Virginia Parishioners Recognized with Francis Medal

Jocelyn Thomas Around the Province

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John O’Connor recognizes Francis Medal recipients Lucy Cason and Maureen Deutermann. Not pictured: Mark Trotta. (Photo courtesy of St. Francis Parish)

TRIANGLE, Va. — The friars of St. Francis of Assisi Parish last week recognized three parishioners for their contributions to the community.

Lucy Cason, Maureen Deutermann, and Mark Trotta received the HNP Francis Medal on June 5 at a Mass celebrated by John O’Connor, OFM, guardian. “We are so grateful for all you have done for our parish,” he said.

The three recipients, who are leaving their roles, have made significant contributions to the parish, located just 30 miles south of Washington, D.C., by donating their time and talent to a variety of ministries and initiatives.

Cason, a former member of the Province’s parish in Tampa, Fla., Sacred Heart, has been involved in creative and leadership roles at St. Francis. She has taken many photos that have been used in videos and on the parish website and also organized the RCIA ministry as “part of the team that reshaped the RCIA journey for close to 40 candidates and catechumens over two years,” said staff member Lisa Ostendorf.

“Her artful photographs have been compiled into videos summarizing the depth of emotion and celebration experienced during the Holy Triduum in 2015 and 2016. She also created a video that depicts the 2016 Women’s Cornerstone Retreat that will serve as the representation of the intimacy experienced by all who participate for years to come,” said Ostendorf, a pastoral associate. Cason, who served on the 2016 retreat committee managing registration and programming, is moving with her family to Louisiana.

Deutermann, a nurse who lives in Dumfries, Va., has been an active parishioner since 1987, serving in several ministries. She shared her choral talent in the parish’s music ministry serving as a cantor. She also volunteered as a lead catechist in the religious education program and has organized blood drives. She has served as chairperson for the parish’s fall festival, Francis Fest, for more than 30 years, creating with her commitment to the Franciscan spirit of hospitality, a “well-oiled machine with people returning to work with her year after year,” according to Ostendorf. Deutermann also served Holy Name Province during John O’Connor’s term as Provincial Minister through her role as a member of the HNP Wellness Committee and participation in workshops on health-related issues.

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Francis Medal recipient Mark Trotta. (Photo courtesy of Festival of Praise)

Trotta has been the accompanist for the parish’s music ministry for more than 20 years. In addition to being a gifted musician, he is known to display a Franciscan heart. “His graceful precision as an accompanist has formed the passionate melodies everyone automatically equates with the sound of St. Francis of Assisi celebrations,” said Ostendorf about Trotta, who is retiring and moving to North Carolina.

A brief video of the presentation as well as photos of many events in the Triangle community can be found on the parish’s Facebook page. 

The HNP Francis Medal was established in 1998 by then Provincial Minister John Felice, OFM. Recipients are people who display an uncommon contribution to the advancement of the ideals and values of St. Francis. Over the last few months, the medal has been presented by friars in New York City as well as at St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Md.

— Jocelyn Thomas is director of communications for Holy Name Province.

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