RALEIGH, N.C. — In October, the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi here launched its St. Francis Builds ministry partnership with Habitat for Humanity, helping to fund and build a new house in Southeast Raleigh.
More than 35 members of the community participated in Habitat’s Apostles Build, working with 11 other Raleigh faith communities on a home that was dedicated on March 29.
Thanks to the generosity of many St. Francis parishioners, the family was able to furnish the house with approximately $1,000 in gift cards donated to the Advent Tree last Christmas. The cards were given to the Djatougbe Vimegno family to buy things for their new home.
The dedication of the Habitat Apostles Build home was attended by the Habitat Wake Board of Directors, the mayor of Raleigh, and St. Francis’ David McBriar, OFM, shown in photo, who led the group in prayer. Seven faith partners participated in the dedication ceremonies.
David’s reflection on the day spoke to the community’s commitment to Jesus and his expectation of us. He said: “The Gospel once more has come to life in the selfless, dedicated hard work of disciples of the resurrected Christ who have provided a home for another family in need. The joy on the faces of the homeowners, combined with the joy on the faces of the builders, is a testimony that love is at work in our world.”
Under the umbrella of Raleigh’s St. Francis Builds, an outreach service ministry, fall two programs — Habitat for Humanity and Katrina Recovery. St. Francis Builds, which is led by John Budway, will again sponsor and provide manpower for another Habitat home in September.
— Pat Mahoney is communications director for St. Francis of Assisi Parish.