Kathy has 20 years of experience in pastoral ministry at both the parish and campus ministry level. In her role as Director of Pastoral Ministries, she serves as coordinator with our various pastoral ministry areas to support their work as well as assisting Msgr. Clay with the implementation of a renewed vision for the parish community. Kathy holds a Master’s in Library Science from Kent State University and a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from the Athenaeum of Ohio.  She is a Spiritual Director with a certificate of completion from the Haden Institute.  Kathy and her husband, Doug, became members of SFA in 2019 when they moved to Raleigh from Dayton, Ohio.  An ex-librarian, Kathy devours books in her free time, as well as enjoying new bike and trail ways in the Triangle.  She is a foodie and is passionate about sharing delicious healthy recipes.

kathy.sales@stfrancisraleigh.org

Jenn has worked as a professional lay ecclesial minister for over twenty years beginning in music ministry, moving to youth ministry, and eventually onto adult formation and the RCIA. She began her service at St. Francis in 2011, when she and her husband, Pat, moved their family of six to the Triangle from the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ. Jenn now oversees the team that handles cradle-to-grave catechetical formation and sacramental preparation for the parish. She holds a Masters in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas, a Certificate in Church Management from Villanova University, and a BA in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Music Business from New York University. She is currently working towards her second Masters in Catechetical Ministry at UD while helping the Neuhoff School of Ministry there to develop a co-curricular course focusing on the spiritual and human aspects of lay ecclesial formation. When she’s not ministering at St. Francis, studying, or playing chauffeur for the kids, she spends her time writing music (https://soundcloud.com/jennjinks), baking, camping with the family, and enjoying good food and wine with friends.

jennifer.fiduccia@stfrancisraleigh.org

Sarah Bowser is humbled to serve as the Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation at Saint Francis. She was born and raised in Michigan, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2016- so she’s a big Irish football fan! Her and her husband, Brandon, also love Blue Devil basketball, as he pursues his PhD in Chemistry at Duke. They welcomed with joy their first child, Olivia Frances, in May of 2019. Olivia is full of energy and has brought a love to their lives they never knew before. Sarah holds a Master’s in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas with a concentration in Catholic Secondary Education.

sarah.bowser@stfrancisraleigh.org

Marisa graduated from New England Conservatory in 2011 and taught music and led adult and youth ministry in Massachusetts until August of 2018 when she relocated to Raleigh. Marisa ministers to teens and college-aged young adults. She is married with a daughter and has two scruffy mutts. In the warm weather you’ll find her on a Vespa scooter or at the pool. Her time at St. Francis is life-giving and she learns new things every day. Our teen Peer Ministers are on fire with their faith. They’re inclusive and ready to show all the parish teens how awesome life is when you put Christ first.  Join us!

Marisa.Ferrara@stfrancisraleigh.org

Thomas joined the Formation Team as the Coordinator of Middle School Formation in June 2017. Thomas graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and worked at Newman Catholic Student Center Parish at UNC for their K-8 Catechesis program. In 2021, he completed a Masters of Theological Studies from the University of Dallas, with a thesis on digital evangelization. He leads formation for youth in grades 6 through 8 and coordinates preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.

thomas.bulick@stfrancisraleigh.org

Tara has been working with the Play and Pray program for many years and recently accepted the Coordinator of Play and Pray position.  We are excited to have Tara as part of our team.

tara.moore@stfrancisraleigh.org

Martina supports the Formation Team in the logistical aspects of sacramental preparation for Baptism (ages 7& under), First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Youth Confirmation and Marriage. Her tasks include preparing and facilitating the registration process, managing the databases, guiding families through their sacramental preparation journey, recruiting and managing volunteers, among others. She enjoys working with her team and serving her faith community.

martina.dumberger@stfrancisraleigh.org

Patti joined the Formation team in October of 2016. She supports the team by coordinating the registration events for Formation, including Cross Walk, Cross Train, Cross Road and Home School, Adult Formation, as well as camps and retreats.  She creates the newsletters for the Formation Team, and also maintains the Formation web pages.  Anticipating her youngest son’s graduation from The Franciscan School, she wanted to continue to be a part of the St Francis community where she’s been a parishioner for 20+ years. Patti was born and raised in the Boston suburbs, and enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, a good cup of coffee, and reading in her spare time.

patti.panizza@stfrancisraleigh.org

If you are looking to do some service in the community, go on a mission trip, or go on a mission trip, or go on a mission trip, or learn more about how our faith calls us to be in solidarity with and be an advocate for others, Trevor can find an opportunity that works for you and your family. Inspired by Pope Francis’ challenge for the church to be a people of communion and mission, Trevor provides pastoral leadership in the area of pastoral care, charitable outreach, social justice, community organizing, and adult formation. He loves accompanying people who are seeking ways to grow deeper in their spirituality. Trevor has Masters degree in Franciscan Spirituality and a Doctorate in Ministry from Duke Divinity School at Duke University. He is current pursuing a degree in Counseling Psychology with the goal of being licensed as a psychotherapist in North Carolina. He also loves to cook, care for his homestead, and watch and play ball with his kids.

trevor.thompson@stfrancisraleigh.org

Becky is responsible for developing, presenting and facilitating educational and faith formation programming and for collaborating with and assisting other parish ministries, especially youth, integrate justice and peace into the overall mission of the parish. She is also responsible for promoting justice and peace programming, events and ministries and for supporting and assisting these ministries. What brings Becky the greatest joy in her role is inspiring and engaging parishioners in this most important work of justice and peace and then walking with them as this reality unfolds in their lives. She also loves spending time with her husband and kids, especially outdoors.

A native of Southern California, James has been on staff at St. Francis since 2010. He is the Director of Music and Liturgy and has served as a pastoral musician since high school and professionally for over twenty years. Before moving to the East Coast, he ministered at parishes in California and Arizona, including the Cathedral of Phoenix. Aside from his role at St. Francis, James composes and presents children’s music for World Library Publications. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and a Master’s degree in Liturgical Music Composition from St. John’s University in Minnesota. He and his wife Tami have four boys, two still in the house!

jim.wahl@stfrancisraleigh.org

As the Coordinator of Liturgy and Sacraments, Tim works to form and minister to over 800 liturgical ministry volunteers at our parish. Tim works seamlessly between Formation and Liturgy, highlighting the collaborative necessity of these two important aspects of parish life.  In this capacity he is an important resource not only for our weekly liturgical life, but also for sacramental preparation and rites.
tim.hetzel@stfrancisraleigh.org

Kathleen helps support the many ministries of Care and Wellness as well as funerals. After years in the business world, she found that being on staff at St. Francis provided her the opportunity to really make a difference. Her favorite parts of being at St. Francis are meeting new people, hearing their stories, helping them find a deeper connection to the parish and open doors for people to see the ways their spiritual life can guide, comfort and make a difference in their own lives. Oh, and hugs! Kathleen loves hugs! When she has time, Kathleen loves to knit, cook, walk on the beach, watch the sun set into the ocean, sit with a cat or dog in her lap, and laugh.

kathleen.owen@stfrancisraleigh.org

Ashley has been a part of the St. Francis parish since 1988 when she moved here with her family from Florida.  Being only 5 years old when she moved here she has grown up in the St. Francis Community and now she’s excited to raise her son in the same community she grew up in.  What began as a part time job in 2010 working for and with her Community quickly developed into a full time career. Ashley is not only organizing and managing the summer camps of Camp Francis, Exercise and Parent Child Classes throughout the year, but now the Coordinator of Community Programs.  When Ashley is not at work, she is a busy mom to her 12 year old son Jack! She loves to go on fun outings with him and coach his soccer team.  She enjoys scrapbooking in her down time, perhaps while drinking a cold glass of sweet tea or Dr. Pepper!

Some other fun facts… She is one of 4 children and loves to wear flip flops ALL THE TIME!

Ashley.watson@stfrancisraleigh.org

Mary comes to us from Staten Island, New York, where she was born and raised.  For 20 years, Mary worked for the N.Y.C. Police department. Sergeant Mary has been a part of our St. Francis community for four years and joined OUR force here at the Community Center in 2014. Mary is our coordinator for the Athletics program and loves working with the kids! When she is not here, she and her husband, James run a household full of boys! She has a 18 year old, 14 year old and a 9 year old. They are all very active in sports!

Mary.arleth@stfrancisraleigh.org

Heidi and her husband relocated from upstate New York in 2001 and joined the St. Francis community later that year. Heidi not only has a background in education, but also in speech-language pathology.  Her twins are alumni of the preschool and she joined the staff in 2010 as a teaching assistant while also working as a pediatric speech therapist. Before becoming director, Heidi was a teacher in one of the 3-year old classes. She feels blessed to be able to work with children, to serve with caring staff, and to worship all in one place. She hopes to share her passion and commitment to the children and families of the preschool with the whole church community.  Heidi is excited to combine her education and therapy knowledge in her role as director of the preschool.

Heidi.Hobler@stfrancisraleigh.org

Shelley has been a member of Saint Francis since 1999. She began working in the preschool in 2003 teaching in the two year old program and then in 2012 became the administrative specialist. She has three children that have all gone through the preschool, The Franciscan School and Cardinal Gibbons. She loves working with the families and helping out in the classroom so that she can still interact with the children. When not working at the preschool she enjoys running, reading and spending time at the beach.

shelley.freeman@stfrancisraleigh.org

Mike is the Principal at The Franciscan School. He works closely with the faculty on their professional development, implementing the Diocesan Curriculums at the school, and ensuring the best educational environment for the students. Prior to his role as Principal, he was the Assistant Principal since 2010 and was a middle school science teacher at the school prior to his appointment to administration. He is professionally licensed in the State of North Carolina as a K-12 Principal and Middle Grades Science teacher.

mike.watson@stfrancisraleigh.org

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dawn.smith@stfrancisraleigh.org

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colette.dziadul@stfrancisraleigh.org

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Katie.Hall@stfrancisraleigh.org

Joanne has been a parishioner since August 1992. She graduated from Catholic University of America, with her BSN and worked in the hospital setting for several years before becoming a school nurse at The Franciscan School in August of 2000. She and her husband Kevin have 3 grown children, 2 dogs and a cat. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, biking, swimming and trying out new recipes. What she loves best about St. Francis is that everyone is welcome.

joanne.sullivan@stfrancisraleigh.org

Laureen is the counselor for all grades at The Franciscan School and has been a part of the school since it opened its doors in 2000. As counselor she provides classroom guidance, individual and group counseling for children, and consultation with teachers and parents, ultimately seeking to assist each student in having the best school experience possible. Laureen received a BA degree in Psychology with a teaching license from Lenoir-Rhyne University and an MS degree in Community and School Counseling from NCSU. She is married to her college sweetheart, Jeff, and together they have one son, Matt. Her role as school counselor at TFS enables Laureen to combine her passions for children, faith formation, and education.

laureen.wacenske@stfrancisraleigh.org

Rob is responsible for the financial well-being of the parish, parish schools and columbarium. He establishes annual budgets and works with the school principals and ministry leaders to ensure their operational needs are addressed while staying within their overall budgets. Rob serves as a financial advisor to the pastor as well as the parish Finance Council, Pastoral Council, and School Advisory Councils. He also provides support to the various parish oversight committees. Rob’s responsibilities also include overseeing the administrative and human resource aspects of the parish community as well as strategic long term planning.

rob.neppel@stfrancisraleigh.org

Esperanza loves that living her faith is part of her job. She is one of those rare people who always has a smile for another. She handles parish finances and has been a long-time member of the parish.

esperanza.neri@stfrancisraleigh.org

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Reji.John@stfrancisraleigh.org

Along with his team, Marc oversees the day to day operations of the parish. The Parish Operations staff view their primary role as supporting all of the church’s ministries. Providing a safe, clean and well maintained environment conducive to safety and successful ministry work is paramount. Additionally, as can be seen below, the operations staff is also responsible for assisting parishioners identify and use their personal gifts to serve the Lord, and one another; keeping parishioners informed through the communications office; maintaining the vast membership records and databases of our large parish; operating our active community center and many programs; and conducting classes under the Diocese’s guidelines in relation to providing a safe environment for our youth. We hope that you find our campus and staff welcoming, and are pleased to serve you.

marc.kielty@stfrancisraleigh.org

Click here to view the Operations staff

Diogenes is responsible for creative support and communications coordination for the parish. With over 30 years experience in marketing communications, both traditional and digital, Diogenes oversees the many platforms used to distribute parish information. He and his wife, Karin, have been St. Francis parishioners since 1987. Diogenes is also an award winning author of two Christian fiction novels, A Rabbit’s Tale: An Easter Story, and Persistent Evil. He is also the recipient of Hispanic Business Magazine’s Entrerprenuerial Spirit Award, and The Fr. David McBriar Collaborative Ministry Award.

diogenes.ruiz@stfrancisraleigh.org

Dave has several responsibilities that mainly revolve around technology and communication. He works on the parish website and database web portal, St. Francis Connect. He also assists with room reservations and the bulletin. He often conducts one-on-one tutorials and group training sessions to help the staff effectively use technology in their ministry.

david.crout@stfrancisraleigh.org

Trish is a long time member of the parish and joined the staff in 2012 as part time administrative specialist in youth ministry. In October of 2016 she transitioned into the position of Human Resources Coordinator. She is also the contact person for the Columbarium and Memorial Plaques. In this new role Trish is able to utilize her background in human resources while continuing to work with the parish and the schools. Born and raised in Upstate NY, Trish is happy to be in the South where the snow only makes brief appearances.

trish.adamkowski@stfrancisraleigh.org

Toni is one of the founding members of St. Francis, joining on April 25, 1982. She works in the areas of stewardship and membership and assists with the financials for the Franciscan School and St. Francis Preschool. Toni is also a tireless volunteer for the liturgical ministries group as a Eucharistic Minister, Master of Ceremonies, and Emmaus Minister. Toni also the church receptionist contact. In the past year, she has crocheted dozens of beautiful hats for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Toni handles all of this and more, so long as nothing conflicts with the Hokies football schedule.

toni.hammes@stfrancisraleigh.org

trina.sugrue@stfrancisraleigh.org