Parish Organizations...

WORSHIP

Adult choir: This four-part choir enhances the beauty of music while encouraging the participation of the congregation at the 10:00 am Sunday Mass at St. Francis and on special celebrations at both parishes. Rehearsal: Tuesdays at 7:30 pm; Contact: Paul Hermann, 222-1277.


We Gather Choir : This group leads the music at the 8:30 am Sunday Mass at St. James with an emphasis on modern or contemporary styles. Practice: 1 st and 3 rd Fridays of the month at 7:00 pm
Contact: Tom Morrison, 222-5043.


Resurrection Funeral Choirs: These choirs provide music for funeral Masses. There are no set practice times. Members come early to review music prior to each funeral.
Contact: Mary Hudalla, 227-4141 (SF); or Lorayne Locke, 698-7065 (SJ).


Lectors: Lectors deliver God’s Word through the readings at Masses and church services. We strive to have one youth and one adult lector at each weekend Mass. Training is provided. Contact: Pat Fowler, 225-9365 (SF); Jean Rieck, 297-0430 (SJ).


Eucharistic Ministers: Assist the priest in distribution of the Holy Eucharist during the celebration of the Mass. Many Eucharistic Ministers also take Communion to shut-ins and others who are unable to attend Mass. The appointment is for three years and may be renewed. Training is provided. Contact: Pat Fowler, 225-9365 (SF); Jean Rieck, 297-0430 (SJ).


Gift Bearers: Carry up the bread and wine to the altar at the Offertory during Mass.
Contact: Pat Fowler, 225-9365 (SF); Jean Rieck, 297-0430 (SJ).


Mass Cantors: Lead the congregation in sung prayer primarily at Saturday evening Masses. An accompanist is provided.
Contact: Paul Hermann, 222-1277

Piano accompanist: Needed on an occasional basis to accompany the choirs.
Contact: Paul Hermann, 227-1277


Altar Servers: Parishioners grades 4 and 70 from SFSJUS and public school assist the priest at Mass on weekends and special celebrations. All who fulfill their duties during the year are invited to a summer outing. Training is provided as needed. Contact: Sister Joan Fink, 228-1169.


Sacristans: Organize and help set up sacred vessels, books, and other items for weekday and weekend Masses.
Contact: Paulette Lind, 228-1169 or Sister Joan Fink, 228-1169.


Ushers: Ushers assist at Sunday and Holy Days liturgies assist with the collection and assist with the flow of people for Communion. Adults and youth (Freshman and older) are invited to volunteer. Training is provided.
Contact: Parish Office, 228-1169 (SF), Jean Rieck,, 297-0430 (SJ).


Greeters: Greeters act as Ministers of Hospitality at the doors of church to welcome parishioners and guests as they arrive at church on Sundays and Holy Days. Families may serve as greeters together!
Contact: Jean Rieck, 297-0439 (SJ)


Liturgy Committee: This committee assists in planning and decorating the churches during Christmas, Easter and other major liturgical celebrations. No artistic ability required.
Contact: Father Alberto Curbello, 228-1169

 PRAYER MINISTRY

Adoration Chapel: The Adoration Chapel is connected to the St. Francis convent and is open for private prayer and adoration. Those able to commit themselves to an hour of prayer at the chapel each week should call the coordinator. Contact: Glenn Olson, 227-5081.


Prayer Line: Parishioners who daily pray for requests received. Leaders communicate requests by a phone-call system when they are received.
Contact: Lorayne Locke, 698-7065.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Faith Formation: Serves families with children from both parishes who attend public schools and works together with the parish school (SFSJUS) for sacramental preparation. We depend on adult volunteers to lead small groups. Training and on-going support are provided. English speaking classes meet Wednesday at 6 pm in the St. James Church Hall. Spanish speaking classes meet Sunday before the 11:30 am Mass. Contact: Fr. Alberto Curbello, 228-1169

2008-09 Faith Formation Registration Form


Brownies: Girls ages 6 through 8 from SFSJUS and the community meet every other week. Leaders and girls interested in joining are welcomed.
Contact: Katy Knable, 224-5879


Girl Scouts: Girls from SFSJUS and the community meet to continue the healthful, character-building activities for girls nine to seventeen years of age. Leaders and girls interested in joining are welcomed.
Contact: Margaret Lendway, 228-0131

MEMBERSHIP

Drivers: Some of our elderly parishioners may need a ride to and from Mass or they would be unable to attend.
Contact: Sister Joan Fink, 228-1169


Donut/Fellowship Sunday : Parishioners are invited to stay after Mass to socialize and get to know one another better.
St. James: First and third Sunday of the month after the 8:30 Mass.
St. Francis: Second and Fourth Sunday of the month.
After 11:30 Spanish Mass: Once a month
Contact: Parish Office, 228-1169


Cook: Prepare and deliver a hot meal for the Priests once a month in disposable containers.
Contact: Sheila Prazak, 227-6201

SERVICE AND SOCIAL GROUPS

St. Francis Rosary Society : A member of the Archdiocesan CCW, this group focuses on spiritual, social activities, and service, offering their support in whatever capacity is needed by the parish. Members share a strong sense of community and friendship. Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., St. Francis Social Hall
Contact: Juanita Hermann, 686-04758


St. James Council of Catholic Women : A member of the Archdiocesan CCW, this group is committed to spirituality, prayer, fellowship and service to the parishes. Members are encouraged to challenge and support one another to grow in the Spirit and be instruments of God. Meets the fourth Sunday of the month following the 8:30 a.m. Mass, St. James Social Hall.
Contact : Sheila Prazak, 227-6210


Casino’s Men’s Club: As the oldest Catholic men’s club in the archdiocese, the Casino’s Men’s Club is a fraternal organization which supports youth and athletic programming for our parishes and school. Meets the1 st Monday of each month, St. Francis Social Hall.
Contact: Terry Schwartz, 690-1537

St. Vincent de Paul Society : This group from both parishes does a great deal of behind the scenes work to serve the poor in our parish and beyond. They respond to all emergency aid requests which come to the parish office, put on an annual dinner following the Fall Anointing Mass, do hospital visitations, and assist with food baskets for needy families at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. They also prepare a Soup Supper for all who wish to attend following Wednesday evening Masses in Lent. Meets the second Monday of each month, St. James Social Hall
Contact: Lou Wiggin, 222-4078


St. Francis-St. James United School : SFSJUS offers a good education and Christian formation for children in grades K-8. Small class size ensures personal attention for all students.

Adult Volunteers: Classroom aides, lunchroom, one-on-one assistance for students with special needs, computer lab, etc. Contact: Gail Rappé, 228-1167


Sandcastle Day Care Center : Sandcastle is a licensed Christian-based child care provider serving children age 6weeks through 12 years during the day and students in K-7 before and after school.


Adult Volunteers: Sandcastle welcomes adult volunteers to come for an hour now and then to rock babies or be with older children during nap time. Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, St. James Campus.
Contact: Jennifer Franta, 293-3945


Funeral luncheons : Volunteers set up and serve the meal following funerals as well as cleaning up the hall afterwards. The family of the deceased, not the luncheon crew, is responsible for purchasing and/or preparing the meal.
Contact: Betty Krenner, 699-8043 (SF); Lucy Johnson, 224-7102 (SJ)


Cancer Sewing : People from both parishes needed to sew cancer pads for the Free Cancer Home. You work from your home using kits made up of squares cut from clean sheets and cotton padding. Can be sewn by hand or by machine. Dorothy Cook will deliver the kit which makes 6 cancer pads to your home and will pick them up again when you are finished sewing them.
Contact: Dorothy Cook, 698-3303


Meals on Wheels: This much needed and uplifting volunteer activity is open to women and men from both parishes. The meal is prepared and picked up at St. Mary’s Nursing Home. Contact: Ruth Huber, 228-0525

PARISH SPECIAL EVENTS

Maifest Committee : The Maifest celebration was begun at St. Francis in 1984 and features German food and drink, and games for kids of all ages, and a concert by the Minnesota State Band.
Time: 4th Wednesday in May
Contact: Juanita Hermann, 686-4758.


Oktoberfest Committee : This is the major fundraiser for St. Francis parish. Many volunteers help out with the Saturday evening Mass, dinner and dance, Sunday booya, games, music, raffle, set-up and clean up.
Time: Last weekend in September
Contact: Parish Office, 228-1169


Special Occasions: Work with other parishioners to plan and advertise receptions, fund raisers and youth activities. Set-up and clean up.
Contact: Parish Office, 228-1169

SOCIAL MINISTRY

Social Justice Committee: This committee functions primarily through our parish Latino community. With connections to the inter-denominational justice group ISAIAH its primary focus is on driver's license regulations, affordable housing, and other issues affecting the immigrant groups in Minnesota.
Contact: Eva Garnica at 228-1169


Pro Life – Total Life Group : This group, open to people from both parishes informs the parish community about pro-life issues, works with the school to promote respect for life, and provides financial, material and moral support for pregnant women in need through Highland Life Care Center. Meets: 2nd Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Francis Social Hall Contact: Margee Adrian, 227-2076

STEWARDSHIP

Community Outreach & Evangelization (CORE): The purpose of CORE is to look for and implement new ways to welcome new parishioners to our community.
Contact: Margee Adrian, 227-2076

PARISH OFFICE

Office volunteer (answer phone, help with mailings, etc.) Graphics/Art Work
Calligraphy
Contact: Parish Office, 228-1169

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Carpentry
Plumbing
Electrical
Painting
Cleaning: Volunteers do light housekeeping of the churches before Advent and Lent.
Flowers/Lawn/Yard Care: Care of flowers in the Mary Garden, etc.
Contact: Parish Office, 228-1169