For Immediate Release
September 22, 2015

Contact: Margo Reid Brown ‘81
President, St. Francis Catholic High School
5900 Elvas Avenue
Sacramento, California 95816
(916) 452-3461 ext. 111
mbrown@stfrancishs.org

St. Francis Catholic High School Sends Student Delegation to Washington DC for Pope Francis’ Visit – September 22 – 24, 2015

Sacramento, California – On this historic first trip of Pope Francis to the United States, Sacramento’s St. Francis Catholic High School (SFHS) was invited to send a delegation to the Mass of Canonization in Washington, DC. 

The Mass will take place on the campus of The Catholic University on Wednesday, September 23rd.  SFHS President Margo Reid Brown and SFHS Director of Campus Ministry, Stephen Tholcke will lead the group of eight students chosen from the more than 1000 SFHS students given the opportunity to apply for the trip.  The students were selected based on the answers to their questions about why they should be chosen to represent the school, and how they would bring the experience back to share with the SFHS community. 

“This once in a lifetime experience.  My faith will grow in that I will continue to work at being a child of God and following Jesus’ footsteps, just as Blessed Junipero Serra did.  I hope to bring the experience back to the community by modeling what I have experienced on the trip.”
Student, Julianna Tanjuakio, Class of 2016

In reflecting on a quote of, “Pope Francis speaking of Father Junipero Serra, ‘He was filled with joy and the Holy Spirit in spreading the word of the Lord…,’ I too will be filled with joy to share my experience with my peers through the stories I share at school, in clubs, a feature in the school yearbook and in our school newspaper.”
Student, Victoria Castillion, Class of 2018

In recognition of the SFHS school patron, St. Francis of Assisi being the Pope’s chosen name, the all-girl Catholic high school received seats just behind the clergy gathered from across the United States.  The student delegation is comprised of three seniors, one junior, and four sophomore students.   The coveted seats will put them within steps of the Holy Father.  They will also participate in a Celebratory Mass at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land on Thursday and spend the day with the Friars on a small group tour and discussion about Franciscan social justice works and teachings.  

With the many St. Francis Alumnae working or attending college in the Washington area, there will be a reception at Clyde’s Restaurant in Georgetown to meet and network.

All Events on September 23, 2015

Celebratory Mass is at 9:30am EDT, with the events at the Monastery to follow 11am brunch, 12:30pm tour, talk at 2pm. The alumnae reception at Clyde’s is at 5:00pm EDT.   Press availability at all events.

Follow the SFHS delegation on social media as they attend events in Washington DC