Thanks to our BeFrienders, our Faith Community Nurses, our Health & Wellness Team, those who take Communion to the bound and those who make weekly hospital visits in the name of our parish!
How blessed we are at St. Francis Xavier with people who so generously care about the health and well-being of our parish family. A new academic year marks the beginning of regularly scheduled meetings for these ministries. It is an absolute pleasure for me to work with the parishioners who are so generously sharing their time and talent to care for the people of our parish and beyond.
The lives of many have been and continue to be blessed by: BeFrienders as they provide a listening presence to people in need of companionship and/or those experiencing loss, the Faith Community Nurses who provide visits to check on the elderly or those recovering from surgeries or other health issues, the Health & Wellness Team who provide education, resources and presentation on many topics relating to health of mind, body and spirit, and of course to those who bring the Blessed Sacrament to the homebound in our parish family. St. Francis Xavier can be proud of the services provided and the lives enhanced through the love and care of these individuals
There are many Pastoral Ministry opportunities for individuals who have a desire to reach out and touch the lives of others in need. The time commitment for each of the ministries varies. Please contact me by phone or email to learn more or to volunteer your time.
With joy in service to others,
Deb Rudolph
Pastoral Ministries
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is held during the Advent and Lenten Seasons. The Anointing Sacrament is for persons who are in need of healing in mind, body and spirit. The Anointing is available for children who have reached the age of reason. If parishioners are seriously ill and request an anointing at their home or hospital, it can be arranged by contacting
Fr. Tim or Deb Rudolph.
BeFriender Ministry
BeFrienders are trained to be a listening presence to persons in need of support. Formal training is required. BeFrienders meet once a month after training as a group and are expected to visit with an assigned person who needs support once or twice a month for an hour or less, depending on the circumstances. We are encouraging persons to consider this if they can drive a vehicle, have the ability to listen, are confidential and willing to take the training required.
BeFrienders:
Bernice Anderson
Ruth Brattensborg
Ron Anderson
Steve Buley
Pat Feneis
Alice Emslander
Alice Gerads
Jennifer Morrisette-Hesse
Barb Kroll
Mary Kuhlmann
Beccy Ruzanic
Marilyn Rajkowski
Darlene Stafney
Janet Wiener
Donna Traut
Lois Rengel
Diane Corcoran
Tim Corcoran
Parish Visitor Ministry
As parishioners move to care facilities or are hospitalized, it is helpful to be connected to a St. Francis Xavier member for a continued relationship with the parish. Homebound parishioners receive visits in their homes, and Eucharist when requested. Parish Visitors are connected to the following facilities in the area:
St. Cloud Hospital
VA Hospital
Nursing Homes
Country Manor, Sartell
Good Shepherd, Sauk Rapids
Ridgeview, Sauk Rapids
St. Benedict's Center, St. Cloud
Sterling Place, Waite Park
Wildwood, Sauk Rapids
Edgewood, Sartell
Cherrywood, St. Cloud
Place of Hope Ministry
Parishioners purchase, prepare and serve the 5 p.m. dinner at the Place of Hope, 9th Avenue in St. Cloud., the former St. Raphael Home on the 1st Wednesday of the Month. This is a wonderful opportunity for Confirmation students looking for a service project and for families with children at least 10 years old. The Place of Hope serves the homeless and also is a treatment center. Sign up on the Time & Talent form or contact Deb Rudolph at 252-1363 if you are interested in volunteering. Commitment time is about two hours or more.
Prayer Blanket/Shawl Ministry
Individuals in the parish sew prayer blankets or knit, crochet prayer shawls for parishioners who are dealing with medical issues or are in crisis for support and a promise of prayer. These blankets are blessed by Fr. Tim at the Anointing of the Sick service and each includes a hand sewn label which reads: "You are covered in Prayer by St. Francis Xavier." If you have the skill and would be willing to share your time and craft call Deb Rudolph.
Welcoming Sunday
Three or four times during the year St. Francis Xavier plans a Welcome Sunday for new parishioners at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. New parishioners are hosted by member of the community, introducing themselves before Mass and then sharing conversation and hospitality over donuts and coffee following Mass. Couples, singles and families are welcome for this ministry.