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
Blessings to you on this fifth week of Lent. The Diocesan TV Mass has been a lifeline for the homebound. Because of your generosity, the diocese broadcasts TV Mass weekly in 60 counties. It also is sent to nursing homes and available to countless others online. Other ministries of the Appeal support of faith formation, family life, our Catholic schools, multicultural ministries, evangelization, and vocational discernment. Will you help keep these ministries strong?
Visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.
3rd Annual Arts & Crafts Fair
March 15
Please join us for the 3 Annual Arts & Craft Fair. There will be over 40 area artists & crafters featuring handcrafted artworks and crafts.
Sunday, March 15, 2026
11:00am - 4:00pm
Gathering Place
Refreshments will be available.
40 Days for Life
February 18- March 28
Peaceful, Prayerful Vigil at Planned Parenthood February 18- March 28, 2026
Pray with us on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood for an end to abortion. Please join us—we need you! We are in need of volunteers to sign up for an hour time slot from 7 AM—7 PM Monday—Friday. We need at least 2 people each hour time slot.
Signing a Peace Agreement is mandatory so if yours is not current you will be directed to sign it online. On Saturdays we invite groups (KC, Youth, Families) to come pray at the site on their own or contact Judy to provide a leader to orientate you to Vigil Praying.
Sign up by going online, contacting Judy, or calling your captain. https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/st.cloud or judy4life@meltel.net. Planned Parenthood 451 East St. Germain St Saint CloudFor more info visit www.40daysforlife.com/en/st.cloud
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 Fellowship event
March 15
Please join the Discipleship Committee for our last of this season's Fellowship Events. This event will be held at St Francis Xavier on March 15th. We begin with Mass at 9:30 and will have our event in Xavier Hall. If you are part of Prayer Line, Prayer Ministry, Book Clubs, Bible Studies, Morning Coffee Groups, Faith Formation Volunteers, Youth Group Volunteers, Prayer Line, Prayer Ministry, Book Clubs, Bible Studies, Morning Coffee Groups, Faith Formation Volunteers, Youth Group Volunteers, please join us for appetizers, Deacon Steve speaking and fellowship with people from the ACC! There is no need to RSVP, you can just show up!
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
Aftershock Fundraiser
March 30 (order deadline)
We are selling Gerten's Spring Plants and Plant Cards for our Aftershock Youth Ministry program. To place an order - go to www.gertensfundraising.com and enter our Store ID 1165. We are taking orders through March 30th. Delivery will be at St. Francis Xavier on May 1st. Thank you for your support!
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:
Oliviana Nicole Fillbrandt & Novella Kathleen Fillbrandt, Children
of Josh & Kerry from St. Francis Xavier.
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!
Bling Sale Collection
February - April 2026
Our next Bling sale is scheduled for April of 2027. To give you enough time to go through your closets and jewelry boxes, we are collecting handbags, jewelry & scarves the months of February - April 2026 and again in 2027. Collection boxes are outside of the parish office. Thank you for your support.
Blood Drive
April 9
Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 12:30pm-6:30pm in the SFX Gathering Place. Call the Red Cross @ 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter SFX to schedule an appointment.
Box for Socks
Lent
The Social Justice Concerns Committee invites you to donate warm socks & heavy duty gloves (not stretchy) for local homeless shelters. Boxes are in the Gathering Place. Collecting now thru Lent.
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.
CARD GROUP @ SFX
March
Due to lack of interest, we will no longer be holding Card Card at St. Francis. Thank you to all who have participated!
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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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
March 20-22
We are called to bring the love of Christ to the world. We can help you discover how! 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 March 20-22, 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
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 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.
Church Cleaning
April 1
Looking for helpers to come and give our worship space a nice “spring cleaning”. Please join us on Wednesday, April 1 starting at 1:00pm. We wipe down the pews and kneelers and so some other dusting to make things ready for the Triduum and Easter celebrations. Bring your own gloves and your favorite pail if you wish. We have the supplies - pails, Murphy’s Oil Soap, scrub rags and more. You and your labor are what we need most! Thanks for helping with this ministry!
Communal Anointing of the Sick
March 17
Communal Anointing of the Sick The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be offered during the Mass on Tuesday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart and on Thursday, March 19 at 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation. This Sacrament of healing is intended for all those who are weakened by serious illness or age. If you are not able to attend one of these Masses to receive the Anointing, please contact your parish office for an alternative time. Christ, our Healer, longs to make us whole.
Communal Reconciliation
March 24 & 28
Communal Reconciliation services will take place on March 24 at 6:45pm and March 28 at 12:00. Addition priests will be here on March 24 for individual confessions.
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.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
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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
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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.
FUNDRAISERS
March 15
We will be selling donuts at the Art Fair on Sunday, March 15th, as well as after Masses that weekend. Proceeds are going towards our Aftershock & TREMOR Youth Ministry programs. We are selling Gerten's Spring Plants and Plant Cards for our Aftershock Youth Ministry program. To place an order - go to www.gertensfundraising.com and enter our Store ID 1165. We are taking orders through March 30th. Delivery will be at St. Francis Xavier on May 1st. Thank you for your support!
Faith on Tap
March 28
Faith on Tap ACC Adult event is Saturday, March 28th from 6:30 - 9:00 PM at Bad Habit Brewing in St Joseph. The night will include delicious soups, trivia, a cash bar with some of the best brewed beverages in Central Minnesota, and a story of how our Catholic Faith can provide hope in times of adversity from Julie LeFlame, Administrator of Fr. Pierz School of Religion in Pierz MN. Come enjoy an evening of fellowship and inspiration, and fun.
Fellowship event
March 15
s Xavier Hall on March 15th. We begin with Mass at 9:30. If you are part of Prayer Line, Prayer Ministry, Book Clubs, Bible Studies, Morning Coffee Groups, Faith Formation Volunteers, Youth Group Volunteers, Prayer Line, Prayer Ministry, Book Clubs, Bible Studies, Morning Coffee Groups, Faith Formation Volunteers, Youth Group Volunteers, please join us for appetizers, Deacon Steve speaking and fellowship with people from the ACC! There is no need to RSVP, you can just show up!
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.
Free Will Offering Breakfast for the Poor Clares Monastery
March 15
Free Will Offering Breakfast for the Poor Clares Monastery
St. Stephen Church Parish Hall
March 15 8am-Noon
Sausage, ham, pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, caramel rolls, fruit, juice, coffee and milk
Elevator Accessible
Funeral Blesssings
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Remember in your prayers the family of Ed Maier, who passed away
Pat Klocker, who passed away on March 5 from St. Francis
Eternal Rest grant unto them Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Gathering in the Arts Bling Sale
April 2027
Our next Bling Sale is scheduled for April of 2027. To give you enough time to go through your closets and jewelry boxes, we are collecting handbags, jewelry & scarves the months of March - April.
Collection boxes are outside the parish office.
Thank you if you already donated during the month of February.
Good Friday Silent Walk for Peace
April 3
The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls invite the community to participate in a Good Friday Silent Walk for Peace on Friday, April 3, 9:30 a.m. We will gather at the west entrance at St. Francis Convent, 116 8 Ave SE, Little Falls, and walk together in silence. One of us will lead the procession carrying a cross as we stop to pray at various designated places throughout Little Falls. Bringing the cross and offering our prayers reminds us of the ways Jesus is always with us, in our joys and sufferings. Participants can take turns carrying the cross and leading the procession. The walk concludes back at the convent around 11 a.m. In the event of bad weather, we will hold the walk inside.
th
For more information, contact FLCEvents@fslf.org or visit our website at www.fslf.org.
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.
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.
Lent Book Club
March 11 - April 1
Dilexi Te - "On Love for the Poor," focuses on the Church's mission to care for the marginalized and vulnerable as a central part of the Christian faith, and how we encounter Jesus in the poor. Wednesday's @ 6:30pm, March 11th - April 1st. Contact Dcn Joe or the parish office 320-251-8115.
Lenten DCCW Women’s Retreat Day
March 14
A great New Year resolution is to TAKE time for yourself. Take time now and register for a Lenten Retreat. The upcoming Lenten Retreat “Praying for the Prodigal” will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Morris, MN and includes speakers, Jason Prigge and Roxane Salonen, the Chaplet to St. Monica, Mass, and of course, lunch. Fee is $25 by March 2 or $30 at the door. Feel free to invite your spouse and friends.
Lenten Series: Technology & Our Mental Health...Looking Through the Lens of Our Faith
March 26
Please join us for the final evening, March 26, in the Lenten Series – Technology and our Mental Heath looking through the Lens of our Faith. Our speaker is Bethany Tollefson. Optional – free will offering supper – 5:30-6 pm. Bethany will speak from 6-7 pm. All are welcome! Please RSVP if you plan to have supper with us.
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.
MN Food Share Month
March
Please be generous in your giving to the food shelf this month. It is Minnesota Food Share Month. This campaign started in 1982 in the Twin Cities metro. It was so successful that it went statewide in 1983. Friday, March 27, Catholic Charities Food Shelf is doing its annual Pack the Porches event from 7:00am to 1:00pm. We hold off until this day to make our delivery because the St. Cloud Federal Credit Union on Pine Cone Road is a drop-off site. Thanks to those in our parish who help hand out bags, collect food and deliver it in our food shelf ministry. Special thanks to those who went the Catholic Charities Food Shelf this past January. The need is great. Thank you for supporting the food shelf - always!
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.
Morning Prayer during Holy Week at the Cathedral
April 3-4
Holy Week morning prayers focus on reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the cross, centering hearts on sacrifice, love, and redemption. St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Cloud, invites you to Morning Prayer.
· 8:00 am on Good Friday, April 3
· 8:00 am on Holy Saturday, April 4
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.
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
Palm Braiding
March 22
Palm Braiding with Lois at St. Stephen on March 28. Three separate classes. You must pre-register by March 22 - Call St. Stephen 251-1520.
10:00-12:00: Crown of Thorns, limited to 5 people.
12:30-2:30: Fan, Cone or Pyramid
3:00-5:00: Palmetto Rose, Five Piece Rose and Leaf
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:
Rosary Group
April 2
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.
Rosary Making Group
1st and 3rd Thursday
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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“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?’” John 11:40
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.”
Saint John’s Abbey Prayer Service
March 28
Saint John’s Abbey Invite Abbot Douglas and the monks of Saint John’s Abbey invite you to a special prayer service at the Abbey Church on Saturday evening, March 28, the eve of Palm Sunday. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. and features a beautiful musical setting and prayer--an inspiring way to enter into Holy Week. A reception with light refreshments will follow in the Great Hall.
Speaker from MCCL
April 21
All are invited to join us on Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 PM as Cathy Blaeser from MCCL (Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life)will speak to us in regards to the current LIFE issues here in the state of Minnesota. Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend. Watch for further information in the bulletin and online. This event is being sponsored by Saint Monica Christian Women of the parish.
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. Rose of Lima Rosary Group
Lent
It's Lent - good time to come and learn to make Rosaries. We meet in Xavier Hall on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 9am. Rosaries are requested by missions all over the world. All supplies are provided. Come and meet some wonderful ladies. For information contact Nita at 214-455-4301.
St.Katharine Drexel School Fish Fry
March 20
St.Katharine Drexel School Fish Fry. March 20, 2026 4-8pm $15 per adult--Dine in or Drive Thru Meals--Fish, coleslaw, chips, beans and bread.
**Tickets available also at Sacred Heart Office Friday, March 6 from 4-7:00pm in the SFX School - 308 2 ST nd N
Stations of the Cross
Fridays - Lent
Stations of the Cross will be prayed on Fridays at 5:30pm at St. Francis Xavier February 20 thru March 27 (Not Good Friday). This is a great way to add to your prayers during Lent.
February 20 -Jennifer Kaweesa Contact -Youth/Peer Ministers Way of the Cross for Teens
February 27 - Aggie Schulte Contact - Christian Women
March 6 - Sandee Kremers Contact - OCIA Team/Candidates
March 13 - Luan Westra & Chuck Haselkamp Contacts
March 20 - Sandee Kremers Contact - OCIA Candidates/Team
March 27 - Molly Weyrens Contact - Social Justice
Stations of the Cross & Soup
March 27
Stations of the Cross and SOUP! - March 27th - 5:30 pm Join the Social Concerns Committee for Stations of the Cross through the eyes of Catholic Social Teaching and the Corporal
Works of Mercy. The Way of the Cross reminds us of those on the margins who suffer. A simple meal of soup and bread will be served afterward in the Gathering Place. All are welcome! A free will donation will be taken to support food and rent support for immigrants who have been sheltering in place. For more information: stfrancissjcc@gmail.com