the catholic community of st. francis of assisi
Hidden Figures
Sometimes we take for granted how well things work at St. Francis of Assisi. Everything flows relatively smoothly, especially given the number of ministries supported here. How does that happen? Who are the people who, behind the scenes, make it all come together and work so well?
One of the ‘hidden figures’ bringing it all together is Shannon Hoffman, Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Ministries. “In my role,” she says, “I help support our priests by coordinating their schedules, arranging meetings, assisting with requests for sacraments, preparing Mass intentions, and organizing the Prayers of the Faithful. Outlook and Excel are my go-to programs for keeping everything organized and running smoothly each day.” She also directly supports specific directors in their roles. “I support the Director of Liturgy & Music (Jim Wahl) and the Director of Engagement and Development (Stacey Shine) with a variety of ongoing administrative needs. Whether it’s preparing materials, coordinating communication, or helping manage recurring weekly and monthly responsibilities, I work to make sure they have what they need so they can focus on their ministries.”
Ministry Spotlight: CSA
Do you know what Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is? Did you know we have a ministry at St. Francis that supports local farmers? If not, here is a good way to get great, in-season produce, farmed organically in our local communities. Elizabeth Kearse is the ministry contact for the farm-to-church CSA that supports local BIPOC farmers who use sustainable and/or organic farming methods. Elizabeth says, “We are a part of a larger community group called RAFI, the Rural Advancement Federation International. Their initiative, the ‘Farm to Church’ program, supports farmers of color and connects them with churches throughout Wake County. Each church is assigned to a different farmer who then provides the produce for the CSA at the church.”
“Here at St. Francis,” she continues, “we are partnered with Rick Brown from Brown Family Farms. He is a fourth-generation farmer on land where his ancestors were enslaved, and he now owns the land he farms outright. He grows vegetables and other produce, and a large portion of his acreage is dedicated to hemp production.” Industrial hemp is used in the manufacture of textiles. “Patagonia buys hemp from him for their textiles,” she says, “and he also has a relationship with Vans, who buys hemp from him as well.” Rick is dedicated to organic and sustainable production. “There are no pesticides, and no herbicides,” says Elizabeth.
