Shelley Reece
Missioner for Programming and Youth
My work at St. Francis centers on building spaces where children, teens, and families feel welcomed, supported, and connected to our community.
On Sundays, I oversee the nursery staff to ensure our youngest parishioners are cared for, and I work with Blair to help secure volunteers when needed for Godly Play. For the older children, I developed and now teach a Sunday School program using Dragon Slayers, a curriculum introduced by Father Jason, designed to meet kids where they are as they grow in faith and understanding.
I restarted St. Francis’ Youth Group, which meets on Tuesday afternoons, partnering with Wayfarer’s Chapel to create a welcoming space for teens to build friendships. In addition, I coordinate our monthly Faithful Families potluck, sending reminders to parents, organizing childcare, and helping ensure these gatherings remain easy, joyful opportunities for connection.
Throughout the year, I schedule and assist with special events that bring families together, including the Twelfth Night celebration earlier this month, the Posada in December, the Moonstone & Mist pop-up book fair before Christmas, and the Ancient Ways / St. Francis Hallowe’en Trunk-or-Treat in October. I also work closely with the clergy team to schedule and promote new offerings to deepen our connection to Christ, such as the Women’s Lectionary Study on Wednesdays, the upcoming Liturgy Lab which will debut on February 1st, and an Instructional Eucharist on February 15th.
In the wider community, I represent St. Francis on the South Bay Faith Council, helping us serve foster youth and at-risk children. In December 2025, this enabled me to coordinate three separate gift drives, ensuring meaningful support reached foster youth across Los Angeles and here in our local Palos Verdes community.
I look forward to continuing my work, nurturing faith, fostering belonging, and extending God’s love beyond our doors in 2026!