Josh Singleton is Men's Prayer Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Prairie View, TX – St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church is delighted to announce that Mr. Josh Singleton, Founder and Lead Cultivator of The Neighborhood Garden Project, is the featured speaker at the upcoming Men’s Prayer Breakfast. The event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in the St. Francis Parish Hall, 2000 Phillip. 

All are invited to attend this community gathering of fellowship, faith, and inspiration.   Please register attendance at stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net or call 936-857-3272.

Josh is a steward of the garden in every sense of the word. He tends not only to soil and seed but also to the souls that pass through its gates. With over two decades of experience in agriculture, he has shifted his focus from growing food to cultivating people. He believes the garden is a sacred place where people are invited to become—where transformation is not forced but gently cultivated.

Josh is currently working with St. Francis of Assisi in planning an engagement to establish a garden at the church in collaboration with the members of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Hempstead and the Episcopal Health Charities.

Josh walks slowly and intentionally, creating space for others to reconnect with purpose, embrace their identity, and experience lasting change through the steady cultivation of trust, truth, and transformation. He sees the garden as more than a plot—it is a Kingdom embassy where heaven meets earth through hands in the soil and hearts made whole.

He has seen too much in the soil to believe that speed produces depth. Josh is convinced there is a slower, more formative way—a way that honors process over pressure and presence over performance. Serving the soil, people, and purpose from the ground up, he lives and leads from below—anchored in surrender, marked by presence, and devoted to cultivating the unseen until it bears fruit.”

Please Register Here:

The Rt. Reverend Brian Seage, Assisting Bishop, Diocese of Texas to celebrate at St. Francis of Assisi

The Rt. Reverend Brian Seage, Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Texas – Northeast Region, will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View on Sunday, October 19 at 4:30 p.m. The public is also invited to the service on the YouTube Platform.

Part of the celebration include the recognition of the 75th Anniversary of St. Francis, which was established as a mission church of the Diocese of Texas in October 1950. The church became a full parish church in February of 1992. The Reverend Rhonda Rogers is the Rector.

Bishop Seage will also welcome three confirmants - and three receptions to the Episcopal Family.

The Rt. Rev. Brian Richard Seage joined the Episcopal Diocese of Texas in January 2025 to serve as part-time Assisting Bishop for the North Region.

Prior to joining the Diocese of Texas, he served as the tenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. He was elected on May 3, 2014, at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Jackson, MS. He was consecrated as bishop coadjutor on September 27, 2014, and then succeeded Duncan M Gray, III as the tenth bishop diocesan when Gray retired in February 2015.

Seage was elected as bishop coadjutor during his tenure as rector at St. Columb’s in Ridgeland, MS where he began serving in 2005. He was also the dean of the Central Convocation of the Diocese of Mississippi where he helped co-ordinate and enable the ministry of Episcopal clergy in central Mississippi.

He holds an undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University and a Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest. He has been a priest since 1998.

From 1997 to 1998, Seage served as curate at St. John’s, Ocean Springs, and then as rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Diamondhead from 1998 to 2005, growing both attendance and programming in the parish. A successful building program was completed and average Sunday attendance doubled during his ministry at St. Thomas.

Seage was called to St. Columb’s in 2005. St. Columb’s attendance and programming grew under his leadership and a large building project was completed.

Before entering the priesthood, Seage served as director of youth ministry for St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in his native Thousand Oaks, CA. In this large, program-size church he managed a team of volunteers to support both the junior high and senior high youth groups, assisted with chapel at St. Patrick’s Day School, and coordinated the congregation’s Habitat for Humanity program.

In the Diocese of Mississippi, Seage served as a Fresh Start facilitator and was on the diocese’s executive committee from 2006 through 2009. He was also a member of the diocesan Restructure Task Force.

Seage was a summer camp session director at Camp Bratton-Green from 2006 until 2019. He also served on the Gray Center Board of Managers and the Executive committee of the Diocese. While at St. Thomas, he served on the board of trustees for Coast Episcopal School.

During his tenure as Bishop of Mississippi Seage served the wider church as a Trustee at Sewanee, Trustee at Seminary of the Southwest and Board member for Recovery Ministries

of the Episcopal Church along with other assignments. In Mississippi he was active in the wider community with Working Together Jackson and Working Together Mississippi.

Brian is married to the Rev. Kyle Dice Seage, former rector at St. Philip’s in Jackson, MS and current rector at St. Stephen’s in Belvedere, California. They are parents to two adult daughters, Katie and Betsy.

Chief Wilton White to Speak at St. Francis of Assisi Men’s Prayer Breakfast

Prairie View, TX – St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is delighted to announce that Chief Wilton White, Chief of Police for the City of Prairie View, will be the featured speaker at the upcoming Men’s Prayer Breakfast. The event will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in the St. Francis Parish Hall. All are invited to attend this community gathering of fellowship, faith, and inspiration.   Please register attendance at stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net or call 936-857-3272.

Chief Wilton White Jr., a native of Hempstead, Texas, brings over three decades of experience in law enforcement and community leadership. Raised in Waller County by Wilton White Sr. and Georgia Mae Taylor, Chief White graduated from Hempstead Senior High School in 1979 and is a devoted member of MT. Corinth Missionary Baptist Church.

 Chief White served in the United States Army from 1982 to 1988, with assignments at Fort Hood, Aberdeen, Maryland, and Germany. Upon returning, he continued his education, earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and a B.S. in Administration of Criminal Justice, as well as a Master Peace Officer License.

Beginning his law enforcement career in 1990 in Brenham, Texas, Chief White has served in various capacities, including patrol officer, State Trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Lieutenant over Operations at Prairie View A&M University Police Department. In 2005, he was honored with the Star of Texas Award from the Governor’s Office for being seriously injured in the line of duty. In 2019, he became the first Black Chief of Police for Eagle Lake, Texas, and in 2022 took on his current role as Chief of Police for Prairie View.

Since his stewardship, Chief White has coordinated meetings with the officers and the community members to address concerns and needs of the residents.  Emphasis has been placed on safety, particularly for the students who frequently attend off campus parties and events throughout the city.

The St. Francis Men’s Prayer Breakfast promises the wisdom and insight from Chief White’s remarkable journey in service and faith. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested for planning purposes.

Join us for breakfast, prayer, and encouragement as we hear from one of Prairie View’s distinguished community leaders. 

REGISTER HERE:

 

Remembering Dr. Seab A. Smith

Remembering Dr. Seab A. Smith, a legend of St. Francis of Assisi, who  home to be with Jesus in the late evening of Sunday, August 20, 2023.  He passed peacefully in his home in Prairie View, Texas.

Funeral services for Dr. Smith is set for September 8, 2023 at the church 2000, Phillip Street, beginning with the viewing at 9:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. and concluding with the service at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will be in the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77038.

Seab was born on April 7th 1937 in Provencal, Louisiana, located in Natchitoches parish and was the eldest of 12 children born to Dread and Maude Smith.  ​

He was cherished by all of his family, including his siblings, Annie Bell, Douglas MacArthur, Gussie Mae, Robert James, Billy Ray, Vernail, Elaine, Geneva Faye, Melvin Lewis, Barbarette Marie, and Abigail Berneice.  Seab was married to Mildred Oneida Williams in 1962 and for 26 years, together they raised three sons, Cedric, Wendell and Christopher.  

They endeavored to instill in them proper values, virtues and a love for Christ that would serve them well as they grew. Additionally, Seab is survived by five grandchildren, Christopher, Monica, Daniel, Gabriel and Kelani, daughters-“in-law”, Melanie and Kelly, dear friend Carla Whittaker, and a host of others who remember him as a father or grandfather figure, mentor and/or friend.

Seab was the first of his family to go to college or graduate from high school, and he made the most of that opportunity.  He was a proud graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he received his B.S. in Horticultural Science.  He also held a M.S. Degree in Biology Education from Northwestern State University and a Doctor of Education in Science Education from the University of Houston.   He used this education to spend a lifetime serving his community.  He was a professor of Biology at Prairie View A&M University for more than 4 decades.

He also was an active leader and member of his Church community at Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal church for more than 50 years, served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America for more than 30 years and happily worked at Prairie A&M University for 43 years where he taught and mentored countless biology students, and aspiring doctors, nurses and dentists.

Dr. Smith’s list of accolades received for community involvement would be too long to fully include here but to highlight just a few, please consider the following.  He was Speaker of the Faculty Senate for Prairie View A&M University, recipient of the St. George Episcopal Award for recognition of service to his church community, integrally involved in the establishment and operation of Boy Scout Troops 141 and 1906, receiving numerous local and regional awards including the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award of recognition that can be bestowed upon a volunteer leader.  It recognizes exceptional character for those who have provided distinguished service.  He was Scout Master to more than a dozen minority Eagle Scouts, where only 4 percent of all scouts achieve the honor.  He volunteered as an Emergency Service Provider and served on the ZIP CODE Committee for the City of Prairie View, and coached numerous little league baseball and basketball teams.

Of all of these endeavors, the role he cherished most was that of a devoted and ever-present father and grandfather.  Regardless of how busy he may have been, he rarely missed a game, practice or award ceremony for his sons and continued this dedication with his grandchildren.  He was and is loved dearly and he will truly be missed.

Bishop Ryan to Celebrate Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in Prairie View

The Rt. Reverend Kathryn M. Ryan, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas – West Region, will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at the 70th Anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View on Sunday, October 4 at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to the service on the YouTube Platform.

The St. Francis was established as a mission church of the Diocese of Texas in October 1950 and became a full parish church in February of 1992. The Reverend Rhonda Rogers is the Rector.

Ryan, a native of Raton, New Mexico, graduated from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN with the Bachelor’s degree and received her master of divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in 1992 where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Ryan served at All Saints, Austin, and in Mobile, AL, before moving to Dallas where she was called as rector of Ascension, Dallas in 1999.

Ryan’s breadth of experience in four dioceses, Provincial Synod and General Convention, her participation in the national Gathering of Leaders for young clergy and nearly 15 years in a culturally diverse parish as rector stand her in good stead for the ministry of Canon to the Ordinary.

Ryan has a history of cross-cultural ministry with which she hopes to enhance the diversity within the clergy of the Diocese of Texas. “I believe the Church’s breadth and depth requires a diverse body of clergy leaders [who will come from] a diversity of seminaries, backgrounds, cultures, generations and theological positions in order to build up the congregations and the Diocese for God’s mission,” she said. 

Ryan enjoys athletics and competed in gymnastics, track, and cross country.   Her life in Christ and her leadership gifts were nurtured, while a youth, in camping ministry, the Happening movement, and parish committees, including one that resettled a refugee family.

Bishop Ryan is married to Timothy Ryan, an attorney, and they have two children, Ned and Eleanor and resides in Austin.

Reverend Coleman is Preacher for Transfiguration Service

The Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman, Associate Chaplain for Episcopal Ministry and Spiritual Director through the Office of Spiritual Life at Boston University is the preacher for the services at St. Francis of Assisi in Prairie View on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.  The Virtual Service is streamed live on YouTube.

 

Rev. Coleman recently served as rector of St. James Episcopal Church, Somerville from 2010 until October 2017.  She was the first African-American woman installed as a rector in the history of The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming rector/chaplain, she served as the priest-in-charge of Trinity Church, Randolph, and as an assistant priest at Christ Church in Needham. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she holds a B.A. in Art History and a masters and doctor of ministry degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge. The title of her thesis was “Episcopal Female Clergy Leaders of African Heritage: Trailblazers and Colleagues”.  She served two years as a seminarian at Trinity Church, Boston, and as a transitional deacon at St. James’s Church in Cambridge.  She was ordained to the priesthood in 2004.  Prior to her seminary studies, she worked as the assistant director of alumni relations and development at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania and as a fund development consultant for Girl Scouts of the USA, NYC.

She currently serves on the Episcopal Diocese of MA Diocesan Council, is a member of the Diocesan Disciplinary Board, and is the diocesan clerical representative to the Provincial Synod of New England Episcopal dioceses.  In her spare time she is actively involved with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, is a master canner and needlepoints.  She is married to James Reamer and her stepdaughter Lindsay Reamer is a graduate of Boston University.

CONTACT REV. DR. COLEMAN:

Marsh Chapel, Boston University
735 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-1121

revkaren@bu.edu

St. Francis-Praririe View, St. James-Houston and St. Luke the Evangelist to celebrate St. Pauli Murray

Members of St. Francis of Assisi, St. James - Austin and St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal churches have joined in the faith to commemorate the life and times of Saint Anna Pauline "Pauli" Murray with a special service on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. on YouTube.  CLICK HERE FOR SERVICE

The virtual service will include readings from members of the various parishes as well as musical selections from the combined choir.  The public is invited to join in this special celebration. DOWNLOAD SERVICE BULLETIN

Reverend Murray (November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985) was an American civil rights activist, women's rights activist, lawyer, and author. Drawn to the ministry, in 1977 Murray became the first black woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest and among the first group of women to become priests in this church.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Murray was raised mostly by her maternal grandparents in Durham, North Carolina. At the age of sixteen, she moved to New York to attend Hunter College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1933. In 1940, Murray sat in the whites-only section of a Virginia bus with a friend, and they were arrested for violating state segregation laws. This incident, and her subsequent involvement with the socialist Workers' Defense League, led to a career goal as a civil rights lawyer. She enrolled in the law school of Howard University, where she graduated first in her class, but was denied the chance to do post-graduate work at Harvard University because of her gender. She earned a master's in law at University of California, Berkeley, and in 1965 she became the first African American to receive a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Yale Law School.

She will forever be remembered for her gallant efforts on behalf of humanity.  As a lawyer, Murray argued for civil rights and women's rights. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall called Murray's 1950 book States' Laws on Race and Color the "bible" of the civil rights movement. Murray served on the 1961 Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and in 1966 was a co-founder of the National Organization for Women. Murray held faculty or administrative positions at the Ghana School of Law, Benedict College, and Brandeis University, where she shared her experiences and her faith in God.

In 1973, Murray left Brandeis after discerning her call at Emmanuel Church, Boston for the General Theological Seminary. She completed her M. Div. at Virginia Theological Seminary because they were supportive of women's ordination.  She was ordained to the priesthood at the Washington National Cathedral on January 8, 1977, by the Rt. Rev. William F. Creighton, the first African American woman to become an Episcopal priest.

The Rectors of the churches:   St. Francis of Assisi, Reverend Rhonda Rogers; St. James - Houston, the Reverend Victor J. Thomas and St. Luke the Evangelist, the Reverend Francene Young and the members look forward to your joining for the special service.

Story Teller Dr. Kathy Culmer is Guest Preacher at St. Francis of Assisi

Dr. Kathy Culmer, the Director of Religious Education for St. James’ Episcopal Church in Houston, is the guest preacher for the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church service on YouTube on April 26, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

For the past month, St. Francis has been streaming its service on line due to the COVID-19 and CDC Guidelines and the direction of the Rt. Reverend C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of the Diocese of Texas.  The services continue online through May 24, 2020.

"We are delighted that Dr. Culmer will join us for our service.  I know that Kathy will be well received," said Reverend Rogers, Rector.

As Director Kathy coordinates of all the religious education at St. James’ including adults and children, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and the various ministries to young people as well as recruits and train volunteers and also serves as Members Ministry Director.  Kathy has been a parishioner at St. James' for several years.

Kathy Hood Culmer is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of South Florida and holds the Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. She is an author, storyteller, teacher, and retreat leader who has told her stories in churches, schools, libraries, at festivals, on college campuses and in business settings.

Kathy has been a workshop presenter at the National Storytelling Conference, the National Christian Education Conference for the Episcopal Church, National Conference for the Episcopal Church Women, National Episcopal Youth Event, as well as part of a biblical storytelling mission trip to Gambia in West Africa. She is the former Mission Funding Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Kathy is the author of “Big Wheel Cookies: Two for a Penny,” published in “The Rolling Stone and Other Read Aloud Stories,”, is editor of a collection of personal narratives called “Yes, Jesus Loves Me: 31 Love Stories,” and recently authored meditations in “Forward Day by Day,” a devotional guide.

St. Francis of Assisi goes Live on YouTube Every Sunday

Church Services Cancelled due to concerns of Corona Virus