News & Events

Mental Health Ministry

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

2026 Annual Appeal

Solid grounding in the Catholic tradition empowers our youth to face challenges with hope and resilience. The diocese is proud to support vibrant youth formation programs, 27 Catholic schools serving 4,461 students and religious education for 9,983 youth. This year, $175,475 is being distributed parishes/ACCs for schools and religious ed programs and Catholic high schools. Please help support Catholic education through this appeal Visit www.stcdio.org/annualappeal.

AA Group Meetings @ SFX

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

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.

ADORATION UPDATE

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

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

Advent Almsgiving

A Season of Giving: 5th Annual Advent Almsgiving. The Advent season is only 5 weeks away! We are excited to announce our 5th Annual Advent Almsgiving Food Drive. Below is the list of specific items we will be collecting this year. Consider stocking up now so we can make this an incredibly generous & impactful Advent!
How it works:
Weekly Focus: Each week, we will feature specific food items for you to bring in. These are the exact items local organizations have designated as their most requested and frequently used resources.
Drop-Off Location: Please bring only the specified item(s) for that week to the Gathering Space and place them on the tables by the Parish Office.
See the Impact: You can watch the fruits of our community's love and generosity grow each week in person at the Gathering Space, as well as through updates on Facebook and Flocknote!
Donations will be distributed directly to Pathways for Youth, the Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities. Thank you for your heart for giving!

All Women of St. Francis...

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

BAPTISM

We welcome the following children, baptized into our parish family and the Christian community: Andrew Edward Layton, child of Blake & Pauleen and Lyla Ann
Bantz, child Scott & Robin, from St. Francis.

BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS

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

Bible in a Year

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


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

Boxes of Hope

Boxes are in and can be found in the entryway of each of the parishes in the OIC. Please pick up one or more and fill with wonderful things for a child in a foreign country who may have never received a Christmas gift before. Box of Joy provides hope to children living in poverty in developing countries, and each gift represents Christ’s love. Please include $9 for each box in a check made out to Cross Catholic Outreach or cash in an envelope to help defray the cost of shipping. Please return to one of the OIC churches by November 1.
Thank you for your donation.

Boxes of Joy

Boxes can be found in the entryway of each of the parishes in the OIC. Please pick up one or more and fill with wonderful things for a child in a foreign country who may have never received a Christmas gift before. Box of Joy provides hope to children living in poverty in developing countries, and each gift represents Christ’s love. Please include $9 for each box in a check made out to Cross Catholic Outreach or cash in an envelope to help defray the cost of shipping. Please return to one of the OIC churches by November 1. Thank you for your donation.

Breakfast Food Needed for Lincoln Center

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

Breakfast – Church of St. Augustine

News and Events From Around the Diocese
Breakfast TODAY, Nov. 1st at Church of St. Augustine 442 2nd St.
SE, St. Cloud from 7:30am – Noon.
All you care to eat. Adults: $12, 5-12: $7, 4 & under Free.

CANCER/MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES SUPPORT GROUP

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

CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK

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

CEMETERY NEWS

Remember to collect your decorations from the cemetery by November 1 . All pots and decorations should be taken off for the winter months. The cemetery committee will be cleaning up any remaining items the following week and items will be discarded. The plant stands can remain. Also, when visiting the cemetery, please try to keep your vehicles on the driveway. Landscape work was done in several areas along the driveway and pulling off tears it up. Thank you for keeping our cemetery look nice.

Called to be Holy Living Faith in Everyday Life

Called to be Holy Living Faith in Everyday Life 9am-1pm, Fri Nov 6 that Emmaus Hall, St. Johns Univ. Free event -Registration Required www.theologyday.com, 320-363-3560,

Cash & Card BINGO

Join us for a fun afternoon of BINGO in the St. Francis Xavier School Cafeteria on Sunday, November 15 beginning at 1:00pm. Doors open at 12:30pm. The cost is $15 for 24 games. There will be addition games available as well. A light lunch will also be available for purchase. We hope you can join us! Sponsored by St. Monica Christian Women of St. Francis Xavier Parish.

Catholic Charities Food Shelf

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

Cemetery Records Update & New Website

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

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

We are in need of a few more leaders before we can start Children's Liturgy of the Word. Leaders would lead about every 6 weeks during the 10:30am mass. Materials and training are provided. If you are interested in helping or have questions, please reach out to Melissa Fox (mfox@stfrancissartell.org or cell 320-761-2217)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

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

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

GOSPEL SUPERHEROES NEEDED!
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Leaders
Do you love Jesus?
Do you love kids?
Then we need YOU!
Help our youngest disciples discover the Sunday Gospel through stories, prayer, conversation, and a little fun! No superpowers required—just a willing heart!
🌟 Resources provided. Training available.
🌟 Serve weekly, monthly, or occasionally.
Come help our littlest Catholics grow in faith!
Contact Melissa Fox, mfox@stfrancissartell.org for more information.

Chosen Watch Party Season 5 (SH)

Join us Friday evenings at Sacred Heart from October 2nd - November 20th for dinner, The Chosen and discussion. Contact Kathy Janku at kathyljanku@gmail.com for more information.

Coffee & Community

Please join us for 1st Wednesday Coffee & Rolls on Wednesday, October 7, after the 8 am Mass.

DIOCESAN ADULT FAITH OPPORTUNITIES

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

DIOCESAN TV MASS

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

ELECTRONIC GIVING

As we roll into summer and all of the great things that take place, church attendance declines. Electronic giving is a great way to continue to support the church even during the times that parishoners are enjoying summer activities. You can registger online at www.stfrancissartell.org or you can pick up a form in the office.

ELEVATE Pregnancy & Family Resource Center

There is a need... ELEVATE Pregnancy & Family Resource Center (formerly Birthline) has a request. Can you help? As summer is coming closer to an end, sales begin and great deals can be found. There is a need for new GIRLS summer clothes and diapers sizes 4, 5, 6. If you don’t like to shop, $10 gift cards from Target/Walmart are welcome.
Help us PACK the Pack n’ Play in the gathering place. Thank you for your generosity and for helping families and their little ones!

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

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

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS FOR SALE

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

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

FAITH FORMATION – Volunteers Needed

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

FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM

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

Fabric Needed

The Saint Anthony Mission group sews and tie quilts which are donated within the community. We are looking for donations of cotton fabric. We would prefer 1/4 yard or larger pieces. If you have a fabric stash that you no longer use or would like to thin out, we would gladly make good use of it. Gifts cards also welcome. You can drop it off on the bench in the gathering space. Please label your box or bag Saint Anthony quilt group. We appreciate any help you can give us. We would also love to have you join us. We meet the second and fourth Monday of the month from 8am to noon. Please Call Connie Pogatshnik 320 250-7382 or Mary Fasen 320 282-7029 if you have any questions.

First Sacraments

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

Flood Relief Donations Thank You

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

Funeral Blesssings

Remember in your prayers the family of David Moore, who passed away on September 29, from St. Francis.
Eternal rest grant onto him Oh Lord and may perpetual light
shine upon him.

Grief Support Group CHANGE IN SCHEDULE!

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

Grounded Youth Ministry

November Theme: Grounded in Grief Upcoming Dates, Times and
Locations (SH-Sacred Heart | SFX-St. Francis Xavier):
Sun. November 8th | Gr. 9-12 | 5-7 PM | SH
Wed. November 11th | Gr. 6-8 | 7:30-9 PM | SH
Wed. November 18th | Gr. 6-8 | 7:30-9 PM | SFX
Sun. November 22nd | Gr. 9-12 | 5-7 PM | SFX

HEALING FROM A LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

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

HELPING HOMELESS

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

HOMEBOUND & HOSPITAL VISITORS NEEDED

Are you or someone you know homebound?
If you or someone you know is unable to attend Mass - whether temporarily due to surgery, illness, or recovery,or on a more long-term basis—and would appreciate receiving Holy Communion along with a friendly visit,please contact Sandee Kremers. We would be honored to bring the Eucharist to you and help you remain connected to our parish community.

Healing the Whole Person Retreat

Healing the Whole Person Retreat Dec. 4-6, 2026, Alexandria, MN. Questions call Cassie at 320-460-5325

Helping Hands Outreach

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

Homebound Ministries

If you know of someone who would like Communion brought to them, please contact Sandee Kremers or our Parish Office.

Hospitality Volunteers

Would you be interested in helping with our Hospitality Weekends?
Volunteers help with set-up, serving, and clean-up. It’s super easy, takes just a little time and is lots of fun! It’s a wonderful way to meet other parishioners, welcome others, and be part of our parish community. Whether you can help regularly or just occasionally, we would love to have you join us! Contact Sandee Kremers if you are interested.

Jail Ministry Volunteers

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

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

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

Lincoln Center Volunteers Needed

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

Locking of Doors

Starting Monday, August 24, all doors will be locked after daily Mass except the south side Gathering Place doors. Those will be open for prayers as well as access to the parish office Monday - Thursday until 4:30pm, Fridays until 12:00pm.

Love Beyond Measure: Natural Family Planning…

Natural Family Planning…supporting God’s gifts of love and life in marriage. Natural Family Planning is a loving way for couples to cooperate with nature and God's plan for married love. It is a natural and highly effective way to achieve and postpone pregnancy. A First Instruction in the Billings Ovulation Method will be offered in: St. Cloud on Monday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Office of Marriage & Family. For more information, or to register, contact Sheila Reineke at omf@gw.stcdio.org or (320) 258-7609. The class is approximately 1½ to 2 hours long. *Note: Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction and followup!

MEAL PLANNER/COOK/FOOD MANAGER

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

Ministry volunteers at the jail

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

Mondays at the Manor

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

Movie and Conversation on Capital Punishment

Movie and Conversation on Capital Punishment (death penalty) Sunday, November 22 at 12pm in Room D at Sacred Heart, join us as we watch the movie "Just Mercy" along with conversation and reflection on what the Catholic Church teaches. You are also encouraged to participate in breakfast prepared by the Knights of Columbus before we begin the movie. Contact is Dcn Joe or Karen Handeland.

My Catholic Will: Plan with Faith, Live with Mercy

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.

Native Pre-History of the Little Falls Area

Did you know that the Little Falls downtown area was an Indigenous industrial and trade center long before European settlers arrived? Come to Great River Arts on Thursday, November 19, for a 6 – 7 p.m. presentation by Mike Wilson, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls are hosting his sharing of the “Native Pre-history of the Little Falls Area.”

OCIA- Interested in Becoming Catholic?

Have you been thinking about becoming Catholic? Are you curious about the Catholic faith or interested in receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or Eucharist? We warmly invite you to join us for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). OCIA is a welcoming process for adults who want to learn more about the Catholic faith, ask questions, grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and discern whether God is calling them to become part of the Catholic Church. Whether you have never been baptized, were baptized in another Christian tradition, or are a baptized Catholic who has not yet received Eucharist or Confirmation, OCIA is for you. There is no obligation—just an opportunity to explore the Catholic faith in a friendly, supportive environment. For more information or to register, please contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363 or the
parish office.

OUTDOOR AED CABINET AT ST. FRANCIS

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

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

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

One in Christ Area Catholic Community (ACC) planning council

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

Open Gym

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

PERPETUAL ADORATION

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

PLACE OF HOPE

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

PRAYER LINE

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

PRAYERS

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

PREPLANNING YOUR FUNERAL

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

PROLIFE PREGNANCY CENTER ELEVATE

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

Parish Contributions & Support

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

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!

Place of Hope Kid’s Hope Shop

We are once again beginning the process of collecting donated items for our annual Place of Hope “Kids Hope Shop” scheduled for December 15 – 17 at City Hope Church in St. Cloud.
It’s a unique and special opportunity for children experiencing homelessness and other life struggles to “shop” free for Christmas gifts for their parents and siblings.
For information on drop locations or to help with this project, please contact Randy Kennedy 320-203-7881 or at randy@placeofhopeministries.org

Place of Hope Meal

The SFX Social Concerns Committee invites parishioners to assist with making a meal and serving it on November 22nd, 3-6:30 pm.
Please consider contributing in one of 3 ways; volunteering to cook and serve, offering a donation or bringing in an item of food for the meal. More information will be coming in the days ahead. For more information contact stfrancissjcc@gmail.com

Plan with Faith, Live with Mercy - Bishop Neary

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.

Planning Ahead: A Gift to Your Loved Ones

The loss of a loved one is never easy. At St. Francis Xavier & St. Stephen , we are here to walk with you through prayer, compassion, and pastoral care during life's most difficult moments. Summer is an excellent time to preplan your funeral liturgy. Taking time now to make your wishes known is a thoughtful gift to your family, relieving them of many decisions during a time of grief and ensuring your funeral reflects your faith and personal wishes. If you would like to begin planning your funeral, please contact Sandee Kremers at 320-252-1363. I would be honored to help you through this meaningful process.

Plastic Bag Collection

In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day we celebrate this weekend, you will see tall, white bins for collecting plastic bags in the Gathering Place in each entryway as well as one in the school. Please bring in your CLEAN, plastic bags from grocery stores, ziplocs, bread bags, bubble wrap, ice bags, salt bags - any bag that STRETCHES. To find what is acceptable you can go to https://nextrex.com/view/recyclingchallenge. We will need people to help weigh the plastic once a month and deliver it to the Coborns on Pine Cone Rd. Be watching the bulletin for how to sign up. This is a great activity to do as a family! Thanks for helping to care for our environment and keep plastic out of our landfills and water! Sponsored by the SFX Social Concerns Committee

Praise Night

Praise Night is also back and will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 6-7 PM. The first Praise Night is on Thursday, September 17th from 6-7 PM at the Newman Center in St. Cloud. The night will include Praise and Worship by Risen Worship, Eucharistic Adoration, an opportunity for confessions and opportunities for fellowship afterwards. Families are highly encouraged to attend!
*Young Adult Praise Nights are designed for young adult families and their kids along with single and married young adults aged 18-39 years old.

Prayer Team Needed

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

Prayer Team Needed

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

Relics at Sacred Heart

We will again have relics of St. John Bosco, St. Ignatius Loyola, and many others displayed for veneration during the month of November at Sacred Heart. These are first-class relics (a part of the physical body of a saint, approved by the Vatican as authentic). There are also two other classes of relics: second-class relics are items owned or used by the saint, and third-class relics are objects that have been touched to a first-class relic. The veneration of relics is grounded in Catholic faith that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who lives and works in us all, and especially in the saints lives in ways that inspire hope and imitation of their faith and charity. When venerating a relic, you can spend a few moments in quiet prayer and devotion. You can also touch the relic and ask for intercession of the saints for any intentions you might have. We give thanks to God for the saint’s holy lives and pray for the grace to imitate them!

Rosary Making Group

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

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

ST. ROSE OF LIMA ROSARY GROUP

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

STEWARDSHIP

“The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word but then the cares of the world and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” - Matthew 13:22

Does the lure of riches and material goods choke God out of your life?
Are you so caught up in earthly activities that you have no time for God? Gratitude and generosity are virtues that we should strive to do on a daily basis. Every decision we make either takes us one step closer
to God or one step further away. What we receive at Mass every Sunday should be shared with others all the other days of the week as well.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF A PRIEST

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.”

Season of Creation

Since its inception in 1989, faith communities and organizations around the globe, including the Catholic Climate Covenant, have celebrated the Season of Creation. This is a time to renew our relationship with God, our Creator, and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, we join our sisters and brothers in the ecumenical family in prayer and action for our common home. The Social Concerns Committee invites you to think of ways that you can honor the earth during this special time. The season ends on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Be watching for ideas and actions as we seek to "renew the face of the earth." (Ps. 104).

Season of Creation - Social Concerns Weekly Tip

Is it the Thermostat or the Furnace? We probably all have experienced furnace trouble where the thermostat and
the furnace aren’t communicating. Who is operating the thermostat here on Earth? Who is in control of the furnace operation? We can be mindful of all that is done to earth and be conscientious of everything that we do that impacts the warmth of our earth in a negative way:

Burning Fossil Fuels , Removing Native Vegetation from the Earth’s
Surface, Creating structures (Dark Surfaces) which absorb sunlight energy,
Simple steps we can take to improve the earth's furnace.
Utilize fossil fuel energy conservatively. Embrace the practice of sustainable agriculture. Plant native vegetation , Share resources equally amongst all life on earth both today and tomorrow.

Spiritual Communion. Do you watch Mass via the livestream?

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."

Thank You

Thank you so much for your support of the Box of Joy service event donating gifts to children in need! For more information, see www.CrossCatholic.org/BoxOfJoy This was an ACC effort and there was a tremendous response.


Rice Area Blood Mobile and the Red Cross would like to thank the 55 people who took the time out of their busy schedule on Mon. Oct. 19 to come to Shepherd of the Pines Church in Rice to donate a unit of blood so others can be helped. This is a great way to do a corporal work of mercy. Thank you!

Theology on Draft

Theology on Draft Please help us plan the 2026 - 2027 Theology on Draft season by taking this short survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVVQ3Ti61gIGcmm
_4uiWhqadsAqKbD-88l293b22_tg25PKg/viewform

Theology on Draft

Our next Theology on Draft takes place on Thursday, November 12th from 6-8 PM at Great River Bowl in Sartell as Lexi Torres talks about ‘Beyond Comparison’. Join us for the conversation, and conversation. In addition to our collaborative effort with All Called to Christ and the Newman community, the Diocese of St. Cloud is also collaborating with us for this month’s gathering.Food provided, drinks are participants responsibility - we hope to see you there!
*Theology on Draft is for married and single young adults who are aged 18-39 years old.

Troops of Saint George

The Troops of Saint George is a Catholic youth organization that focuses on fostering the faith and character development of boys and young men through unique outdoor and wilderness activities. Please join us for our Annual Visitor Day -Thursday, Nov 19th. People arrive at 6:15pm, Event starts at 6:30pm. For Boys Ages 6-18 + Fathers (Not a Dropoff Event) Location: St. Peter's Church in St. Cloud- Gym, Enter Door #2. No need to bring a payment to just check it out. (Cost is $100/Father & Son or $150/Family Rate for the year.)

Turkey Bowl 2026

After an exciting win for the OIC Youth in 2025, we are so excited to play in the 2026 Turkey Bowl on Wednesday, November 25th at St. Cloud State University. The game will feature the (1-4) students v. (4-1) young adults. Gates open at 6 PM, kick-off is at 6:30 PM. Everyone is invited and welcome to come watch the game and enjoy fellowship with your parish communities - please bring a lawn chair and something warm, the dome is approximately 50 degrees. Students in grades 8-12 are eligible to participate in the Turkey
Bowl - to do so, please register using this link:
https://permission.click/6akykkg9yvvy/int. All registrations must
be in by Sunday, November 22nd to participate.

VOLUNTEER

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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ST. BENEDICT CENTER

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

WORD & COMMUNION MINISTERS NEEDED for Edgewood

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