News & Events

Mental Health Ministry

The diocese recognized the need to walk with individuals and their loved ones experiencing mental health challenges by providing spiritual support and accompaniment, practical resources and educational opportunities for mental health awareness. Our 11-member Mental Health Ministry Team is currently working to form a ministry of presence in the ACCs for those affected by mental illness. To learn more about mental health ministry, please use the QR Code provided.

2026 Calendars

Church calendars are available at all entrances. One per family please. Thank you wo Williams Dingmann Funeral Home for providing them to our parish.

AA GROUP MEETINGS

AA Group Meetings at St. Francis Xavier. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, St. Francis Xavier hosts a local AA group which meets every Thursday at 6:30pm in Xavier Hall. Attendees should go to the east side of the Xavier Hall - Door X3 and down to the basement. If you have questions, please contact Denny K. at 320-224-7785.

AA Group Meetings – Mayhew Lake

AA MEETING-MAYHEW LAKE
AA MEETING at Annunciation Church Hall starting on Thursday, May 16th at 7pm. Meetings will be held everyweek. Anyone touched by alcohol in anyway are invited. Call Lori for more info. 320-406-8742.

ACC Fellowship Event

The next fellowship event will be held on January 18th in the basement of Annunciation church. The event will begin with Mass at 8:15. We are focusing on those people involved with funeral lunch helpers, funeral Mass helpers, St Monicas, The knights of Columbus, and Men's Club. Deacon Terry will be the speaker and the topic will be on Luke: 38-42--Martha and Mary, the balance of ways to honor the presences of Jesus and the needs of the Body of Christ. There will be muffins and juice/coffee served. No need to RSVP, and if you are not part of one of these groups and would like to come please do so.

ADORATION UPDATE

We are so excited to welcome so many new adoration chapel captains! We are specifically looking to add some men to our committee, so if you have been feeling called to commit to an hour of prayer or to help with supporting the chapel by being
a captain – please contact Nicky Carlson: ncarlson@taocatholic.org. Here are our most urgent hours of need:
Monday 1-2AM,
Tuesday 4-5AM,
Wednesday 11PM,
Thursday 7AM.
If you are interested in committing to an hour that is not listed – please email Nicky. Many of our adorers would appreciate a prayer partner so that if one of you cannot make it due to illness, other commitment, etc – you have a built in sub. Also, if your schedule does not permit you to commit to a specific hour, but you would like to be able to spend time with Jesus in the chapel – please reach out to find out more about our perpetual adoration chapel. Thank you! -

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

All Women of St. Francis...

All women of the parish are invited to be part of this organization. If you are interested in hearing more about who we are, what we do and how often we meet, please contact Aggie at 320-252-1417 or make plans to attend our first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 PM in our parish gathering place. Please consider becoming a member

Annual Appeal

the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus. As you celebrate this season, please consider supporting diocesan ministries with a year-end gift. To donate, visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal or mail to: Bishop’s Annual Appeal, P.O. Box 1538, St. Cloud, MN 56302.

BAPTISM

We welcome the following children, baptized into our
parish family and the Christian community: Oliver Klinkhammer Keller, son of Kevin Keller & Courtney Klinkhammer, from Ft. Francis Xavier

BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS

As we get ready to start another busy year of activities, we know space in the bulletin will start to get tight. With that in mind, we have a few requests for bulletin submissions. 1) Have your submissions for the community pages written out and to Jill Lieser in the office (by Monday at 8am for the bulletin being published that coming weekend. For example, for the October 7th/8th bulletin, community page submissions should be in by October 2nd. 2) Be brief. Paragraphs of details makes it hard to fit all submissions in. If your submission is lengthy, it may be edited for length. Please make sure there is a contact for additional information. 3) Let us know how long you would like the submission to run for. If it is in the bulletin for multiple weeks, we may need to pull it out for a week or two to allow room for new submissions. We will always try to run it again as the end date approaches.

Bible in a Year

In
The Bible in a Year
podcast,
Fr. Mike Schmitz
walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way.
Listen and…Read the ENTIRE Bible, Feel more confident about your understanding of Scripture, experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your daily life, start seeing the world through the lens of Scripture.


Even if you did it last year! Do it again!
You will be blessed!

Bishop’s Annual Appeal

“Do you think I have come to give you peace on Earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” Luke 12:51

Many of us like to play it safe, not cause waves with our family and friends, especially when it comes to politics and religion. We don’t want to cause any turmoil. However, many times this is at the expense of the truth. The truth being Jesus Christ. Too many people are misguided because they rely on their own limited human ability to reason and are not allowing faith in God to guide them. Form your conscience; take a stance for life, marriage, and religious liberty.

Box of Joy

“Boxes of Joy” from St. Stephen's and St. Francis Xavier's parishioners, along with generous donations towards shipping, we completed 75 boxes. Blessings on all who joined in giving.
Thanks, Deacon Joe, Karen, & Lora for the idea & Lora, for leading, guiding, and picking up our boxes. Carol Hart and Leona Wieland

Breakfast Food Needed for Lincoln Center

Each night at Lincoln Center a bag is given out to people living on the streets so they have breakfast to eat the next morning. The following items are needed: juice boxes or Gatorade, protein drinks, beef and cheese sticks, granola bars, fruit cups, Ramen, Spaghetti O's (with the flip top), bottled water. Please bring in your donation to your parish (marked LINCOLN CENTER) the weekends of Sept. 7 and 14. Volunteers are also needed to hand out breakfasts from 6-7:15. Go to www.homelesshelpinghomeless.org Thank you for supporting those in need.

CANCER/MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES SUPPORT GROUP

The hope for this group is to provide a supportive setting for those with cancer/major medical conditions (and/or their loved ones) that will include prayer and opportunities to share personal experiences of God's grace and blessings when such illnesses are a part of life. There will be an introductory meeting on Friday, May 3rd at 9:30am in Xavier Hall. Please join us if you can. If this date is NOT good, but you are interested in future participation, please call the parish office 320-252-1363 to speak with Sandee or Tom or email skremers@stfrancissartell.org, tofferdahl@stfrancissartell.org, or Jim Negen at jrnegen@gmail.com. The plan is to hear input from others in designing the structure and to hold monthly meetings.

CARD GROUP @ SFX

SFX/One in Christ Card Group will meet again starting in September in Xavier Hall! We will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays September—
May 14, 2026.

CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK

Join the Catholic Advocacy Network. The Network is an initiative of the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC). When you sign up, you will receive a bi-weekly email of resources that will provide formation on the Catholic faith and information on issues impacting life, dignity, and the common good. MCC also sends occasional action alerts that equip you to take action to transform Minnesota by contacting your elected officials on key issues. To join, go to mncatholic.org/join. You can also text CAN to 651-998-7322.

CEMETERY NEWS

If you are interested in some pre-planning and picking out a gravesite or columbarium niche, please call Tom in the parish office at 252-1363 to set up a time to meet or to learn more. We have a handful of options for you depending on if you are looking at a traditional burial or a cremation. Getting ahead of some of these things is a relief to spouses or children or other family members. By choosing your final resting place, just like everything else, doing something now will mean savings against future price increases due to increasing maintenance costs.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA KOINONIA

You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Did you know that God knew you before you were born? CENTRAL MINNESOTA KOINONIA is a weekend Catholic retreat program sponsored by the St Cloud Diocese and is designed for adults to help you on your faith journey. The next retreat is scheduled for January 23-25, 2026, at the TEC Center north of Little Falls, Minnesota. Cost of the weekend is $70. Go to www.centralmnkoinonia.org for more information and to register for retreats.

Catholic Charities Food Shelf

Drop off for cash or food items will be the 2nd weekend of the month throughout the year at Sacred Heart and Annunciation.

Cemetery

Last call . . . . . . Please be sure to remove all decorations and pots from the cemetery for the winter months. The plant stands can stay, but pots, decorations and items on the grave sites should be cleared for the winter months. The cemetery committee will be removing any remaining items later this week, and they will be discarded.

Cemetery News

If you place something on a gravesite for Christmas, please have it removed by January 6th. Any items remaining after that date will be removed and discarded. Thank you for following the rules/ guidelines of our cemetery.

Central MN Catholic Magazine

Have you read The Central Minnesota Catholic magazine? Do you follow the Diocese of St. Cloud on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Instagram? Have you visited the diocesan websites for resources? All of these communication tools that inform us of the latest Catholic news are supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Keep the news coming by contributing at www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be each weekend during the 9:30am Liturgy. This is for families that have young children ages 3-grade 2. This ministry helps break down the Liturgy of the Word to be at their level of understanding. We look forward to your little ones joining us.

Church Cleaning for Christmas

Church cleaning for Christmas will take place on Monday, December 22 at 1:00pm. We have scrub pails and cleaning cloths and other needed supplies. We wipe down the pews and kneelers to make them shine and be ready for Christmas worship. If you are able to share some time in this ministry it will be greatly appreciated. Usually there is enough help that we can get things done in hour. Questions, please call Tom Offerdahl at 320-252-1363, ext. 405. Thanks for helping!

DIOCESAN ADULT FAITH OPPORTUNITIES

On October 26 the diocese is offering three events aimed at engaging adults in their faith. Adults are welcome to attend all three events or choose the ones that work in their schedule. All three events are taking place in St. Joseph, MN. The titles of the day are: Are You Ready?...for Surprise, Newness, Letting Go, Healing and Grace; The Lord has Done Great Things for Us…Are You Ready...for a FREE Concert? Please look to the stuffer for more details and costs.

DIOCESAN TV MASS

Viewers in the St. Cloud Diocese can watch the Mass on KSTC-45 at 11am each Sunday via cable, satellite or antenna (check your cable provider for channel number). Charter Communication airs the Mass on Channel 17.

ELECTRONIC GIVING

As we roll into summer and all of the great things that take place, church attendance declines. Electronic giving is a great way to continue to support the church even during the times that parishioners are enjoying lakes and family events and other things . . . and are not here. Thanks to the many members who already contribute that way. We started electronic giving in the fall of 1998 and many of you have been with us since the beginning. You can register online at www.stframcissartell.org OR you can pick up a form in the gathering place entrances or the parish office. You can give by credit card or bank debit. Most people give monthly or semi-monthly, but there are other options. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office.

ELECTRONIC GIVING

As we roll into summer and all of the great things that take place, church attendance declines. Electronic giving is a great way to continue to support the church even during the times that parishioners are enjoying lakes and family events and other things . . . and are not here. Thanks to the many members who already contribute that way. We started electronic giving in the fall of 1998 and many of you have been with us since the beginning. You can register online at www.stframcissartell.org OR you can pick up a form in the gathering place entrances or the parish office. You can give by credit card or bank debit. Most people give monthly or semi-monthly, but there are other options. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Need help paying your Energy Bills? Greater Minnnesota Gas, Inc. (GMG) would like to remind residential homeowners or renters of the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). This federally funded program helps pay for home heating costs, may assist with furnace repairs and could offer energy efficiency home upgrades for income qualified customers. Please call 1-800-657-3710 for Assistance. If you have any questions, please call us from 8:00 am –4:30 pm Monday—Friday.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

St. Anthony's Chapel— Come and see! Jesus is truly present here in the Eucharist and wants to fill you with good things!! Come for a few minutes or stay an hour. Make it a Lenten sacrifice or a Eucharistic Revival prayer. Prayerfully consider committing to a weekly hour of adoration. Your heart will be changed!
Church of St. Anthony
2405 1st St N. St Cloud
The East door is open 6am to 6pm. Text or call Peggy at 320-259-7841 for more information. Thank you.

Elevate – Thank You!

Dear Friends of Elevate:
We want to take a moment to personally thank you for the generous donation of 38 baby outfits, 42 onesies with 8 pair of pants, 20 washcloths and towels, 5 baby bibs, 19 pairs of baby socks, 3 blankets, 21 packages of diapers, Gift cards: two $20 Target, one $25 Walmart, two $20 Kwik Trip and money donations totaling $310.00. Thank you to Aggie Schulte and the St. Monica Christian Women who organized this donation drive and to Bonnie Nies and her grandson who delivered this wonderful donation to Elevate. This generous donation will touch many lives of the women, children and families that we serve. Because of you, we can educate, empower, and encourage lives for future generations thereby we Elevate women to be their best selves!
Thank you, Sabrina Hanson-Reiter, MA, Executive Director

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS FOR SALE

Fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate bars and hot chocolate mixes will be available for sale after Mass this weekend.
There are a few different coffee roasts – some whole bean, some ground and a decaf option as well. Coffee, tea and chocolate make great gifts for the Easter basket!

FAITH FORMATION – Middle School SMALL GROUP LEADERS NEEDED! 4 – 6th

Middle School SMALL GROUP LEADERS & ASSISTANTS NEEDED! We are looking for 1– 6th Grade Small Group Leader also looking for 2 assistant leaders, 3- 7th Grade Small Group Leaders and 5 assistant leaders, 2- 8th Grade Small Group Leaders and 5 assistant leaders. Please contact Sandee Kremers at skremers@stfrancissartell.org or 320- 252-1363 for information or with questions. We will have a four station model this year and you will be leading your students to each station and facilitating the lesson for each station. You will have the lessons for the year in hand at our Leader Meeting which will be held on Wednesday, September 11 at 6:30 pm in the Gathering Space. We need you for this program – parents – grandparents- seniors – college students – young adults … you ALL qualify! Come join us – you will grow your faith and will be a mentor to a young person! Thank you!
We are currently in need of the following for teachers/ co-teachers for the upcoming faith formation year for Grades 1-5. The curriculum is fun and easy to use. All materials are prepared for you in advance. All you need to do is read through the materials and show up for class.
4:45-5:45 Session
Grade 1- 2 Assistant Teachers
Grade 2- 2 Assistant Teachers
Grade 3- 1 Teacher and 1 Assistant Teacher
Grade 4- 2 Teachers and 3 Assistant Teachers
Grade 5- 2 Assistants
6:30-7:30 Session
Grade 1-Co Teacher
Contact Melissa Fox at 320-761-2217 or mfox@stfrancissartell.org

FAITH FORMATION – Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed for 9th grade! We are in need of 1 set of small group leaders and 5 co-leaders. There will be structured class time 2 times a month and then Aftershock once a month. Our year will be focused on Catholic Social Teaching. Contact Melissa Fox if you are interested or would like more info at mfox@stfrancisxaviersartell.org

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

Calling all volunteers age 55+!! You have many opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child at local schools, childcare centers or KIDSTOP programs.
Help children succeed!
*Only 260 hours per year
*Tax-free Stipend
*Travel reimbursement
*Training provided
Contact Sue at 320-229-4589 Linda (Vouk) Midas at 223-0409 or email Sue at sue.feliciano@ccstcloud.org for more information.

First Sacraments

If you have a child who you would like to receive first sacraments (2 grade or older), please reach out to Melissa Fox, 320-761-2217 (cell) or mfox@stfrancissartell.org for more information and to get registered.

Flood Relief Donations Thank You

Thank you for your generous donations toward Disaster Relief. We
have collected $8328.92. Donations will continue to be accepted in
the Parish Office or in the weekly collection baskets, please label it
for Disaster Relief.

Funeral Blesssings

Remember in your prayers the family of Jane Long, who passed away on November 17 from St. Francis Xavier.
Eternal Rest grant unto her Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

GRANITE CITY MOM CO

Hey, Mama! Looking for the village everyone says it takes? Here we are!
Join us for encouraging distraction-free fellowship, relevant discussions, mentorship, playdates, mom’s night out and childcare. For all stages of motherhood. Questions, contact them at granitecitymomco@gmail.com

Grief Support Group CHANGE IN SCHEDULE!

The Grief Group will meet again starting in August on the 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY of the month. All are welcome! Any questions please contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363 x403 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org.

HEALING FROM A LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

Have you suffered a significant THE CHOSEN-SEASON 4-SARTELL
loss? A death?
Tuesdays from 4:00-5:20 pm at
Sacred Heart. Deacon Joe Kresky will facilitate about four sessions supporting those healing from a loss. For questions or to sign up, call or text Deacon Joe at 320-292-4857.

HELP NEEDED: OWN A DIE CUTTING MACHINE?

We are in need of approximately 1500 trees cut out for students and volunteers to write their God Sightings on each day of
Vacation Bible School. Paper will be provided, but it would be great if we could get several people to help cut them out. Please contact Melissa if you are able to help.
ARE YOU SPRING CLEANING? We can take your junk and turn it into treasure at VBS. We are in need of used beach towels, bath towels, fake greenery, old but still useable Christmas Trees, bean bags, cleaned out gallon jugs with the covers, gallon ice cream containers cleaned out with covers, blue fabric or bed sheets, white crayons,. Donation can be placed by parish office.

HELPING HOMELESS

Although there are shelters for the homeless in this area there is not enough room for 100 people. IDS reported that over 600 children were without permanent shelter this past year. Shelters that serve the children, women and men in the St Cloud area are: Place Of Hope 203-7881, Homeless Helping Homeless 342-2232 and the Salvation Army 252-4552. They are in need of volunteers and donations. Thank you for helping! - Submitted by Ken Wendinger

HOMEBOUND & HOSPITAL VISITORS NEEDED

We are looking for volunteers to visit parishioners that are in the hospital or homebound. Contact Sandee Kremers at 320- 252-1363 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org.

Helping Hands Outreach

Helping Hands Outreach
Senior Dining - Wednesday’s at The Rusty Nail at noon followed by cards. Cost-$6.00 per meal. Feet First Clinic - Call Helping Hands to set up an appointment. 320-746-9960.

Homebound?

DO you know someone who is homebound or are you homebound and would like to receive Eucharist and a visit? Please contact Sandee Kremers so we can get you paired up with a minister. She can be reached at 320-252-1363 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org.

Hospitality Volunteers

WE ARE LOOKING FOR HOSPITALITY WEEKEND VOLUNTEERS! IF you would like to help out with hospitality weekends please contact Sandee Kremers. It’s easy and a fun way to get to know people!

In Home Communion

If you are interested in receiving communion in your home or you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Sandee Kremers x1103 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org

Join the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus are a men’s fraternal organization that stand by the principals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Bishop Trobec Council 5276—Sartell, St. Stephen, and St. Wendell is active in our communities. We support vocations, family, pro-life and those in need. Recent donations include cash for the St. Stephen Parish Festival and the Franny Flyer 5k/10k/1 mile and Kids 1k Fun Run, donations to youth groups at both parishes, and more. You see the KC’s helping with hospitality and serving food at youth events. To learn more contact Grand Knight Adam Fasen (320-282-7083), Tom Offerdahl(320-290-3228), or any other Knight you may know.

Kids Hope Shop

Place of Hope is once again collecting donated items for our annual Place of Hope “Kids Hope Shop” scheduled for December 16th. To make this possible, we need donations of new unwrapped gifts for all ages! They can be brought to the blue Door #4 at Place of Hope-511 9th Ave N St. Cloud. Please bring donations to Place of Hope-NOT to your parish.

LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN

Liturgy of the Word for Children at St. Francis Xavier is looking for volunteers to help with this treasured ministry. If you enjoy working with our children and love to share stories about Jesus, this is the ministry for you! If interested, please contact Jennifer at jkaweesa@stfrancissartell.org and we will get you set up to begin. Our sessions for this ministry begin in October and run through May. You will be on a rotating schedule with other volunteers and can either lead a session on your own or co-lead with another volunteer.

Lector Books

The lector workbooks are available in the parish office. Each book is $5 to help offset the cost.

Lincoln Center

Volunteers needed for a 90 minute shift at Lincoln Center each night. Those who are living on the streets are offered a bag of food each evening at LC to carry them through the next day. If you have never spent time at LC, this is a great opportunity. You can sign up by going to www.homelesshelpinghomeless.org and clicking on Volunteer and Sign Up. Contact Molly Weyrens with questions. stfrancissjcc@gmail.com Thanks for considering!

Lincoln Center Volunteers Needed

Volunteers needed for a 90 minute shift at Lincoln Center each night. Those who are living on the streets are offered a bag of food each evening at LC to carry them through the next day. If you have never spent time at LC, this is a great opportunity. You can sign up by going to www.homelesshelpinghomeless.org and clicking on Volunteer and Sign Up. Contact Molly Weyrens with questions. stfrancissjcc@gmail.com Thanks for conisdering!

MEAL PLANNER/COOK/FOOD MANAGER

MEAL PLANNER/COOK/FOOD MANAGER
We are looking for someone to plan, cook, serve and cleanup a dinner meal for our ROOTED Faith formation program 25/26. We will provide you with volunteers to help! This “job” would involve 3 Wednesdays a month starting October-April. (Only one Wednesday in February) If you are interested contact Melissa Fox or Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363.

Ministry volunteers at the jail

Stearns County Jail in St. Cloud is looking for ministry volunteers at the jail. Monday nights at 7:0 pm is “Let’s Talk”. The 1 and 3 Sunday morning ministries are needed for Mass. If this is an area you would like to use your talent and volunteer for, please call Karen Kierzek at 320-253-1799

Mondays at the Manor

Mondays at the Manor will be held at the Country Manor in Sartell. This event is for youth in grades 6-12 and families. We meet from 7:00-8:00pm.

OCIA

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC? OCIA or the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults will be starting soon. Please contact Sandee Kremers for more information.

ONE IN CHRIST ACC SHIRTS/HATS

We have One in Christ ACC shirts and hats in stock! We have a few of the gray crew neck shirts left in sizes L-2XL. We also have the new blue shirts with white ACC logo in both crew neck and V-neck. Shirts and hats are $15 each. If you are interested, call or stop by your parish office.

ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION-ADULTS

Interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or becoming Catholic? We invite you to O.C.I.A. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) formally called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.), is a process of faith formation that recognizes the uniqueness of each Individual’s faith journey. For adults who have not been baptized or were baptized in another Christian tradition and desire to explore becoming Catholic and for adults baptized in the Catholic faith and seeking to be
Confirmed? We also invite you to inquire into the process of helping you to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church and receive the tremendous blessings that all the sacraments of initiation provide. Interested or Have Questions? Contact Fr. Ron Weyrens, Fr. Tom Knoblach, Deacon Joe Kresky, Deacon Terry Jancik or Sandee Kremers.

OUTDOOR AED CABINET AT ST. FRANCIS

St. Francis Xavier has one AED in the church and one AED inside the school. However, they are not available 24/7. The outdoor AED cabinet would be placed by the playground and athletic fields so there is quick access anytime. We encourage you to make a donation online or send a check to Advocate for Health at 4067 Pine Point Road, Sartell, MN 56377. The online donation link is https://www.givemn.org/story/Stfrancischurch.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name He may give you. This I command you: love one another."
John 15 16-17
Do you know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive a visit and Eucharist?
Do you know of someone who has been deployed or is in the military who would like to receive correspondence?
Or are you interested in doing homebound visits or corresponding with our active military?
Please contact Sandee Kremers as we continue to grow our Outreach Ministries. 320-252-1363 x1103

Office Closed

The office will be closed December 24 & 25. Merry Christmas!

One in Christ Area Catholic Community (ACC) planning council

The One in Christ Area Catholic Community (ACC) planning council is looking for new members. Some members of this council have been serving for the past 3 years and their terms will be ending in December. The ACC council, with representatives from all 4 parishes, works to collaborate in providing for the needs of all the parishes in order to re-energize parishioners so all parishes can thrive. Please consider serving on this council as a representative from your parish. Contact your pastor if you are interested. Check out our website, www.oneinchristacc.org for more information.

Open Gym

Open Gym will be on Wednesday evenings after ROOTED Family Programming from 8:00-9:00pm for youth in grades 6-12 and friends.

PERPETUAL ADORATION

Are you being called to spend time with the Lord in a beautiful and peaceful way? There are many opportunities to pray before the Blessed Sacrament and spend time with Jesus. The Saint Anthony’s Chapel is the only perpetual adoration chapel in town. We are especially in need of nocturnal adorers. Here are the most urgent hours: Sun 11pm-4am and Friday 12am-5am. If you could cover 1-2 of these hours, please contact Nicky Carlson to sign up at nicolechristine789@gmail.com or text 320- 304-4199.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you-1 Peter 5:7

PLACE OF HOPE

St. Francis Xavier is scheduled the 4th Tuesday of the month starting in October to prepare, serve and clean up for a meal at Place of Hope. The dates for the year are as follows – 10/24, 11/28, 12/26, 1/23, 2/27, 3/26, 4/23, 5/28. We will start to prepare the meal at SFX and will finish the preparations at Place of Hope. We will need some adults to leave SFX at 3 pm and then we will need to pick up youth at 3:45 pm to help us finish preparing, serve and clean up. We will return to SFX at approximately 6:45 pm. We will need 10 people per date, and we will always need 3 adults per meal for chaperoning. We will take 6-12th graders with us or any age if accompanied by an adult. Contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363 x403 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org with any questions or to sign up.
We will still bring a meal in September but will not prepare, serve, and clean up. Look for more details next week on our September meal. Cash donations are always welcome to help us with the costs. All One in Christ Catholic Community are invited to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if interested.

PRAYER LINE

After many years of being the head person on the Prayer Line, Dorothy Frank will be retiring from this role. Thank you
Dorothy, for all of the years of service! We are looking for a new head of the prayer line. If interested, please contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org.

PRAYERS

Please keep in your prayers: Jenna Nielson, Catechumen and Carson Thorstenson, Candidate. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide their journey this Lent!

PREPLANNING YOUR FUNERAL

The loss of a loved one is a difficult and painful time. At St. Francis Xavier we are here to support you through prayer and pastoral care. This summer is the perfect time to preplan your funeral. It is a great gift to your family to have all your wishes made in advance for the liturgy. If you would like to plan your funeral, please contact Sandee Kremers 320-252-1363.

PROLIFE PREGNANCY CENTER ELEVATE

Moms and babies need our help - LET’S DO OUR PART Beginning June 15 through June 23rd we will be accepting donations for the local ProLIFE Pregnancy Center, ELEVATE. For many years, Elevate had been known as Birthline, an agency established to help women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy by providing pregnancy testing, education support, counseling, help with needs for baby and much more. Right now, they really need help from all of us. Here is a list of baby items needed to help moms who are coming to ELEVATE.
Baby hygiene kits, New summer clothing (size 6 months and up), Baby wipes, socks (neutral colors), $10 and $20 gift cards (Target or Walmart), Diapers (sizes newborns, 3,4,5,6), White onesies (size newborn, 6 and 9 month) and Gas cards.
If you don’t feel like shopping, cash donations will be greatly appreciated as well. Make checks to: ELEVATE. Please bring your items to the designated area in the Gathering Place. As a ProLIFE parish, let us show our support to moms and their babies by packing the pack n’play to overflowing! Thank you and may God bless you for your generosity!
Sponsored by St. Monica Christian Women of the parish

Parish Envelopes

Just a reminder...if you attend Mass at any of our One in Christ parishes, you can drop your parish envelope in the collection and we will get it back to your home parish. Thank you!

Parking Lot Patches & Road Construction

Marshik Enterprises has been lined up to patch the parking lot and work will be done in September. I will be connecting with contractor right after Labor Day to set up the date(s) for the work to be done. Any disruption is parking/traffic should be minimal.
Things are gradually moving along with the road work on the north side of the parish. The plan is to put the 1 layer of pavement down on 2nd St. N. next week and the intersection at 4 Ave and 2 St N should be opened up for people to pass soon after that.
Thank you for your patience with these projects.

Place of Hope “Kids Hope Shop”

Place of Hope is once again collecting donated items for our annual Place of Hope “Kids Hope Shop” scheduled for December 16th. To make this possible, we need donations of new unwrapped gifts for all ages! They can be brought to the blue Door #4 at Place of Hope-511 9th Ave N St. Cloud. Please bring donations to Place of Hope-NOT to your parish.

Prayer Team Needed

Follow Us on Instagram: gcwyldlife
Skit Characters from Club: gcinstagrandparents
Committee Members Needed
Are you a go-getter? Are you good at planning and
visioning? Perhaps you are good at fundraising - if you
answered yes to at least one of these questions, we need
you on the Granite City Wyldlife
committee. Contact Jason Prigge ASAP
to learn more.
Join Us for Prayer
Don’t forget to join us for Prayer
on Wednesdays at Noon!
Scan for Zoom Link:

Prayer Team Needed

We are looking for people to join us on Wednesdays at Noon for weekly prayer! Prayer generally lasts about 15-20 minutes and we are praying for our new YoungLife chapter, our young people and for kids who aren't a part of our parish communities. If you’d like to join the prayer team but are unable to Zoom, contact Jason Prigge for another opportunity. Scan for Zoom Link:

REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR...

Remember in your prayers the family of Phyllis Then, who passed away on November 24 from St. Francis.
Eternal Rest grant unto her Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Remember in your prayers

Remember in your prayers the family of Benno Schwinghammer, who passed away on May 17 and Barbara Raymond, who passed away on May 19, from St. Francis Xavier. Eternal Rest grant unto them Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Rosary Making Group

Looking to make some new friends and have some fun...Come to the Rosary making group that meets at St Francis the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at 9AM in Xavier hall. Everyone in the ACC is encouraged to come. All supplies are provided. We send rosaries to Missions around the world. For questions call Nita Davis 214-455-4301.

SFX SCHOOL

We are excited about all of the learning opportunities
awaiting us for the 2025-2026 school year at St. Francis
Xavier Catholic School! St. Francis Xavier Catholic School has much to offer the families of our community.
1. Our Catholic school partners with parents to form children in the virtues of faith, hope and charity. Children are proof that God is good and with us.
2. Our Catholic school is small and committed to developing the whole child through academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service.
3. We work with our families to adjust to changing economic situations.
4. Our Catholic school teachers and staff model to our students how to rely on their faith to persevere throughchallenges that may emerge.
We encourage any family with Preschool through Grade 5 children to call for a personal tour of our school! If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling at SFX and wants to know more about our programs, please contact the school office at (schooloffice@sfx61.org) or call 252-9940.
Heidi Schloe, Principal

ST. BENEDICT’S SENIOR COMMUNITY

St Benedict's Senior Community recently resumed their Saturday 3:30pm Mass. In the past, this was very well attended. Might you or someone you know be interested in this ministry? Come and join us for Mass and simply be open to the Holy Spirit. We are in need of sacristans, lectors, eucharistic ministers, servers, greeters, etc. This could be on a monthly basis. Please call our Allissa Volk at 320-281-1280.

ST. ROSE OF LIMA ROSARY GROUP

Meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 9:00-11:00am in Xavier Hall. Learn to make rosaries, all supplies are provided. Easy to learn, we will teach you! All rosaries are donated to missions around the world. Last quarter over 5,000 rosaries were mailed out. Everyone is welcome. For questions call, Nita Davis at 214-455-4301. “The Rosary is the ‘weapon’ for these times” Saint Padre Pio

STEWARDSHIP

“You too must be patient. Make you hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:8

Patience is another one of those things many of us struggle with. We want things to go according to our plan and our schedule; we like things to be convenient. Any change brings anxiety and fear.
Through daily prayer God reveals to us what He wants us to do with the gifts He has given us. We are able to better align ourselves with God’s will and His plan, which is far better than anything we can come up with on our own.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF A PRIEST

SCAP—-What is SCAP? It stands for Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest. As part of our One In Christ ACC goals work with the Worship Committee, and prompted by some near misses during the COVID months, we researched how we would respond if the scheduled celebrant for a weekend Mass was suddenly not available due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, the assembly was already gathering for worship, and there was no time to find a substitute. in the Absence of a Priest.
As part of our One In Christ ACC goals work with the Worship Committee, and prompted by some near-misses during the COVID months, we researched how we would respond if the scheduled celebrant for a weekend Mass was suddenly not available due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, the assembly was already gathering for worship, and there was no time to find a substitute.
Using the existing Rite for such celebrations, and adapting it to our settings, the deacons and several lay persons from our ACC parishes have recently had training for leading Sunday worship with Communion if the situation occurs. Though the Rite would include the day's readings and Communion with the Hosts reserved in the tabernacle, the Rite is intentionally different in various ways from Mass to avoid confusion and foster the importance of praying for priestly vocations.
Should this situation occur, we will do our best to communicate the lack of Mass at a given parish as best as we can, announce and post door signs that include the location of other Masses in the area, and provide a meaningful and approved celebration of the Word and of Holy Communion for those who cannot reasonably attend another church. In such circumstances beyond a person's control, the Sunday obligation is suspended for that day. As noted above, it is our fervent hope that we will never pull this off the shelf, but it's wise to be ready.
Communication methods will be our next focus in this effort. It has also prompted us to consider best ways to reach our parishioners in general where we can do better to keep you informed, inspired, and engaged. The months during COVID when public Masses were not available, we experienced what a central place the Eucharist plays . In these times of the national Eucharistic Revival, your prayers for vocations are especially welcome and valuable.

Sartell Area Church Craft & Bake Sale

With planning in full swing for St.Francis Xavier, along with Celebration, Messiah, & Unity Churches annual Craft & Bake Sale, & we need your help! In the past, new & gently used Christmas items have been a huge hit for the Silent Auction along with designer baskets, great for gift giving, so feel free to design your own! Shopper's are sure to be able to find the perfect Gift for everyone on their shopping list! Fall is a great time to “de-clutter” so check those nooks & crannies and drop of (New, & GENTLY) used items to the SFX Office, or leave them on the bench outside the office & mark them Silent Auction!
We are in need of Baskets of all sizes, & wide mouth quart jars. God Bless you for your generosity!
Questions, Bonnie Nies 267-9237 or Kathy Wilson 493-8600

Seeking Help in the Sacristy

Help is needed for cleaning the purificators. They are the white cloths used to wipe the chalice during the distribution of the precious blood. The volunteer who does this can set their own schedule. It is a job that needs to be done about once a week. Thank you to Sue Butkowski who has done this for the past few years. She has some things come up in her life and needs to pass this on. Please contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office - 320-252-1363.

Sing at Christmas Eve Mass

Children from the parish in grades 3-8 are invited to sing at the Christmas Eve 4:00pm Liturgy. Rehearsal will be December 14 and 23 following the 9:30 Mass. Please send and email to Jacque Windschitl at jwindschitl@sfx61.org if your child is interested.

St. Cloud Metro Advent Reconciliation Service Schedule

St. Cloud Metro Advent Reconciliation Service Schedule

Holy Spirit...................Sunday, Dec. 14, 1pm
St. Michael...................Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30pm
Sacred Heart.................Thursday, Dec. 18, 6:30pm
St. Peter.......................Saturday, Dec. 20, 1pm
St. Mary’s Cathedral......Tuesday, Dec. 23, 6:30pm

Stewardship of Time, Talent & Treasure

Thank you for the continued support of St. Francis Xavier Parish by sharing your time, talents & treasure. Your gifts enable us to continue to minister to the people of our parish and community. From the USCCB Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, who is a Christian steward? One who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord. As we come to the end of the calendar year, if you're thinking of any special year-end financial gifts, keep St. Francis in mind. As we continue to provide ministries and sacraments and worship and more, the need for funds continues to grow. Your gifts of treasure pay the bills to keep the lights on, programs running and staff paid. Thank you. One way to insure regular and consistent contributions is through electronic giving. Donations can be set up for weekly, twice a month, monthly or other periodic giving. Electronic giving can be made by credit card or bank debit, and your gift makes it to the parish even if you are traveling or unable to make it to Mass. There are forms in the entryways to the gathering place or in the parish office. A PDF of the form is attached to the weekly Xavier Connection that goes out by Flocknote.
Another option that is open to retirees is through qualified charitable distributions. This can be done by a direct transfer from your IRA to SFX (or charity of your choice). See your financial advisor or tax specialist to learn is this is a good option for you.
If you have any questions, please contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office - 320-252-1363. St. Francis Xavier is blessed to have support from so many. Thank you.

THANK YOU & WELCOME

With immense gratitude, we honor Shirley Scapanski for her 24 years of selfless dedication and wise and compassionate leadership as the coordinator of faith formation for Annunciation. Her impact on so many lives across two generations is a rich blessing from God. Her mission has been the same one that Jesus first gave to the Eleven: “Go and make disciples, teach them all that I have told you.”
We are pleased to announce that Karen Handeland has accepted the position to succeed Shirley. Karen is a member of Sacred Heart with her husband and three children. She has been a long-time catechist with the faith formation program at Sacred Heart, involved with youth groups, mission trips, social concerns. and other formation and ministry roles. She has a background in psychology and family studies and has worked at the St. Cloud Children’s Home. She earned certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant and is currently nearing completion of a Pastoral Ministry Certificate through the diocesan Emmaus Institute. Karen’s experience and collaborative spirit will bring an important continuity and stability as we engage in the All Things New planning process.

Tabernacle for Toksook

As a capstone to our ACC's Jubilee Year of Hope plans, our One in Christ ACC is raising funds for a tabernacle to replace the damaged one in the church in Toksook Bay, Alaska. The total cost for the tabernacle is $6000. This gift will be an enduring witness to our unity in the One Body of Christ through the Eucharist. Checks can be made payable to Sacred Heart with Tabernacle included on the memo line. Place cash or check in an envelope marked “Alaska Tabernacle” and drop it off or mail it to your parish office, or drop it in the regular weekend collection. Donations will be accepted until February 15, 2026. Any funds raised that exceed the cost of the tabernacle will be sent to the Diocese of Fairbanks for their ministry needs. Thank you.

Thank You

The Donna Traut family wishes to thank those who remembered her and her family with thoughts and prayers at her time of illness and passing. A special thank you for all who helped with the liturgy and luncheon. Donna enjoyed her many years with her SFX church family.

VOLUNTEER

CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital is currently accepting applications for volunteers of all ages. Youth may begin volunteering as soon as they are 14 years of age. Volunteers serve as warm and friendly ambassadors for the Saint Cloud Hospital and all CentraCare by supporting staff and patients through a variety of tasks throughout our facilities. Please contact Volunteer Services at (320) 255-5638 for more information or apply online at www.centracare.com/volunteer. We hope to hear from you!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ST. BENEDICT CENTER

We are looking into the possibility of resuming the Saturday 3:30pm Mass. Many of you found this helpful prior to the outbreak of Covid. Might the LORD be calling you to help us on a monthly basis? Our elders and those in rehab are in need of your love and ministry. We would be in need of the various ministries for Mass such as sacristan, lector, eucharistic minister, etc. Please call our Volunteer Specialist Allissa Volk at 320-281-1280.
—Chaplain Fr David Grundman

WORD & COMMUNION MINISTERS NEEDED for Edgewood

We are looking for volunteers who might be interested in becoming a Word & Communion Leader at Edgewood. We need a minister who is available the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 am. Training provided. Its a wonderful gift to be able to bring the Eucharist to those who are in the Assisted Living & Memory Care Units

Welcome to New Family

Join us in welcoming Micheal & Lindsay Kephart, Drake & Wyatt
We are happy you are here and hope to get to know you much better

Widows/Widowers Group

We now have a widow/widowers group for the ACC. If you are a widow/widower, you are invited! This group will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 1-3 at Sacred Heart. The next gathering will be December 9th. Please enter through door 5-the office doors. This is not a grief group. We visit, play cards, eat a little and get to know each other. All widows/widowers are welcome!

YOUNG LIFE /WyldLife

Club Update Club will now be moved to the First Friday of every
month from 7-8:30 PM at the St. Cloud YMCA. These Friday
Night parties are for all middle schoolers to have a place to go and
socialize with their friends. We hope to see you there.
We are looking for more leaders and more involvement from other
Churches and areas, if you are interested, please contact Jason
Prigge!
Friday Night Party Join us for the first Friday Night Party at the
St. Cloud YMCA from 7-8:30 PM! All middle school friends are
invited.
Donations If you’d like to make a donation to our Wyldlife Area
for either club supplies or for camp, please contact Jason via phone
or email. We sincerely appreciate your contribution in our efforts
making sure middle schoolers are known, loved and cared for.
Follow Us on Social Media Be sure to go like our page on
Facebook: Granite City Wyldlife
Follow Us on Instagram: gcwyldlife. Committee Members Needed Are you a go-getter? Are you good
at planning and visioning? Perhaps you are good at fundraising - if
you answered yes to any of these questions, we need you on the
Granite City Wyldlife committee. Contact Melissa Fox ASAP.

Young Adult Praise Nights

Young Adult Praise Nights are debuting this month! All young adults (18-39), especially those with kids, come join us in Praise & Worship on the 4th Sunday of every month starting at 4:00 PM. Each month will feature Praise & Worship, Sacrament of Reconciliation and other prayer opportunities for everyone. The first one of the year is: Sunday, September 24th @ Sacred Heart. This event is in collaboration with All Called to Christ ACC.