St. Francis’ Staff
Cathy Griffing, Organist/Choirmaster
Cathy Griffing accepted the position as full time Organist/Choirmaster at St. Francis in September, 2011 after serving as interim organist at St. Francis for many months prior. Cathy’s church music career began as a pianist when she was eleven years old and from then she served for many years in various churches. This is, however, her first position as church organist/choirmaster.
During Cathy’s tenure the St. Francis Adult Choir membership has more than doubled. Also, in 2018, the Parish acquired a new Allen Bravura Organ. Popular music offerings that originated or were continued during Cathy’s tenure include, Lenten Saturday Evening Taizé Services, the late summer Gospel Concert, and Lessons and Carols during the Advent Season.
Cathy is passionate about the importance of music in our worship services and truly believes music enhances our worship.
Chris Miller, Parish Administrator
Chris Miller joined St. Francis the summer of 2010. Though Chris has worked in several different industries providing administrative support, this is her first opportunity to work in a church setting. Her thoughts: “Working at St. Francis has been the most fulfilling work experience of my life.” #feelingblessed
The Rev. Christian Rabone, Rector
I am honored to be called as your new Rector of St. Francis of Assisi Church and look forward to getting to know everyone on a personal level. I would like to take this opportunity to share more about me and my family.
For the better part of my childhood, I was raised in and graduated from Harrison, Arkansas. I attended the University of Arkansas and received my degree in Music Education. After graduation, I moved to Texas and worked as a private teacher and trumpet performer in the Dallas area. I was a band director for seven years and during that time I received my master’s degree of Education in Administration. During the next twenty-two years, I worked as an Assistant Principal and Principal at two different Middle Schools. During that time, I received my Superintendent Degree, thinking someday I would be interested in pursuing that path. All during this time I loved going to church and serving in different ministries. After retiring with twenty-nine years in education, I went to Seminary of the Southwest and received a Master of Divinity.
My first ministry job was at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in San Angelo, Texas, where I was a curate for 1 ½ years. The next job was being the Rector at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church, Big Spring, Texas, for five years.
My wife, Tiffany, is a K-5 Math Interventionist in Coahoma and is going on her fourth year in this district. Before teaching in Coahoma, she has taught in Big Spring, San Angelo, Manor, and Hale Center. She has been in the educational field for twenty-two years. She loves to teach and enjoys seeing her students reach their fullest potential and to see them happy with what they are doing in school to meet that goal.
We have four wonderful children: Matthew, Cody, Clayton, and Olivia. It is my hope they will be able to visit Gulf Breeze in the near future.
My wife Tiffany and I have been married for twenty-six years and enjoy spending time with family, traveling, going out to eat, and watching movies. Other areas I enjoy are weight lifting, playing my trumpet, and walking our dogs.
We look forward to meeting everyone and being a part of the St. Francis church family.
“With God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Blessings,
Fr. Christian