The St. Francis Way

A project “Re-Imagine St Francis Way” is underway to create a trail around the perimeter of the property as a place for our community to connect with the beauty of God's creation. It will be a natural setting for play, prayer, reflection and for experiencing nature by parishioners and neighbors.

Arbors mark the beginning and end of the approximately 1/4-mile pathway. With the entrance close to the far end of the Holy Cross church parking lot, it winds behind the memorial garden, the children’s playground then through woods and some marshland.  Benches will be placed along the path for taking time out to reflect on our busy lives and a gazebo set up for meditation and small group worship. 

When visiting St Francis Way, you may meet some of our immediate neighbors who regularly walk the path for recreation or some friends from neighboring non-profit and religious organizations.

Since children are our future and we know that they are having less and less interaction with nature, we decided to dedicate part of the woods to a play space which can be accessed from the pathway or from a small opening through the shrubbery behind the playground.

Research shows that nature play can help children develop the ability to focus more deeply and can foster the development of relationships. For children and adults alike, spending time in nature can also deepen our connection to God.