Dear Parishioners,
The time has come to say farewell. This is my last weekend at the parish. I leave for St. Bonaventure University next weekend and will begin my ministry on campus. I have already been involved in Zoom meetings with the President of the University and the current Guardian (Superior) of the Friar academic community.
I will be working on an academic schedule which will afford me some time off during the year. I hope on occasion to be able to return to Triangle for a visit.
It has been a blessing and privilege to have served here at St. Francis for some 25 years. I will miss all of you, our celebrations of the Eucharist, the interaction with the faculty, staff and children of our parish school, and the many social activities we celebrated together over the years.
I am pleased to say that I leave the parish “in good shape”. We have seen our share of challenges over the years not the least of which the COVID pandemic. Not only have we survived, but our spirit is strong, and we continue to grow as a faith filled community.
Our parish school was recently evaluated and reaccredited. The report of the visiting team stated that we met and in many cases exceeded the criterion for excellence. My thanks to Dr. Barber, our staff, and faculty, for their hard work in achieving this level of excellence.
We welcome Dr. Sally Nicholson who began her duties on July 1st as the Principal of our school.
We also recently underwent our biennial financial audit and did very well. Thank you to our business managers and parish finance committee for their responsible stewardship.
We welcome our new parish Business Manager, Lisa Bongiorno, and our new bookkeeper, Jessica Ulsenheimer. Also at the front desk, welcome to our new parish receptionist, Lina Morales.
We have reorganized our Religious Education department. It is now the parish Faith Formation Office and Children’s Faith Formation office, under the very capable leadership of Sheila Noble and Angelica Silva.
My sincere thanks to the entire staff and the superb ministry that they perform. This parish could not function without their dedicated service.
Fr. Jim Scullion pending approval of the Bishop, will be your new pastor assisted by Fr. George and Fr. Chris. I want to thank them for their leadership, and their great personal support for myself, as pastor these past years.
And so it is time to say farewell. It has been a great “run”!
I wish you all the best and God’s many blessings.