The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi
A – Z Ministry List
Advocacy Issue Teams - Trevor Thompson - 919-847-8205 x270
Provides parish leadership for political advocacy in light of our faith and our call to faithful citizenship. We have Issue Teams dedicated to immigration reform, creation care, life issues, mental health, affordable housing, racial justice, and education.
Al-Anon – Madeline Horrigan – madelinevhorrigan@icloud.com
Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic.
They meet Sunday nights after 5:30 Mass
AA Meditation – Maureen Warner- Maureen@mjdavis.org
AA Meditation is a fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem.
It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere.
They meet Monday to Friday at 7am at LaVerna – the log cabin.
Altar Servers and Thurifers – Tim Hetzel 919-847-8205x244
Help the Presider and Congregation at large, celebrate the Mass.
Always Gods Children (AGC) – Beth Gaudette 847-8205x241
This is a program, named after the U.S. Bishops’ 1998 pastoral letter “Always Our Children”, provides a confidential setting for persons who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender), their family, and their friends, in which we share our experiences and concerns.
Assisi Cafe Volunteers – Ashley Watson – 919-847-8205 ext. 444
Volunteer in the Assisi Cafe on weekday mornings (during the school year) and during Youth Baksetball Concessions on Saturdays and Sundays.
Baptism Preparation – Tim Hetzel 919-847-8205x244
Meeting with and preparing our families with infants and children to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism through a once-a-month preparation session.
Basketball High School – Mary Arleth- 919-847-8205 ext. 358
High School Girls and Boys parish basketball league play during the months of Feb – May. Registration begins in January.
Basketball Summer Adult – Mary Arleth- 919-847-8205 ext. 358
Adult Over 18 League play during June and July on weekends only. Registration begins in April.
Basketball Youth – Mary Arleth- 919-847-8205 ext. 358
Girl and Boy youth league play during the months of Oct – Jan. Registration begins in August.
Blood Drive – Bryan Kozak 910-728-9200
Knights of Columbus and American Red Cross bi-annual Blood Drives.
Brown Bag Ministry – Kristen Holt and Pam Peroutky
Prepares and delivers brown bag lunches twice a month to low-income senior citizens at the Morehead Hills apartment community in Durham. This ministry allows all ages to participate and serve those in need. Families/groups make lunches which are delivered to Morehead Hills by our Ministry Coordinators. To serve, visit our webpage at stfrancisraleigh.org/bbm. For more information, email stfrancisbbm@gmail.com.
Camp Francis – Ashley Watson – 919-847-8205x444
Summer camp program for school age youth. Offering over 100 camp opportunities. Registration begins in January.
Cancer Companions/Seeing God in your Cancer Journey – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8205 x241
A group where you will meet some new people; we’ll share our stories.
There will be tears, but there will also be laughter….healing laughter, and you will not be alone on this journey.
Care for Creation – Contact the ministry leaders at stfccreation@gmail.com
Answers the call of St. Francis to be faithful stewards of God’s creation by advocating on behalf of the environment and supporting educational activities.
Caring Casseroles – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8205 x241
Volunteers bring cooked, freezer ready casseroles to the Feed the Need refrigerator on the first weekend of each month.
Meals are used to help those dealing with life’s challenges.
Catholic Parish Outreach (CPO) – 919-873-0245, Sue Hand 919-846-7954
Serves the needs of people facing difficult financial times by providing food and children’s and maternity clothing. We host food drives twice a year and invite people to volunteer at CPO by contacting them directly.
Celebrating Christmas in Your Cancer Journey – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8205 x241
God knew cancer would collide with your Christmas this year. He also knew that this Christmas, you would need less pressure and more joy but… How can you celebrate Christmas in the midst of the pressures of cancer?
Centering Prayer – Alice Stanford – 919-781-5860
Silent prayer followed by reading and discussion of spiritual materials.
CLOW (Children’s Liturgy of the Word) – Jackie Kelly – 919-896-6297
A celebration of the Liturgy of the Word that is designed for children ages 4-6 years
Church Keeping – Beverly Saunders – 919-846-5795
Volunteers help maintain the worship space, Holy Water fonts, altar, linens, and other liturgical items.
Collection Counters – Rob Neppel 919-847-8205x243
This behind-the-scenes ministry strives to accurately process and record donations so the Parish can be good stewards of contributions received.
Columbarium and Memorial Plaques – Trish Adamkowski – 919-847-8205x236
Community Center Programs – Ashley Watson – 919-847-8205x444
Programs and classes offered in the Assisi Community Center throughout the school year. Fitness classes and Parent/Child classes.
Community Garden – Pat and Paul Kelly – 919-413-8833
Tends a garden on parish grounds and grows vegetables primarily for donation to the hungry in our community through Inter-Faith Food.
Community Help/Hotline Links – Links to community resources.
Confirmation Preparation – Thomas Bulick
Confirmation is a sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts of the Holy Spirit. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation and of faith in God’s fidelity to us. Our regular parish program is a two-year process that may begin with entrance to 8th grade. Email Thomas.Bulick@stfrancisraleigh.org.
Consolation and Care – Celesta Carlson – 919-818-4122
Sends cards to parishioners grieving the death of a loved one and conducts four evening prayer services a year
Cross Bearers – Joseph Randazzo
Carry the Crucifix into and out of the Church at Mass and special Liturgies.
Cub Scouts – Kyle Berner
Organizing the Cub Scout Pack that meets at St Francis.
Curbside Care – Lori Piraino, lpiraino7@gmail.com
Collects items and provides care packages for distribution among the poor
Divorce Care – William Morgan – dejanuts@yahoo.com
A friendly caring group of people who will walk along side you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
Divorce Care Surviving the Holidays - Beth Gaudette – Beth.Gaudette@stfrancisraleigh.org
Donate Food and Supply Drives – Becky Cawley – 919-847-8205 x268
Duke Children’s Hospital – Joe and Geanie Slifer – 919-870-6993
Celebrates seasonal parties with children and families experiencing compromised health situations
Emmaus Ministers – Beth Gaudette - 919-847-8205 x241
Assists parishioners in dealing with the death of a loved one by helping them with funeral preparations and “walking” with them in their time of sorrow.
Environment & Art – Theresa Baumgartner – 919-848-3383
Dresses the worship space based on the liturgical season, which helps parishioners connect more closely with the message of the Gospel.
Eucharistic Ministers at Mass– Tim Hetzel 919-847-8205 x230
Lay persons who administer the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to the congregation at each Mass when there is a shortage of priests and deacons to assist the celebrant.
Traveling Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers, also called (EM’s) bring the Holy Eucharist to those who cannot attend Sunday liturgies at
St. Francis: the homebound, hospitalized and residents of retirement communities and nursing homes such as
EM to Abbotswood –Anita Misko – 919-294-6456
EM to the Homebound – Melanie Fraites - 407-718-3537
EM to Magnolia Glen – Jacob House – 781-290-8813
EM to the Meadows – Andrea McVerry – 919-846-2056
EM to Rex Hospital – Edward Gilmartin – edward.gilmartin@gmail.com
EM to Springmoor – Janice Horner - 484-949-1417
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Our Cross Walk, Cross Train and Cross Road programs are designed to make our youth/children feel “at home” at St. Francis, a place where they can have fun and be themselves, while knowing that they are valued and loved by God! Cross Walk (grades K-5), Cross Train (grades 6-8) and Cross Road (grades 9-12) programs offer faith formation in a small group environment. The programs are centered on the Mass, offering fellowship, in a fun, safe environment. For more information, email the Coordinator for your child’s grade:
Cross Walk (K-5) - Marisa.Ferrara@stfrancisraleigh.org
Cross Train (6-8) – Thomas.Bulick@stfrancisraleigh.org
Cross Road (9-12) – Jonathan.Vanegas-Calderon@stfrancisraleigh.org
Family Promise – Ron Smith – 919-455-7786
Family Promise Ministry hosts homeless families at St. Francis for a week at a time, 3 weeks out of the year. Opportunities to serve include bringing food items, sharing a meal, being an overnight host, providing childcare, and serving as a driver. This is a perfect opportunity to “welcome the stranger” in our community and live out one of the corporal works of mercy.
Feed the Need – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8205 x241
Help provide cooked meals to families in our parish who are adjusting to life’s challenges. Sign up for a date that works for you.
First Reconciliation & Eucharist Preparation – Marisa Ferrara, 919-847-8205x223, Marisa.Ferrara@stfrancisraleigh.org
First Reconciliation is traditionally celebrated when the children reach the age of reason, which is seven years old. The sacrament is celebrated in late Fall at a communal Reconciliation service with families present. First Eucharist is celebrated in the spring at our weekend Masses with our community.
Food and Supply Drives – Becky Cawley – 919-847-8205 x268
FrancisFest: – Ashley Watson – 919-847-8205x444
Annual parish wide event celebrating our patron Saint by welcoming the entire community for a day of fellowship. Event held the first Sunday in October. Event planning team begins in April.
Funeral Ministers – Lisa Gianturco – 919-845-9718
Assist the Friar during a funeral, and greet guest who attend a funeral.
Funeral Planning – Contact Beth Gaudette 919-847-8205 x241
To make arrangements for a funeral for your loved one.
Girl Scouts – Ashley Watson, 919-847-8205 x444
Organizing all Girl Scout troops that meet at St Francis.
GriefShare – Beth Gaudette - Beth.Gaudette@stfrancisraleigh.org
This ministry gives you the opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.
GriefShare Surviving the Holidays – Beth Gaudette at 919-847-8205 x241
Those who are grieving a loved one's death. You'll learn: How to deal with the many emotions you'll face.
We have 2 classes one for Adults and one for Kids.
Grief Support Group – Marsha Riely – marshariely@mac.com
Share your grief experience and receive support, understanding in a comfortable setting and learn new ways to deal with your grief.
Gym Open Play Nights – Mary Arleth – 919-847-8205 x358
Ministry-leader-led open play in the Assisi Community Center each week night. See website for membership information and leader contact information for each night.
Helen Wright Center for Women
Breakfast meal – Becky Cawley at becky.cawley@stfrancisraleigh.org
Dinner meal - Lisa Demunyk, ldemuynck10@gmail.com
Or to sign up to help with a dinner meal (click here)
Homework Helpers – Michelle Harris at michelle.harris95@gmail.com
Is aimed at helping children of low income Hispanic families with their homework and daily lessons once a week.
International Mission – Trevor Thompson – 919-847-8205x270
Takes parishioners to other parts of the world to experience different ways of living and expressing faith. These are transformational opportunities to encounter God’s mercy in the other cultures and peoples. We are planning on trips to Honduras, Guatemala, and others.
Job Connections – Mary Horner – 610-755-5392 http://www.stfrancisraleigh.com/job-connections/
We are an instruction and support ministry that provides encouragement, information, networking, coaching, spiritual guidance, and job search skills training in a Catholic Christian setting.
JustFaith and other Social Justice Formation Events – Trevor Thompson – 919-847-8205×270
Offers educational programs, films, guest speakers, and event throughout the year on a variety of social justice topics
Knights Of Columbus – Contact: gk@kofc9709.com for any membership inquires
LaVerna Al-Anon – Helping by giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. We meet every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the LaVerna center (the log cabin across from the Chapel). Enter through the garage. For resources, (Click here)
Lectors – Mike Wrzesien, Shawn Bayle – 919-624-1592
Proclaim the Word of God on weekends, Holy Days, and special Liturgies.
LGBTQ+ Ministry– Beth Gaudette 847-8205x241
LGBTQ+ Support Group – Beth Gaudette 847-8205x241
Liturgical Ministries – Jim Wahl 919-847-8205 x230
Marriage Preparation Team – Tim Hetzel 919-847-8205x244
Meeting with and preparing our engaged couples to celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony through information sessions and sharing from our experiences of marriage.
Master of Ceremonies – Michael and Julie Ducatte
Responsible for coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the Liturgy and making sure Mass runs smoothly.
Medical Presence @ Mass –Beth Gaudette at 919-847-8205 x241
Parishioners who are medical professionals identify themselves to the head usher and wear name tags. In the event of a medical event during Mass, they can be easily identified as someone who can help.
Mental Health and Wellness – Beth Gaudette at 919-847-8205x241
Addressing the stigma associated with Mental Illness, offering support and bringing awareness, resources, education and offering a better understanding of Mental Illness. Mental illness is a medical condition not a weakness.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast – The ministry meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 7 to 8 am via Zoom. The meetings provide a way for men to come together in prayer and fellowship. For discussions, we select a book that deals with faith and life issues. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast provides a safe haven for men to meet other Christian men for friendship and the sharing of our journey through life. If interested or have questions contact Deacon Steve at 732-213-0104 / stephenwandrews@outlook.com.
Migrant Ministry – Bruce Cartier – 919-855-9909, bcartier7@gmail.com
Connects with migrant workers at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, in Louisburg, N.C., in summer by driving them to Mass on Sundays and serving monthly “fiesta” meals.
Mom’s Imitate Mary – Sarah Ruiz – sgrunder.ruiz@gmail.com (or) Krystal Beaumont – kbeaumont417@gmail.com
Prayer, fellowship, and support for moms.
Music Ministry – Joyce Petzka
We are all called to musical ministry in the liturgy by participating in the songs and hymns of the Mass. However, some people have received the gift of musical leadership and this is best served by participating as a singer or instrumentalist.
NAMI/Wake – provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
New Parishioner Contact – Toni Hammes – 919-847-8205x265
Want to register for the parish, please visit www.stfrancisraleigh.org/join.
Oak City Outreach Center – Becky Cawley 919-847-8205x267
Prepares a meal regularly for individuals experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity in downtown Raleigh.
Our Lady of the Rosary – Food Drives – Becky Cawley – 919-847-8205x267 or becky.cawley@stfrancisraleigh.org
Every year we host 2 food drives to stock the food pantry for Our Lady of the Rosary parish in rural North Carolina.
Padre Pio Secular Franciscans
Learn more about living Franciscan spirituality in the secular world.
For more information, contact Ellen Ferrone – ellenferrone@gmail.com
Panera Pickup Ministry – Emma Dempsey - emakdemp@gmail.com or Becky Cawley - becky.cawley@stfrancisraleigh.org
Every Monday evening at the Briar Creek Panera Bread location we pick up the left over breads and pastries and the next day we deliver these beautiful treats to the Morehead Hills Senior Apartments complex in Durham.
Play and Pray – Andrea Javier, 919-847-8205x289; andrea.javier@stfrancisraleigh.org
Faith Formation nursery for children ages 1-4 during the 9:00 and 11:45 Masses.
Prayer Line – Paul Wilson - wilsonpf99@gmail.com
Volunteers pray for the intentions of parishioners.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – Cindy Cardello 919-846-8825, Donna Quirk 919-847-2084
Makes shawls as expression of our community’s care and concern for those struggling with difficulties in life.
Preschool – St Francis of Assisi Preschool: To learn more about the wonderful opportunities that we provide, please visit our website at https://www.preschool@stfrancis.com or contact Shelley Freeman at: shelley.freeman@stfrancisraleigh.org.
Prison Pen Pal – To contact ministry leaders, email sfapenpal@gmail.com
For many years, our Prison Pen Pal Ministry has been reaching out to prisoners living on North Carolina’s death row. These prisoners are isolated and often estranged from family. Members of our ministry write to prisoners who have requested letters. Often we are their only link to the outside world. The number of inmates requesting letters has far exceeded our pen pals and we are actively seeking parishioners to join us. Pen pals commit to giving correspondence a try for six months but otherwise you determine how often to write.
Project Rachel – projectrachel@nc.rr.com – 919-852-1021
A Catholic community program that aims to provide hope and healing after abortion.
Refugee Resettlement – Trevor Thompson, trevor.thompson@stfrancisraleigh.org
We have joyfully and successfully resettled our first family, but there is always more to do! We will continue to support the Omari family and help them transition to life in Raleigh.
Rite of Christian Initiation – Email jairo.maldonado@stfrancisraleigh.org.
A process of discernment for adults who seek initiation and full communion with the Catholic Church.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, adapted for Children – Jonathan Vanegas-Calderon@stfrancisraleigh.org
A process of discernment for those who are between the ages of 7 and 17 and seek initiation and full communion with the Catholic Church.
Ronald McDonald House – stfrancisrmhministry@gmail.com
St. Francis parishioners prepare and serve dinner to families with sick children at the Ronald McDonald House on the third Wednesday of every month. Parishioners also purchase and deliver to the church the groceries needed to make the meal. Will you join us? Together we make a difference for these families.
Rosary Ministry – Beth Gaudette 919-847-8205 x241
Promotes devotion to the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary.
Scouts BSA: Boy & Girl Troops –
Robert Sadler (Boy Troop)
Scott Cash (Girl Troop)
Organizing the Boy Scout troop that meets at St Francis.
Sister Parish Guatemala – Liz Mosler, lizmosler4@gmail.com
Sends delegations of parishioners to the village of Las Margaritas II in Guatemala (Central America) to deepen our mutual understanding and open our hearts to our Mayan brothers and sisters.
St Francis 50+ Adults Group – Pat Gerney- 919-803-8276
An organization formed to provide opportunities for social, spiritual, charitable services, and educational opportunities for the benefit of its members, as well as the parish and Wake County community. Membership is open to persons 50 years or older who attend the St. Francis parish, or reside in Wake County and surrounding areas. Monthly potlucks and Monthly game days are open to all members.
Habitat for Humanity – In need of new ministry leaders - contact if interested Trevor Thompson, trevor.thompson@stfrancisraleigh.org
Offers St. Francis workdays to work alongside other parishioners in building homes for the homeless.
St. Francis Inn – John Budway at budwayjj@bellsouth.net or 305-205-5104
A Franciscan Eucharistic community called to minister to the poor and homeless of Philadelphia. Formed in the spirit of the Gospel and inspired by the life and compassion of Francis and Clare of Assisi, the inn tries to meet the immediate daily needs of the people it serves with food, clothing and hospitality.
St. Vincent de Paul – Help Line – 919-534-4842
Provides compassionate care and assistance to individuals experiencing a financial emergency.
Call the help line for more information and/or assistance.
Stephen Ministry – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8204x241
Stephen ministers are members of our congregation who receive special training to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community experiencing challenges in life: grief; loneliness; divorce; hospitalization; disability; job loss; and many other life difficulties. Learn how to become a Stephen Minister or receive care from one.
Stewardship – Kathy Sales 919-847-8205x488
enabling our St Francis community to sharing time, talent, and treasure as gifts from God.
Supply and Food Drives – Becky Cawley – 919-847-8205 x268
Support Circles – Kat and Ferrel Guilroy – ferrel.guillory@gmail.com
Develops a year-long (or longer) relationship with a family transitioning from homelessness, providing emotional support and practical assistance.
The Franciscan School – Michael Watson – Principal
Founded in 2000, The Franciscan School is a fully accredited K-8 Catholic School. Reflecting the unique charism of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, TFS is dedicated to an education that fosters a Christ-centered way of living and celebrates the building of the Kingdom of God on Earth. We invite you to visit our beautiful campus. We offer individual tours and student shadow opportunities. Schedule a tour and a shadow day online at www.franciscanschool.org, or by calling Lura Tysiac, Admissions Coordinator, at 919.534.4837 ext 469.
The Way of Francis – Ben Whitehouse
An individual pilgrimage for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of the gifts they have received from God.
Together Living with Cancer – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8204×241
Support for those dealing with cancer.
Transportation to Mass – Stephanie Smith – 919-302-0080
Provides transportation to parishioners who have no means of getting to church for weekend liturgies.
Ushers – John Cuomo – 919-931-4308 or Troy Chaput 919-665-7194
Serve as visual representatives of St. Francis during Mass, offer assistance and direct the offertory collection, Eucharistic procession, and bulletin distribution.
Virtual Cafe’ – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8205×241
Connect via Zoom and share a quick hour just passing the time. No structure, no format, just a little light conversation, hopefully a few laughs and mabe some creative ideas to get you through the next week or so.
Visitation Ministry – Sharon Holland – hollandbozo@yahoo.com
Provides friendly visits to parishioners in area hospitals and care facilities.
Volleyball Youth – Mary Arleth – 919-847-8205x379
Girls and Boys League play during the months of June-July . Registration begins in April.
Volunteer Opportunities
Here you will find a variety of opportunities to volunteer. If you have questions, contact the ministry leader for that particular opportunity. If you have further questions about getting involved at St. Francis, contact Kathy Sales 919-847-8205×488
Weekday Volunteer Receptionists – Toni Hammes – 919-847-8205x265
Monday thru Friday, welcome people who walk in our door, answer the main phone number.
Weekend Volunteer Receptionists – Beth Gaudette – 919-847-8205 x241
Sunday, welcome people who come to mass by helping with registration, mass cards, and general inquires.
Weekend Welcome Hosts – Kathy Sales 919-847-8205x488
Extend genuine welcome to people coming to church each weekend by greeting folks and sharing smiles at the main doors of the church, directing folks around campus, and generally creating a warm atmosphere where all feel welcome and a part of the St Francis community.
Welcome New Parishioner Events – Kathy Sales 919-847-8205x488
Provide a welcoming opportunities for new parishioners through being table hosts at our monthly new parishioner events.
Wedding Directors – Judy Ferraro – 919-395-3005
Women’s Ministry – Tuesday evening group Anna Fowler – annafowler@nc.rr.com and
Friday morning group - Celesta Carlson at ccarlson210@gmail.com
