BEACH HAVEN, N.J.-Francis Medals were presented to six parishioners at the annual Volunteer Recognition event April 28 here. Those awarded the medal were:
- Frances Buterick has been an active member of the parish for 58 years. She and her late husband, Peter, were members of the first group of laypersons commissioned to be extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. They were on the committee for approaching donors for the building of St. Francis Center at Brant Beach and were also donors. Frances was a team leader in the Renew Program and hosted and facilitated weekly meetings in her home. She is a trustee for St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Beach Haven.
. - Tina Kelsall has been active in the parish for 30 years. She has served as Eucharistic minister, cantor, finance council member, and a participant in Refounding, Renew and Partners-in-Ministry teams. She also serves as master of ceremonies for the Easter Triduum and Christmas liturgies. John Ullrich writes, “Tina has been blessed with an extraordinary gift of interior design and had unselfishly devoted her time and talent to renovating our four churches and planning the décor for the liturgical environment for major liturgical seasons and celebrations. Through the spiritual expression of her visual art, she has enriched our celebrations of praise of God in the liturgical assembly.”
. - Skip and Maddie Foley have been members of St. Francis for 10 years. During that time, they have been volunteers in the human concerns office. Skip works in the food pantry; Maddie in the reception office. They have been leaders of the marriage preparation team for five years. They are co-chairs of the Advent-Christmas worship committee, and serve on the worship commission, the care ministry to bereaved families, the formation ministry support team for friar interns (assisting Steve Kluge, Mike Jones and Zachary Elliott), the leadership teams for the Cornerstone Retreat for Men and Women, the pastoral care committee, and the annual “Creating Peace of Mind” workshop.
. - Jack and Mary Nevins have been members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish for 25 years, and full-time members for 11 years. For the past 10 years, they have been volunteers in the senior services office. Jack offers free legal services to indigent clients; Mary works as a legal assistant and secretary. They have volunteered legal services and advice to the parish and center. Jack and Mary have been team leaders on the marriage preparation team for a decade. They are members of the healing ministries prayer teams. They offer presentations and lead discussions on parish mission and twilight retreats. They are the chairpersons of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and also serve as Renew team leaders and team members of the annual “Creating Peace of Mind” workshops.