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

The 2026 Appeal launches soon. Your offerings change lives in so many ways through ministries that reach out to the homebound, form our children and families in the Catholic faith, protect people at all stages of life, inspire people to become faith leaders, establish mental health ministries, build bridges connecting communities and work in so many ways to bring our brothers and sisters closer to Christ.

40 Days for Life

The Lenten 40 Days for Life Campaign begins Wednesday, February 18. For more info visit www.40daysforlife.com/en/st.cloud

AA GROUP MEETINGS

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

AA Group Meetings @ 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

Aftershock FUNDRAISER

UPCOMING Aftershock FUNDRAISER - We will be hosting a BINGO fundraiser on Friday, February 13th from 6-8:30pm in the Gathering Place.

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

Altar Server Training

Any youth in the fourth grade or older is invited to be an altar server here at St. Francis Xavier. In order to be a server, you must participate in a training session. The session will be on Thursday, February 5 at 5:30pm. The training will last one hour. You will be able to indicate which Mass you would like to serve at - either Saturday at 4:00pm or Sunday at 9:30am. Please call the parish office at 320-252-1363 to let us know that you will be attending. Hope to see you there!

BAPTISM

We welcome the following children, baptized into our parish family and the Christian community: Allison Jean Kelly, daughter of Ryan & Heather, 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!

Bling Sale Collection

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.

Breakfast Food Needed for Lincoln Center

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

CANCER/MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES SUPPORT GROUP

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

CARD GROUP @ SFX

All Are Welcome
500 & Cribbage Tables
Xavier Hall
9:30-11:30 am (New time)
2nd & 4th Thursday

CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK

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

CEMETERY NEWS

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

Cana Dinner

The Cana Dinner is a marriage enrichment event for anyone who is married 1 day to 75+ years! There is a sign up in the gathering space. Cost is $40 a couple, childcare is $10 per child. Space is limited so sign up early!

Catholic Charities Food Shelf

January is the month that St. Francis is asked to help staff the volunteer needs at the Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Please use the link provided to find available time slots and sign up to help.
https://ccstcloud.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/AdoptAMonth
If you need help with getting on the schedule, call Elizabeth Hamak at Cathollic Charities and she'll help you out.
Elizabeth Hamak
Volunteer Coordinator
Emergency Services
D 320.229.4568 | C 320.339.7171

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.

Catholic Charities Food Shelf

January is the month that St. Francis is asked to help staff the volunteer needs at the Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Please use the link provided to find available time slots and sign up to help. https://ccstcloud.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/AdoptAMonth
If you need help with getting on the schedule, call Elizabeth Hamak at Cathollic Charities and she'll help you out.
Elizabeth Hamak
Volunteer Coordinator
Emergency Services
D 320.229.4568 | C 320.339.7171

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 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.

Coffee & Community

Please join us for 1st Wednesday Coffee & Rolls on Wednesday, February 4, 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.

Diocesan Festival of Families

Are you looking for some midwinter family fun? Join us at St. Francis Xavier in Sartell from 9:00 AM - 3:00PM for a day of fun celebrating our Catholic faith. Cost is only $25 per family (no matter the size), and will include a free carnival, family activities, lunch, age-appropriate activities and Mass with Bishop Neary. Register your family at: https://stcdio.org/event/2026-festival-of-families/

ELECTRONIC GIVING

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

ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

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

Elevate – Thank You!

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

FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS FOR SALE

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.

Faith Formation Mardi Gras Family Night

Wednesday, February 4 in the Gathering Place
Hot Dog Dinner Served from 5:30-6:30pm
Bingo from 6:00-7:30pm
Come and go as it works for your family!

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 Gerri Downey, who passed away on January 14 from St. Francis.
Eternal Rest grant unto her Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

GRANITE CITY MOM CO

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

Grief Support Group CHANGE IN SCHEDULE!

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

HEALING FROM A LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

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

HELP NEEDED: OWN A DIE CUTTING MACHINE?

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

HELPING HOMELESS

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

HOMEBOUND & HOSPITAL VISITORS NEEDED

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

Helping Hands Outreach

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

Homebound?

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

Hospitality Volunteers

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

In Home Communion

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

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.

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest

The local council of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Trobec Council #5276 would like to invite the children of Annunciation, Sacred Heart, St. Stephen and St. Francis parishes to take part in the annual Free Throw Challenge! All children ages 9-14 are invited to participate. The event will be held at SFX School in the gym. This event is sponsored annually by the KC’s with the winners from the local level advancing to district, region, and state competitions.
All contestants from the local level are recognized for their participation in the event and the winners at each level will receive a trophy. Registration is at the event and must have written consent and age verification from a parent or guardian. Please contact Jake Schneider 320-761-7143 or jakeschneider34@gmail.com.

Lent Book Club

Lent Book Club - Discussion Group The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Lets Explore a book that Pope Leo XIV has described as one of his favorite books. He describes the core message of the book as a “type of prayer and spirituality where one simply gives his life to the Lord and allows the Lord to lead.” This teaching emphasizes experiencing God’s presence not just during formal prayer times, but in every moment and every ordinary, daily task, such as working in a kitchen.
Dive deeper into your faith this Lent. We will spend three weeks discussing each part of the book and how we can use it in our daily lives to let the Lord lead us.
Part One - February 19
Part Two - February 26
Part Three - March 5
St. Francis Xavier Gathering Place from 6-7:00 pm
Contact Sandee Kremers to sign up at 320-252-1363 or skremers@stfrancissartell.org.
The book can be purchased on Amazon or through St. Francis.

Lenten DCCW Women’s Retreat Day

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.

Lincoln Center

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

Lincoln Center Volunteers Needed

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

MEAL PLANNER/COOK/FOOD MANAGER

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

Men’s Conference

The annual Men's Conference is less than one month away! Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. John’s University in Collegeville. Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your relationship with the Lord through inspiring speakers and opportunities for prayer, Reconciliation, and Mass. Register online at https://stcdio.org/event/catholic-mens-conference-2026/

Ministry Help Needed

With some "snow birds" leaving the area for while and some "players" on injured reserve, we have needs and openings for additional Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers (4:00pm Mass in particular.) These are ministries critical for making our worship run smoothly and effectively. Please contact Tom Offerdahl to inquire more about helping. Training is offered, you'll make new friends, and benefits are "out of this world"!

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.

ORDER OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION-ADULTS

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

OUTDOOR AED CABINET AT ST. FRANCIS

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

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

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

One in Christ Area Catholic Community (ACC) planning council

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

Open Gym

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

PERPETUAL ADORATION

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

PLACE OF HOPE

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

PRAYER LINE

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

PRAYERS

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

PREPLANNING YOUR FUNERAL

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

PROLIFE PREGNANCY CENTER ELEVATE

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

Parish Envelopes

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

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.

Praise Night

Our next Praise Night is on Thursday, February 26th from 6-7 PM at Sacred Heart. One of the unique things about Praise Nights is that we seek to bring different types of prayer experiences for young adults and their young families. This month we’ll be featuring Taize which is a style of prayer that offers reflection through hundreds of candles, repeated and meditative psalm style refrains and silence.
We also would like to extend an invitation to all parishioners of our area Catholic Communities to come pray with us, so come check it out! If you have any questions, contact Jason!

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:

Rooted Faith Formation

Group A – January 14
Group B – January 21
Group C – January 28

Rooted Family Faith Formation Faith Formation

Wednesday, February 4 – ALL FAMILIES optional Mardi Gras Party! Look for family sign up. Dinner & Bingo. Wednesday, February 18 – 6:30 pm – ALL FAMILIES requirement – Ash Wednesday Mas

Rosary Making Group

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

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

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

The phrase “poor in spirit” can be confusing. Think of it in this sense
– poor in spirt means depending on God’s providence and not depending on our own self-reliance. Being detached from earthy things (power, money, and comfort) and being attached to heavenly things (charity, sacrifice, and mercy). Denying ourselves from satisfying our desires and helping others obtain their basic needs.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF A PRIEST

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

Silent LENTEN Midweek Retreat for Men and Women

Blessed are They Who… (February 17-19, 2026)At the heart of the teaching of Jesus is the Sermon on the Mount. At the heart of the Sermon on the Mount are the Beatitudes. Jesus asks that we see the world in a new way, where weakness is strength and poverty is wealth. During our 2026 retreats, we will seek to embrace this challenging vision. King’s House has private sleeping rooms with a lake view and its own bathroom & shower. Meals are included. $50 deposit with registration. Register/make reservation online at www.kingshouse.com/events or call 763-682-1394

Social Concerns

In a time of deep division and social inequality, the lens of Catholic Social Teaching is an opportunity to return to the foundational principles of our Catholic faith as we discern how we are called to love one another, including and especially our neighbors experiencing poverty. The Social Justice Concerns Committee along with the MN Chapter of Laudato Si invite you to join with others virtually Monday nights 6:00 pm-7:30 pm , January 12- February23rd to learn more about Catholic Social Teaching. Liz Hamek and Molly Weyrens will facilitate. Space is limited to 12. Register here. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ddyvj26 or email stfrancissjcc@gmail.com for more information.

Social cards/ games party-Mayhew Lake

Our next social gathering will be Thursday, February 5th, beginning with Rosary @8:15, Mass at 8:30, coffee and juice after Mass. various games and cards will start around 9:30. Lunch will be served at noon. Please join us, and we ask that you invite a friend or neighbor who just might be waiting for an invitation. Offer a ride if necessary.

TEC Retreat

Saturday, February 14 to Monday, February 16
TEC (Together Encountering Christ) is a three day Catholic retreat based on the Paschal Mystery. Its an opportunity to discover more about yourself, connect with other faith-based individuals and deepen your relationship with Christ.
Join our community of over 40,000 people who have made a TEC weekend in Central MN. Three days might just change your life.

Open to anyone ages 16+.
All students can have their $30 deposit waived by entering the code
‘SCHOOLSPECIAL’ in the gift certificate line! Need additional scholarship support? We never want cost to be the reason someone can’t experience a TEC weekend. Reach out! Direct any questions to Mike - mike@cmtec.org. Use the QR code for a link to the application

Tabernacle for Toksook

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

Thank You

We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped decorate and undo the decorations for our St Francis Xavier Christmas season. We appreciate our church community and enjoy meeting and working with our regulars and our newcomers! Job well done, thank you!
Liturgical Environment Committee

Theology on Draft

Our next Theology on Draft takes place on Thursday, February 12th from 6-8 PM at Great River Bowl in Sartell. This month we are partnering with the Diocese of St. Cloud to bring in national renown speaker Robert Feduccia who will be presenting, “I’m listening but are you talking?” We hope to see you there for food and conversations.
*There is optional bowling following… Participants are responsible for their own bowling and own beverages.

VOLUNTEER

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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ST. BENEDICT CENTER

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

WORD & COMMUNION MINISTERS NEEDED for Edgewood

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

Welcome to New Family

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

Widows/Widowers Group

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

Young Adult Praise Nights

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