Ann interviews Sr. Boreta, a longtime parishioner of St. Francis Xavier, about finding welcome, healing, and purpose in a faith community committed to inclusion and justice. Boreta shares her journey to Xavier after a painful experience of racism at another parish, and how music, preaching, and genuine hospitality first made her feel at home. She reflects on her deep involvement in the choir, preaching forums, Ignatian spirituality, and racial justice work, as well as Xavier’s commitment to honoring diverse voices and gifts within the Church. Their conversation highlights Xavier as a parish where people are truly seen, welcomed, and invited to live out their baptismal call in service, faith, and community.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Ed, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier for more than 25 years, interviews Bill, a longtime parishioner deeply involved in parish life, about finding a spiritual home at Xavier. Bill reflects on his return to the parish after its renovation, the sense of welcome he experienced, and how Xavier’s vibrant community drew him into active faith. He shares how prayer and service are intertwined through his leadership in liturgical ministries, Stations of the Cross, Family Faith, and numerous parish groups, as well as his involvement in LGBTQ+ ministries. Their conversation highlights Xavier as a place where worship, justice, friendship, and inclusion come together—forming a living community that invites people to find God in action and belong fully as they are.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Liz, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier for about eight years, interviews Nancy, a longtime parishioner since 1998, about her journey back to the Church and her deep commitment to faith-rooted social justice. Nancy reflects on her years living and working in Central America, her advocacy for human rights and immigrants, and how Xavier became a spiritual home that welcomed her as a returning Catholic. Their conversation explores grief and healing, the parish’s prophetic stance on issues such as war, racism, climate change, and human dignity, and Nancy’s leadership in peace, justice, and environmental ministries. Together, Liz and Nancy reflect on how Xavier’s animated, justice-centered community sustains hope, courage, and faithful action in the face of global challenges.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Kevin, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier for nearly 15 years, interviews Fr. Peter, a former associate pastor whose relationship with Xavier spans decades. Fr. Peter reflects on his years of ministry at the parish, his deep commitment to sacramental life and liturgy, and his belief that worship is something a people do together. He shares stories of welcoming new Catholics through RCIA, accompanying families through baptisms and marriages, and engaging Xavier’s vibrant, justice-oriented community. Their conversation explores vulnerability, authenticity, and pastoral presence—and how Xavier has remained a spiritual home defined by welcome, participation, and shared faith across generations.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Catherine, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier since 2011, interviews Sr. Mary, a member of the Xavier community since 1980, about her life of faith, ministry, and service at the parish during a time of profound change in New York City. Sr. Mary reflects on her vocation as a Sister of Mercy, her early years of pastoral outreach at Xavier, and her deep involvement in ministries of presence, justice, and spiritual formation. She shares moving reflections on Xavier’s response to the AIDS crisis, the parish’s commitment to welcoming marginalized communities, and the significance of women’s leadership and preaching. Their conversation traces how Xavier has continually challenged and expanded faith—calling parishioners to authenticity, compassion, and action rooted in Gospel values.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Andrea, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier since 2001, sits down with her daughter Grace and longtime parishioner Marjorie to reflect on faith, community, and belonging across three generations of Catholic women. Marjorie, a daily communicant for decades, shares how Xavier has anchored her spiritual life and sustained her through profound changes in the Chelsea neighborhood and the Church itself. Grace reflects on coming to Xavier as a child, growing through family faith formation, and now teaching younger children in the parish. Together, their conversation explores how Xavier has remained a spiritual home—shaping values, nurturing curiosity, and offering continuity, welcome, and hope across the seasons of life.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Aedan, a lifelong parishioner of St. Francis Xavier, interviews Luz, the parish’s longtime Director of Religious Education, about her journey of faith, vocation, and service at Xavier. Luz reflects on her path to New York City, her transition from computer science to professional dance, and the moments that led her to Xavier during a difficult period in her life. Together, they explore Luz’s deep involvement in family faith formation, youth ministry, RCIA, interfaith dialogue, and care for the homebound, as well as Aedan’s own experience growing up in the parish. Their conversation highlights how Xavier has shaped generations through welcome, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging. 

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Natasha interviews Stephanie, who was led to Xavier by her brother in 2001. Natasha and Stephanie, both LGBTQ+ women of Filipina heritage, talk about negotiating their relationships with their sexual orientation, the tug of faith in their hearts and the call to prophetically proclaim the Good News.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit:

https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/episode-8-stephanie-natasha/

This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy of Donald Kennedy Photography. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

John, a cradle Catholic who grew up in a very spiritual and religious home in the Franciscan tradition, had fallen away from the faith during his 20s and 30s. One day nearly 40 years ago, John found his way into the Xavier church while trying to escape a rain storm, which led him to spiritually "escape the rain" and find shelter within and amongst the community through the storms the AIDS crisis, and other crises of faith related to being a Catholic gay man of faith. Caitlin talks with John about journeying through the trauma of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and how Xavier played a role in ministering to those on the margins then and now.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit:

https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/episode-7-john-caitlin/

This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy of Donald Kennedy Photography. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

Through the persistent invitation of a friend who was a Xavier parishioner, Paula and Roe eventually attended mass in May 2000 at Xavier and were taken aback by their first experience of the radical welcome of the Xavier parish community. Brandon, a parishioner for about five years, talks with Paula and Roe about the faithful people they've known at Xavier throughout the years and thoughts about what's changed in their over twenty years at Xavier.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit:

https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/episode-6-paula-roe-brandon/

This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy of Donald Kennedy Photography. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.

To access a transcript of this episode, or to learn more about the Church of St. Francis Xavier visit: https://sfxavier.org/from-age-to-age-an-oral-history-podcast/# This episode was recorded and edited by Cynthia Bastidas of Semillita Productions. Photography by Donald Kennedy. Cover illustrations by Greg Guiteras. Podcast introduction song is “Here I Am, Lord (I Come To Do Your Will),” music composed by Michael Ward and performed by the Music Ministry of the Church of St. Francis Xavier. All copyrighted music reproduced with permission of OneLicense copyright A-700530, rights reserved; music reprint license number 944. A special thanks to the staff of St. Francis Xavier and Father Ken Boller, SJ.