While much of their faith since marriage has been nurtured through raising their children in the traditions and practices of the Catholic faith, they have found a new outlook on their faith lives as empty nesters. They have prioritized expanding their knowledge of religion and relationship with Christ both collectively and individually, joining small groups, ministries, planning teams and Bible studies at OLL and adding more distinctive prayer time into their daily schedules. Together, Holly and Howard attend various events and retreats held by the parishes, and enjoy visiting new churches while traveling to really visualize the expansive nature of the universal Catholic Church.

When asked if they had one tip to share with newlyweds or those who are preparing for marriage in our family of parishes, this is what they had to say: "Marriage is a journey for two that is a lot easier in you can agree on a common set of values, develop and foster a strong set of friendships, maintain regular family playtime and meals and support each other in a joint faith life."

While both Andy and Noelle were students at the University of Dayton, they actually didn't meet on UD's campus. What brought these two together was St. Francis of Assisi Church.

In Noelle's first year of college, she wrote an essay for her religion class about her interest in youth ministry. Her professor happened to be married to the Youth Ministry Coordinator for St. Francis at the time and connected them. As she began her commitment to working with the youth of St. Francis, she met a family with three teens in the program who, when it was mentioned that she was a student at UD, shared that their brother played football for the same university. One day, their older brother picked them up from youth ministry, and it was Andy. A mere 24 hours after briefly meeting, Andy was contacting each "Noel/Noelle" in the UD phonebook in hopes of inviting Noelle to a Bible study with him, and that was the beginning of their relationship with Christ at its core. The two volunteered at St. Francis together, attended and led retreats and mission trips together, participated in Bible studies and other faith-sharing groups/events. These patterns remained a constant throughout their relationship and have kept the two together through all of life's challenges.

Today, faith remains the main focus of Noelle and Andy's relationship. After a time of serving as the Coordinator of Youth Ministry for St. Francis herself, Noelle has taught baptism classes, sang in the choir, served as a catechist, planned Vacation Bible Camp, began the Making Music Praying Twice ministry and has facilitated retreats for young people of the parish. Her most recent endeavor has been working with the Awaken program to increase accessibility to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Andy has participated in the Men's Retreat, volunteered with youth ministry at both the Jr. High and High School levels, served as a catechist and on Pastoral Council and has assisted with Vacation Bible Camp. The two also participate in a small faith community as well to ensure that their marriage is one where faith is at the forefront of all things.

Standing at the edge of the rectory yard on the St. Francis of Assisi campus is a beautiful, weathered statue of our Blessed Mother. Though one may pass by this statue on the way into Mass without a second thought, her storied history is one that everyone should know as she has been a part of Fr. Brian Phelp's family for over forty years.

This Blessed Mother originally graced the yard of Fr. Brian's grandmother. She heard many prayers for healing and for family over the years. Every time that she would move, she ensured that she could see Mother Mary from the window in her home. Towards the end of her life, Fr. Brian's grandmother would pray three rosaries a day, looking out at Mary from her chair inside.

When his grandmother passed away, Mary found a new home at the childhood home of Fr. Brian. Years later when his parents decided to move, they drove Mary to Fr. Brian at St. Francis where he was serving his first assignment as pastor. 

After prayerful consideration of where to place this sentimental representation of our Blessed Mother, Fr. Brian knew he had to place her where she could look out for all who entered into Mass. Parishioners will often leave flowers before her. 

Throughout Covid, Mary became an anchor for Fr. Brian, and while she served him as an anchor spiritually, he also noted that she was a physical anchor on the St. Francis of Assisi grounds. Throughout the years that Mary has resided at St. Francis, she has weathered many storms. Fr. Brian recalled in his youth that the statue had a tendency of tipping over in the wind and rain, but has noted in the past few years that even through bad storms and heavy rains, Mary has not moved an inch or fallen over. It was a sense of security that the Blessed Mother was always one to turn to.

​Over the years, the idea has been suggested to paint and refresh the weathered statue. At one point, Fr. Brian considered it, but even the artist after reviewing the statue said that it was too beautiful the way it is. It's weathered state illustrates just how many rosaries have been prayed before it and how Mother Mary hears them all.