18-Mile and 12-K Runs
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM,
Pastor
There is a lot going on this weekend. The St. Francis Community Center’s annual 18-Mile and 12K Runs are a long-standing race on Long Beach Island. We had a great response to this year’s race and will host one of the largest number of runners in a very long time. It has changed our Mass schedule for this weekend, and of course, I ask that we all drive with extra care on the boulevard today.
On page seven of bulletin, you will see the great number sponsors for this year’s 18-Mile Run. If you shop in their stores, dine in their restaurants, or would like to write a letter to the editor of the Sandpaper, please thank them for their continued support and all the good will they share with us.
A big thank you to Colleen Yerves, our Coordinator of Recreation and the Aquatic Center, for organizing this, her last 18-Mile Run. Colleen has decided to take her leave from St. Francis Community Center and pursue other ventures in the area. Thank you, Colleen for all you have done for the Parish and Center. Your very positive spirit and enthusiasm will be missed.
Thanks to all of our staff and volunteers who helped produce these 18-Mile and 12K Runs. Thanks to our Long Beach Township Beach Patrol and the Beach Haven, Surf City, and Barnegat Light First Aid Squads who will be ready to help, just in case. Thank you to all of the Police Departments on Long Beach Island for your support and help during the race. The traffic on LBI can be a bit harrowing; adding 1,300 runners to the boulevard will only make things even more interesting!
As we mark the 53rd anniversary of the race, we thank all of the runners for participating in the 2025 18-Mile and 12K Runs. I say it every year, but I think it is worth repeating, each and every runner is a great example of determination and perseverance. We can do many things if we put our mind to it and we can do a lot more than we think we can. May God continue to bless all of us with the courage and strength to keep running the good race and may all of our efforts bring us closer to seeing the Kingdom of God in our midst.
Pre-Campaign Study
We are coming to the end of a pre-Campaign feasibility study. A number of parishioners have met with Tatiana Ramirez, of Ruotolo Associates, or participated in focus sessions to offer feedback on the Parish Finance Council’s proposal to run a Capital Campaign. The Capital Campaign will allow us to address a number of structural issues in our seven buildings, as well as painting the churches, replacing carpets, and upgrading the bathrooms and kitchens in our churches.
If you would like to participate in this study and to help us develop the best plan to move forward, please complete the survey found on our website. We also have hard copies of the survey at the doors of the churches. Please complete them and drop them in the collection basket or return them to the parish office. Thank you for all of your help and support.
ALSO:
