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St Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission Compiled Information from the Collection of the Martin-Wall History Room of the Davie County Public Library Mocksville, North Carolina Table of Contents A History of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission By Dennis McCarthy, April 7, 1963 4- 15 Newspaper Articles 17-65 1 •o Vi vr> < 2 d J- -> o r h- Davie County Public Library ^ Mocksville, North Carolina o e o* •iy\ Kr) (A < iu. V/ 2 q:' L. A History of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission by Dennis McCarthy April 7,1963 Pages 4-15 2 Davie County Public Library ^ Mocksville, North Carolina o ■6 jr nn■1 t) A HISTORY OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC mSSION M3CKSVILLE, N. C. 7. Ll V Dennis J-lcCarthy April 7, 1973 I' I V) "o DAVIE CO. public LIBRARY MOCKSVILLE4 NG A HISTORY OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC MISSION MOCKSVILLE, N. C, The Catholic Mission of Mocksville was begun on Nov. 16, 11958. It was a mission of Holy Rosary Parish of Lexington, N. C., and has remained so except for a period when Rev. Thomas A. VJilliams was appointed pastor, when the Mission was attached to the parish of Salisbury, N. C. The Rev. James Keenan was appointed pastor of the church, and he celebrated the first mass on Nov. 30, 1958, the First Sunday of Advent. The first mass, and most of the subsequent masses for the next two years., was celebrated in the home of Lloyd and Catherine Van Benthuysen on Rt. 4(SaIisbury St.). Present for the first mass were: Mr. and Mrs. Van Benthuysen, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith and their sons Dennis and Chad(visitors from out of state), Paul Tokary of Cooleemee, Mrs. Katherine Van Benthuysen and Mrs. Rose Mahoney, both of Baltimore Mary land, and Mrs. Edwina Long of Mocksville. Not present, but one a of the first early members of the parish was Mrs. Lela(J.L.) Smith. ^ On March 1, 1959, the church had its largest attendance to 2 that date, with a total of 13 people, with 11 of those present £ xj receiving Communion. Eight; of those present were visitors to i/y X ^ the parish. S On March 4, 1961, the Catholic Layman's Association was founded, vjith Ml'. Lloyd Van Benthuysen being appointed President. Also at this meeting Mrs. Edw«ina Long was appointed Chair lady of the tJ DAVIE CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY MOCKSVILLE, NO s 2 Teachers, Mrs, Mary Pope was appointed Chalrlady of Parent Education, and Mrs, Catherine Van Benthuysen was appointed Chairlady of Fisheries.^ On April 5, 1959, Mass was begun being celebrated at the Armory on Railv;ay Street, in Mocksville. UTien it became too cold to use the Armory, Mass was celebrated in the small "night-office" of Dr. William Long of Salisbury Street, with Father ICeenan using the Long's 5" furnace room for confessions. On May 10, 1^59, St, Francis Mission eave First Holy Conniiunlon for the first time. The three communicants were Peggy Sanford and Eugene and Richard Pope,^ On July ?.2, 1959, Catechism was continued in the residence I of Mrs, Long for Negro children-most of these being from the Hall family. This event, plus the fact, the class was too crowded for a good religious education, forced one family of the parish to withdraw from the perish, and to join with a parish in Winston-Salem. This family has since returned to this parish and the third generation 7 cL - has been baptized, — On July 27, 1959, The Motor Chapel of the Diocese of Raleigh ) HJ 15 opened a two-week mission on the grounds of Davie County High School, S jr' At 9 A* M., a Religious Vacation School was held and followed by > ^ a I-^ss at 10 A, M, It was written bv Father Keenan that "we had 3: 0 d integration opy>osition which posed certain difficulties, Howeyer, IS' ' we continued to preach and live the teaching that all men were welcome in the Catholic Church," Because of this program, the 1 Sparks family was added. The members of this family were Mrs, i I DAVIE CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY i (p MOCKSVILLE. NO Sparks, and also John and Susan Spar'ks. Around August 15, 1959, the Van Benthuysens moved to Kew York. This was considered a great loss, because they vjere the first parishoners in Mocksville, and their home was the first chapel of Saint Francis.^ On t'larch 19, 1960, the.first child, a boy, was born into the parish in Davie County, His parents were Eugene and Roberta Ardis, /o and was named Anthony Eugene Ardis, During Jiarch, 1960, the house that was to become the mission house on the Yadkinville Highway just beyond the City Liraits was purchased. This is the house which is presently being used for services. It was given the name Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission. It was purchased partially through a grant of $4,000 by Mrs. Edwina Long. The total cost 'of the house was §8,500.'' The Faint Francis Mission opened on Easter Sunday, April l7, i960 with Father Keenan celebrating the first mass on this location. Also on this date Anthony Ardis was Baptized by Father Keenan.'^ j,'About the end of July, i960, Ben and liartha Nayder moved onto ^ a farm in the Fork Coromunity on Riverview Road. About tv;o weeks •o H later the first girl of the parish was born. She vms given the £ ' * 0 rj name Catherine Rose and scheduled for Baptism on August 2r, 1960. u> 5 On Au«>ust 30. 1961 (the Feast of Saint Rose of Lima) the first cL » ^ wedding to be celebrated in the Saint Francis Mission was performed. john.Ointher Jr. and Carolyn Deweese v^ere the participants. Father : Keenan officiated at the nuptial raass. DAVIE CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY 1 MOCKSVILLE, NO Xn 5 i4- <p" Z O e: to Lu (J^ 1 O 3 o £. k- <£ XJ » sn X u cJ X O 4 On Sept, 27, 1901, 4 Mary Miss loners (CUiy Apostles) from Statesville came an<l began work with the mission, Tvjo of them had been visiting homes and tv;o had been teaching class. Because of this, a fourth and seventh grade were added to the Keligious Education Program, On Nov, 29, 1^61, the Mission celebrated its third anniversary. It was stated that "God has been good to us and we are grateful for all his blessings," The average mass attendance at this date was 12, The mission comprised 6 active families. They were; Mrs, Edvjina T-ong, Mr, and Mrs, John Ginther and children, Mr, and Mrs, Ben Nayder and daughter, Mrs, J, L. SJmith, Mrs, Roberta Ardis, and Mrs. Helen Hyland and son Bill, The four Mary Missioners were also here for the celebration. They were: Rose Marie i^mone, Carolyn Givens, Mary Anson, and Dorothy Oros. These young ladies gave a party to the Megro children in the afternoon. It was a great success. About 17 children attended. In Nov, of 1961, Alex Hyland Sr, of Cleramons and Bob Ginther enlarged the chapel by removing a v;all and making two rooms into one. This gave the chapel a large amount of room for a congre- ,0 CO.. F-uaii:: gat ion the size of this mission, f*/10CKSV!LL£, fjc On July 23, 1962, the Motor Chapel came to Cooleemee for a two-week stay. Programs were conducted nightly. Father Charles Mukholland assisted by Father George Fleetwood was in charge. The first week was very successful. Many people were present each evening. On Monday of the second week the owner of the property asked the Priests to leave. No reason was given at the time. The Priests secured a Lot In the Negro area and finished out the week there. In Jan., 1963, Father Keenan was transferred to Christ The King Church in Kings Mountain, N. C. The Rev. Robert Shea became the new pastor. He was installed as pastor of Holy Rosary Church, Lexington, N. G., and St. Francis Mission on Jan. 30, li963 During the three years, Father Shea was pastor, very little was done in the way of improvements to the Mission. The religious education program was expanded, and the parish gained a few new members. In 1966 Father Shea was transerred and Rev. Ronald McLaughlin was installed as the pastor. The policies of the church were continued, and a Ladies Guild was started. This Guild has been expanded and is now a driving force in the church. The religious education program has been expanded and, under the guidance of Mrs. Helen Ginther has been continuing to improve the quality of religious instruction to the children of the parish. In June, 1968, Father McLaughlin was transferred to Our Lady of the Highvjays Church in VJaynesville, N. C. On June 12, 1968, the Rev. Thomas A. Williams was attached r to the Mission of St. Francis. During the year and one-half that V Father Williams was Pastor, the Mission was moved from the guidance \r> g of the I^xington Parish and placed under the juristlction of the Salisbury Parish. Father VJilliams was also named the chaplain of both Catawba College and Livingstone College Catholics. He set up Newman Clubs at these colleges and the older children of the parish went over to Catawba College. This lasted until August 15, DAV'E CO. PUBLIC LIBRARY ^ l/iOCKSVlLLB, NG ;j O Oi. 1970 when, during Che night, after celebrating the Feast of the Assumption Mass, Father Williams died in his sleep after a heart attack. For a period of about three months, the parish was without a pastor. Father McLaughlin traveled from l.'aynesville on Sunday, acting as a visiting priest, during this period. The Reverends Stahl and Friel were then transferred to the Salisbury Parish on temporary duty. Both priests were Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Eventually, Father McLaughlin was given, besides the Waynesville Parish, the Lexington Parish. St. Francis Mission was moved back under the jurisdiction of the Lexington p ^ . 21-Parish. After about a year. Father McLaughlin was sent back to the parish in Waynesville, and Father Silvestri came to the Lexington 1 ; i . , Parish from v;ilmington, Delaware and was also named pastor of St, Francis Mission. Also during this time, the church received a grant of $17,000 from Mrs. Gertrude Dann of Norwich Conn. Plans Qi 0~> ^ Co are being made to build onto the present church to be used for storage space and also for classrooms for the religious education p z¥ classes. 2^ vo Ui ZL. o ad X O Since the humble beginnings in 1958, the church now has a membership of 36 families and a total membership of 118 persons. N.v'.r- <^0 PUBLIC ! U, NC ]0 u.-jfot Hv.<- mepalofc" ff P Saint F/ap.qi^, p,|tho!ic Elfission YAOKINVILLE ROAD MOCKSVILLE. NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF the parish BOARO POST OFFICE BOX 642 MOCKSVILLE. N. C. 27026 : Allen I Maria (Eddie D.) ! Route ^ I Mocksville, N. C. 27028 ; Breecey Barry 0« ! Route ^ kf Box 110 I Mockevilley N. C« 27026 i Buncey John P. i Route # 4y Midv^ay Campground J Statesvilley N. 0* 28677 3 ^ Childreasy Maria (Allen W.) Bante # 6y Box 554-A ^ ksvilley N. 0. 27028 Phone I 65^3114 C;;' Churchy Joan (Roy) § 851 N. Main St, u Mocksvilloy N. 0. 27028 Cozarty Rosemary (Oavid) 1027 N. Main St. Mocksvilloy N. 0. 27028 Groniny Albert Route # 3» Orestview Dr. Mocksvilloy N. 0. 27028 £ d \ri % • <5; H 904 Duke St. < Mocksvilley N. 0. 27028 I i ^ DePuewy George S. ^ 6838 Rollingwood Dr. o Clemmonsy M. 0. 27012 qL ii t Draughny Virginia ^ Route # 6y Box 351 ^M^ksvilloy N. 0. 27028 DePalmsy Sheryl Ann (Ch Parish Directory 493-4347 No Phone No Phone 654-3890 634-3740 634-3388 arles) 634-3655 766-4675 No Phone Drillettey Thomas 634-5885 630 Salisbury St. Mocksvilley N. C. 27028 Duoharmoy Kathleen (James) 493-6715 Route # 5 Mocksvilley N. C. 27028 Blustondoy A1 634-3181 613 Wandering Lane Mocksvilley N. C. 27028 Ginthery John 634-5255 629 Gwyn St. Mocksvilley N. 0. 27028 Ginthery Robert 634-2986 Route § 6y Box Mocksvilley N. C. 27028 . Harrisy Avery 284-.2484 Route ^ 4y Box ll4 Mocksvilley N. C. 27028 Hartmany lynn (James) 996-4104 P. 0. Box 96 Advancey N. C. 27006 Hortony Carl 492-55®^ Route ^ 6y Box ^10 Mocksvilley N. C. 27028 Jenkinsy Kathy (Keith) No Phone Route f 8y Box I38 Stateavilley N. C. Longy Bdwina (Wm.) 634-2941 440 Salisbury St. Mocksvilley N. C. 27028 libra R'- Saint Francis Catholic l^llssion YAOKINVILLE ROAD MOCKSVILLE. NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF the parish BOARD POST OFFICE BOX 642 MOCKSVILLE. N. C. 27028 Marshftlly Pat (Thomas) Rout© # 5, Box 295-A ' Mocksvilloi N« C* 27028 Martin, Dwayno i Route ^ Box 6l I Mocksville, N. C. 27028 ! Medlin, Martha (Roy) Route ^ 2, Box ^14 I Mocksville, N. C. 27028 ■2,' Nayder, BenSf^ute # 2 .vance, N* 0« 27006 -H£! , ,_ O'Brien, Robert "2 Route # 4^ Mocksville, N. C. 27028 Pope, Gene Route § 6 Mocksville, N. C. 27028 o D Z Cci ,1:1trj; I ; £ u ILl 5cii x; cJ Pope, Mary (£• R») Route # 6, Box 76 Mocksville, N. C. 27028 Rellly, JamesRoute ^ 1, Box 2^. Mocksville, N. 0. 27028 Saunders, Mary £• Route ^ 4, Box 114 c/o A* Harris Mocksville, N. C. 27028 Beagle, Jimmy Ray^B^ute ^ 2, Box 6 A cksvllle, N. 0* 27028 495-6555 495-4559 k9^6l62 998-8661 No Phone s 495-4455 495-4250 492-7295 28ii-2i|84 Simpson, Kathy (Jerry) 492-^197 Route # 7» Box 526 Mocksville, N. C. 27028 Stanley, Dlaone (Kenneth) 654-5526 Route # 7 Box 54 Mocksville, N. C. 27028 Thomas, Jean (Olyde) 548-7117 Route #1, Box 185 Harmony, N« 0. 28654 Queen, Mary Pat (V/ayne) 548-7444 Route § 11 Btatesvllle, N. 0. 2&6n 654-5262 CfaV:: \3. FtXrrNOTES 1,Rev, James Keenan, Historical rvecord of the Catholic Mission of Mocksville. p, 1^10; Davie County Enterprise^Record^ Date and Page unknown. 2 Keenan, p. 1.; Enterprise^ page unknown; Talk with Mrs, Edwina Long, 3 Keenan, p. li, ^Keenan, p, 2; Enterprise, p, unknown. c -^Enterprise. p, unknown; Talk with Mrs, Edwina Long, ^Keenan, p, 3, 7 Keenan, p,3; Talks with Mrs, John Ginther, Mrs, Albert Cronln and Mr<j, Edwina Long. ^Keenan, pp, 3,5, ^Ibid,. p. 4, ^^Ibid,, p, 5, ^^Keenan, p, 5; Talk with Mrs, Helen Ginther, 12Keenan, p, 8, ^^Ibid, ^^Keenan, p,9; Enterprise, p, unknovjn, ^^Keenen, p. It), 16 Ibid,, pp, lO-lll. ^^Ibid,. p. 11, . , ; ^^Ibid, ^^Ibid.y p, 13; Enterprise, p, unknown, ^^Enterprise. p, unknown; Talks with Helen Ginther, tlrs, Albert Cronin, and Mrs, Edwina Long, 21 Talk with Helen Ginther; Enterprise, p, unknown. ^^Talks with Helen Glntherand Mrs. Edwina Long, ^^Enterprise. p, unknown; Talks v?ith Helen Ginther and Mrs, Edwina Long, \3 2A Talk with Mrs. lielen Gintber; Talk with Rev. Silvestri; Talk with Mrs. Albert Cronin; Talk with Mrs. Edwina Long. ' ^^Talk with Mr. and Mirs. John Ginther, Jr.; Talk with Father Silvestri. D/iV'/p ^— W. PUQl^fp ^'^'iOCKSV/LLC, /Vc SOURCES USED Cronin, Mrs. Albert Davie County Enterprise-Record Historical Record of the Catholic Mission of Mocksvilie. Rev. James Keenan, pp. 1W13. Ginther, Mrs. Helen Ginther, Mr. and r4rs. John Jr, Long Mrs • Edwina Silvestri, Rev. 0*1 r-ic Newspaper Articles Pages 17-65 2 o <5: U. 0 V-.' 2 <r u- f m 1 o j o Davie County Public Library W) Mocksviiie, North Carolina X o d rJ X CJ ; jt.'Sulhfcft itei. iSgg^tigMM! ;aiir6h KMgtoa WnJi St/irah-- jWfi Mission, lUofelcsvfiie, inAi: Wea-w, ^rte^day Jaji ^o J'5&8 l •h JS! conducWd^' nby Rt jRev i jSj, f the Ra--lelgh Iin6ces^ the cenfemonj^ con- m givjng Cf h nal Signif^g ^th^the ihato-'' [61 arid spiriiah,l n#^ds\of thebai-ish F i i t e ^ nV npigSibojjih^. priests TVeie gu^st5?^f botli p^r- S. Father Shk VL^^ni-'U jvell^ MasS and\dc6iv6d geSi- Inai'y ti-aining of eight years at i « Johns Home ^Missions Setri- p-vty. Little Roclr Atkansa^ I V<is ordsnned m 1955 at ' Sacfed H6alt ©alhfedrall H/kJel^S^ i N C His- pi-evioiis j«tfSio'mnents consisted in assftt^tr pastofafes^ Newton Gro\e and Goldsfero^ N-i": G.'- / L'7- /?|L3 I If JILL v' C-\ k I. — c 1 1 o \/l REV ROBERT F. SHEA, new Priest of Mocksville's St. Francis' Mission and of Holy Rosary Catholic Church of Lexington Father Shea replaces the Rev. J. F. Keenan former Priest who has been sent to Kings Mountain. ^ Davie County Public Library Mocksville, NO THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1963 -2 *3 Kr, yr-x Hi to Catholic Pastor. ^ Is Transferred | The Reverend James P. Keenarij raster of St. Francis Catholic .VT.V'-sion in Mocksville for the past 'our yr'?rs, has been transferred' 0 Cbfit the Kng Church in^ 'xings Mountain. N. C.. as of Jan 4. He is succeeded' in Mocksville by the Reverend Robert Shea, 'ormsr pastor cf St. Joseph's Church in Mom*oe. Father Keenon began the Cath- oic Miss'on in Mocksville in Dec ember of 19&8, at the time con ducting Sunday services in the home of one of the members. Late- the Sacrifice of the Msiss was conducted in the local Arm-' ory. In the Spring of 1960 the 'ittle white house which is the present site if the Mission was purchased. In his new assignment Father Keenan will direct newly ordained priests in the techniques used in North Carolina for the operation of small parishes. The missions of Chsrryville, Dallas. Spencer Mountain and Ranlo are attached to the Christ -the King Parish in Kings Mountai, which is a train ing center for these priests. u. O c ■2 cd U- tr- Cr> _» o c LV X o ■cJ |i(?^p<^nt^'-5jihe, Ronald V. -f^-r ——- — !{VroLaughlip\\Vas\'a^gned!:3^^ 'if''-",; >• •<" '■ o. '.:|^r::gr:|hp':Cat^9)^^^ .) ^ ^ f^iFather; v'^lcLaugWin . 'hails ^ , ' ' '.^ynn,.v:'?^Iassac}iu£etts, VW- >• , .'i^p- ;pieting .his se^,ina^rtrajn|iig;a ■ ^ ■John's, |n Boston, he was' ordainerr ^ >,^'.tiie.,priesthood:m Fpbniary ^iri,;'Durhani; "for/; ^rvjce .'in'eigh; Diocese ' I i ' ;^,Since■ then he-has 'served .p.arig.h^le§ in 'Wake Forest. .Butner^ ;^It \ ;Qlive, Wallace and Raleigh ^ . •" .! y While stationlid' iti'Raleigh,Oh MdLaughiin Ucted a&: Catholic' . ^ Chaplain to Central .iPrison, Women's iGirrectional Center,'; Dorothea .pix- "V'Vt f'V"'Hospital, and was active ia: vai'lous [ ; Ecumemcai ;acUyities in the. Cap!- tal City^''^.,'■'■'\ •'he 'is ;^S50Ci^. ^pf ,the ''Nprth "Carolina Catiiolib,'- and ■,? Assistant - Director; of ' Firmly!- Life!';,■ in,; the'■^^leigh' pioce^. '.■•■i:V'-,i' ■..! '^ yHe succeeds t|ie Rev. iRobert-Sheawho. was Recently. transfen-ed"^ to thej'pasjorpte yat^ S^.j ;Francis;'ChnH.h-)ill .l ^ '•y-' enterprise. RFmpn 6"- n^y St. Francis Bishop Michael Joe Begley,/ head of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, has givers approval of the buildinfe jplans for St, . Francis Mission in Mocksville. The new church building will be constructed on the present i site on the Yadkinville Road- -,' Tentative plans are ground breaking to take place in March or April with occupancy . of the new building in August. • Tennant^ and . Tennant ' of ! ' Salisbury are the architect?^: ,, 1.- C- I > ti C. Ground Is Broken For Catholic Mission Rev. Anthony F. Silvestri is show n above turning the first spadeful of dirt to break ground for the new building for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission on the Yadkinville Road. About 150 people were present Sunday, April 6, at thexauKinviiie ivoau. nuuui. uu .-i.... ~- — Groundbreaking ceremony. Father Silvestn was assisted by George DePuew, shown at left, presidentof the Parish Board; Douglas Tennent. architect; Mrs. W. M. Long; Albert Cronin. chairman of Uie building committee; and Mrs. E. R.IVl. LjUIIKi rkiuc«i w.v Pope. Among the visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davis, m-laws of the late George M. Van Kirk, in whose memory the IMe Mrs, Ger^ude Donn bequest^ quite a large sum to start abuJlding fund-- r - —- -• - ft Pa.co, (1,^, ij New Mission For Davie County ^ ^ Only seven months after its ground breaking, The Mission Church of St. Francis of Assisi dedicated its new Parish Complex last Sunday, October 5. "We're not calling it a church," said the Rev. Anthony F. Silvestri, pastor of tlie parish. "It's a multipurpose hall for religious activities as well as social and educational purposes." The new building, which seats 200 persons, was necessitated when the parish outgrew it's former building which would seal only about 70 persons comfortably. "It's really just a beginning," said Father Silvestri. The old building has been sold and moved leaving a spr ee in front of the newiy construct^ building for a church building to be added on in the future. That such expansion was necessary became obvious last Christmas when 163 worshipers overflowed the former mission. Father Silvestri Etiessed the functional asp^ict of the present building. "We use it not only for church services but also for education," he said. "That's what we had in mind front the beginning." Most of the building is taken up by the assembly hall in the middle. The en- tranceway on the front enters into the large hall flanked by an office and crying room equiped with a window and speaker for mothers with small children to hear and observe the service without <hslurbing other worshipers. Behind the assembly haU is a spacious kitchen for social functions within the church. There is also an upper room for the youth and the members of the churches Catholic Youths Organization are going to do the final finish work. A brief history of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission was printed in the program for Sunday's dedication service. It traces the churches growth from it's birth, with some 15 parishioners who celebrated mass in individual homes to today's new mission with 73 families and 817 mcmbora. The church became a Mission of the Holy Rosary Parish in Lexington on November 16, iwa. Father James F. Keiuiau was appulnlod Its flrsl puslur aitd celebrated tiie first Mass on November 30, 1950. Ry April of 1959, the congregation was using the facilities at the old National Guard Armory in Mockaville. In March of 1960, the present site was purchased and the Mission was placed under the Patronage of St. Francis of Assisi. In January of 190?, Father Robert T.'m llev. Iloriald NtcLaugWin was m- stailed as the third pastor of the Mission c'.iurch in and the chape! was renovated, enlarged and tlie Ladies' Guild wa&i begun. Father Thomas A. Williams was ap pointed pastor in June of 195a and die jurisdiction of the Mission was placed under the Salisbury parish. In May of 1970, Ihe Rev. Edward Friel, OSFS, was appointed pastor. Finally, the IH ►*:4'^Ascale mock:k (dark) as well i the front later. -up of the mission shows the new buildiiigte 'ell as the church which will be added onto P pastor of the Mission Church, it "was atthis time thai a $17,000 bequest was for- Awarded the parish from Mrs. Gertrude *nann nf Wnruri/'h'Dann of Norwich , Connecticut. Christmas of 1975 brought the number of families in the Mission to 44 and the ParishCouncil, along with its pastor, petitioned the Bishop for permission to build a multi purpose building for the celebration of theIjturgy and other religious and social functions. The ground breaking for this new building took place on Sunday, April 6, 1975. Twenty-six priests attended Sunday's dedication ceremonies, including anumber of former pastors of the mission. The Most Rev. Michael J. Begley, D.D.,Bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte waspresiding officer at the dedication, actingas principal concelebrant at the Lithergy of Thanksgiving. Father James Kenan, the church's first pastor, was in attendance and Father Silvestri, the present pastor, gave the Homily at. the service. Also present at the services were the Very Rev. Joseph Showfety, chancellor of the Diocese and the Very Rev. Joseph Kerins. The church is still considered a mission parish because the pastor still comes from Lexington to perform services. But the church serves the entire county v/ith some members coming from Yadkinville, Clemmons and Slatesville,-a ■* fact that prompted Father Silvestri to predict the mission would have a resident priest within a year's time. "None of this could have been possible without the sacrifical generosity of our parishioners and friends who have responded so well in their voltmtary labor and their financial interest," said Father Silvestri at the dedication ceremony. "This has proved an enormous impetus towards the meeting of our financial obligation," he said. "I pray to God that we will continue to grow as a good people, as a holy people, as a dedicated people." -L:'l lit ■a'':'-, •I'M ^ CATHOLiC i MISSION' Former Afisiiiifin The former building for the mission church, which has been sold, was moved from the site so Uiat the new building could be construried 1^ , ty,,. m ^;.yv V, 'ji£ '^vfx '/:>.. ^ ^ A*' --1^ K:4^' A , in-iH Father Anlhoii^' SilvefiUy, the mission pastor, offers the wine in celebrating mass in the new building. 6 - OAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD. THURSDAY. OCTOBER 9.1975 >'1 Vi-ara? fi-. ''" " " "L•'•'n n ftf f-" ■'^1 ''y DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, SPECIAL BICENTENNIAL ISSUE. JULY 1076 - SECTION IV ~ PAGE 5 The Mission Church Of St Francis Of Assist Davie's First Catholic Church The Mission Church of St. Francis of Asslal became a Mission of the Holy Rosary Parish in Lexington on November IS. J9S8. Father James F, Kernian was appointed Us first pastor and celebrated the first Mass on November 30, 19&8. . By April of 1M9. the congregation was uflil^ "dre-^slUUss at the old National Guard Armory in ^offk^Ville: In March of 1B90. the present site was purchased and the Mission was placed under the patronage of St. Fancis of Assist. In January of 1BS3. Father Robert Shea Ijecame Us pastor. The Rev. Ronald McLaughlin was in stalled as the third pastor oTlhc Mission Qiurch in 1966 and the chapel was renovated, enlarged and the Ladies' Guild was begun. Father Thomas Wiliiams was appointed pastor in June of 1908 and the Jurisdiction ' of the Lexington Parish with Father Ronald McLaughlin as Its pastor. At this time, the parish had increased to 17 regular families. By early 1972. the Rev. Anthony Francis pastor of the Mission Church. It was at this lime that a Sl7,000 bequest was forwarded the parish from Mrs Gertrude Dann of Norwich, Connecticut. A Christmas of 1975 brought the number of families in the Mission to 44 and the Parish Council, along with Its pastor, petitioned the Bishop for permission to build a muiif- purpose building for the colebralion of the Liiurgy and other religious and social functions. Sunday. October 5.1975, The new builSing seals 200 persons.; Former The former building for the mission church, which has >«-. » hecn sold, was moved from (he site so that the new irHSSlOll huilding could be constructed. 1 \s- DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, SPECIAL BICENTENNIAL ISSUE. JULY W76 - SECTION IV - PAGE 5 l! , ■J » 1 Vl " r V- ■ "-"'n•"-r^ v.*.• •5C' ; , .• .x'- -/ ' t.\ -v- •••' .'VltJ ' -V •Mi- w . ^'< ••KUH •• Lti : y- j.y; .'. *nt.V-• M' ••i" i v3 t^* 'i' » *■'• ■ >hms * • .Y ^; -.A'. St.Francis Of AssisilnstalisFirst Resident Pastor• n n W % , .j,.,,.. ,,^ofiii •iinoG .'vervwhere youddicts .s useful since everywhere youFather Noe! McSweeny was "as ,he tot resident pastor of SL Fran^js ^of Assist Church i" f ^Hav Nov 15 marked the date of Mc.nstallation and the Jning of St. Francis as a full fledgea ^' insullation ceremony com Jducted by Monsignor Richard Allen ofWinsion-Salem <Michael Bcgley. Although he has b«n ^moving into MocksvUle f®'' ^ Imonth. McSwceney waspresented the keys to the church ona small town like Mocksvill^said McSweeney, "St. Francis's «community, and I want c ,,keeping th^ people closeFather >I<Swecney *as^rn in NewYork City in 1918. He attended St Jolm sCollege then worked for a telephoneJoSny^fore joining the FrancacanS of the Atonement. Gt^ootGarrison N.Y! He graduated from theCathoUc University of Amenta mWashington, D.C. with aphilosophy and theology,psvchology. After attending NotreDame University for >\Yin SsSweeney was ordained as a 'n IM8by Cardinal Spellman at St. Patrick sPiihedrai in New York.Father McSweeney's first assignment. wL in Kingston. NIC. in 1948. Next hegave missions and retreats, working m• prisons and then with dni8 «dd.c's^nGreenwich Village in New York. He hasalso worked in the Rocky Mountains of.Canada with Indian "-'bes.^ _• Fifteen years ago. McSweeneyrehimeU to North' Carolina to leadparishes in Lumberton and High Pomt-"After Lumberton, I had a chance togo to Jamaica or back toVillage, but 1 wanted a sml lowm Ithink the experience with tbe drugaJO there are kids falling into drugs.Speaking of his experience as aCatholic father in the South, FatherMcSweeney said. "In 1984, it was a bigdifference. Most people had never seen aCatliolic priest before, but it really madeno difference when Ihey got to know you'^•Tl« world is getting smaUer. Mostdenominations are realizing how cl«ethey are more than how they are du'^Mocksville's new priest wants to leadthe 75 families of Davie County andsurrounding area in an ecumenicalspirit with other denominations. Wewant to carry on as a commumty of faithand fit into the whole commumty ofMocksvUle."« !-•."•V V 1 .-I«,lFather Noel McSweeny _O.V,E CO.,«V ENTER.»RISE RECORD. THCRSDAV, NOVEMBER 20. .080Dsvle County Pubri^&««»Mocksvilla, :,:•••Library■v,ui>ASvnie, M. ^ ). - S-/. of . • .• ^Sister Bemadette: Making A Difference)By Kathy D. OianinDavie County Enterprise-RecordIn the. three years that SisterBemadette McNamara has beenpastoral associate at St. FrancisCatholic Mission in Mocksville,the church's enrollment hasgrown from SO to 80 families.It was also under her leadershipthat the church reached out to thecommunity, sponsoring Fridaynight Bingo games, an annu^Shamrock Run bringing in runners from all over the state andan annual Blessing of the Animalsceremony."All of these activities, they'rea very important pan of parishlife," said McNamara, calledSister Bemadette by her congregation and friends. "All ofthem have helped bring the people of this parish and this community together."I believe that's what churchlife is all about, people comingtogether for worship and for having a good time in fellowship."Sister Bemadette's involvement didn't stop at St. Francis.She has work^ with cancer patients through Hospice of DavieCounty and Davie High studentson the Project Prom Committee.She has also given programs onher native Ireland forschoolchildren on St. Patrick'sDay.It is the people in the churchand community that Sister Ber-nadette said she will miss mostwhile preparing to leave last weekto woik on a mission on the islandof Rota in the South Pacific."It was a very difRcult decisionfor me to make because I am veryhappy here in Mocksville," shesaid. "I love the people at St.Francis. I love the county, but Ifeel we have to listen to what theLord is calling us to do."I'm willing to take the riskand to meet the challenge."Sister Bemadette plans to spendsix weeks studying at FortUiamUniversity in the Bronx andanother month visiting family inIreland before going to Rota, asmall island north of Guam."The island has about 1,400Catholics and there's just onepriest there, so I'm hoping to beable to help him with his pastor-ing," she said. "Also, they asked me if I would teach themEnglish. (Residents of Rota speakChanunoron, a derivative ofSpanish.) I'm sure I will be doing all kinds of things."Working on Rota is the fulfillment of a childhood dream forSister Bemadette."Over the years. I've had adesire to go there and never hadthe opportunity," she said. "Wehave sisters who are working onthe island of Guam and lastAugust, th^ opened a mission inRota and I was invited to come."Then, Sister Bemadene saidshe didn't feel ready to leave St.Francis, but she made a commitment to go in the fall of 1990.It's the challenge of workingwith another culture that hasSister Bemadette excited aboutthe move."1 just feel that 1 havesomething to share with the people there." she said. "After myexperiences here in Mocksvilleworking in parish minisuy andalso my past years of experiencein schools and administration,maybe this is the time."We wonder why things happen when they do and maybe thisis the time for me to be there."Sister Bemadene, who is 56,was a fourth grader in Irelandwhen she decided she wanted tobe a nun."At that time, I didn't knowthere was anybody else butCatholics," she said. "We usedto have mission sisters and apriest come to our school andshow us movies of their work. Ijust knew that's what I wanted todo."When she got to high school.Sister Bemadette was consideringentering the Community of theMedical Missionaries. "Theywork in Africa and China, 1 guessall over the world," she said,"and I was very much drawntoward the work that they did."It was her aunt, a Sister ofMercy in Belmont, who got herinterested in North Carolina.' 'She told me that North Carolinawas mission territory, too."Sister Bemadette said, "and eventhough I can't say that she reallyinfluenced my decision. I came toNorth Carolina to Belmont."It was in Belmont that SisterBemadene enrolled at SacredHeart College. From there, shewent on to Marywood College inScranton. Pa., where she earnedher undergraduate degree, andStetson University in De Land,Fla., where she earned a master'sin school administration.After that. Sister Bemadeneserved as teacher and principal inCatholic schools in NorthCarolina, New York, Florida andCalifornia. It was in Florida thatSister Bemadene was approached about the Mocksville position.Because St. Francis doesn'thave a priest-in-residence, thepastoral associate is the one whoworks closest with the congregation, helping members deal withdaily difftculties. sickness, familyproblems and death."Each day brought a newchallenge," Sister Bemadenesaid. "1 devoted a lot of time tovisiting the sick and people whoare in their homes and for onereason or another, are unable tocome to church and be with thecommunity.""Actually, living in a family ofnine children where you had toshare and give and take and lotsof times fight for what was yours,I think prepared me for living acommunity life later." she said."The community I came tolater was one big famDy, too. andcoihing into a religious life, it wasalso a family of sharing and caring and assuming responsibilityand also being accountable."When she recalls her time here.Sister Bemadette said the onememor>' that will stand out is thisyear's Shamrock Run."It poured from the heavens,"she said, "and people came fromall over the state to participate inthe race. I couldn't believe people would come out in that kindof weather. We had 110 mnners,and we were all soaked."How would she like to beremembered?"I would like people toremember me as having made adifference in their lives," SisterBemadene said. "And I don'tknow how to say this, but I wouldlike to be remembered for mysense of humor and joyfiilnessbecause 1 believe that's a very important part of life."OAVIE CO. PUBLIC ySRARYMOCKSVILLE. 1^ Sister Bernadette McNamara on her move to Rota: "I'm willing to take the risk and to meet the challenge.Sister Bernadette was at St. Francis for three years— Photos by James BarringerOAVIE CO. PUBLIC UBRARYMOCKSVlLUiL N« -IMVtr; COUNI Y RNIKIU-RISK UKCOHt). lUllKSIMY, .rune 21, 1990 The membership at St. Francis grew under Sister Bernadette's leadership. Sister Bernadette talks with Wendy Glen and Rosemane Rowland atrout parish activities 996..... , •Geary Named Catholic Mission AdministratorJ n chapluin of ihc mcUical jrxl iJcmal testine. Ai the same lime, (^ Hi- iivwed across town lo . .®. . r... .i— c.-historychaplain of the medical and dentaltesting. At the same time, GEffective July rBishopDonoghuc ap-pointed FatherEdward A.Geary, S.J. ad-vaBBjAiNtjsMon of SaintofMocksviiie.Geary was at Gearythe Jesuit House of Prayer m HotSprings, where he was a spiritualdirector and retreat master.Geary was bom m 1930 inBaltimore. Md. He attended iheparish school of Saint Bernard Dughthy the Sisters of Mercy and then IheJc.suii High Schixii of Loyola. Inld4d. Geary entered the Jesuitnovitiate of Saint l.saac Jogues atWerncrsvillc. Pa-College and seminary studies in-chnla-stic philosophy were completed ui theJesuit Seminnry in Plan-sburg. N.Y. In 1953-54. he eoiw-plcted a graduate-year of study inphiksophy at Fordham University inShrub Oak. N.Y.A shott-livtfd career in hi^ schoolie-4ching began and ended in 1954-55at Gonzaga High School inWashington. D.C.. where Gearytaught Latin. English, and ancient. He moved across town toGeorgetown University at the end otihai schixil year lo become asMsiantdean of men tor the next two years.From 1957-1961, Geary studiedtheology at W.xxlslivck College inMaryland near his native Baltimore.In I960 he was ordained lo thepriesthood by Cardinal Shehanfollowed by a founh year of theologystudies- during which Geary al.soacted as chaplain to the StateHospital at Springfield. In the spnngof 1961 he ww assigned to the VillaS. ignazio in Fircnzc. Italy.After an opportunity lo visit atlength in Rome and a leisurely triphome through western Europe.Geary relumed to GeorgetownUniversity as dean of men.In Ihe early 60s Geary became active as a counselor on campus, aswell as handling ihe traditionaldisciplinary chores of the dean ofmen. At various times, he was alsotapped to assume responsibility asschools. He also served a year asuniversity chaplain.The university sent Geary hack toschool to obtain a degree inpsvchology since his work hadbecome increasingly psychoihcra-peutic. In 1971. he completed hisdoctoral work in theclinical/counseling psychologydepanmeni at Catholic Universityand began a clinical internship at theUmvcrsity of Tennessee .MedicalComplex in Mcmphis-!n 1973. Geary began an association with Loyla College inBaltimore. His work there includedteaching, directorship of the counseling center, and work as a professorof pastoral counseling in thegraduate school.In 1979, Geary became a staffmember of the Consultation Centerlor Clergy and Religion in the Archdiocese of Ballinwre where he didpsychotherapy and psychodiagixKiicearyworked part-time for the State ofMaryland court system doingpsyehoiogit.il as.sessmcnts ofjuvenile delinquents in the SouthernMaryland counties and- Ihc PrinceGeorges suburbs. After 10 years inthis kind of work. Geary moved tothe less sircMlul work of spiritualdircetioo its Hot Spring;-- DAVIE COUN IT ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 6,1997 • Sister Of Mercy Takes A New Role With Mocksviiie Parish , .,, n ■*■ ■ - -; •'•'.'■i ..-Jvi''-. t'Vr ',V'- ■, . • ,• ,-' '■1'.'.^.. .„t-. i.' • ■(' •. ., _ >.■ - ' ' • .-, •'•'■'•'•■„■, ■•. •' ■-■.• '''T/ '.'••■• . •. • . . ',•■■■/'m-- V • . '. .. . ^ r. '■ V ■ ••■ . • •'■ - I •' s- '•>'• ' , ^ "'V .ill, . '' '* ' .. v-v. ■/■ ^:, -.j,-.' 'Sisler Anila Sheerin is the parochial administrator for St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksviiie. - Photos by Robin Fergusson Bawe County Public Library Mocksviiie, NC DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 6,1997 a o in to to to < u. O ti- a Li- {r> to uJ X o Gi :3 cJ County Public UbianMocksviffe, Nc , By Morgan Harper Davic County Enterprise Record Anita Sheerin left home for the first tiine when she was 19. • Home was Pennsylvania. Forty seven years later, home is Mocksville. n Sister Anita, 66. has been working inMocksvillesinceJuly 12,1996when she was appointed paf(x:hial adminis- . tratorof the St. Francis of Assisi parish on Yadkinville Road. The Sister was commuting from Salisbury until volunteers from the parish repaired the house shcbas moved in to approximately one month ago. . Sister Anita is a Sister of Mercy, a religious communi^ founded in the Catholic church that {Abuses on the principles of education and health. : Anita has been raised in the realm of Catholiceducation.beginning with her Catholic school days in Philadelphia. But she thought about the things young girls think about. "In my teens, I thought about boys. I dated, I had my crushes and all the rest," she said. "Inthebackof my mind I knew that this is where the Lord is calling me." Sister Anita's chance to leave Phi la- delphia, which she said was "too big," ' tame through a distant cousin in North Carolina. The cousin stopped in Phila- ; delphia on a trip from Massachusetts back to Shelby. '! "She asked me what I wanted to do and I told her I felt like I wanted to be a missionary," Anitasaid. "So shcaskcd n me, "Why not come to North Carolina? t; "This state, I think, still has the lowest Catholic population in the United States," said Anita. Shccamc to Belmont in 1930. n As the youngest of eight children, she was homesick. "The longer I stayed, the longer I felt this was for me," she said. • After her undergraduate studies at Belmont Abbey, Anita made her final vpws in 1956 to become a Sister of Mercy. Anita also obtained an admin istrative degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After making those vows. Sister Anita's life began revolving in and around schools. She taught elementary ^ucation for a number of years and, beginning withherappointment in 1965 as the principal of St Michael's School in Asheville, has been principal of schools in North Carolina, Long Island and Florida. "Working with kids has been a wonderful experience forme," she said. "I felt fulfilled in my ministiy. It rein forced my thought that this is where I belong." But last year. Sister Anita got a different kind of calling, this time by telephone. The church called me and asked if I wanted to be a parochial administra tor," she said. "I said, 'I don't know if I can do that, fin not a priest,' and he said, 'You've been a principal. You can run schools. You can run a parish." "The one question I didn't ask is 'What do I do?" she said. Coming to a strange town and not knowing anyone was a challenge for Sister Anita, but the parish reached out to her. With 82 families and 225 pa rishioners, the parish is small com pared to some she has worked with, but so far she says it has been fun. Before coming to Mocksville, Anita had never lived or worked alone. "It was my first time not living with two or three sisters in a convent," she said. She felt overwhelmed. "Initially I thought, 'Where is my secretary'". "I have people skills, not skills in finances," she said. "That takes a lot of my time." Sister Anita is enjoy ing the time she is able to spend in the community. She visits several community nursing homes, and perfonns Autumn Care's Wednesday morning prayer services. She has also gotten involved with Davic County Hospital's as one of their chaplains. Sister Anitaattendedameet- ing along with other area ministers to discuss the hospital's need for a chap lain. At first she asked herself what she was doing there, but "by the second meeting, they were people just like myself," she said. Once a month Sister Anita visits with patients, an experience she calls "very enriching." Patients there are "faith- filled. "It's amazing that as soon as you say you're a chaplain, they just talk about their faith," said Anita. "Re ligion is not an issue." "The spirit of the ministers has im pressed me," said Anita. "I have found a lot of openness here." Suster Anita has also found a room mate. Sister Teresa Susana Dandison, who works closely with DavieCounty's Spanish speaking community. Dandison is also sponsored by the Sis ters of Mercy. "We pray together and support each other in our ministry," said Sister Anita. "We're just people who are trying to do good," she said. "We all have a vocation. We're here to reach out to others and be happy." People make Sister Anita happy. "In religious life you're not limited in religion. You're free to be there for everybody," said Anita. "And I think people give me energy." "I don't have a lot of gifts," she said. Anita can't play the guitar, she can't sing, and she doesn't consider herself artistic. "What has helped me is to be the enabler of other people's gifts." "We all have gifts but nobody has all the gifts," Anita said. "If we share them, we can have all the gifts." Sister Anita said she will stay in Mocksville through theendofthe year, then her staying will depend on if she's been good for the parish and if she has the energy to continue. "I'll go on a year-to-year basis," she said. "My main goal while I'm here is to give everything I've got every day." "This parish has tremendous en ergy and what makes me happy is that they share their gifts. "I need their gifts to keep building," she said. 3^ DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 6,1997 fm' ••'■ " \;f-' .-j/^-'vP*'-''::v '131 Sister Anita Sheerin: "What has helped me is to be the enabler of other people's gifts." 4 ^ .. i Davis County Public Libraiy Mocksville, NC DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 19,1998 I \-^ Record Number Participate In Annual Shamrock Run A record 182 runners took to the streets of Mocksville during the 1! th annual Shamrock Run sponsored by Saint Francis Catholic Church on Sat urday morning. The runners participated in lOK (6.2 mile) and 5 K (3.1 mile) runs, as v: • ■'■{ well as a 5K walk. Scott Walschlager of Winston-Sa- lem crossed the tlnish line first in the lOK run in 33 minutes. 46 seconds. A runner for 19-years and former runner for Indiana Slate University. Walschlager called the Saint Francis run "enjoyable." "The wind was a little brisk, and it's definitely a hilly course like the entry form said." according to Walschlager."] enjoyed thecourse.lt was achallenge." Second place went to Duvie High School senior, Garrick Hill of.Advance. The fi rst female finisher in the I OK run was Susan Mixire of Woodlcaf. with a time of 49:27. Top finishers in the 5K run were Steve McCachrcn of Asheboroin 16:36 andJulieSmithofClemmonsin 19:10. The 5K walk winner was Roxanne Goughnour of Mocksville in 4! :09. There were 29 participants in the events from Mocksville. 15 from Ad vance. a record number from Davie County. Runners and walkers represented 38 tow ns in North Carolina. They also came from Georgia. New York and West Virginia. The youngest participant was 4. the oldest 77. Six were over 70 vears of Scott Waischleger crosses fin ish line first in 10K race. •••'' V ' V Julie Smith of Clemmons was the first female 5K finisher. Chuiuhv.s n C p..'MI N I S HCi^ii#1/l^f'PJm',■' rti'i^iiirtiahiiii'Wii'lyi Tiiiu ■n^y ff<(M^N^MiVin"'i^ ■ iif « giaiiffe^iii,<^,««;"'. 1;. ■-.^- '■ .-, ■.And they're off: runners start in the annual St. Francis Shamrock 10K and 5K runs in fvlocksville on Saturday morning.- Photos by Michelle RogeDavie County Public LibraQfMocksville, NC Thp first project is to buy a new copier for the Mocksville parish. "We also hope to enhance our education program." If successful enough, bingp funds will be used for community- wide projects, she said. McNamara thinks it's good fun — especially for the area's elderly. "I don't see it as gambling. It's an opportunity for people to get together. A lot of older people have nowhere else to go." The bingo has created a positive response from Mocksville residents, McNamara said. It gives people something to do, and brings life to the downtown area at night. -The bingo equipment was pur chased by a friend of die parish. The games are conducted by church members, who work in teams. Each member has to ^or)t one night each month. : The gaptcs are from 7-10 p.m. And it isn't just straight bingo. There are several types of games played on the bingo cards, wfiic|) are marked by ink dabbers. "if it's too easy, people get Mike Barahardt Davio County Entefprise-Recofd It was a coo), foggy and rainy Friday night. Not muc good for anytlung but staying at home, maybe even goir to bed early. But the Rotary Hut in Mocksville was packed with pe< pie, ink dabbers in hand, listening iiitently to numbers b ing called over a loudspeaker. It was the first night of bingo sponsored by the St. Fra cis Catholic Mission in Mocksville, and more than 75 an residents came for a chance at the several hundred dolla in prize money. They came from across Davie County, fro Kernersville, Winston-Salem and Salisbury. State regulations on bingo, considered by some as gumb ing, are strict. "You have to be very specific about recording each gaii — the money taken in apd the money dispursed," said Sisii Bernadette McNamara, The ftmds must go to a non-pro) group, such as the Mocksville chprch, and the money hi to be kep.t in a • n 4 bored." McNamara said, "so you "I'm S'aJ everyone is having ^ have (0 vary it to piake it mofe o^ good time, having fun and epjpy- ing ita challenge." She looked over the first night crowd with a smile. . Sometimes people get too serious, like when they play cards." • , • VJ r\-- DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Jan. 20,2000 Father Andrew Draper By Mike Barnhardt Davie County Enterprise Record In 1960, a group of Catholics began meeting in side a house, not too far from the current Yadkin- ville Road site of St. Francis of Assissi Catholic Church. Now, the church boasts nearly 100 families who diligently work to gain the money for a new church building. And they are being assisted in worship by a priest Father Andrew Draper, a third-order regula: Franciscan who hopes to help the church grow, anc reach its dream of a new sanctuary. "From that little house and the faith in those fami lies, it has grown to this,"' said Draper, a 53-year- old cheerful man who in is own words, is a Yankee who kept moving South. "People around here are great. People keep com ing here asking if I need anything. They're so happ\ New Priest At St. Francis VA v^ to have me here. They don't want me to leave." Draper has traveled many places, and studied at Villanova and the University of Toronto. He has served large churches with thousands of families, and at a nursing home. He likes the people of St. Francis in Mocksville, and thinks the new church will help draw more pa rishioners here, maybe some who go to larger, more elaborate churches in other towns. Draper wanted to be a veterinarian as a child, and first got the idea of going into ministry when he at tended a prep school operated by Franciscans. The Franciscans, he said, study the life of St. Francis, a 13th Century saint who gave up his wealth for God. There's the story of a murderous wolf, whom St. Francis tamed by befriending it by taking a thorn from it's paw. "By seeing God in all creation, he brought others Please See Priest - Page D3 o u: 37 DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Jan. 20, 2000 Father Andrew Draper hopes to start a new sanctuary for St. Francis, Priest Now Serving St. Francis Continued From Page Dl around lo see the same thing." Draper said. "He had an elTeet on people be cause of his closeness to God." Alter 13 years as a brother. Draper missed baptisms, weddings and con fessions. He is close to his parents, who live in High Point, and m audi tion to church work, can enjoy his hobbies ofreadini;. traveling and lis tening to music. Glad not to he in the city, he al ready has baptisms and weddings lined up lor coming months. He's .itarted dailv mass, adjusting the time almost weekly to accommodate more people. "There's more people coming back, and I think has ing a priest here IS a draw." Draper ^aid. "! want to build a new church. 1 would love to get that started this year ... and u.se this as the all-purpose building. We could oiYer u lot itf things to help the community " .Altltough the building is impor- lani. it diiesn'l make St. Francis of AsMs.si. "Ii'n ik'I this building that is the church, it's the people." Draper said. douniy tui DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Jan. 20, 2000 here is a draw." Draper: "There's more people coming back, and 1 think having a priest Cou.iiy Public Library ^ocksville, Mc DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 9,2000 vO \rt \A St Francis Catholic Church Becomes By Alesha \L Price The Catholic News & Herald It can be called the little parish that could. The church began as a vision and a dream for three families in the Mocksville area in 19SS, and 45 years later. St. Francis of Assisi Church is a visible and thriving presence in the area. From celebrating Mass in the homes of the original three families to the present building, Mary and Eugene Pope have been there from the begin ning. The family had been attending Mass in Winston-Salem when they decided they wanted their own parish. "We were very close-knit then, and we still are," said Mrs. Pope. "I am surprised about the growth. When people started coming from up north the congregation just started getting bigger." When there were 11 families, the liturgy began to be celebrated in the local National Guard Armory, moved to a small house that was jlurchased, and then, the present sUticture was built where the house once stood. "We keep things very personal, and we are interested in what one another is doing. We try to involve everyone in the parish activities," continued Mrs. Pope. The parish has seen many adminis trators and priests come and go over the years, including Mercy Sister Bemadette McNamara, Mercy Sister M. Anita Sheerin and Mercy Sister Mary Carmelita Hagan. "I enjoyed working in that commu nity because there is a great spirit among the people," said Sister Bemadette, now the administrator at St. Joseph of the Hills Church in Eden. "They had to bond together to keep the church go ing." November 1999 brought cooler weather and the arrival of a pastor. Third Order Regular of St. Francis Father Andrew Draper, who had been the chaplain of Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point, where his parents are in residence, was sent to the parish. "When I arrived, there were about 98 families, now there are about 120 families," said Father Draper. Along with the installation of the first pastor. Father Draper attributes the growth to additional Masses, a Saturday vigil and daily Masses, and the steady growth in the Mocksville and surrounding areas. "What amazes me is how the pa rishioners can rearrange the building from a church to a hall to something else by simply moving the folding chairs," joked Father Draper. As more families poured into the parish, there came a time when some of the male parishioners agreed that in order to better serve the needs of the community, St. Francis needed a Knights of Columbus council of its own. The fact that Father Draper is a fourth-degree knight hitnself may have a little something to do with the newest council in the diocese. Through the effortsof Grand Knight Roger Hunckler, Past Grand Knight Jim Gildein, District Deputy Knight Matt Reilly and State Deputy Knight Bob Singer, the St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus Council # 12610 has the distinct honor of a Jan. 1,2000, inception date. They are the first new 7- "Z. /A 4 Davie County Public Library Mocksville, NO :> cJ MO DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 9,2000 Thriving Presence in Area •z VJ ifi ir> <C counciloftheniillennium in OicUnited States. "After Masses, Father Draper would encourage the men to sign up, and we were able to get the 30 men we needed for the council," explained Gildein. "Anytime you start something new, that is already great, but being able to tie it in with the millennium was really special and important." Some of the projects that the coun cil has been involved in include repair ing and replacing the front steps of the church, replacing the front doors ofthe church and doing electrical work in the kitchen and back areas of the building. Their meetings are held on the prop erty of a fellow knight who owns a nearby hall. Gildein is not only involved with the Knights of Columbus but has also been the Shamrock Run director for the last two years. The Shamrock Run has become an event that the parishio ners and the conununity have looked forward to for the past 12 years. In 1988, while Sister Bemadette was the administrator, she, Vince Mannino, and his daughter, Anna-Jo Mannino, came up with the idea for a fund-raiser for the building fund. "I felt it would be a great conunu nity builder and that people in the parish could work and do things to gether," said Sister Bemadette. "Of course, the idea was that it would gen erate funds, but that wasn't the original purpose. It was a way for the other area churches and surrounding community to become involved with the congre gation." So, named after a symbol of her Irish heritage, the Shamrock Run was bom. For the first year, there were 33 participants in the 5K walk and run and the lOK run. Last year, the number Jumped to 182 runners and walkers. This year, on March 11, with coopera tion from the local Chamber of Com merce, the route will now pass through downtown Mocksville. When Sister Carmelita asked Gildein to take over as race direaor, he had no idea how much he would have to do. He and the comminee are in charge of advertising, and this year, there is a website mnning on the Internet. They worked with the loc^Z chamber to create a new course that* would challenge the participants. I; "This is the largest fund-raiser for- the church, and there is a Ipt of parish and community involvement. There has been so much positive growth, and there is a positive spirit and ftiendship among the parishioners," said Gildein. Vince Mannino has volunteered his cooking talents in past years and man aged to get many items donated and has generated support firom local busK. nesses through his work as the parishi fund-raising conunittee chairpersonr • "This even brings a community at^* mosphere to the town," said Mannino. "The youth are the reason why we need a new church because they are impor tant; they are the ones who will be here ^ after we are gone." Contact race director Jim Gildein- for registration forms, (336)998-92fl2: or St. Francis Church, (336) 751 -2973.1 Registeron-line at www.racegate.cotTil* Saturday's races will travel down Main Sueet in Mocksville. Don't be surprised if you hear bagpipes, Mannino said. VJ <* a. U- C3 X V- \n \*> X o Dswie County Public library Mod'vSV'iile, NO Ml ■f o V\ o vyi a T' 9^ DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 16,2000 Records Fall As Shamrock It was a day for records. A total of 240 runners and walk ers took to the streets of Mocksville for the 13th annual Shamrock Run & Walk sponsored by St. Francis of Assissi Catholic Church. That's up from the previous record of 183 last year, and way up from the 33 who participated in the first event. St. Francis members, all of whom almost always volunteer for the event, had a record number of par ticipants, with 28 running or walk ing. and seven of those going home as winners. And two records were broken, the male lOK (6.2 miles) at 33 minutes. 44 seconds, and the overall 5K walk at 34:19. There were some new runners, and some familiar faces. Margaret Hagerty always makes the trip from Concord, and Richard Hamilton, 78. Arnold Hecht. 79. and Herb Keller. 80, have been running it for years. This year. Hecht brought seven family members and a friend, all of whom entered a race. Linda Hartle of Mocksville. who is more accustomed to working out on the walking machine at the Davie Family YMCA. entered her first race. She placed third overall with a time of 39:32. Wade Leonard of Mocksville. who ran in the Myrtle Beach Mara thon last month, his seventh, partici pated. And the number of young people - those on their own two feet and those being pushed in special "stroll ers" by a parent - continues to in crease. The new course took all of the runners and walkers through down town Mocksville. First place in the 5K walk went to George Antonelli of Mebane. Second place went to Larry Seymour of Asheville, a N.C. Senior games champion in the race walk. He had a time of 34:19. Linda Hartle fi nished at 39:32. 5K Run Overall winnes in the SK run wee Mark Looney at 17:22 and Bonnie smith at 20:00. •Age group winners follow: 10 and under: female - Stephanie Jarvis. 30:02; Rose Robertson. 30:43; Megan Grey. 31:45: male - Tim Kochy. 25:52; Micah Smith. 27:14; Steven Jarvis. 33:22. 11-15: female - Lindsay Coomes. 21:27; Janel Darcy. 22:27; Brooke Har ris. 29:02; male - Cody Moore. 20:15: Tommy Wilson. 21:45; Michael Paoni. 23:52. 16-19: male • Ryan Strader. 17:55; Cody Angell. 22:23: Andy Almeter, 23:55. 20-24: female - J.F. Williams. 25:00; Sarah Johnson, 27:50; male • Jason Childers. 17:38; James Honaker. 21:13; Jeff Cruz. 21:56. 25-29: female - Merridith Stutts. 24:37; Amy Hatley. 26:42: Judy Sweatman. 30:21; male - Robert Miller. 17:44; Chris Amburn. 21:49; Scott Callison. 22:01. 30-34: female - Joan Howard, 20:48; Leigha Joens, 27:54; Amy Devercaux. 31:44; male - Jeff Exline. 19:58; .Mark Vollinger. 22:56; John Bullins. 38:49. 35-39: female - Jackie Whitley. 23:41; Beth Cassidy. 32:30: Donna Ful- lerton. 36:45: male - Tony Rouse. 21:29; Jay Konter. 22:00: Stephen Coats. 22:59. 40-44: female • Terry Coomes. 25:28: .Meleah Goulds. 26:26; Linda Harris. 41:09; male - Johnny Watkins. 22:09; Eddie Moore. 22:48; .Mike .VlcCall. 23:00. 45-49: female - Emily Robertson. 36:44; male - Rodney Lee. 20:02: Greg Kiziah. 20:12; Eugene Thiebaud. 20:22. 50-59: female - Dona Johnson. 30:08; male - Jim DeHart. 21:17; .Mackie Johnson. 21:33: EricGibbs. 23:10. 60-64: female • Dorothy Sides. 34:24. 65-69: male • Luther Thompson. 23:43; Fred Sides. 32:41. Over 70: male - Arnold Hecht. 34:40: Herb Keller. 38:51. lOK Run The overall winners in the lOK run were Kevin Hill with a time of 33:44. and Teresa Tagnani with a time of45:52. Age group winners follow. 11-15: male - Jesus Cabrera. 38:25; Michael Sturgil. 56:19. 20-24: female - Scottie Pate. 51:16: male • Jason Childers. 39:09: Jonathan Wilson. 40:05; Bradley Ferree. 43:28. O >Davie County Public Library Mocksviti^, NC Mi Homing pigeons are released at the beginning of the Shamrock Run Saturday. lein.ile - C;in>l ini; Paul. Aaiy^ha Khtir<h;cd, 56:13; male • Cecilio Cruz Casiillo, 36:5R; Painuk Ferree. 39 25: MiaucI Anaol Guiiorr:/ 40'2S 30-34' lemaie - Chrisiie Huilineer, 4": Rhonda Lee. 4S.45. Kip ciyhurn, aO:38; male - Rich Vandert'ord, 40:34; T.-es A)cock, 42:33. Deiinib Pope. 43:57 35-39 I'emaie - .SuMin Bjcrkc. 5 I aa. Lisa Honnican. .^a Oo. Bercic Chapman. 04:24: male • .Mark Lonnes. 36 03, Chri>!ODhcrSpanoJr, 3:'af); Da\id Lee 3S;I4 40-44 icmalc - Trudy Gi ic. 47,44. Pam Same. 49.21 . Linda Cjuscy. 1 :00: !c. male - Richard Fer^usiin. 35'37; Dan Qradic;.. 42.4S; Tmn Hoiirihan 42:59 40-49 Icmalc - .Anne CiKiiiipl.Dn, 4.5 26. Jeanne McKiiin. 53 19. Bc;h \'»'ilsiin. 57.14. tiiiiic - Groii KiZMi. 4.1.34; D.ii id Hall. 4.1,4S; Aihcrl Yezarski. 4,S'30 50-04; male - Rick Diihnian. 45'30. Ira Bradley. 45 39; .Sieve Bcsliearv 45 54 00-04 .male • Jack Imhrah.iiii. ■'O 09 J-ick Laca.. 53 32 6.5-69' male - Dick Rosen. 1:02:39; Rohcri Conner, 1:09 35 "0 and Over: I'cmale - .MaruarcL Hager;y, 1:22:30. Oavie County Public Library MocksV'Hle, Nc v-,t5 •• c fN- -C-L-. c V c f t --O•*1^ <ni'So o2Cktv'vt W^Runners in the Shamrock 10K start their 6.2 mile journey through Mocksville on Yadkinville Road,- Photos by Mike Barnhardiijrs#mm)Runners and walkers of all ages entered the 13th annual 5K Shamrock Run and Walk sponsored by St.Francis of Assissi Catholic Church In Mocksville. DAME COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 16,2000 Rose Robertson, 10. was one of many young people partici pating in the races and wafk. \ ■m: 97 -J r- -f.! Margaret Hagerty, who has entered foot races in seven continents, hasn't missed coming to Mocksville for a Shamrock Run in entire 13 years the races have been leer bherry Burgio takes a number from Tim Kochy. It was the first Shamrock Run for St. Francis' new pastor, Father Andrew Draper. - DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 29,2001 Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court, St. Francis, take part in the installation ceremony. Catholic Daughters Installed The installation of the Catho lic Daughters of the Atncricas Court, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, took place on Sunday. Jan. 7, at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Special guests present were: State Regent, Dorcen Wairen; Past Slate Regent. Lucille Kroboth: Past State Regent. Geri Butler: State Membership. Mary Ann Graba.shy. Also present were members from the Salisbury, Charlotte and Greens boro Courts of The Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Fa ther Joe Kellcher, retired, of Winston Salem presided. Officers for The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court. Si. Francis of Assisi. are: Regenc Orpha Russell: Vice Regent: Donna Sharpc: Record ing Secretary: Clare Hunckler. Treasurer: Cherie Graham: Fi nancial Secretary: Jean Jones. Members are: Addic Burks. Angelique Zickmund. Annette Peak. Barbara Kollins. Cherie Graham. Christina McGowan. Clare Hunckler. Dolly Campbell. Dolores "D" Spry, Donna Sharpe. Betty Kissee. Freddie Sprinkle. Janet Church. Jean Jones. Josephine Ciciuila. Kathie Sircit. Laura Powers, Linda Harris. Mary Carter. Maureen Gildein. Mitzi Grey. Nancy Gerrety, Nancy Lucky. Orpha Russell. Pat Zickmund, Phyllis Stevens. Rebecca Rebbe, Rosemaric Rowland. Sandra Ginthcr. Sarah Fahey, Teresa Dandison. Catholic Daughters was founded in 1903 by the Knights of Columbus and is the largest national organization of Catho lic women in the world. The or ganization is dedicated to strengthening the spiritual fife of Catholic women through Christ and His Church, They are orga nized in 42 states. Puerto Rico. Dominican Republic. Mexico. Virgin Islands, Guam and Suipan. The St, Francis of Assisi Catholic Daughters meet at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the church on 862 Yudkinville Road. Mocksville. The pastor is Father Andrew R, Draper. TOR. * Catholic lay and religious women, ISyearsofageorolder, who love and support the church and wish to participate in social and charitable activities, are wel come to join The St. Francis of Assi.si Catholic Daughters. Davis County Public UbraryK/locksville, NO DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 29,2001 Shamrock Run Draws 266 Athletes To Mocksville Robert Miller didn't set the Shamrock Run record when he crossed the finish line in the Sk (3.1 miles) road race March 17. ; And he didn't set the record when he crossed the flnish line id the Shamrock Run lOK. ; But he did set a record by winning both races in the 14th annual event sponsored by St. Francis Catholic Church in Mocksville. ; A total of 281 people signed lip for either a 5K fitness walk. \J\ J X 5K run or lOK run, a long way from the 33 who participated in the first Shamrock Run. Miller finished the lOK 1 course in an even 3S minutes, beating out Russ Fiedig (35:31) and Rodney Jackson (36:17). He finished the 5K course in 16:49, followed by Dwight Jacobs in 17:58 and Christopher Spano in 18:11. The closest finish of the day was between Rhonda Lee and Teresa Tagnani of Mocksville, who sprinted to the finish line with Lee a second better than Tagnani at 46:21. Kathy Seavers was third at 48:14. Christy Lee won the female 5K race in 20:01, ahead of Addie Bracy, 21:58 and Lindsay Coomes. 22:07. All of the winners were first- time winners in the Shamrock. Favorite Margaret Hagerty, who hasn't missed a Shamrock Run, finished her usual first in the 5K and lOK races for the fe males over age 76. The course took the runners through historic downtown Mocksville, a re-certified course that is devoid of dogs that plagued the Sanford Avenue course, while still remaining sce nic. Twenty-six of the runners ran in both the 5K and lOK events, with 90 in the lOK and 157 in the 5K. Thirty four took part in the fitness walk. 21 of whom were new to the Shamrock. A steady group of church vol- unteers did everything from keeping the times, watching for traffic to handing out food and other prizes donated by area businesses. Brad Cartner played music, and George Ray was em cee to keep the crow entertained. u X Ml Davi^County Public Ubranf Mocksville* NG - DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 29,2001 Runners leave the starting line for the annual Shamrock Run 5K race sponsored by St. Francis Catholic Church %fy Race Director Jim Gildein first the gun to start the 14lh annual Shamrock Run 10K race through l^ocksville streets. in Mocksviile.- Photos by Mike Barnhardt V^- Volunteers keep track of the runners and their times. Davis County Public Library Mocksvilie, NC - DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 29,2001 m Triathlete Stephen Fuller- ton crosses the finish line In the I OK. Robert Miller, shown win ning the 10K race, also captured first int he 5K. D3vi2 County Public Library Mocksville, NC DAVIE COCN'TY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Nov. 1, 2001 - Bazaar co-chair Fran Wilkie concentrates on getting the piece just right. St. Francis Church Fall Bazaar This Friday, Saturday This weekend Mocksville's Si. Francis Catholic Church will host it's annual Fall Bazaar at the church at 862 Yadkinville Road. It will be open 3-8 p.m. on Friday. Nov. 2 and on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The Eatery at Si. Franci.s will be serving Friday and Saturday. The menu will include abaked potato bar. fresh garden salad, beany homemade chili, and homemade de.ssens. Ham and sausage bis cuits will be offered Saturday morning for breakfa.st. The bazaar will offer a bounty of original handmade items ideal for keeping or giving, everything from home and holiday decora tions. decorative clothing, to gifts for young and old. and everyone in between. A white elephant sale will add to the fun. Parishioners of St. Francis have been working on bazaar items at home and in work shops for almost a year. Pies, cakes, and other gondie.s will be offered. A wealth home canned jellies, jams, and salsas straight from the summer's bounty will be for .sale. Drawing for the raffle of a large framed cross stiich/'beaded ••Win ter Elegance'• by Ruth Hunckler, a hand-pieced tree skirt by Fran Wilkie. and a Christmas Rose afghan by Chcrie Graham will be held Saturday near the end of the bazaar. St. Francis is working to build a new sanctuary. The church of fers mass four mornings a week. Wednesday evenings at 7 and cel ebrates the Sabbath with four masses; 5 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.. !0;30a.m.. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday. DAVIE county enterprise record, Nov. 1. 2001 - Bazaar co-chair Ann Arnold (right) assists Laura Pow ers with a decoration. Tere Freiberger (right) puts the finishing touches on an angel while Barb Koltins creates embossed gift cards. These handcrafted items will be sold at the St. Francis bazaar. r. n rnurtv P'J'oVic Ubrarv DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD. March 28. 2002 St Francis St. Francis of Assisi Caiho- I lie Church broke ground March | 17 on a new church buildmg. n Construction on the new P church that will seat approxi- 1 mately 300 people should begin within a week, said Vincent Mannino. chair of the building cotnmitiee. The Most Rev. William G.Curlin. D.D.. bishop of the Dio cese of Charlotte, brought the | message at the Sunday Mass prior to the groundbreaking cer- emony. He congratulated churcti members on the new building. but told them not to lose their perspective. •'You've got a sense of what a community is ... it's a love of Jesus." Curlin said. "Don t ever lose that sense. Jesus, Jesus.Jesus, that's what the church IS. The church has grown to in clude 175 families, and needed more space than available in thebuilding on Yadkinville Road. The new church is being built in a field behind the present structure, and will face Valley Breaks Ground For New ChurchBiM ashc"liam G. Curli^i^ens to Mocteville Mayor Francis Slate. Road, Mannino said. It will in clude five classrooms, and tneold church will be converted into a fellowship hall. They hope to be in the new building by Christ mas. . The design will be a similar look to the new CCB building next door. Mannino said.•There was a lot of hard work and a lot of donations, and do nations don't always come by money, they come by the genCT- ositv of our town." he said.' The communhy had a lot to do with ''' Mocksville Mayor Francis Slate. State Rep. Julia C.Howard and Chamber President Joan Caner were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. The church was full ol parishoners • some of the same Mople who have made the new building possible. They sup ported church functions such as holiday dinners and dances. Mannino said. "l would like to thank all ot the parishoners in supporting this dream we have. grotindbreaking. ■•It-s going to be nice. 1 have to ihank Father (Andrew) Draperfor giving me full reign ... undso many people ... all the ^parishoners." j Oavie County Public Ufareiy Mocksvifift, DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, March 28, 2002 )s A Itwas packed at St. Francis ol Assisi Catholic Church with the Most Rev. Wiiiiam G. Curiin spoke for the groundbreaking csrernonv• Photos by Mike Barnhardt OavlA County Public Ubrary Mocksviile, NC Sister proves It's never too late for ministry f By JOANITA M. NELLENBACH Correspondent M()CKS\'!LLi-: 'l iriv Iutc sj'fandnia.' llu' U'l'ti- .liiiT a^ SislL-i' Slisic l)aiii liM)i i (•\iir<l l iu' HclmoiK Al>bc\ Colici;!' ^lam, (lipionia in haiul. Soiin-onc tried to lorreei hiin- No, 'hat \vas a nun. Joshua IJriiKetield. |nn\- lAi-r, kiirw wi t,It he was lalkiiie jIkhiI Meiaw Sister Teresa Susaria Dandison — known to t'\frvt)ne as Sister Susie — is niolher o(" koiii" and erandmotlier to t 1. Befiire site earned that diploma in lO.o,'). she raised a fiimiK and heeanu' a Sister of Mer< \' of Belmont- In her nari\e Bnenos Aires, Argen tina. she and her p^ar- eiits Were Catholir itiit didn't attiitd ehnreh regiilarU'; she doesn't la.'eall her C'atliojie- •■sehnol le.'iehei's ijilnk- i ite ot her .is a potential sister. Susie marrk-d John Dandison. an .Vrga-ntinean of I-jieiish de- seelil. in lO.-Jo wlk-n slii- \\as 17. i"he\ arn\etl in North Carolina in Ifi.V', after spending time in LJ'ugua\', hngiand and C ieorgaa. rhe\' li\ed in Saiisliui'w where their lour ehiidreti arteiule<l Saered ileart Seh(K)l, Susie was inx'oKed in ihi- sc hool aitd in Saered I leart parish. John tiai\ eled. sc-ilirig industrial ehemiettls. In 1971. tlteir oldest daughtei" mar ried and their okicsi son had |usi gradu ated fiatm high school when .John dic-d of a . heaia attack. .Susie de\ (>red herself to the eluidren . still at home. She iilso worlw-d titnl xcent t( i sciiool part time and ministered to the 'wulowi-d. separated and di\oi"cc-d. lAcn- mallv she took a f<d) in in\entor\ eonlrol , at Ingersoll-Katid- Thi'ee \'ears alter her husband's death. "~lusi' made Cursillc .a d met '^isu-r- , \]ere\ I'aulirte Clitliird. nieinU i' < >! dn .Merc Teresa Sus ( . II ••il lo leal 1 1 I ti Jd I i i T I (1 II nighi 1 : nigl ha\i ' a eocalii 'i ;, Sister Susic said "I'd ,iK\,i\.s c-n|o\ed working in the cJuirch. The idea of U'ing a nun didn t .ipjx'al to uk-, iiiit 1 Itepi ihinking alxiiii ii - tigainst nw better ludgnient, I though thei'e must be inoi\' to inv life than working and dtitiiig soiiii' and ha\'ing a gisxl i iuie." The (let ision to I 'l iier religious life took H I \'ears '1 thmix what at- iraetei l me ro it \ca.s mission, and tiieii eommiiriity. and then you would have ample l ime f(ir pras'er." site stiid. learned lh;it it you w;iMl hours ;ind hours till" pra\'er you ha\e to iiuike time tiir that. We're not clois tered woun-n: we'i'i- in ministry." Finally, .k-suit Fa- t hi 'f lovfph MeCloske\. lioin siie'd met tlirotigh eharisii iatie renewal, told her to make llie leap or fiirget it. .\ sister from one order had tiJd her she was too old, hut ccheti Sisti 'rs ot Merey \ isited Sat red I le.ii t tor a eiJehral ion, she mentioned to Sister .leannt,--.Marg;ireT kleNally that she thought she had ;i \()ea- iion. Sister .leani le-Margaret tisked iier age. Sisti r Susie n called licit. "1 said, '1 m too old. tind she said. 'Oh. no you're not.' It \'oufe open to (rod's niesstige, \a)u're go ing to get it. 1 \\as w illing to talk alxnit it and discern. [ felt that (rod w as catlling me to something." SusK- eiueretl the Sisters otMc-rc\' "t' Beiuionl soon after, at age in I.9S-4-. Her ehildren. now married. su[)- ported her. "The\' were happ\' that I'm happy," Sister Susie sai.j. "The\'d rather see me hus\' liian sifting at home." .Mter making her final vnws in 1.991 . .Sister .Susie serxed as I'haplaii i at Mc-re\' South llospital in Charlotte. She ot'ieii interpreted fiU" l lisp.atiic jaitieiit's who ^1" 'k' • !i: tji t n" Ik I Fngiisl 1 Xtter .! '.x l 'ile, dionyh, she hegan to \' .Sister titia Dandison thin', .ihotu changing her minisirv. Sl ie learned that Sister .Anita Sheerin had been tissigned as pastoral administrator at St. Fiamcis of .\ssisi Church m Mocksxille. "When .Anita was asket! to eome oxer here. I thought ma\Jx' U was time to do soiiK-thing (moixh with mv Spanish. " Sis ter Susie said. "1 asked lUX' eommunitx' il l could come out here to do an ouu-each to Hispanies. antl tliey xxere xer\' generous." She helps teach Fnglish to third- to tifth-graders at William R. Dax ie Fi- emeritary School. One wav she does this is the teacher gixes her a math problem, which she- tisks the children to sojxe. .\ child will retid lite |)i'ol)lem, and Sister Susie w ill help vxiih any words thev don't undei-stand. She helps xxirh reading class in the same wfiy. •At Daxie CountN' Health Depart ment, she interprets at a preiiauil elinie ;tnd. oecasiontilly. at the courthouse. "My ministry goes ti-om the su[)lime to the ridieulcuis. '^Fhe suhiinie is li iai \xt haxc- Mass in Spanish exerx' Siindax. 1 translate tin- the Mass." she said. She also assists xxitii baptismal preparation. Sistc-r Susie has no regrets about ciioosiiig a nexx" life: "If'l hadn't tried it, I wcxuld spend the rest ofmv life xxishing 1 had." siie said. (niiltid Corri'Spondfuf .huiHW: \[ \i'l/i-nlki(/i h\ raUinp o'gr-o_"A<) c nhul nicHiit duii.iui. 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Davic Coil Moci? ubiic Librar^^ PYANO MAN HENRY C. ROZELL III Inii Gencmtion * Piano 'I'nnerflh'btiidau I'iaon'lulling. Repairs. Relinislima Pianos Bouglu and Suki FRV.V. ESTIMATES 704-321-5843 D Cath#lic 'fiipatiy IMS-Co^Mocksviile, NC YOU, YOUR FAMILY or YOUR BUSINESS //A'c to send DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, March 4,2004 RecordField Expected The Shdmrock Run Ra« Director Dave Salmon bodv OT' n growth of^y. growth of weight, growth one of the ways to control ail ct growth factors is to exer- And what better way to do it leavS"!the staning line at 8:J5 — Also on tap that Saturday morning will be a 10-kilometer Run starting at 9 a.m. and a "Tots Trot," set for a 10 a.m. start. All who register may pick up their registration packets start ing at 7 a.m. on Race Day at St. Francis Church. Age groups for the compe tition have been set for the fol lowing; 15 and under, 16-19, 20-24,25-29,30-34,35-39,40- 44,45-49,50-54,55-59,60-64, 65-69,70-74,75-79, and 80 and over. By registering for the com petition, everyone who registers by March 11 (online at www.active. com) is assured a T-shirt in specified sizes, rang ing from XXL to XL, L, M, S. Preregistration by March 5 requires a registration fee of $17. Registration on the day of the race will cost $20; special price for the "Tots Trot" is $5. Registration forms are avail able at the St. Francis Church office at 862 Yadkinville Road, Mocksville. Overall winner awards, male and female, are planned. There also will be 1st, 2nd. and 3rd place awards for all age groups. Unique walk awards are also planned. In previous years, scores of participants entered the race - and most finished it. In the "Tots Trot," awards will be presented to the "Fast est Stroller" as well as the win ner in the five-and-under group and in the 6-10 year group. All tots must be accompanied by an adult. According to Dr. Kimberly, "Walking is one of our very best exercises, for it tones the muscles, reduces body weight, and keeps walkers fit and trim. All-in-all, it makes one feel bet- ter - and it makes one look bet ter, too. As each one of us ages a bit, we need to do something to keep us trim. Walking or jog ging can be very effective in that respect." Salmon said that a portion of the proceeds from the annual Shamrock Run/Walk will be presented to the building fund for the new home for A Store house for Jesus on a site already aquired along Route 64 East in Mocksville, not far from its in tersection with Depot Street. Kimberly, in discussing the health aspects of walking, said that nearly one-fourth of Ameri cans are overweight, and the rate of obesity in this country increases aimually. A serious re sult is the increase in diabetes which is developing at an alarming rate. A few decades ago, he said, diabetes was not considered a preventable disease. Now, he explained, "we know that dia betes, as a complication of over weight and obesity, can be pre vented. It takes regular exercise to achieve significant weight loss. The most cheap, most safe, most dependable, and most easy exercise is walking. Almost ev eryone can do it." 0* u ^ >- -I Davie County Public Libraiy Mocksville, NO DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, March 11,2004 Annual Shamrock Run, Race Director Dave Salmon and Dr. George Kimberly - he's the medical director of A Store house for Jesus - expect a record turnout for St. Francis of Assist Catholic Church's 16th annual Shamrock Run/Walk on Satur day. March 13. ' Part of their expectation is due to the growing public intrest in, well, growth - growth of body, growth of weight, growth of appetite. And they figure that one of the ways to control all. those growth factors is to exer cise. And what better way to do it than in the Five Kilometer Run and Five Kilometer Walk which leaves the starting line at 8:15 a.m. - rain or shine - over a cer tified course which begins at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and finishes back at the church? Also on tap that Saturday morning will be a 10-kilometer Run starting at 9 a.m. and a "Tots Trot," set for a 10 a.m. start. All who register may pick up their registration packets start ing at 7 a.m. on Race Day at St. Francis Church. Age groups for the competi tion have been set for the fol lowing: 15 and under, 16-19,20- 24,25-29,30-34,35-39,40-44, 45-49,50-54,55-59,60-64,65- 69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 and over. By registering for the com petition, everyone who registers by March 11 (online at www.active. com) is assured a T-shirt in specified sizes, rang ing from XXL to XL, L, M, S. Preregistration by March 5 requires a registration fee of $17. Registration on the day of the race will cost $20; special price for the "Tots Trot" is $5. Registration forms are avail able at the St. Francis Church office at 862 Yadkinville Roaa, Mocksville. Overall winner awards, male and female, are planned. There also will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for all age groups. Unique walk awards are also planned. In previous years, scores'of participants entered the race - and most finished it. In the 'Tots Trot," awards will be presented to the "Fast est Stroller" as well as the win ner in the five-and-under group and in the 6-10 year group. All tots must be accompanied by an adult. According to Dr. Kimberly, "Walking is one of our very best exercises, for it tones the muscles, reduces body weight, and keeps walkers fit and trim. All-in-all, it makes one feel bet ter - and it makes one look bet ter, too. As each one of us ages a bit, we need to do something 0 — r u".Fitness Walk This Saturday to keep us trim t. Walking or jog ging can be very effective in that respect." Salmon said that a portion of the proceeds from the annual Shamrock Run/Walk will be presented to the building fund for the new home for A Store house for Jesus on a site already aquired along Route 64 East in Mocksville, not far from its in ersection with Depot Street. Kimberly, in discussing the health aspects of walking, said that nearly one-fourth of Ameri cans are overweight, and the rate of obesity in this country in creases annually. A serious re sult is the increase in diabetes which is developing at an alarm ing rate. A few decades ago, he said. diabetes was not considered a preventable disease. Now, he explained, "we know that dia betes, as a complication of over weight and obesity, can be pre vented. It takes regular exercise to achieve significant weight loss. The most cheap, most safe, most dependable, and most easy exercise is walking. Almost ev eryone can do it." Oavj© County Public library Mooksvilie, NC V a DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD. Thursday. Dec. 9, 2004 United By Faith Mexicans Cany Torch Through Davie On Way To New York The Mexicans posed in th Cie parkins lot at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville on Nov. 30, smiling and shoutina "Me.xico" in their native lan guage. The two busloads didn't stay long. The group had left .Mexico ty on Oct. 10. headed for St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Taking turns carry ing a torch, the runners quickly have made their way up the East Coast. They could only stay in Mocks ville for a brief ceremony in the church, where the torch was used to light a candle. "The purpose is to take the image of Lady Guadalupe to St. Patrick's Cathedral." said Sister Susie Dandison of St. Francis. "The message is a united people through faith. One people di vided by the frontier and united by faith." The Hispanic presence is nothing new to St. Francis. The previous Sunday, more than 200 area residents had attended Spanish Mass. "We have a very large and a very young Spanish commu nity." Dandison said. Mm Sister Susie Dandison; "We have a very large and a very young Spanish community," Davie County Public Library Mocksville, NC DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004 n The torch at right was carried through Mocksville last week as groups of Mexicans are taking it from Mexico to New York City, symbolizing the unity of the Mexican people through faith. " Photos by Robin Fergusson Davle County Puunc i Mocksv'.iie. riC County Public Library Mocksville, NC DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRLSE RECORD,Thursday. Ocl.7,2()10 V n J I ^}< 1p-^^ V. »' - ' °^^i% " i:? a, ■>'=>^;-^« fi* -f/ I i A ' % ' f' .srfi :i •• ;••; 7.1'?' i"':-'^-^.-':rv.--•.:;^<.-.>}-2i:r;V.pi;r/\.3.. • v^lr-?>::^':^. f 11 ••.■ >• t "-.V' i «.'f. Sf. Francis Celebrates St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church celebrat ed its 50th anniversary as a parish on Sunday, Oct. 3 with a picnic, music, his tory excerpts from parish ioner Bob Ginther, and a blessing of the new St. Francis Memorial Garden sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 2610 in Mocksviile. Pastor, the Rev, Andrew Draper, T.O.R. IS shown blessing the garden and statue. CKutc/W^- CQ^kd(/\o- t^v^SlOV^ C8 - DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, Aug. 25,2011 2r ^ CD- H 9 m Wm'- I H -rtii. « «... 41 nn -k ''»• * 5 ' I i m-.. 1 '•aAb.i St. Francis Pastor Installed On Aug. 13 at the 10:30 a.m. daily mass/ Bishop Peter Jugis (at right iri photo above right) installed Father John StarczewskI as the pastor of Saint. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church In Mocksvilie, with 65 people in atten dance, Including 12 Knights from the Color Corps and five other Knights in baldric and tuxedos. JugIs escorts StarczewskI to significant places in the church in these photos, including front doors, baptismal font, reconciliation room, presidential chair, altar, and the tabernacle. ^ - Photos courtesv Dave Graham 25th Anniversary Special Events Planned For March 2 Shamrock Run On March 2, the Sliamrock Run will celebrate its 25th anni versary with the step-off for the 5K, the Competitive Walk and the Fun Walk at 8:15 aun. The lOK will begin at 9 a.m. and the Tots Trot will start at 10. Awards ceremonies for the competitive races will be at 10:15 a.m. Sponsored by St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville,the race has a USATF certified 5K and lOK route through the center of Mocksville. The race orga nizers will use the chip systern by Lee Timing for more accurate timing Mid faster results. A por tion of the proceeds will benefit the Davie Pregnancy Center. Sheriff Andy Stokes wUl be one of the race directors in honor of the silver anniversary of the race. Organizers are plannipg food, fun and music tlie day of the race. The Daric Beiter Cup will be awarded for the second year. Students in Davie High School arc encouraged to p:irtic- ipate. The Beiter Cup will have the male and female winning athletes' names engraved on it. The DHS Media Cenicrdisplays the cup year-round within the Daric Beiter Collection of social studies books. Younger students from ele- menury through middle school are also invited to participate. Any individual or team can join tlie run/walk for health and fi mess. Parents are encouraged to run/walk with their children. A feature of the race is the Corporate Challenge Fitness Run/Walk to blend fitness and good health with team building. Participants are encouraged to lake advantage of early reg istration by March I for $25 per athlete. Those who register to participate on the day of the race will pay $30. Athletes who wish to run the 5K and the lOK can do so for $40 using early registration and $50 for day-of registration. Student rale for one race is $20.Tots trot for $5. Early registration can be made by completing the registration form found on the brochures and mailing it witii a check (made out to St. Francis of .Assisi Church) to St. Francis of Assisi Church. 862 Yadkinville Road. Mocksville. Forms and checks can also be delivered in person. Online registration is available at \iwv.rtCJ/ve.(wn. Online reg- isti-ation ends Feb. 27. Organizers ask thai partic ipants take advantage of early packet pick-up on Friday, March 1 from 4 7pm Pi/za and bever- ases will be available for those using earh pick-up. DAVIE COUN1 y ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, Feb. 14,2013 Davis County nr/' ^ fv^ocksviiivB, C-HVA^nXHfb- C ■^JV\6L\C - 5"^ V(lMoC\S Of KSS\5V-)))tTNJO4. DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, Dec 3,2015Mexico To^ricfWithAin MocksvifieOn Wednesday Nov.25, Saint Francis of AssisiCatholic church in Mocks-ville hosted La AntorchaGuadalupana..j^This event starts in Mexico City and will terminatein .Nev^ York City on the. fe^t date of Our Lady ofv Oiiad^upe; Dec. 12. This is :. relay organized by. the/tbgeyac Association.Two\eplica images aretaken JfroiiKthe Basilica ofV Our. Lady olfs^Guadalupe^-from.Mexico. Onb^s of our: lady of Guad^upe ahd thePther of die Indian messbn-^>iegp -to ;Whom"ashe appeared to in December 1531.A torch is brought alongwith the images repreisent-ing unity, love and the lightof Christ.Each year it passesthrough Mexico and crossesto the United States. Theimages are passed town totown, hand in hand by thousands of devotees to OurLady of Guadalupe. Thdmessage of this event is to .join families separated by a, ,border.Saint Francis celebrated,with a procession throughthe streets, Aztec dances,lp^:^d^ces, music, food,songs.nud the celebration of^the. Holy Mass ;t)n Thursday, Saint Fran-:;cis ran to Saint Mary's CathV Jplic Church in Greensboro ■to deliver the.'torch alongwith the images, v"Multiple prayers were isaid and .tears shed upon her ^feet, she^^isThe Virgin with-^put a passport," said De^- inaToixes. "She is the mother of Mexico and Queen ofpur hearts. For me it is anemotion that words cannot express. To constantlylive between two culturesis difficult but when I participate in events like this itis impossible to retain one'semotions and devotion tothe culture and Our Lady ofGuadalupe."ivorar^-MocKsvilte. N 6 ^ - DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, Jan. 17,2019 ir> 2 g; o r 1^.' of CJ Annual Shamrock Run scheduled for March 16 The 3lsf Annual Sham rock Run will be held on th€5 eve ofSt. Patrick's Day, Sat urday, March 16 in historic Downto\yn Mocksville. The Shamrock Run features USATF Certified lOK, and 5K races as well as anuntimed 5K Fun Walk. Racing Toes will.profes sionally time the run using a disposable chip system, that will insure shorter check-in lines, less confusion on race day, better timing accuracy and faster results. Proceeds will help sup port the Guardians Ad Litem program in Davie County. This a volunteer organiza tion that advocates for the special needs of abused and neglected children iii the foster program. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Mocks ville is the host. Runners . can register on-line, by mail, or in per son on the day before or on March 16 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. On-line registration is available at wwwJiunSig- nup,com ^d closes at noon, March. 14. Or runners can register by mail by downloading the form from www.Shamrock- RunNC .cortj and mailing it with a check by March 8 to: Shamrock Run Race Director, St. Francis of As sisi Church, 862 Yadkinville Rd., Mocksville, NC 27028; Runners and Fun Walk ers can also register at the church on the day before or the day of the races • The fee for registering for the 5K race or the lOK race before March 10 is $25; students under 18 pay $20. The fee for runnmg both races is $35 with 'students under 18 paying $25. There is an extra fee of .$10 if you register after that date. The fee for the untimed Fun Walk is $15. Runners and Fun Walk ers who register btefore March 1 will , be ^aran- teed getting an official race t-shirt on race day. Race packets will be available at 7 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. The 5 K Run will start at 8:15 a.ni. and the lOK race begins at 9 a^m. Award ceremonies and festivities will follow after the conclusion of each race. \ xs % % % o cL * XJ 63 HvS- (1 - V a iS Ov Ass \ s \ \ 5 S \0 Ki))DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD, Thursday, Jan. 21,2021 - B3-c?Shamrocic Ryn eiFor 31 years, folksfrom all over have beenputting on their greenrunning clothes and coming to Mocksville for theannual Shamrock Run.No more.St. Francis of AssisiCatholic Church, sponsors of the annual event,have decided to discontinue the popular event.Last year, the eventwas canceled in March asthe COVID-19 epidemicbegan."After much discussion and prayer, we haveifter-31 yearsdecided that we are notgoing to be continuing theShamrock Run," the Rev.Father Eric L. Kowals-ki, pastor, said in a letterto sponsors. "It's been awonderful 31 years."The Shamrock Runwas truly a communityevent, bringing togethermany people from diversebackgrounds to participate in a shared interestand to help raise funds notonly for St. Francis of Assisi, but for local charitiesas well," he said.o.^h// %// CLv^/Jiftc 5 - (1 p-.^n<>L\c. 'ST.TflF\MC\5 Ot ^SS\^^ r^\5StflKJ) )4 - DAVIE COUNTY ENTERPRISE RECORD. Thursday. Nov. 2,2023Torch run set for Mocksville stop next weekLa AiUorcha Guaclalupa-na. or the Guadaliipan torchrun. is organized annuallyby Asociacion Tc|>cyac. inwhicli a flame is broughtON'erland from the Basilicaof Guadaiujx: in MexicoCity to Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.The runners will arrivein Mocksville on Wednesday. Nov. 8 around 4 p.m. atRich Park.Members of St. Francisof Assisi Catholic Churchwill Join the group following the lead runners fromRich Park, down MainStreet, turning right onGaiihcr. They will take another right on WilkesboroStreet and run until theymust take a left on MeroneySt. due to the constructionwork at the "'.^-corners".Continuing onto HospitalSt.. the group will take aright on Valley Road beforeturning right on YadkinvilleRoad entering the drivewayto St. Francis.The running of a torchwas a pre-Columbian practice for carrying messages.It is said that when JuanDiego appeared l>eforc thebishop to deliver the Virginof Guadalupe's request for ashrine on the hill at Tepeyacand spilled roses at her feet,torch runners conveyed thenews of the miraculous apparition.The Antorcha Guada-lupana - or torch run - is atraditional Mexican religious pilgrimage that datesback more than half a cen-turs' to honor Our Lady ofGuadalupe. that country'spatron. Association Tepeyac began organizing theMexico-New York relay runin 1999.Runners - most of themyoung adults - make theJourney from Mexico Cityto their own towns. Thetorch run takes 72 days.It left the Basilica inMexico City on Sept. 21.the International Day ofPeace, and is set to arrivein New York City on Dec.12. the Feast of Our Lady ofGuadalupe.