the catholic community of st. francis of assisi
Educated in Faith
At St. Francis of Assisi, the primary focus of formation is the education of families in the Catholic faith and the development of faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Two keystones of these faith formation programs are the St. Francis of Assisi Preschool and The Franciscan School (TFS), the Kindergarten through 8th grade school on our campus. Both schools just kicked off the new school year, and look forward to another great year of faith, academics, and service to the community.
Volunteer Spotlight: Codi Southerland
“We are called to ‘serve one another through love,’ to care for our brothers and sisters, to love every inch of the earth, and to give where we can,” says Codi-Alyssa Southerland. Codi was a ministry leader for Ronald McDonald House and both a ministry leader and an active member of Oak City Cares. She goes to the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia every year typically too. “My heart drives me to serve, but my faith guides me on how to serve. Faith reminds us that everything builds from love and everyone should be cared for with love.” One thing that stands out in Codi’s mind is a memory from a trip to the St. Francis Inn. She was sweeping the street, she recalls, and says, “I was speaking to a group of men who spent the night laying on the sidewalk. Our conversation lasted longer than my chore, so I sat close to them to finish our talk. When I saw one of the men at dinner again later that evening, I spoke to him and asked him about his day.” That’s when she remembers being struck by the impact of a simple personal connection.
