WASHINGTON — The Franciscan Mission Service will hold its World Care Annual Benefit and Celebration on April 5 at St. Francis Hall on Quincy Street N.E.
The Friday evening fundraiser, which will offer heavy appetizers, wine, a silent auction, live music, and stories from missioners, will feature Melinda Henneberger, a political writer for The Washington Post. Henneberger’s keynote is titled “Keeping the Door of Faith Open: Remaining in the Catholic Church Today.”
The speaker has a background in service, including volunteering with the Holy Cross Associates to work with women after abusive relationships in San Francisco’s Mission District. She also contributed to the recently published book, “Not Less Than Everything: Catholic Writers on Heroes of Conscience from Joan of Arc to Oscar Romero.”
This year, FMS’ 8th Annual Anselm Moons Award will be awarded to Sr. Pat Farrell, past president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Sr. Pat is being honored for her “humble and prayerful leadership, and courageous commitment to Gospel living,” according to Bridget Higginbotham, FMS communications coordinator.In the 1980s, she served in Chile during Augusto Pinochet’s violent dictatorship and in El Salvador during its bloody civil war.
FMS is seeking sponsorships, advertisements for the commemorative journal, and items for the silent auction. For more information can be obtained from the FMS staff by emailing info@franciscanmissionservice.org.
Tickets can be purchased online.
Paul O’Keeffe, OFM, FMS development director, is among the friars expected to attend the celebration.
News about other FMS events and programs can be found on the organization’s website and Facebook page.
— Compiled by Wendy Healy.