A new social service group in Bayonne is seeking to strengthen its ranks in the city in order to do more societal good.
The Friends of St. Francis, while sounding like a religious organization really is not. It is, however, guided by the principles of being fair and kind to all, according to President Cindy Macon.
“We are a Christian-principled group of volunteers,” she said. “But we have no ties to any religious institution. We’re open to everyone, as long as they’re of good moral character.”
The group’s members do have connections to various Bayonne ethnic and church groups.
But the reason for the organization’s founding is simple: acting quickly to assist those in need.
“There are so many causes worthy of assistance,” Macon said. “Sometimes things have to be done immediately.”
The group’s members were and are inspired by the principles of the Felician Sisters, the sisters of the Franciscan Order; thus the name.
“We see people struggling, and so many different crises, locally.” – Cindy Macon
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“Most – directly or indirectly – were somehow positively influenced by the ministry of the sisters,” Macon said, “through schools, or being ministered to in hospitals.”
She said to think of the new group as lay people ministering in the same way.
“We use the Franciscan motto: ‘We lift the hearts of those in need through compassion, humble and volunteer service,’” Macon said. “Our mission is in caring, in the Franciscan spirit. To provide to the poor, the aged, the disabled and the disadvantaged.”
The original volunteers came together in April 2013, but it wasn’t until Dec. 12 of last year that they were officially founded, and until this year that they actually received their charitable status from the Internal Revenue Service.
Now the sky’s the limit, and the group wants to really make a difference.
“We see people struggling, and so many different crises, locally,” Macon said.
Since most of the members are of the Roman Catholic faith, it is no surprise that they have been inspired by the good works of Pope Francis and how he is trying to reach out to people.
In the upcoming “Year of the Family” in 2015, the group will be focusing its efforts on
charitable causes related to children, such as pediatric cancer, autism, and expanding various preschool programs here in Bayonne as well as in other areas.
Friends of St. Francis feel they have the troops to make a difference, with 51 members ranging in age from 20 to 92.
“They are blending their talents together to promote giving,” Macon said.
So far the group has reached out to the retired religious, food pantries, and Head Start and special education programs. It has also supported the St. Lucy Homeless Shelter in Jersey City with monetary and in-kind donations.
“We’re kind of proud of that,” said Macon, “that we’re making a little bit of an impact on the people. We hope to be a ray of hope to those in need.”
The group’s first major event was a spring frolic which generated support for the Felician School of Exceptional Children in Lodi.
“We celebrated an afternoon luncheon with the children, as well as giving the school monetary donations from the fundraiser,” Macon said.
The group will continue reaching out to a variety of charities.
While the majority of the group’s members are currently women, the organization is striving to add male volunteers.
“Because we’re not just women,” Macon said. “We’re men and women. We try to be family oriented.”
To join Friends of Saint Francis, or for more information, call Macon at (201) 437-1315.
The other 2014-2015 Friends of Saint Francis officers are: Vice President Evelyn Magarban, Secretary Jeannette Tagliareni, Treasurer Genevieve Macon, Trustees John Baranowski and Sal Tagliareni, Sergeant at Arms Richard Romelczyk, Social Director Patricia Mirabella, and Publicity Director Ann Dworzanski.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.