What a special place we are fortunate to call home. St. Francis Xavier Parish and School have been my home away from home for my entire life. As a baby I was baptized here, and my parents chose St. Francis School for my siblings and me. My childhood memories are filled with visions of Christmas Eve Mass packed with friends, joyful and very challenging school days, spending almost every summer day swimming at Brophy pool and every evening playing softball on the SFXAA fields. Much has changed since the 70’s and 80’s, but thankfully, much has stayed the same. Our school day still begins with Pledge and Prayer in the morning and the students are filled with joy while they learn challenging lessons. Jesuit principles are integrated seamlessly into their superior education, and I am so grateful to be a part of the amazing staff at St. Francis. For most of my fifteen years professionally at SFX, I have taught Junior High English or Social Studies, but most recently I have moved into the role of Director of Development. I am tasked with raising funds for the school to offset tuition costs for students with financial needs and to assist our principal in enacting our mission to cultivate excellence in mind, body and spirit and to send forth “kids for others.” It is a job I love. You can usually find me at the 11:00 Mass sitting on the Mary side with my boys. Please introduce yourself and share with me what makes St. Francis special for you.