This ministry, named after the US Bishops’ 1998 pastoral letter, entitled “Always Our Children,” offers a confidential setting for those who identify as LGBTQ+, along with our family, friends, and anyone who supports and cares for us as children of God. Monthly gatherings provide a safe place to pray together, share our experiences, and talk over our concerns.
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care Ministries and Community Center support the care and wellness of our community by addressing parishioners’ spiritual, emotional, physical, and social needs. All are welcomed to be a part of the life of our community by living our faith and helping one another along the way.
Alzheimer’s Dementia Caregivers
Reaching out to both, those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other related dementia, and to their caregivers.
Contact:
Kathleen Boate
kboate@msn.com
Cancer Companions
Reach out and support those who are dealing with cancer
Contact:
Suzanne Ziemer
sziemer.slp@gmail.com
Caring Casseroles
Volunteers bring freezer ready casseroles to the refrigerator in the Feed the Need Closet (by Fellowship Hall) on the first weekend of each month. Meals are used to help those dealing with life’s challenges.
Contact:
Celesta Carlson
ccarlson210@gmail.com
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer, developed by Trappist monk Thomas Keating. The prayer practice fosters a deeper relationship to God by moving beyond conversation to communion. After 20 minutes of silence, the group shares reflection on Scripture or spiritual reading. The Centering Prayer group meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 in LaVerna, Thursday evenings 7:30 to 8:30 via Zoom, and every fourth Saturday at LaVerna from 9 to noon. Refer to Centering Prayer on Realm for more current information. All are welcome! Call Alice Stanford for more information: 919-781-5860.
Contact:
Alice Stanford
919-781-5860
Contemplative Spirituality Group
Meets via Zoom for shared readings and reflection to deepen our relationship with God, others and creation. Check Realm for meeting details.
Contact:
Deacon Steve
732-213-0104 / stephenwandrews@outlook.com
Divorce Care
Offering support and comfort to those experiencing the pain of separation and divorce.
Contact:
Bill Morgan dejanuts@yahoo.com
Shannon Brinn shannonbrinn@gmail.com
EM to Abbotswood
Volunteers join parishioners at Abbotswood living center in a liturgical service every Sunday at 10:00 am. This is St. Francis’ way of keeping in touch through prayer and visitations.
Contact:
Susan Bartone
suebluhowru63911@gmail.com
EM to Capital Oaks
Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled to hold a service at 3:30pm weekly on Saturday. The service is held in the movie theater.
Contact:
Darsan Russo
darsanrusso@gmail.com
EM to Magnolia Glen
Magnolia Glen Eucharistic ministers bring the eucharist to people living at Magnolia Glen Retirement Community who can no longer attend Mass. Teams of ministers serve as presiders and lectors for a rosary service and a communion service each Saturday at 4:00 pm. We offer a Rosary service from 3:30 to 4:00 followed by Liturgy of the Word on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am.
Contact:
Jacob House
jacob.w.house@gmail.com
Contemplative Spirituality Group
Contact:
Deacon Steve
732-213-0104 / stephenwandrews@outlook.com
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is an ancient Christian tradition. It is a form of ‘holy listening’ wherein the seeker explores their spiritual journey with the help of a trained director. It is a process that directly assists individuals in developing and cultivating their personal relationship with God. Rather than it being a time of problem solving, it’s aim is to explore where God is in the midst of our lives as we live out our spiritual journeys.
If you have found yourself:
- longing for something more, but not sure what that is
- feeling stuck and desiring to deepen your prayer life
- facing a transition in your life
- seeking discernment about having to make an important decision
- wanting to deepen your relationship with God
spiritual direction may be helpful.
At St Francis of Assisi parish, we have a small group of trained spiritual directors who meet one on one at the parish, in their homes or through zoom. For more information on how to connect with a spiritual director, please contact Gladys Whitehouse at sfaspiritualdirection@gmail.com
Contact:
Gladys Whitehouse
gladys.whitehouse@qmail.com
Women’s Ministry
The Women’s Ministry at St. Francis offers the women of the parish a place where they can deepen their relationship with God through prayer and reflection at retreats and spiritual events. We also experience the living Christ in fellowship with one another through social events and community service. The group hosts events monthly, some of which include: Yoga & Breakfast, retreats, art experiences, interactive prayer services, and social gatherings. Bible study and book opportunities are available weekly.
Contact:
Jess Kelly and Kathryn Noblitt
morgan.jess@gmail.com, kathryn.noblitt@gmail.com
Volunteer Receptionists
Monday through Friday, welcome people who walk in our door, answer the main phone number.
Contact:
Kathy Sales
Kathy.Sales@stfrancisraleigh.org
Stephen Ministry
Stephen ministers are lay ministers trained in active listening to walk with those dealing with stress, grief, life transitions or other concerns. Stephen Ministers are volunteers who offer confidential Christian care to those who seek prayerful, emotional support to deal with stress, grief, life transitions or other concerns. They offer empathetic listening, unconditional positive regard, and other resources and referrals as needed. St. Francis’ Stephen Ministry is part of a worldwide caregiving network.
Contact:
Kathleen Owen
Kathleen.Owen@stfrancisraleigh.org
Rosary Ministry
In praying the Rosary, we include the petitions and intentions of our parishioners, the ministries of our parish, and the prayers of our community and world. By praying the Rosary, we reach out and offer spiritual support to our brothers and sisters who are in need. We meet every Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 pm in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel. We meet every morning immediately after the 9am Mass in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel
Contact:
Marian Monti
ianmar94@aol.com
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Makes shawls as expression of our community’s care and concern for those struggling with difficulties in life.
Contact:
Cindy Cardello
919-846-8825
Prayer Line
Volunteers prays for the intentions of parishioners
Contact:
Paul Wilson
wilsonpf99@gmail.com
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
The Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets in person in the Community Center, Padua Room every 1st and 3rd Mondays from 8 to 9 am. The meetings provide a way for men to come together for fellowship. For discussions, we select a book that deals with faith and life issues. See Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Realm for meeting details or contact Deacon Steve at 732-213-0104 / stephenwandrews@outlook.com.
Contact:
Deacon Steve Andrews
stephenwandrews@outlook.com
LGBTQ+ Ministry
In accordance with our parish mission statement, we reach out to provide spiritual nourishment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families and friends. We seek to affirm the intrinsic value and self-worth of all people and to welcome them into full participation in the faith community. All LGBTQ+ people are welcome.
Contact:
Kathy Sales
Kathy.Sales@stfrancisraleigh.org