AKA to Host Public Policy Forum at St. Francis of Assisi

 

Mr. Kyle Maronie is the Speaker for the Men's Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi on January 17, 2026

Mr. Kyle Maronie, the Community Health and Wellness Manager for the Sheila Jackson Lee Center for Accelerating Health Outcomes at Harris Health, is the featured speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast. The event will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the St. Francis Parish Hall, 2000 Phillip Street. 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, https://shorturl.at/f9PDY or use the QR Code below.

As manager, Mr. Maronie leads efforts to address non-medical drivers of health, build resilient communities, and advance equitable health outcomes through collaborative, culturally responsive, community-centered strategies.

Previously, he was the Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Harris County Public Health, cultivating long-term internal and external partnerships and developing engagement strategies to advance health equity across the department. He also served as Community Engagement and Empowerment Manager in the Community Health and Violence Prevention Division, managing strategic plans for two violence prevention initiatives and an alternative response program for non-violent 911 calls.

Earlier in his career, Kyle worked in the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, focusing on connecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities with disaster preparedness resources and later managing one of the first equitable COVID-19 mobile testing sites and co-managing the Vaccine Partner Incentive Program (VPIP). A returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served three years in Cameroon, he implemented maternal and child health initiatives and completed the Humanitarian Response Intensive Course at Harvard University. He holds a B.A. in History from Prairie View A&M University, co-founded the North-East Coalition for Advancement and Transformation (NCAT), is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and has called Houston’s Settegast neighborhood home since age eight.

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.

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

Dr. Kelvin Kirby is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Dr. Kelvin Kirby, current Deputy Director for the Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration Center for Applied Radiation Research (CRESSE – CARR) and Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University.

Dr. Kirby has a wealth of experience in managing multi-disciplinary research centers, human resource development, computer and communications systems and military leadership.  His doctoral work focused on establishing and managing multi-disciplinary research at small universities. He has expertise in executing government programs and human resource development.

Dr. Kirby is a 1978 graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  He holds the Masters of Engineering in Computing Engineering and the PhD in Engineering  from Texas A&M University in 1987 and 1998, respectively.

Kirby's professional experiences at Prairie View A&M University include serving as the Deputy Director and Education Coordinator, Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE),  Interim Assistant Dean for the College of Engineering, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Program Manager of the National Science Foundation (NSF) programs consisting of some $20.5 million over the years where he designed programs to increase enrollment, retention and success of underrepresented student populations in STEM disciplines, design and develop, test and implementation of general-purpose computer systems and networks; Deputy and Managing Directorof the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored Center for Applied Radiation Research (CARR), Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty Intern/Researcher with General Electric Corporation, Computer Systems Engineering with the National Defense Headquarters and Canadian Forces., Material Acquisition Management/ADP Officer and Deputy Project Manager for a military communications and data processing project.

He is a published researcher and presenter for numerous professional organizations and publications.  Some of his selected research include “Strengthening the Foundation of Future Black, Hispanic, and American Indian Scientists and Engineers: Highlights of Three National Science Foundation Undergraduate Programs; Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Human Capital Resources” for the American Council on Education Biennial Educating All of One Nation Conference, “Strengthening the Foundation of Future Black Scientists and Engineers: NSF’s HBCU-UP Highlights and Case Stories; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Enhancement Program,” “Establishing and Managing Multi-Disciplinary Research and Engineering at Small Universities,” for the American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Conference and Exposition and “Enhancing Teacher and Student Performance in Mathematics,” American Society for Engineering Education, Annual Conference and Exposition, to name a few.

Over the years, he has served on the Evaluation and Review Panels for NSF and NASA Programs, the Engineering Standards Review Committee, Texas State Board for Educator Certification to develop standards for Teacher Certification in Mathematics, Physical Science and Engineering and the Advisory Boards for QEM Network and Systemic Research, Inc.

Dr. Kirby holds membership in several professional and civic organizations to include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association, National Society of Black Engineers,  and the Associate Pastor of the Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church.

Rogers Ordained Priest and Rector at St. Francis of Assisi

Saturday, January 18, 2020 was an historical day for the members of St. Francis of Assisi
Episcopal Church with the ordination of the Reverend Rhonda Elwena Blackman Rogers to
the sacred order of priests in Christ's one, holy, catholic and apostolic church and as Rector.

The Right Reverend Hector Monterosso, Bishop Assistant of the Diocese of Texas conducted
the ordination service, the first for St. Francis of Assisi.  More than 250 well-wishers, family, friends and supporters, including some 50 priests and deacons from the Diocese and other parts of the country witnessed the historic event.

The Rev. Hannah E. Atkins Romero, Rector of Trinity Midtown, fellow clergy and Rhonda's friend delivered a rousing and spirit filled sermon that had the church rocking, so to speak. At one point in the sermon, she shared the loving story of Reverend Rogers' running from the full commitment to Christ which had finally caught up with her.  "Rhonda will be a great servant priest and St. Francis you have a winner," she concluded.

Following the service, the patrons feasted on the three-course sit-down sumptuous meal and desserts and Champagne prepared by the ladies of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) in the beautifully decorated Parish Hall. Compliments continue to come in because folks were expecting the usual reception treats and received the surprised of their lives.

Reverend Rogers was ordained a Deacon at the special ordination service at Christ Church Cathedral on June 22, 2019. She became the Deacon at St. Francis of Assisi on August 26, 2019 and preached her first sermon on September 1, 2019, with Canon Joann Saylors Canon for Mission Amplification in the Diocese of Texas celebrating the Eucharist.

Rogers, as the bi-vocational leader, provides outreach service to members and will engage in programs and activities that enhances the spiritual growth and development of the members. She will also support a college ministry at Prairie View A&M University.

In her middler year at Iona, she was assigned at St. Stephen’s, Liberty, TX for her field education experience. She is currently completing her senior field education assignment at Holy Comforter, Spring, Texas. She was a member of Trinity Midtown after moving from Rochester, NY in 2010. She served there in various roles including Verger, LEM, Junior and Senior Warden and led Evening Prayer for the Lords of the Streets (LOTS) ministry.

Reverend Rhonda is the chaplain for Union of Black Episcopal Reverend John D. Epps Chapter. She is also a member of the Commission on Black Ministry, and the Province VII Anti-Racism Committee. She completed Education for Ministry (EFM) in 2003 and was an EFM mentor for two years.

In Rochester, NY, Rhonda was a member of Christ Church. She served as Warden, Church School Coordinator, acolyte, sub-deacon, thurifer, and pastoral visitor. She was also a member of Standing Committee and the Anti-Racism Committee and an adjunct trainer for Congregational Development Institute in the Diocese of Rochester, NY.

Rogers prepared for her service with enrollment and graduation from the Diocese of Texas' Iona School for Ministry on June 9, 2019. She also holds the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and retired in 2016. She worked for Mobil Chemical and ExxonMobil Chemical for over 38 years in various positions including process and product development, technical advisor, and several management positions. In addition to her technical career, Rhonda led employee training for Organizational Development, Diversity and Inclusion at Mobil Chemical.

Her spiritual journey includes regularly consulting with a spiritual director and participating in retreats with the Order of St. Helena, an Episcopal order of nuns where she is an Associate.  She is also a member of Daughters of the King and United Black Episcopalians.

Reverend Rhonda has three adult children who live in Maryland and California. Her hobbies include traveling, going to the theatre, music, golf, and reading.

Lawrence Allen is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Mr. Lawrence Allen, Jr., member of the Texas State Board of Education (TSBE) is the speaker for the Monthly Men's Prayer Breakfast will be held on January 25, 2020 at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Episcopal Church at 8:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m.

Allen is a third-generation educator and was first elected to the in 2004 and has been re-elected from 2006 through 2018. His term expires in 2023. He holds the same seat once held by his mother, Dr. Alma Allen.

As the District 4 board member and a Democrat, he represents about 1.7 million people in the Houston area, which covers Fort Bend and Harris Counties. He serves as vice chair of the board's Committee on School Finance/Permanent School Fund. This committee oversees the Permanent School Fund, the nation's largest education endowment. The committee also oversees policies for some funding and auditing functions. Allen is a member of the Houston Association of School Administrators; Texas Association of Gifted and Talented; National Association of Secondary Principals; and the National Association of Secondary Administrators.

Allen previously served on the Committee on Planning and Committee on Instruction. He also served a term as vice chair of the 15-member board. Along with his service on the board, Allen is the director of special projects in the Houston Independent School District. He served as principal of the Jesse H. Jones High, assistant principal of Dowling Middle, Jones Senior and Jack Yates High School. He also taught at Lanier and Dowling Middle Schools. He holds a Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees from Prairie View A&M University.

Allen is married to Carlotta K. Allen and are proud parents of five children - Patrice, Lawrence III, Alim, Ali and Terrell.

The breakfast is a gathering of men in the community to include professionals, retired and active and students who are committed to improving the quality of life in the community. It features a noted speaker who addresses relevant topics impacting the community, interspersed with the speakers personal and professional experiences. Women are also invited to attend.

​The Free Breakfast is open to the men of the community. Please call 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

​For information contact Donald Sowell for more information—936-857-3557.

Attorney Carroll Robinson is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Carroll G. Robinson, Esq., is the speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church on December 21, 2019 at 8:30 p.m.  The church is on 2000 Phillip and 204 Dooley Streets in Prairie View. Ladies are also welcome to attend.  Please confirm attendance at 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

Carroll G. Robinson, Esq., is an Associate Professor and former Associate Dean of external Affairs at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University (TSU).  He is also a Co-Principal Investigator of the TSU National transportation Security Center of Excellence-Petrochemical Transportation Security and the Advisory Board of the law school’s Earl Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy.

Robinson graduated as a Who’s Who Among American Law Students from the George Washington University Law Center in Washington D.C. and is a graduate of Stockton University of New Jersey.  Robinson is a former At-Large (elected citywide) member of the Houston City Council. He also represented the City of Houston on the Board of Directors of the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the National League of Cities. Prior to his election to the Houston City Council, Robinson was an Associate professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and served as Executive Assistant to two presidents of the University.

Additionally, he has worked in the Texas Legislature as Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis. He has an impressive list of publications, has presented at numerous presentations and served as a keynote speaker throughout the country.

In addition to his academic service and professional business, h is very active in the community and holds life memberships in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

NOTE:  St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church will host the Houston Foodbank/Kraft Distribution on  Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  The free food is open to all residents of the community.  Patrons are also able to sign up for SNAP and other government service.  Please bring bags, boxes and other carriers for the food.  Volunteers are welcomed.  Call 936-857-3272 for information.

District Judge Alfred Bennett is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Alfred Homer Bennett, a United States District Judge for the Southern District Court of Texas, a position he has held since April 2015, is the speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church on November 16, 2019 at 8:30 p.m.  The church is on 2000 Phillip and 204 Dooley Streets in Prairie View.  Please confirm attendance at 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

Bennett is a native of Ennis, Texas, where he received his early education.  Transitioning from High School he enrolled and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988 from the University of Houston.  The idea of becoming a lawyer was always in the back of his mind and was crystallized after he served a congressional internship during his junior year at the University of Houston. He enrolled at the University of Texas School of Law and received d a Juris Doctor in 1991.

Bennett began his career as an attorney at the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski from 1991 to 1994 and at the law firm of Solar & Fernandes LLP from 1994 to 1998.  From 1998 to 2008, he was a solo practitioner, representing individuals and companies in litigation before both Federal and State courts.  From 2009 to 2015, he served as the Presiding Judge for the 61st Civil District Court of Texas.  From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Administrative Judge for the Harris County Civil District Courts.  Bennett also campaigned for the Texas House of Representatives District 146 during the Democratic primary in 2006.

On September 18, 2014, President Obama nominated Bennett to serve as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, to the seat vacated by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt, who took senior status on March 2, 2013.  On December 16, 2014 his nomination was returned to the President due to the sine die adjournment of the 113th Congress. On January 7, 2015, President Obama renominated him to the same position.  He received a hearing before the Judiciary Committee on January 21, 2015 and the nomination was reported out on February 26, 2015. On April 13, 2015 the United States Senate voted 95–0 in favor of confirmation.  He received his judicial commission on April 15, 2015.  Bennett is the first African-American to hold this position, and the first Democrat to hold it in years, and the youngest tenured judge.

Judge Bennett is committed to the cause of making sure citizens are informed and volunteers regularly with the Houston Lawyers Association, Houston Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the State Bar of Texas to aid in those efforts. In addition, Bennett invests in the development of future generations by devoting a large amount of time to the Boy Scouts of America as a member of the board of directors for the Sam Houston Area Council and an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop #242. He is also an Eagle Scout. Additionally participates in the Black History Making Judge Kenneth Hoyt Lectures at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and Spouses of Houston Barristers.  He has been recognized for his judicial leadership, community service by the Houston Black American Democrats.

Family is everything to Judge Bennett. He and his wife Tanyel, his best friend, are proud parents of two intelligent and smart sons, who keeps him grounded as he does what he loves – serving others.

Alfred Homer Bennett, a United States District Judge for the Southern District Court of Texas, a position he has held since April 2015, is the speaker for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church on November 16, 2019 at 8:30 p.m.  The church is on 2000 Phillip and 204 Dooley Streets in Prairie View.  Please confirm attendance at 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

Bennett is a native of Ennis, Texas, where he received his early education.  Transitioning from High School he enrolled and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988 from the University of Houston.  The idea of becoming a lawyer was always in the back of his mind and was crystallized after he served a congressional internship during his junior year at the University of Houston. He enrolled at the University of Texas School of Law and received d a Juris Doctor in 1991.

Bennett began his career as an attorney at the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski from 1991 to 1994 and at the law firm of Solar & Fernandes LLP from 1994 to 1998.  From 1998 to 2008, he was a solo practitioner, representing individuals and companies in litigation before both Federal and State courts.  From 2009 to 2015, he served as the Presiding Judge for the 61st Civil District Court of Texas.  From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Administrative Judge for the Harris County Civil District Courts.  Bennett also campaigned for the Texas House of Representatives District 146 during the Democratic primary in 2006.

On September 18, 2014, President Obama nominated Bennett to serve as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, to the seat vacated by Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt, who took senior status on March 2, 2013.  On December 16, 2014 his nomination was returned to the President due to the sine die adjournment of the 113th Congress. On January 7, 2015, President Obama renominated him to the same position.  He received a hearing before the Judiciary Committee on January 21, 2015 and the nomination was reported out on February 26, 2015. On April 13, 2015 the United States Senate voted 95–0 in favor of confirmation.  He received his judicial commission on April 15, 2015.  Bennett is the first African-American to hold this position, and the first Democrat to hold it in years, and the youngest tenured judge.

Judge Bennett is committed to the cause of making sure citizens are informed and volunteers regularly with the Houston Lawyers Association, Houston Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the State Bar of Texas to aid in those efforts. In addition, Bennett invests in the development of future generations by devoting a large amount of time to the Boy Scouts of America as a member of the board of directors for the Sam Houston Area Council and an assistant Scoutmaster with Troop #242. He is also an Eagle Scout. Additionally participates in the Black History Making Judge Kenneth Hoyt Lectures at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and Spouses of Houston Barristers.  He has been recognized for his judicial leadership, community service by the Houston Black American Democrats.

Family is everything to Judge Bennett. He and his wife Tanyel, his best friend, are proud parents of two intelligent and smart sons, who keeps him grounded as he does what he loves – serving others.

Reverend Michael Prince is Men's Breakfast Speaker at St. Francis of Assisi

Dr. Michael Prince, a member of the Waller Independent School District (WISD) Board, is the speaker for the Men’s The Men’s Prayer Breakfast on October 26, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 204 Dooley and 200 Phillip Streets in Prairie View.  Please confirm attendance at 936-857-3272 or email: stfrancispv@sbcglobal.net.

Prince has been a resident of Prairie View since 1988 when he enrolled at Prairie View A&M University from St. Louis, Missouri.

In addition to his position on the WISD, Dr. Prince has spent the last few years providing Radio Broadcast Coverage for Waller Athletics Boys and Girls teams on his own Community Radio Station - OpenMic Broadcast Network and also for athletics at Prairie View A&M University, Hempstead and Royal ISD’s.  Dr. Prince formerly served as a District Coordinator of Student Services for Tomball ISD, a position that provides an opportunity for his clear decision making on policies and procedures that have impacted education.

Under his theme and platform of "Working for the Community through the Community," Prince has made a significant impact on programs and activities to enhance the students of the district to include managing an established After School Program for Waller ISD Students, managing an established Feeding Program for Waller ISD Students; serving as a Mentor for the young men of Waller ISD. Under his leadership, he has seen the Waller ISD become a Recognized School District and respected among county schools.

Always wanting to improve his administrative and management skills for the Board, Prince has led his colleagues with more than the required Continuing Education Units for the state of Texas since being elected in 2009. 

Dr. Prince holds the Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication from Prairie View A&M University, Masters in Ministry from Kingdom Builders Bible Seminary, and Doctorate of Ministry from Kingdom Builders Bible Seminary.

Dr. Prince is the Pastor and Founder of Temple of Refuge Church of God in Christ in Prairie View and Founder of Never Ending Worship Bible Club (N. E. W.), an after school program serving Waller ISD since 2006.  He is a Volunteer Coach with the Waller County Baseball Association since 2004 and served as a Chaplin and Vice President of Economic 4B for the City of Prairie View; President for the Missions Department Texas Southwest Jurisdiction COGIC.  He is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  Prince lettered in Baseball at Prairie View A&M University and was on the championship team. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, camping, outdoors, music, and “PEOPLE!”

Michael and his wife, Stephanie of 29 years and three children: Iesha (deceased), Mike II, Philip and Jasmine.