GREENSBORO — After a national search for a new pastoral associate for music and liturgy, the people of St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro decided they already had everything they were looking for in parishioner Francine Britto. After her predecessor, Andrew O’Connor, accepted a position at a church in Florida, Britto graciously agreed to help out in the interim while the search continued.
“I was enjoying some time off, but I think it’s just in my blood – fortunately or unfortunately – that I can’t get myself out of liturgy and music,” Britto said with a laugh.
Previously the director for music and liturgy at Holy Infant in Durham, Britto moved to the Triad for her husband Errol’s job as a general surgeon at Novant Health-Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.
Britto has a licentiate in music, a post-master’s degree from The Trinity College of Music in London and certifications in liturgy and in early childhood development from The London Montessori Schools.
Britto has lived and worked in parishes all over the world and also looks forward to starting a regular youth choir at St. Pius X Parish that will learn a wide range of music, from traditional to contemporary.
She noted her 13 years at St. Mary’s Parish in Oak Ridge, Tenn., as being particularly special to her as she enjoyed working with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia.
Originally from India, Britto has a soft spot for religious sisters thanks to an experience with the Missionaries of Charity.
“My background is in classical music, directing and composing music. I went into teaching at a high school, which was a lot of fun,” she said. “I was young and didn’t look at the Church as my direction, but then I met the Dominican sisters and remembered my great experiences with Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity, and that led me to where I am now.
“I always say God puts you in places you least expect to be, but trust in Him and goodness knows where you’re going to be next.”
— Annie Ferguson