NEW YORK — Friars at two Provincial parishes awarded the Francis Medal to five parishioners recently for faithful devotion to Franciscan mission.
Delaware
Ana Schmitt, a native of Puerto Rico, received the Francis Medal on Oct. 4 at St. Paul Church in Wilmington, Del., where Todd Carpenter, OFM, is pastor. Schmitt, a member of the Province’s Hispanic Ministry Committee, coordinates the parish’s Legion of Mary group, which regularly visits the sick and conducts novenas of home rosaries. She also coordinates the parish’s liturgical ministers and the Women’s Cursillo retreat for the Wilmington Diocese, based at St. Paul.
In addition, she has taught math and Spanish full time at St. Paul School for approximately 12 years. She often assists the friars and bishops with Spanish translations and has taught novices the language.
“Over the years, Ana has been a magnificent support to Wilmington friars,” said Christopher Posch, OFM, director of Hispanic ministry for the Diocese of Wilmington and chair of the Hispanic Ministry Committee. “With her assistance, friendship, constructive criticism, feedback, commitment, and playfulness, Ana embodies Lady Jacoba.”
Schmitt is shown in the photo above with her husband Peter, Chris Posch (left) and Michael Tyson, OFM, parochial vicar at St. Paul Church.
North Carolina
St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Raleigh, N.C., whose pastor is Mark Reamer, OFM, last month honored Ron and Jeannette Doggett, founding church members, who have volunteered faithfully over the history of the parish. Ron Doggett has served on the finance council since its inception, and Jeannette Doggett has brought the community together through “Friends in Faith” and “God’s Work Our Challenge.”
As generous stewards of their time and talent, they have helped the parish live out its mission to be “responsible stewards of our talents and worldly goods.” The Doggetts, shown in the photo behind the picture above with David McBriar, OFM, are recognized leaders in the Raleigh civic and cultural affairs community, where they live out their Catholic faith.
Also last month, the Raleigh friars awarded the Francis Medal to Sam and June Jordan.