"From Age to Age" by SFXChurchNYC

Ep. 15: Ann and Sr. Boreta | From Age to Age - Oral History - Series 2

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.

Ep. 14: Ed and Bill | From Age to Age - Oral History - Series 2

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.

Ep. 13: Liz and Nancy | From Age to Age - Oral History - Series 2

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.

Ep.12 - Kevin and Fr. Peter | From Age to Age - Oral History - Series 2

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.

Ep. 11: Sr. Mary and Catherine | From Age to Age - Oral History - Series 2

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.