A simple tune that many children learn to play on the piano, “Heart and Soul,” runs through my mind as my fingers move across the keyboard. While a love song itself, those 3 simple words can also describe the passion that comes along with Francine into her ministry—from both her heart and soul.
Francine has been on staff at Holy Infant for three and a half years now, but she has dedicated her life’s work to ministry around the world. She has worked in parish and school settings in Ohio, Tennessee, New Jersey, Sultanate of Oman, and India. She uses her gifts and talents to encourage others, starting at the tenderest of ages, to share their love for God and neighbor in ministry.
Francine has touched hundreds of lives in her tenure at Holy Infant, and while COVID-19 makes a community-wide celebration challenging, we can all recall instances of influence in which we have been impacted by Francine’s heart and soul in ministry.
During our daily staff prayer, Francine often reflects on her personal encounter with Mother Teresa, now St. Teresa of Calcutta, when she was a child in India. A quote to live by, from St. Teresa, is “every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Francine’s smile, even behind the new-normal mask, exudes joy and love. Many staff reflected on these attributes, and the ways in which Francine’s laughter, enthusiasm, bubbly personality, and energy livened up the parish and the office.
In all that she does, to paraphrase Josee Meehan, it is clear that she puts great love and care into her work, the Liturgy, and for the people of Holy Infant. “Her generosity and willingness to go above and beyond will be missed, as well as her musical talent,” Lynn Sale remarked. She is “thoughtful in so many ways; she listens compassionately, shows appreciation for others […],” said Mary Shaver.
Fr. Robert writes, “the American poet Carl Sandburg once wrote, ‘Life is like an onion; you peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.’ Francine has many layers that have made me weep. One of these is her lighthearted humor that is often so funny that I laughed so hard that I cried. And then there is the layer that is her artistry and ministry as a musician; she has played music so sweet, with lyrics so penetrating that I filled with tears as I felt the presence of God in the moment. And now I have discovered a layer that I wish had never been revealed, her departure from Holy Infant. I cry as I lament the loss, but I smile knowing that she will always remain in my heart.”
We, as a parish community, echo this sentiment. Francine, you will be dearly missed and we sincerely wish you a relaxing and joy-filled retirement.
Lord, we pray that this may be a wonderful new beginning for Francine. Help her to seize every opportunity that arises and to explore the gifts that You have given her, so that they may continue to be used to glorify Your name. Amen.