Dear Parishioners,
A word of thanks to Sister Sara Burress, OSB and the Benedictine Community in Cullman for their support with Pastoral Care at Saint Francis Xavier. Sister Sara’s gentle ways and her faithfulness to those who she ministered will be missed. Hopefully, these values live on in our actions, prayers and care for the homebound, sick and dying.
Our parish community has been blessed with religious sisters serving in Pastoral Care for fifty years. Sister Mary Alice Voss, a Trinitarian Missionary Sister served in the 70’s and early 80’s. Sister Mary Alice’s mission zeal was unmatched. Sister Jane Bishop, a Benedictine Sister from Cullman followed for 25 years. She is at Sacred Heart Monastery with Infirmary Care. She started the monthly memorial masses and expanded parishioner participation in bringing Holy Communion to the homebound. Sister Sara expanded the ministry especially with teams for bereavement and the appreciation luncheon affirming the generosity of those who serve at Saint Francis Parish.
Like many parishes in the Birmingham area, our new coordinator of Pastoral Care for the parish is a catholic lay woman, Debbie Barg. She and her husband Guy regularly attend our 5:30 pm daily mass. Her background is in nursing and mental health care.
Father Paco, Deacon Neal and myself are grateful for the support and guidance that Debbie will provide in our ministry to the homebound, hospitalized and to the dying and their families. Debbie will be a part of our Pastoral Staff.
Transitions always bring a learning curve, adjustments, as well as opportunities and energy. At the staff meeting both Sister Sara and Debbie spoke about building on the foundation of the many parishioners and volunteers who dedicate their time, talents and treasures to the ministry of Pastoral Care. At Saint Francis, we are blessed with a foundation rooted in the Gospel of Jesus, who taught his disciples by word and example, to visit the sick, comfort and mourn with the brokenhearted and to bury the dead. The line in scripture that motivates me and that has proven true…. It is in giving that we receive.
In the coming weeks there will be opportunities to meet and visit with Debbie. Let us welcome her, as she officially begins her labor of love. We look forward to continuing this essential ministry of the Gospel, accompanying one another on the way into new life and resurrection.
Hope and Joy,
Father Joe Culotta, Pastor
