Pastoral Care

Spiritual Direction 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. The aim is to explore where God is in the midst of our lives as we live out our spiritual journeys.

Gladys Whitehouse (919) 906-0289
sfaspiritualdirection@gmail.com

These wonderful volunteers warmly greet visitors to the church office area for a 3-hour shift during normal business hours.  Shifts are scheduled for either 9am-Noon or 1pm-4pm once a week and can be scheduled around the volunteer’s personal schedule and vacation.   Volunteer receptionists also answer the main phone number and do very light office work when needed.  Training is provided.

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.

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

The Prayer Shawl ministry knits or crochets shawls, lap robes, children’s blankets, hats and scarves for the benefit of those that are sick, homeless, hospitalized or are struggling with difficulties in life to express our love, care and concern for our sisters and brothers. These shawls are prayed over as they are being made, a cross sewn on and then blessed and wrapped with a card enclosed. “They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, hug, and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles”. (Janet Bristow) 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” Phillipians 4:6.   We can probably all attest to the power of prayer in our lives and what comfort prayers are to us in times of need.    Join us and pray for the intentions of others in our St. Francis family.  Intentions are received via the St. Francis website,  email and notes in the PrayerLine box and  sent to volunteers in a  weekly email.

The Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets in person in the Community Center, Padua Room every 1^st and 3^rd 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. Go to Realm: Groups: Find Groups: Men’s Prayer Breakfast or contact Deacon Steve at 732-213-0104 | stephenwandrews@outlook.com.

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.