When many parishioners think about the priests in their parish, they often have only a superficial view of them. They see them in their ‘day jobs’ and ‘Sunday best,’ but what do they know about them beyond their official roles? They may learn details from polite discussions after Mass and even learn more when those few parishioners have them over for dinner. They know, maybe, a little about their lives and hobbies, but how many challenge their priests to a grudge pickleball match? Or invite them over to watch football? Or ask them to play on their adult league soccer team? Or become a gym bro with them? Are these even possibilities? Little did you know!
Our two newest priests, Father James, originally from India, and Father Joseph, from Nigeria, are welcome additions to the St. Francis family and are interesting men beyond their vocations. Father Joseph is a soccer fanatic and wants to join an adult league soccer team. He says, “I want to join and be a part of a soccer team in the area. Not a professional team, if you know what I mean.” So that could be an opportunity for all you coed and men’s league Triangle Area Soccer League (TASL) members looking for another player. Here’s your chance! He also mentions, “I don’t look my age!” So check in with him, as he may be eligible for some of the ‘mature’ leagues that always need players.
Father Joseph isn’t the only athlete. Father James states, “During non-working hours, I play pickleball and badminton, and I go to the gym for my workout; I spend most of my afternoon hours on my physical activities.” Anyone looking for a pickleball or badminton partner or foe? What about a workout partner? Father James’ interests extend to the cultural arena as well. “I go to different museums, parks, and places of importance here in NC and neighboring states with some of my priest friends.” He adds, “I do explore the local areas, especially on my ‘day off’ just driving around.” “I am not interested in being alone or idle in the rectory,” he says, “I love to be in the company of others, do some activities, learn something new, and also make good friends.”
Father Joseph has a deep interest in meeting the parishioners. “I have been in the area for barely one month and am new to St. Francis and our parishioners. I want to ensure that I am present at any activity, before and after all the masses, where I can meet the members of St. Francis.” Father James’ strategy for getting to know parishioners is repetition. “I also try to know our parishioners by constantly interacting with them. I spend time asking their names, and even though I sometimes forget, I still keep asking them. I am happy people are patient and never tire of saying their names or introducing themselves to me!” He mentions they are kind and don’t mind reminding him of their names.
Leaving home and traveling to another country and culture for work is always challenging for anyone. Of course, they miss their families, but it’s especially tricky when they come from such distant countries. As he says, Father Joseph sets aside time to “make long-distance calls to my family in Nigeria.” Calls and Facetime do not fill all the voids, though, as you might imagine. St. Francis is fortunate to have the opportunity to experience excellent priests and learn directly from them about their cultures and experiences.
With the holidays on the horizon and three new(ish) priests here at St. Francis, we all have the opportunity to engage that famous ‘Welcoming Environment’ of St. Francis and get to know our clergy better. Introduce yourself, challenge them to a pickleball match, share a workout, or just find a chance to connect to get to know them better. We all know Father Jim, and it’s hard not to, given his personality. Our other priests may not be as ‘extroverted’ as Jim, but they are engaging, personable, and looking to make those connections in their new parish! You have the chance to get to know our new arrivals on a personal level and share your interests with them! It’s a win-win for everyone unless, maybe, you challenge Father James to a pickleball match or challenge Joseph to a soccer shootout! You won’t know until you do!
