2023 Pastoral Council Election Candidates
Read what the nine candidates have to offer, the motivation to serve, and their hopes for the future
Jeffery Abramaitys
Registered at St. Francis: 9 years
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: While I have not participated in Parish-sponsored programs or ministries in the past due to my employment, I now serve as a lector and I am in a position that will enable me serve on the Pastoral Council.
Why I want to serve: I would like to put my talents and skills to use in both serving God and our parish.
Gifts I bring: Vision, and I say most respectfully, common sense. I am a traditionalist, and in this uncertain world, with its rapidly evolving changes, many of which are dangerous to our faith, I would like to bring a stable parishioner’s voice of reason. As much as we need to evolve and stay with the times, we need to remember our root faith. I would like to assist with navigating our parish through these turbulent times by participating in this council.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year: Family. There is no doubt that there is an assault on the concept of family and its traditional values. I would like to see our parish focus on the theme of family.
Doug Billingsly
Registered at St. Francis: 20 years
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: Many years ago, I lead an FCA program and 12 years ago my wife and I taught CCD at St. Raymonds in Lorton, VA.
Why I want to serve: I am 53 years old and only have a couple of years remaining to answer a possible calling of becoming a deacon, I feel that this appointment will provide additional background on serving the church and assist in making that decision. Moreover, I coach girls high school soccer that is where I feel another calling in shaping young athletes.
Gifts I bring: As a husband, father of six and grandfather of four I am always in a mode of leading and making decisions where someone is not going to be happy. Learning, growing, reading, and praying for the skills to gain consensus is a normal part of my being. Professionally, I have worked in the Information Technology field for 34 years. I am currently a Department Head for Unified Communications & Collaboration and manage a department of 30 employees with six direct reports. I have a worked at the MITRE Corporation in McLean, VA for the last 31 years. I have a master’s degree in cyber security for Penn State University, I love my career and have great pride in building successful teams. My passion for building teams is the reason I still coach soccer. I am an employee of Fairfax County and an assistant girls’ soccer coach at Hayfield High Scholl. I coached my daughters travel soccer teams from U5 through high school and I am now in my fourth year of coaching at Hayfield High School. My leadership skills, team building mentality and joy of working with people is why I believe I am an asset to the Pastoral Council.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year: Since COVID I know the numbers of those attending weekend mass is down, I see it every week at St. Francis. I would like to see those numbers increase and believe that I can assist with that outreach and assist in growing the mission of St. Francis. I do not believe it is one sweeping item to make that change, but several little adjustments and out reaches that will improve attendance and grow our church.
Joseph Burns
Registered at St. Francis: 34 years
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: I have been involved with the Saint Francis Parish for over 30+ years. I was involved as part of the fund raising for a capital campaign. I have been active and held offices with the local chapter of the Saint Francis council of the Knights of Columbus and have taken part in many of the Knights volunteer efforts and fundraising activities (i.e., Christmas baskets for the needy, fireworks sales, etc.) For the past year, I have served as an appointed member of the Pastoral Council after being asked by Father John to serve the parish.
Why I want to serve: After being appointed and asked to served have truly enjoyed my time on the Pastoral Council and see the important work that we do. I want to meaningfully contribute to serving St. Francis of Assisi in its mission. Our two children are now college aged and essentially out of the home and I would like to help “give back” to the community of Saint Francis of Assisi. Serving will also allow me to bring my personal skills and talents to the parish.
Gifts I bring: I would familiarity and experience to the council. I have served for many years in volunteer positions (Knights of Columbus, soccer coach, soccer tournament organizer, board member of a gymnastics team, etc.). I would bring my experience and willingness to serve others, my honest opinions, open mindedness, and my desire to make St. Francis of Assisi parish a better place for both parishioners and visitors.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year? The council should continue to be a collaborative and helpful group to help our Pastor in keeping the parish on mission. We should be the “voice” of the Parish in regards to the various ministries, the school, and the people of the parish. Lastly, I would like to see the Parish Council finalize the updated Strategic Plan and begin to implement it for the Parish.
James Casey
Registered at St. Francis: 13 years
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: Knights of Columbus’ various charitable works, Holiday Wreaths Lead, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan for 8:00 am Sunday Mass, Served on the Interim Pastoral Council 2016 – 2017.
Why I want to serve: I believe there is a need for Parishioners to step up and assist the Pastor when needed with advice to help him in his decision making. Council members should also take on some of the mundane tasks to allow the Pastor and Pastoral Associates to concentrate on more important issues.
Gifts I bring: Administrative experience as a Director of two non-profit organizations. Represented organizations on the National Marine Corps Council for 23 years. Oversaw outreach, recruitment, event coordination and logistics for largest military aviation awards program. Prior service on Pastoral Council at St. Francis and previous parish. Leadership, understanding problems and providing solutions.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year? I believe a Catholic education is very important, especially in today’s world. I would like to see the parish school fully supported and working together with our church on joint activities and events as possible. I would like to see our various parish groups working together for the benefit of our parish family.
Blair Dollinger
Registered at St. Francis: 10 years
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: I’ve taught at all grade levels at the Church of the Nativity in Burke, VA, St. Mary’s in Fredericksburg, and I’m currently teaching 3rd grade at St. Francis. I’m a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Women’s Group that meets monthly. I have also completed the Stephen’s Ministry training at St. Francis.
Why I want to serve: To further enhance my connections with St. Francis church and community, to meet more people in our faith community, to listen and learn about the needs, concerns and thoughts of our parishioners and work together as a team to address them.
Gifts I bring: I’m a wife, a mom, grandmom, daughter, preschool teacher, avid hiker, swimmer, cyclist, and outdoor enthusiast just seeking to make a difference in her community. I serve as a teacher advocate on my Preschool Committee Board, a position that brings the collective thought/ideas and concerns of the teaching staff to the Board for review. I consider myself a friendly, outgoing individual who has the ability to be a compassionate and caring listener .
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year? Explore ways to further develop connections this younger individuals and families in order for them to feel the desire and motivation to be more involved with their church and faith community. In general, to be part of a group that brainstorms and works together to implement opportunities to grow and strengthen our church while serving others.
Jean Jamrisko
Registered at St. Francis: 37 years
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: Over the years, I have worked on various committees, special events, and service projects including dinners at the homeless shelter, the spring festival, and Christmas gift drive, just to name a few.
Why I want to serve: I have been a parishioner at St. Francis for many years and my family has been blessed by the parish community here. I would very much like to “give back” by serving on the parish council.
Gifts I bring: I am now retired, but I was a school teacher for many years and I am known for my organizational and communication skills. I have a lot of experience working through issues by listening to various viewpoints and opinions to achieve common goals whether it was with a “team” of colleagues, parents, or students.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year: As St. Francis is known for being a welcoming community, I would like to see the parish continue to expand social activities to create a sense of fellowship for everyone. Also, I would like to restore some of the practices that had to be suspended during the pandemic whether it be liturgical details or parish activities.
Anthony Mercogliano
Registered at St. Francis: 19
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: A member of the parish since 2004, I’ve been involved in the following ministries: Eucharistic Ministers, Men’s Fellowship, VOICE, St. Francis Inn, Philadelphia, PA, and as an appointed member of the Pastoral Council (2016-17 and 2022-23).
Why I want to serve: I believe each member of the laity should be involved in spreading the message of the Gospel in some way. I was drawn to the description of the Pastoral Council as an opportunity to become Partners in Ministry with the Friars and staff of the parish.
Gifts I bring: I would bring maturity and experience from over 45 years of a military and private sector professional career and in volunteering in other religious/community groups in various leadership capacities. I believe my business and program/project management experience would be beneficial in supporting the mission statement and goals of the parish.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year: I would like to see the Pastoral Council continue providing our Pastor the support needed to spread the Gospel to all people in the local community through worship, education, social/environmental outreach, and community building activities.
Kristi Phelps
Registered at St. Francis: 23
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: I have been in the adult choir for 21 awesome years and wouldn’t trade it for the world. It has been my saving Grace, my spiritual uplift and community connection. Two of my children graduated from St. Francis. From the time they enrolled in 2001 until my spouse passed away in 2019, we were active members of the youth basketball program and Summer camp. I was the team statistician and logistics manager for whichever team my spouse was coaching.
Why I want to serve: Honestly, some of my friends encouraged me too. I hadn’t really thought of it before. I now have the time and space and am eager to take on a new role within the church. Don’t worry choir, I won’t be leaving you should I be honored with the opportunity to serve in this different capacity.
Gifts I bring: I have 38 years of leadership experience, planning, analysis, and management and the many written, oral and computer skills that come with it. I love people of all ages and backgrounds. I like a good challenge and am level headed. I know and love St. Francis which is a gift itself.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year: Building community through participation in a ministry, just one that interests them. St. Francis is so much more than Mass.
Rory Quinn
Registered at St. Francis: 13 years
Experience in Parish ministries/programs: Appointed member of Pastoral Council (Spring 2023; St Francis School Basketball Coach, 2017-2023. Volunteer at numerous parish school activities ranging from Spring Auction to St Francis Day in the Park to Fundraising outreach.
Why I want to serve: I have settled permanently in this area after a career in the Marine Corps. I want to continue to serve my community.
Gifts I bring: I am passionate about the character development of young people through the medium of sports. I would like to expand the sports programs in the Parish School to provide opportunities for our children to learn the planning, discipline and focus that is required to build effective teams so they are prepared to be productive members of society after high school. I am also comfortable raising money from sources outside the parish (and parishioners) and I would like to use this skill to build our resources to support needed expansions and improvements in and around our church and parish.
What would you like to see as the focus for the Pastoral Council over the next year? I would like to see a Sports Ministry formed to provide young people an outlet for physical fitness, to provide them a venue to learn character development, and to draw tuition-paying new families into the parish school.
The Polls are Closed
Thank you for voting! The results will be posted here as soon as they are available.