Rev. Michael A. Colagreco

Father Michael A. Colagreco was born in West Chester, PA on May 19, 1951. He is the oldest of the five children of Louis and Jean (Bewley) Colagreco. Father Colagreco attended Saint Agnes Grade School and Bishop Shanahan High School in West Chester. In 1969 he entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook. After being ordained by Cardinal John Krol in 1977, Father served in a number of parishes in Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties. Father began his pastorate at Saint Francis de Sales on June 16, 2004.

Father would like to share two things about the parish: His vision for the future of the parish, and his observations about the present in the parish.

 "I have never served in a parish this small. There is an advantage to this. In many large parishes people don't know each other, they don't realize the many spiritual and temporal opportunities offered by the parish, they're not aware of what their fellow parishioners are doing. If they do anything, or are involved in any activity, there is a tendency to think that that is the only thing going on. In short, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. Here at Saint Francis we have something for just about everyone. My vision and hope is that we can continue to move in this direction. If new ministries are needed we will begin them. If different groups have a common goal they will work together. My vision for the parish is to build a true community of faith, a community that is cohesive, yet diverse, and a community that enables all its members to find ways to deepen their relationship with the Lord. I have been here for only a short time, but my observations about the parish refer to what is written above. Being small has many positive aspects. People know each other and can't hide in the crowd. Everyone does his or her part. Everyone knows everyone else. In fact, so many of our parishioners are related to one another in some way. If you're not related, you're quickly made to feel that you are. The people of Saint Francis de Sales Parish are warm and caring. Please, visit us whenever you can."

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Rev. Joseph E. Walsh, Pastor Emeritus
October 10, 1921-December 29, 2008

When asked about his life as a priest, Father Walsh replied, “In the prayer called the Magnificat, Mary’s prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, a prayer included in The Evening Prayer of the Devine Office which is prayed each day by Catholic priests and Religious, are the words:  ‘THE ALMIGHTY HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR ME AND HOLY IS HIS NAME.’  How appropriate can these words be applied to my life as a Catholic priest!  Yes, the Almighty has done great things for me.  He has given me the best possible vocation that any priest could hope and pray for.”  

 “Looking back over my eighty years of life, I thank God daily for my good, responsible parents, JAMES AND MARY WALSH, both of Irish descent, for sending me and my three sisters and two brothers to twelve years of Catholic schooling at St. John the Baptist parish in Manayunk, Philadelphia.  They supported me through eight years of spiritual and academic education and training at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook.  It seems that I was always blessed with a sense of God’s closeness to me, His guidance in my daily life.”

 “After my ordination to the priesthood in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on May 31, 1947, I have had the privilege to serve the people of God in various parishes in Philadelphia and surrounding communities.  Now, in this year 2002, I am celebrating my fifty-five years of priesthood, over half of which (28 years) I have lived and served God among the wonderful, loyal people of St. Francis de Sales Parish here in Lenni.  I have had the PRIVILEGE OF BEING THEIR PASTOR for sixteen years, and the Pastor Emeritus for an additional twelve years.”

 “Here I have truly found a happy and loving home, second best only to my longed for and permanent home with the Good Lord in His eternal kingdom.  I thank God for my good health in my eightieth year and look forward to serving Him and His people as long as He strengthens me and needs me in His vineyard.  Indeed, ‘THE ALMIGHTY HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR ME AND HOLY IS HIS NAME.’”

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Sister Betty Kirk, Parish Services Director
2009 Golden Jubilarian   

In 1991, our parish was graced with its first Parish Pastoral Minister, Sister Betty Kirk.  Sister Betty was born in Philadelphia, the oldest of five children.  She attended St. Stephen Elementary School and Little Flower High School for Girls.  Inspired by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, she joined the order in 1956 and professed her final vows in 1959.

After teaching for two years at St. Anthony School in Trenton, Sr. Betty (Sr. James Marion) taught here at St. Francis from 1961-1963.  She was then transferred to St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls where she spent 13 years.  While teaching Sister Betty managed to earn a B.A. in English from Villanova University and an M.A. in Education from St. Joseph University.  Recognizing her unique ability to work with others, the Sisters of St. Francis elected her to leadership positions within the Order for 16 years. 

In describing her present ministry Sister Betty says, “I am involved with Religious Education for our CCD students, sacramental preparation for our parish school children and our students enrolled in CCD and the RCIA Program.  I am involved in providing Prayer Groups for Women in our parish and recently began the Disciples in Mission Program, a program that is provided through the Archdiocese.  Social Services in the form of food drives, providing food certificates, and drives for newborn infants often begin in my office.  I enjoy decorating the church with a group of very dedicated women.  Working with the parish Liturgy Committee enables me to plan for spiritual programs throughout the year.”

All of us who know Sister Betty pray that she will continue her invaluable service to our parish.

Special Note: Sister Betty will celebrate her 50th year of Religious Life in 2009. We honor our very own Golden Jubilarian and wish her 50 more wonderful years as a Sister of St. Francis.