Author name: Jessica Franks

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It always has been. Not because of the meal that I’ve been preparing since I was 18 years old! (Although I am partial to dressing and rutabagas!) But because we can be together with those we love, share history and stories, laugh and even sometimes cry over memories. What a […]

Bringing together the leaders of volunteer programs, both domestic and international, the Catholic Volunteer Network held their National Conference on Faith Based Service last weekend, in Los Angeles. It was an opportunity to share strategic ideas in the area of recruitment, support for volunteers, fundraising and so much more. More than this however, it was

Jim and Terry Hake, our Mission Doctor dynamic duo, just returned home from a short-term trip to St. Martin de Porres Mission Hospital in rural Cameroon, West Africa. They are one of our Communication Director’s favorites because they always share the beautiful stories that make us all feel closer to the patients served at St.

The Pope said today, as Christian saints have done throughout the ages, Christ’s followers are called “to confront the troubles and anxieties of our age with the spirit and love of Jesus.” New situations require new energy and a new commitment, he said, and then he offered a new list of beatitudes for modern Christians:

What a wonderful Sunday!  Once again we came together to Bless Healers and Celebrate Health!  Archbishop José Gomez spoke in his homely of the unique roll healthcare workers play in sharing the love of God with their patients and families.  He spoke of Saint Teresa of Calcutta who prayed, “Dearest Lord, may I see you today

Depending on how savvy Siri is on your smart phone, she would come up with St. Thérése the Little Flower or St. Teresa of Avila, maybe our newest St., St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata OR even St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross also known as Edith Stein.  St. Thérése was the model and inspiration for

Jesus was a missionary. As the Word of God, he is the light of all nations. As the Word made flesh, he brought God’s own life into our midst. Before returning to the Father, he sent the Church to continue the mission given him by the Father and empowered her with his Spirit: “As the

Mercy does not just mean being a good person… It is the measure of our authenticity as disciples of Jesus. -Pope Francis For the many times we strive to follow Christ’s invitation to live for others and not just ourselves we are “Workers of Mercy” “Do we visit the prisoner, the sick, help people understand

Before breakfast today I was on Facebook messenger with Dr. Martha Coda in Cameroon. With my coffee I went back and forth on messenger with Molly Druffner, in Tanzania with her husband Dr. Mark Druffner and their family. Even before I got on the freeway I had emails back and forth from Dr. Marc Tunzi

Back at the Mission House, where they took part in the four month formation program in 2013, Mission Doctor and Lay Mission-Helper families have come together this week to connect, to share, and to pray.  These returned missionaries have served in Africa and Latin America and this re-entry workshop provides the opportunity to reflect on