News & Events
Mental Health Ministry
New
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 Annual Appeal
2026
Please accept our deepest gratitude to those of you who have already supported diocesan ministries this year. As of Monday, April 20, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for 2026 has raised total cash and pledges of $924,994 toward our goal of $1,550,000 (59.68%). This was made possible through the generous donations of 4,477 people throughout the 16 counties of our diocese. For weekly updates on our progress and to help these ministries meet their funding needs, visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
2026 Parish Festival
September 2026
We need to start plans for our 2026 Parish Festival. It will look different with the Mass time change to 10:30am on Sunday. Will we still have a breakfast or do we look to grilling up some burgers and brats and hot dogs for a picnic type lunch. We will still have a bake sale, silent auction, and raffle. Will we still have Mimosas and a Bloody Mary Bar or do we go to just serving some beer and soft drinks? This is an event that needs help from many and ideas and leaders from the parish are needed to make it happen. Watch for planning meetings to begin in April. If you have ideas to share and want to get a head start on things, call Tom Offerdahl in the parish office.
2026-27 Rooted Faith Formation
May 15 (due)
2026/27 ROOTED Family Faith Formation Registration Forms are available online. Registrations due by May 15! Get it in by May 15 and you will be put in a drawing for a DQ or Mr. Twisty Gift Card! If you have questions contact Sandee Kremers or Melissa Fox.
AA GROUP MEETINGS
Thursdays
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 @ SFX
Thursday
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, St.Francis Xavier hots a
local AA group which meets every Thursday at 6:30pm in Xavier Hall.
Attendees should go to the east side of Xavier Hall - Door X3 and down to the basement.
If you have questionsplease contact Denny K. at 320-224-7785.
AA Group Meetings – Mayhew Lake
Thursday
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 Update
May
IMPORTANT In recent weeks, some of you may have received fliers, petitions and invitations from a group calling itself "Our Catholic Revival," as well as notices about meetings led by canon lawyer Philip Gray, regarding Bishop Neary's All Things New pastoral planning process. These meetings, messages, and petitions are not sponsored by, supported by, or authorized by our parish, ACC, or the Diocese of Saint Cloud. They do not have ecclesiastical approval and the group has no connection to the Diocese of Saint Cloud.
ADORATION UPDATE
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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...
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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
BAPTISM
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We welcome the following children, baptized into our parish family and the Christian community:
Roman Nicholas Schneider & Henry Xavier Schneider, children of Nicholas & Tressa from St. Francis.
BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS
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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.
Baccalaureate Mass
May 17
CLASS OF 2026 - SAVE THE DATE:
Baccalaureate Mass is Sunday, May 17 at the th 9:30am Liturgy.
Bible in a Year
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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!
Breakfast Food Needed for Lincoln Center
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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
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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.
CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK
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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
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It looks like Spring has arrived and is sticking with us now. As you begin decorating gravesites, please keep some things in mind. If your monument has attached vases for flowers, that is great. Flower arrangements that clip-on to monuments work well too. For maintenance reasons, single pole plant stands are approved for holding pots for flowers. The parish has them available for $65, but you may find them elsewhere. If items are laid out on gravesites, they must be picked up a week after Memorial Day. You cannot plant things at gravesites or do landscaping around them. Solar lights and shepherd's hooks are not allowed and will be removed.
With the columbariums - the structures with cremation niches, please do not jam things in the crevices between niches or tape things on them. Both can damage the columbarium. Consider potted items at the base of the columbarium or placed on top. Put a note or sign in the pot to memorialize your loved one. Thank you to everyone for following guidelines and keeping our cemetery safe for all and looking nice.
If you are considering pre-planning, choosing your final resting place is a good start. Please contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office if you wish to learn more.
Catholic Charities Food Shelf
2nd weekend of the month
Drop off for cash or food items will be the 2nd weekend of the month throughout the year at Sacred Heart and Annunciation.
Cemetery Decorating
Spring Summer
If your monument/marker comes with urns for plants, that is great.
You can also find flower holders made to clip onto monuments. If you want to have potted flowers, the only approved stand is a single pole plant stand - not shepherd's hooks, not tri-stands or other assorted holders. We have plant stands available at the church. They are made a parishioner, and we sell them for cost at $65.00. If you are interested, call or stop by the parish office to be sure we have one pulled for you.
With the columbaria and cremation niches, do not tape things to the granite or stick things in the crevices between niches. Those can damage the niches. If you wish to leave a personal item, pot it and put your loved one's name in the pot at the base of the columbaria. Your respect and reverence for those who are making St. Francis Xavier Cemetery their final resting place is appreciated.
Cemetery Records Update & New Website
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The records for our cemetery have been kept in a large book and on a paper map since it started in the early 1950's. Those records are hard to read and are fading with time. We are in the process of having the cemetery records digitized and stored electronically going forward. With that, a cemetery website is being created, and it will make it possible to look up where people are buried and give directions to them.
Why do we have cemeteries? A cemetery is a designated area for the burial and memorialization of deceased individuals. Its primary function is to serve as a final resting place for human remains, while also providing a space for the living to remember and honor their loved ones. If you are considering plans for your final resting place, please contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office. There are options for traditional "full" burials, cremation burials, and inurnment of cremated remains in a niche in one of our above ground columbaria.
Central MN Catholic Magazine
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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
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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.
Coffee & Community
May 6
Please join us for 1st Wednesday Coffee & Rolls on Wednesday, May 6, after the 8 am Mass.
Creation Care Fair
May 2-3
Creation Care Fair
May 2-3 at St. Francis Xavier Check out all kinds of ways to start your garden, create native landscapes, practice companion planting, test seed viability, info on reduce, reuse, recycle and more! All free. Displays will be available before and after weekend Masses in the Gathering Place. Sponsored by the Social Concerns Committee.
DIOCESAN ADULT FAITH OPPORTUNITIES
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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
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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.
Diocesan-Wide Prayer Service
May 3
You are invited to the diocesanwide prayer service as Bishop Patrick Neary, CSC, prays for unity for the newly-merged parishes, a major milestone in the All Things New diocesan pastoral plan. This will be held at Sacred Heart on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7pm. The livestream can be accessed here:
https://stcdio.org/all-things-new-prayer-service-livestream/ or at Sacred Heart's YouTube page.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
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With summer coming soon it means a lot of travel and fun and family time. That's great because our winters are so long and our summertime is so appreciated. However, it puts a stress on our parish because the contributions decline. A good way to continue to support St. Francis is by electronic giving. Please consider signing up for egiving. It can be done through your bank with "bill pay" options.
You can also go online to www.stfrancissartell.org, click on the DONATE button and sign-up. OR, if you wish stop by the parish office and complete an authorization form. E-giving can be made through your bank account or by credit card. Options for donations can be weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, and more. Contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office to learn more or get help signing up
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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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
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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!
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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
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We have Fair Trade coffee, tea, hot cocoa mix, and chocolate bars available for sale. In addition, all of the products are organically certified. The products can be found on a table just outside the parish office. It is an "honor" system, and we ask you to pay the posted prices. During the week, if you do not have correct change, please check in the parish office for assistance. Sometimes correct change may be found in the collection envelope. There is a QR code to pay by VENMO or maybe even round up. The parish does not make money on the items. They are sold at the price we pay which is a fair price for the farmers/producers of the items. With Valentines' Day, these items would make gifts! Thank you for supporting fair trade.
FAITH FORMATION – Middle School SMALL GROUP LEADERS NEEDED! 4 – 6th
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Eternal Rest grant unto them Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Gathering in the Arts
April
The Bling Sale Collection was completed on April 30. A Big Thank you to everyone that donated jewelry, handbags or scarves towards the 2027 Sale.The Bling Sale collection will continue next year February - April.
Good Shepherd Nursing Home News
May
Our faithful Rosary leader on Monday afternoons has decided not to continue. This gathering before weekly Mass prayerfully requests a volunteer to come forward to sign up to lead the Mysteries at1:30 before Mass. This could be a team effort with scheduled rotating leaders-or-for anyone that feels the calling to lead each Monday. Our aging population is so grateful to our parishes for keeping them under our spiritual care. This could be a call for anyone to come forward that has not been involved with us before. Please help us spread the word to your parish friends about this opportunity If you have any questions, please call Janette at 320-258-8661
Grief Support Group CHANGE IN SCHEDULE!
1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY
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
Tuesday
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.
HELPING HOMELESS
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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
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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.
Health & Wellness Meeting
May 5
Tuesday, May 5 at 5:30pm in the Gathering Space
All are welcome!
Helping Hands Outreach
Wednesdays
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 Ministries
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If you know of someone who would like Communion brought to them, please contact Sandee Kremers or our Parish Office.
Homebound?
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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
Weekends
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!
Jail Ministry Volunteers
1st & 3rd Sunday morning
Stearns County Jail in St. Cloud is looking for ministry volunteers at the jail. Monday nights at 7:00 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
Join the Knights of Columbus
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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.
Lincoln Center
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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
Daily
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
Wednesday (October-April)
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.
May is the month of Mary and the Rosary
May
May is the month of Mary and the Rosary. Pope Pius XII solidified May as a Marian month in 1945, and Pope Paul VI later issued the encyclical Mense Maio in 1965, encouraging fervent prayer to Mary throughout the month.
Traditional Observances
May Crowning: When a statue of Mary is ceremonially crowned with a wreath of flowers, symbolizing her role as Queen of Heaven & Earth. Mary Altars and Gardens: Many families and parishes set up "May Altars" in their homes or churches, decorated with flowers and candles, to serve as a focal point for daily prayer.
Processions and Rosaries: Communities often hold public processions carrying a statue of Mary while singing Marian hymns and
reciting the Rosary
Marian Feast Days in May:
May 13th-Our Lady of Fatima
May 24th- Mary Help of Christians
May 31st- Visitation to Elizabeth.
Rosary Making group will met May 7th and 21. New members are welcome. Join us from 9-11 in Xavier Hall. All supplies are provided and we teach you how its done! Call Nita Davis at 214-455-4301 for questions.
Memorial Day Services
May 25
SFX -SARTELLThe American Legion Post 277 invites you to attend the 2026 Memorial Day Service being held at the Sartell Community Center at 9:00 am on Monday, May 25. This is a rain or shine event. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the service. Seating is limited, so plan to bring a lawn chair
Ministry volunteers at the jail
Monday nights
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
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.
Mother‘s Day Rose Sales
May 9-10
Please remember to thank your mother for life by purchasing a rose or two on Mother’s Day weekend. For your convenience, arrangements will also be available after both masses on Mother’s Day weekend. The suggested donation is $5 per rose. All proceeds will be given to local Prolife agencies.Thank you for supporting LIFE!
Sponsored by St. Monica Christian Women
My Catholic Will: Plan with Faith, Live with Mercy
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The Diocese of St. Cloud invites you to take part in a diocesan initiative to help Catholics prepare for the future with confidence and care. Through a partnership with MyCatholicWill.com, the Diocese of Saint Cloud is offering free access to a trusted online platform where you can:
Create a Last Will and Testament
Express final wishes consistent with Catholic teaching
Consider a bequest to your parish or diocesan ministries
This is a simple and meaningful way to care for your loved ones and live out our call to stewardship. For more information, visit MyCatholicWill.com/STCDIO.
OCIA
Easter
WE JOYFULLY WELCOMED Brittany Tomczik, Baily Noble, Zander Lund, Belle Pennings and Grace Nicoll into FULL COMMUNION with the Roman Catholic Church at our Easte Vigil. Congratulations and may God continue to guide and bless you on your faith journey.
ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION-ADULTS
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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
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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
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"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
One in Christ Area Catholic Community (ACC) planning council
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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.
One in Christ Special Needs Event
June 9
Join us on June 9 from 5:00–8 PM at Sacred Heart, a joyful evening celebrating community, faith, and inclusion. This event is designed especially for individuals with special needs and their caregivers, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for all. The evening will include Mass, dinner, and fun activities like dancing, a movie, and crafts. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with mass starting at 5:30 and festivities
continuing throughout the evening. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up and come celebrate that we are all God’s masterpiece. Contact Jean Bemboom at 320-293-7216 if you would like to volunteer
Open Gym
Wednesdays
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
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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
4th Tuesday
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
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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
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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
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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
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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 Contributions & Support
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Thanks to all who support our parish through financial contributions. That is how we pay the bills - staff, utilities, programs, maintenance, snow removal(or salting the lot), repairs and more. Our Sunday collection is the great source of funding. That comes by way of using contribution envelopes and people donation cash and checks through collections at weekend and Holy Day worship. A couple of other ways parishioners give . . . electronically through our parish online program and through bill pay programs offered by their banks. A growing source of income is from parishioners who share their gifts through qualified charitable distributions - usually by IRA transfers, but there are other financial options for this as well.
Please see your financial advisor or accountant to learn if this is a way for you to give. There can be tax savings - again see your accountant to be sure.
St. Francis Xavier is blessed by your support. If you have any questions, you can also contact Tom Offerdahl in the parish office at 320-252-1363, ext. 405.
Parish Envelopes
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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!
Plan with Faith, Live with Mercy - Bishop Neary
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Bishop Neary is inviting all parishioners to take part in a new diocesan initiative to help Catholics prepare for the future with confidence and care. Through a partnership with MyCatholicWill.com, the Diocese of Saint Cloud is offering free access to a trusted online platform where you can:
Create a Last Will and Testament
Plan a funeral rooted in Catholic tradition
Consider a bequest to your parish or diocesan ministries
This is a simple and meaningful way to care for your loved ones and live out our call to stewardship. For more information, visit MyCatholicWill.com/STCDIO.
Prayer Team Needed
Wednesdays
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
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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:
Rooted Faith Formation
Mayn 15 (due)
Rooted Faith Formation Registration
2026/27 ROOTED Family Faith Formation Registration Forms are available online. Registrations due by May 15! Get it in by May 15 and you will be put in a drawing for a DQ or Mr. Twisty Gift Card! If you have questions contact Sandee Kremers or Melissa Fox.
Rosary Making Group
1st and 3rd Thursday
Rosary group will not meet Holy Thursday, April 2nd. We will resume meeting on the 3rd Thursday, April 16. We meet in Xavier Hall from 9am to 11am. Rosaries are requested by missions all over the world. All supplies are provided. We teach you how to make them. Come and meet some wonderful people. For information contact Nita at 214-455-4301.–– 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.
ST. BENEDICT’S SENIOR COMMUNITY
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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
1st and 3rd Thursday
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
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“The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” 1 Peter 2:7
Every person has been given gifts from the Holy Spirit. These are called “charisms” and they are used to build God’s kingdom of earth. While many people are able to recognize their natural talents and abilities, they may be unsure of their charisms. If you know someone who is struggling for a direction in life, give them a little encouragement. Help them discern their charisms and how God is calling them to use them. Remember - no gift is too small or insignificant in God’s salvation plan.
SUNDAY CELEBRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF A PRIEST
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Many of us say that we believe in God. We attend Sunday Mass and participate in parish events. But when life gets hard and the pressure is on, when things aren’t going our way, do we really believe? Do we really put our trust in the Lord? When we live a life of gratitude, recognizing all that we have been given, we really do see that God is providing for our needs. Living a grateful and generous life allows us to see God’s active presence in our daily lives and we become “partakers of the divine nature.”
Spiritual Communion. Do you watch Mass via the livestream?
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For those who watch Mass via livestream and would like a copy of the Spiritual Communion prayer, one version is listed here for your convenience.
"My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen."
St. Monica Christian Women
May 19
St. Monica Christian Women will meet on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30pm in the Gathering Place. We will install new members and have a wrap up meeting followed by light refreshments and fellowship. This will be the last meeting until next fall, September 8.
If you would like be installed as a member, please contact Aggie Schulte at 252-1417 by Friday, May 18.
Theology on Draft
May 14
Our next Theology on Draft takes place on Thursday, May 14th from 6-8 PM at Iron Street Distillery. Bring a friend and join the conversation.
*Food provided, drinks are participants' responsibility
VBS
2026 Summer
You don't have to have kids VBS age to help support this program!
If you’re looking for a way to support VBS this year, here are a few meaningful ways to help:
Sponsor a Child – $50
Your gift can make it possible for a child to attend who may not otherwise be able to. This is a way to ensure every child has the opportunity to experience VBS.
Support a Volunteer – $25
Helping cover the cost of a volunteer allows us to equip and support the amazing people who make VBS happen.
Amazon Wish-list:
Our wish-list includes supplies for each station, along with decorations that help transform our space. These donations directly offset program costs and help keep registration affordable.
See flocknote for forms and more information!
VBS
Summer
You don't have to have kids VBS age to help support this program!
If you’re looking for a way to support VBS this year, here are a few meaningful ways to help:
Sponsor a Child – $50
Your gift can make it possible for a child to attend who may not otherwise be able to. This is a way to ensure every child has the opportunity to experience VBS.
Support a Volunteer – $25
Helping cover the cost of a volunteer allows us to equip and support the amazing people who make VBS happen.
Amazon Wish-list:
Our wish-list includes supplies for each station, along with decorations that help transform our space. These donations directly offset program costs and help keep registration affordable.
See flocknote for forms and more information!
VBS Volunteers
Summer
We need 100 people to support VBS!
Each year our VBS program grows in both participants and volunteers and to keep the cost affordable for families, we are in need of your support! We are looking for 100 people to donate money to help offset the costs of VBS. Envelopes are placed in the gathering area of all 4 OIC parishes, simply grab an envelope and donate the amount listed on the envelope ($1.00-$100.00).
Donations can be in the form of cash or check, or gift card to Walmart, Sam's or Amazon. Monetary donations will be recorded under your yearly donations. If you prefer to just donate online, simply scan the QR code and donate electronically.
VOLUNTEER
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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
Saturdays
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
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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
Easter
Brittany, Bailey, Belle, Grace & Zander! All were fully initiated into the Church at Easter Vigil.
Congratulations!
We are glad you are here!
What We Carry and What We Leave Behind: Reflections on the Ark of the Covenant
May 3
Maureen Otremba - What We Carry and What We Leave Behind: Reflections on the Ark of the Covenant
Everyone is welcome to join us at St. Stephen Church on May 3 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Our guest speaker, Maureen, holds an M.A. in Theology from St. John’s School of Theology and brings an extensive background in adult and youth education and faith formation. Over the past 30 years, she and her husband, Jim, have created resources for engaged and married couples and have facilitated reteats and workshops for individuals and married couples.
Widows/Widowers Group
2nd Tuesday
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 Adult Bible Study
May 7
Our next Bible Study takes place on Thursday, May 7th at 7 PM in Xavier Hall at St. Francis Xavier - Sartell. No need to have attended previous gatherings, come and join us for an evening of learning and conversations around the Psalms and Proverbs.
Young Adult Mass and Coffee
May 3
We’re brewing up something new! Starting this May through August, we’re inviting all young adults on a pilgrimage through the ACC to attend Mass and then go out for Coffee. It’s casual and a fun way to enjoy fellowship with others and be a part of their community. The first Mass and Coffee will be on Sunday, May 3rd starting with 8:15 AM Mass at Annunciation in Mayhew Lake. Coffee will then take place at the Old Creamery Cafe in Rice at 9:30 AM. We hope to see you there!
Young Adult Bible Study
Our next Bible Study takes place on Thursday, May 7th at 7 PM in Xavier Hall at St. Francis Xavier - Sartell. No need to have attended previous gatherings, come and join us for an evening of learning and conversations around the Psalms and Proverbs.
Young Adult Mass and Coffee
May-August
We’re brewing up something new! Starting this May through August, we’re inviting all young adults on a pilgrimage through the ACC to attend Mass and then go out for Coffee. It’s casual and a fun way to enjoy fellowship with others and be a part of their community. The first Mass and Coffee will be on Sunday, May 3rd starting with 8:15 AM Mass at Annunciation in Mayhew Lake. Coffee will then take place at the Old Creamery Cafe in Rice at 9:30 AM. We hope to see you there!