Please share a moment, ministry or experience at St. Francis Xavier that had a lasting impact on your faith or your family?
As volunteer leaders for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word program, we are blessed to have an opportunity to see firsthand how the children of our parish grow spiritually throughout the course of their elementary and secondary school experiences. Each Sunday spent with the children is a gift for us, as we see their energy, enthusiasm, compassion, and desire to place God at the center of their lives. Watching the children grow and become the next altar servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of communion, and choir members in our parish provides us with a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining the educational programs for our youth.
Why do you believe St. Francis Xavier is important to Mountain Brook and the surrounding communities?
As a family with deep roots in the Forest Park, Avondale, and Crestwood communities, we have seen firsthand the wonderful role that SFX has played in fostering a sense of community among the families of all ages in the eastern part of metro Birmingham. Although our parishioners come from many different neighborhoods, we are all united by the strong faith-filled mission of the parish.
What traditions, ministries or values of our parish do you hope will continue for years to come?
SFX is widely known for its strong educational programs which prepare our students, beginning in 4K, for a life centered in their faith. Our outstanding school teachers and PSR catechists have inspired generations of students to not only increase their knowledge of the faith but also to look for the ways in which they can share their talents and skills with others. We have watched with great pride as our SFX students have become leaders in their communities and have served in roles that have enabled them to touch the lives of many people throughout the state and the nation.
What excites you most about the Capital Campaign and the projects it will support?
We are excited to transform our educational facilities in a manner that will enable increased access and availability for all members of our parish community. We look forward to seeing the enhanced educational spaces utilized in ways which will strengthen the strong sense of community that exists in our parish.
How do you hope these improvements will benefit future parishioners, families and students (school and PSR)?
As a family which has many wonderful memories of special events in the parish hall and in the school buildings, we hope that the planned improvements will ensure that future children and families will be able to experience the same types of transformative gatherings and youth programs for many years to come.
If you were speaking to another parishioner who is on the fence on whether they should support this campaign, what would you tell them?
This campaign provides an opportunity for all of us to consider our legacy and the ways in which we can assist the next generation of children and families in our parish. In gratitude for what we have received, we are called to reflect on the parish’s mission and ensure that future generations are provided with the same opportunities that were given to us.
Complete this sentence: “I support the St. Francis Xavier Capital Campaign because...”
We want our parish to continue to flourish and remain a beacon of light for our entire eastern Birmingham community.
