6 weeks, our group, with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, meets to share our common love of reading. The selections are mostly secular and both fiction and non-fiction. Past reads have included World War II heroes, a Seventeenth Century artist, people of Appalachia, and a contemporary Mexican-American family. Our next meeting is June 2 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. We’ll be discussing The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. If you are interested in joining us please contact me and we will send you a Zoom Link the day prior to the meeting for you to join us.
Facilitator: Heidi Rosshross@mindspring,com
(919)847-1408
Men’s Ministry Breakfast Meeting
Join us for the Men’s Ministry Breakfast Meeting with Fr. KlugeMonday, May 18 at 7amTo join, click on the link below https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87907874636?
pwd=QUM2U2wwR3orbzZzd2syZnJGdE9iZz09
Job Searching in these Uncertain Times
Zoom Meeting Hosted by Linda ConklinThursday, May 21, 7:00pm.Register in advance for this meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/
tZMpcOyqrTIvHtd2yHd2nwPy9B5BHhiUxjuw. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining
the meeting.
You are invited to a free Job Connections Zoom meeting
Job Connections will host a Job Networking call via Zoom every Monday at 4:00pm.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82682099189?pwd=K2RXbUpDV0RySEZuRy9zYnF6M2tZZz09. Join us and get the help you need to make a new start!
Volunteer OpportunitiesTo all our volunteers:Here are a few ways you could help members of our parish:
FaceTime and ZoomIf you’d like to learn how to use FaceTime or Zoom or be connected to
watch our daily and Sunday programs, or if you’d like to teach someone over the phone, please visit our https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/offer-or-receive-help/
Cards and ArtworkIf you’d like to send or receive cards to/from fellow parishioners and
establish a connection with other folks who are sheltering in place, or if you have kids who would love to send their artwork to brighten someone’s day or if you’d like to receive some artwork, visit https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/offer-or-receive-help/
Make a Meal and Deliver GroceriesIf you would like to make a meal or help deliver groceries to those in need,
please visit: https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/offer-or-receive-help/
Making a Call
The Parish Life staff is calling parishioners to make sure they are safe and aware of several ministry opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis. If you haven’t gotten your call, stay tuned. If you need help or want to offer help, check out our link at https://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/offer-or-receive-help/
We will match up needs with offers of help. Currently, it seems most folks are handling the daily changes well, but that may change over the coming weeks. Please reach out if you need to talk, need some help or just want to hear a cheerful voice! St. Francis of Assisi is here for our parishioners.
Thank you!All of our Parish Life Ministries and the Community Center would like to
thank you for serving the St. Francis Community. At this time all other volunteer opportunities are suspended until it is safe for us to come together again. Please check your weekly bulletin for updates. Stay well.
Offer Care / Receive Carehttps://www.stfrancisraleigh.org/offer-or-receive-help/
