Farewell Fr. Francisco Mendez

To the tune These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Father Francisco, named Mendez of God,
Called to the priesthood by the good Lor-od,
Serves with great kindness and gentle concern,
A pastoral presence from whom we can learn.

Bicycling, Walking, Fishing, or Falling,
Graphic design, with a flair overflowing,
Nephews and Nieces to call all his own,
He has a heart that is never alone.

Refrain:
When machines break,
and our tempers flair
and we're feeling sad,
Along comes Francisco,
To bless and to smile ,
And then we don't feel so bad.

Favorite Things was performed by pastoral team members Tricia, Luly, Anne Marie, Aracelli, Susanna, and Jean at a luncheon to celebrate Fr Francisco's birthday and to honor the time he spent at St. Charles.

We Leave Our Hearts with Father Francisco was performed by the 9 AM choir at Fr. Mendez's farewell reception on August 15, 2004, after the 9 AM Mass.

To the tune of I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Intro:
We heard a nasty rumor,
We hoped it wasn't true,
That we would lose a friend
And parochial vicar too (what does that mean???).

As he takes his ministry
To the northwest territory,
There's one thing
We all want him to know. . .

Refrain:
We leave our hearts
With Father Francisco
On Saint Agnes hill
We'll call to him.

We'll miss his kind gentility
And true humility --
A man of grace and savoir-faire
(And no grey hair!)

We won't forget
Our Father Francisco
His goodness remains what e'er we do.

If you come home to us,
Father Francisco,
Our open arms will welcome you!

by Kathleen Moriarty

excellent computer and graphics skills. Many a beautiful flyer seen at St. Charles has been designed by him. Remember the parish council collage?

ictory: over repeated knee injuries through rest, crutches, and rehab exercises.
 

aithful: service he gives to the homebound and immediate response to the needs of the sick. There is never a doubt that he will go when asked to visit homebound or hospitalized parishioners.

everence: Everyone is aware of the beautiful, humble and sacred manner in which he offers Mass. It is impossible not to feel Christ's presence during services he conducts.

ccent: People who once couldn't understand his accent, now listen intently to hear every word because they say his words are good for their hearts.

ever misses a chance to celebrate Mass, even if it is the 5 AM Mass of the pre Christmas Philipino Novena, the Missa de Gallo.

opy machine: He prays over the copy machine and staff when they are upset that it is not functioning properly.

intellect: We all know that he can answer almost any question one might have about the rules and regulations of the church, church history, church saints or almost anything else.

ensitivity: He always knows the right thing to say or do when people ask for his help.

ulinary skills are his specialty. He has even been seen in culinary pants decorated with red and green peppers.

rganized and efficient. When things are too quiet, he can be found riding his bike around the parking lot or listening to classical music.
 

ystic: he is one of the Spanish mystics along with Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross.

ndearing. Who can say they have met him and have not been touched by his spirit?

ever misses an opportunity to go fishing. Fortunately, he has a fish ruler to measure the length of every fish he catches. This keeps him honest about their size.

isciple of Christ. He walks daily with Christ, doing his Will every moment, and is an example for all of us.

levates the spirits of those in his presence. He always has a kind word and encouragement for everyone.