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Parish Ministry & Outreach

- Parish Life

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
- St Francis of Assisi

One of the greatest examples of our faith is our parish’s work in the community.   We are called to share the light of Christ with those outside our parish walls. Many of our parishioners have given of their time and talent to benefit the larger community. Following are some of the organizations our parish family supports - through volunteering their time - and also with funds that our parish provided in the last year:

· FaithJustice Committee
· Society of St Vincent de Paul
· Resource Room
· Sunday Lunch Program
· Interfaith Hospitality Network (FamilyPromise)
· Channel One Food Bank
Serving our Parish
As Pope Francis says, the Church is a field-hospital striving to heal all the ills the world experiences. To that end, our parish strives to minister to those most in need. Please call the Parish Center Office at 507.288.7313 if you are interested in getting involved in any of these ministries. Some of these ministries include:

Funeral Luncheons:
This important ministry is comprised of volunteers who order food and prepare a luncheon following funerals at St. Francis of Assisi Church. This is an excellent way to provide support and fellowship to our parishioners in their time of loss. Time commitments vary, teams serve for two months. Training is provided.

Ministry to the Homebound:

Those unable to attend Mass or parish events are a vital part of our community. Ministers of Holy Communion are commissioned to bring Communion to elderly and/or frail parishioners who are unable to attend Mass on Sundays and on the first Friday of the month. Training is provided.

Prayer Shawl Ministry:
Members of the Shawl Ministry knit or crochet prayer shawls for others in need of comfort, solace or healing. Each shawl is crafted with prayer for the recipient, then blessed by our parish priests. Daytime or evening groups are available. Meetings are usually once per month.

Serving our Community

Resource Room
The Resource Room at St Francis of Assisi parish is designed to assist people who are in need of household and personal care items. Donations are always appreciated. Volunteers are needed to organize donations, help is needed to assist people who visit the Resource on Wednesday afternoons between 1PM and 2:30PM. Time commitments vary.

Sunday Lunch Program
The Sunday Lunch Program is a weekly, noon meal sponsored by the six Rochester Catholic Parishes and provided at no cost to any needy person in the Rochester Community. The meal is served at St. Francis of Assisi church but is served by each parish on a six-week rotation. Each parish will provide 10-12 volunteers on their respective week.

St. Vincent de Paul

Are you a naturally caring, compassionate and giving person? Were you blessed with parents and other role models in life from whom you learned that the joy of living is giving? You are invited to serve Christ’s poor in our Parish and community. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is inviting caring people to assist people in our parish needing food, clothes, rent assistance, utility assistance and other emergency needs. Christ said, “What you do for the least of my brothers you do unto me”. Is it time for you to really live your religious convictions and give something back for all you have received? You can make a difference.

http://www.svdp-rochmn.org/about-us

Channel One
Parishioners volunteer the third Saturday of each month at the Channel One Warehouse to pack boxes for NAPS (National Assistance Program for Seniors), MAC (Mother and Child), or independently any weekday for general community assistance. Parishioners are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items weekly in the collection barrel located in the Gathering Space.

Interfaith Hospitality Network (Family Promise)

Interfaith Hospitality Network (Family Promise) is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and support to homeless families. The family members spend their days at the Day Center looking for housing and employment. Their evenings and nights are spent at area churches. Parishioners volunteer as cooks, activity hosts, drivers, and overnight hosts. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, families, and groups. Training is available and required. .

THE CHURCH OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace!

Parish Ministry & Outreach

Serving our Parish

Funeral Luncheons:

Prayer Shawl Ministry:

Resource Room

Sunday Lunch Program

Channel One