By Christine Persichette
At St. Francis of Assisi Church in Astoria, Queens you’ll often find Maura Hili with a book in her hands, reading to children.
As the school librarian at the Catholic academy and mother of three, Hili also directs the parish’s St. Francis Summer Fun Program — a role she embraces with boundless energy.
“I love it,” Hili said. “I also like to be busy. I always say, ‘Oh, I wish I had a few minutes to relax,’ but when I relax, I’m like — what are we gonna do?”
There’s little downtime in the program. From consoling a crying child to answering curious questions or guiding young sous chefs as they make salsa, Hili keeps the days engaging.
Launched last year, the program helps prevent summer learning loss while building social and fine motor skills in a fun environment for academy students and incoming kindergartners.
Pastor Monsignor Ralph Maresca praised Hili’s talents, noting the program’s popularity forced them to turn families away this year.
“Maura is such a unique person — she has the talent and the capability of pulling anything together and doing a wonderful job,” he said. “It’s all a blessing, and she is truly a blessing to our parish.”
Though Hili didn’t grow up in the area, St. Francis holds deep family ties. Her immigrant family found community and support here upon arriving in America; it was their church and where her mother attended school.
“From the day I stepped foot in the preschool program with my oldest—who’s now 11—it felt like home,” she recalled.A
All three of Hili’s children are hearing-impaired, and the parish has been a steadfast source of support.
“My faith is extremely important. I can’t imagine my life without it, especially when things have… I’ve been dealt different hands, especially with my children’s hearing,” she said.
“I don’t know if I didn’t have my faith and this community how I would’ve come out of that.”
Through the summer program, Hili gives back to the place that welcomed her family.
“This place has made me a part of their family, so you know you always give back to your family no matter what,” she said.
Maura Hili embodies the pulse of St. Francis of Assisi parish—blending faith, fun, and heartfelt service.