Parish Committees, Organizations and Activities
Parish Staff
Contact: Fr. Gary Gebelein 487-5736
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Staff provides pastoral leadership within our parish and exercises general administrative responsibility for parish personnel, programs and activities. The Staff tries to identify areas of need for growth while striving to balance all aspects of parish life in communication with the Parish Council and various parish organizations and activities.
Parish Council
Contact: Karen Higgins - 845-3737
Meeting: 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm
St. Francis of Assisi Parish Council serves in an advisory capacity to the Pastor and Parish Staff to provide leadership, direction, education, resources and encouragement in accordance with the constant and continuing goals of the parish, the Archdiocese and the Universal Church. Parish Council is composed of eighteen members, who serve staggered 3-year terms. Ideally, Parish Council members are persons who are known and respected within the parish community and are willing to make a commitment of time and service to parish life.
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Parish Committees
Generally, parish committees help with the on-going development, implementation and evaluation of various programs that are vital to parish life. Much of the work of these committees is carried out behind the scenes. A number of these committees function under the auspices of the Parish Council and others are sub-committees of the Liturgy and Finance Commissions of Parish Council. There is not necessarily a set length of time of service on these committees. Members of these committees often participate because of a sincere interest in and devotion to that particular aspect of parish life. Information, training and continuing education are provided for new and old members as opportunity presents.
Adult Choir
Contact person: Scott Sedovic 221-1860
Meeting: Thursdays at 7:30pm
The ministry of music in our parish encourages those who are gifted singers and instrumentalists to contribute their talent within our liturgical music program. Traditionally, music and song are among the strongest elements in Catholic worship.
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Adult Education Committee
Contact person: Maureen Ederle 894-3891
Meeting: As needed
This committee is responsible for coordinating and promoting adult education programs for the parish. Programs are offered during Lent and in the fall of the year through small faith sharing groups. Monthly religious topics are presented throughout the year for an evening gathering of faith, education and fellowship. A recent offshoot of our adult education program has been the addition of a monthly “Senior Celebration”, which provides a faith component with games and food for our older parishioners.
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Life Teen Band
Contact person: Jeremy Remiger 620-9490
Meeting: As needed
This musical group has brought a new dimension of contemporary music to our worship. They lead our music at the Noon Mass on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
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Baptism Preparation
Contact person: Deacon Al Ecker 487-5736
Meeting: 1st Thursday of every month at 7:00pm
At this meeting the meaning of baptism in Christian life is explained to the parents. Through a process of discussion and instruction, parents’ understanding of the sacrament and experience of belonging to the parish are strengthened. In order to have a child baptized at SFA, at least one parent must attend this class prior to the birth of their child. If you have already attended this class here at St. Francis Parish for the baptism of a previous child, you do not need to attend again.
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Cantors
Contact person: Pat Wigand 487-0782
Meeting: As arranged
This ministry encourages those who are gifted singers to use their talent to lead the body of worshippers in song at Mass and other parish liturgical celebrations. Cantors are trained in how to most effectively lead the parish in this aspect of worship. If you have been blessed with the ability to lead song, this is a wonderful opportunity to share your talent with your parish community.
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The Catechumenate (RCIA)
Contact person: Jean Ameduri 487-2216
Meeting: Monday evenings at 7:00pm
The Catechumenate Program is designed to initiate and welcome new adult members into the Catholic Church and our parish community. The emphasis is on prayer, scripture, study and sharing the experience of our faith. Adult initiation into the Catholic Church normally takes place each year during the Easter Vigil. Members of the parish are invited to participate as catechists and sponsors.
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The Catechumenate For Children
Contact person: Deacon Russ Fink 487-5736
Meeting: Saturday mornings during the school year from 9:00am-10:30am
Older children who have not received baptism or have not received religious instruction in our Church are also fully initiated through a catechumenate process designed especially for them. Members of the parish are encouraged to participate in the welcoming of these children and their families.
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Extraordinary Ministers
Contact person: Elaine Sullivan 487-7923
Meeting: As needed
Special ministers of the Eucharist are trained and commissioned to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ during the Communion Rite of the Mass.
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Finance Commission
Contact person: Dave Herdlick 487-6071
Meeting: 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00pm
This commission serves to advise the Pastor concerning all aspects of the administration of parish finances.
Guitage
Contact persons: Bob and Joyce Bennett 846-2626
Meeting: Mondays at 7:00pm
This is an adult folk/guitar music group that leads the singing at the 4:30pm Mass on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. These talented individuals provide another dimension to our weekend liturgies.
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Lectors
Contact person: Mike Wigand 487-0782
Meeting: Annual meeting in November
This is a ministry of the public proclamation of the Scriptures. Lectors are trained to read the Scriptures as a part of The Liturgy of the Word during Mass and other special or seasonal liturgical services planned for the parish.
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Liturgy Committee
Contact person: Kay Miller 846-8135
Meeting: 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm
This committee is responsible for oversight of the various elements of our parish liturgical celebrations, including the music, decorations, eucharistic ministers, servers, ushers, cantors and lectors. The role of this committee is to coordinate these various aspects of worship, mindful of current Church teachings and doctrine regarding these elements.
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Pro-life Committee
Contact persons: Jan Whitman - 618-281-2119
Meeting: 3 times a year as announced
This committee coordinates and promotes various parish and Archdiocesan respect life activities. If you are concerned about strengthening the value of human life within our society, you may want to consider joining this committee.
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PSR Board
Contact person: Deacon Russ Fink 487-5736, ext. 125
Meeting: Two-three times yearly, as needed
The PSR Board is composed of parents and teachers of students in the Parish School of Religion program. It functions as an advisory group to the Pastor and the PSR Coordinator relative to policies and procedures established for the PSR program.
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SFA School Board
Contact person: Lisa Preusser 416-0065
Meeting: 2nd Wednesday of August-May at 7:00pm
The School Board serves to advise the Pastor and School Administration in making policy for the parish elementary school. The Board is composed of six elected members who serve three-year staggered terms as well as a representative from both the Home and School Association and the Parish Council.
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Servers
Contact person: Carl Franklin 487-6762
Meeting: Appropriate training is provided
This ministry is for any boy or girl in the parish, beginning in sixth grade and continuing through eighth grade. These young people are trained to assist the priest and other liturgical ministers with the preparation and celebration of the Mass and other services.
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Stewardship Committee
Contact person: Sue Trokey 487-9811
Meeting: As needed
This committee promotes on-going education about stewardship as a way of life, and encourages the commitment of our time, talent and treasure as a way of thanking God for our many blessings, both individually and as a parish.
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Ushers
Contact person: Ken Moser 846-7469
Meeting: Annual meeting - usually in the fall
Ushers help worshippers to be comfortable in our church by providing assistance and information before, during and after services. Often the first person to be met as people arrive, the usher’s attitude of welcoming is vitally important for setting the tone for worship. Our ushers also play an important role during the Offertory and Communion Rites of the Eucharist.
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Youth Choir
Contact person: Mary Anne Hertling 892-2020
Meeting: 6:00pm on the Tuesday before scheduled to sing at the Sunday 10:30am (usually the 2nd & 4th Sundays)
These beautiful young voices have added a new dimension to our Sunday liturgy at the 10:30am Mass. This choir of young people is open to any youngster in grades 1-8 with the desire to share his/her musical talent.
Parish Organizations
Parish Organizations generally are formed around the clearly identifiable needs and interests of parish members. Such organizations are also of vital importance to the quality of our parish life. Some groups may have guidelines and a leadership structure, others may be more loosely organized. In general, the organization’s purpose motivates members to spend time together. There is no specific commitment of time requested unless related to a particular project or activity of the organization.
Athletic Association
Contact person: Mike Preusser 471-5252
Meeting: 4th Thursday of each month at 8:00pm
This organization provides a safe, organized athletic program based on Christian morals for our parish community. It strives to give proper guidance, leadership and regulation for all athletic activities as well as maintaining parish athletic facilities in good playing condition. Its program includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball at all age levels. It also oversees umpiring and refereeing for these various sports. It supports its various activities with several fund-raising events each year.
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Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima
Contact person: Rose Jean Ponder 846-8475
Meeting: every Wednesday after 8:00am Mass
The SFA parish chapter of the Blue Army promotes the living of the Fatima message by praying the Rosary daily, wearing the brown scapular as a sign of our consecration to Mary and offering reparation. This group promotes three programs at St. Francis: the Pilgrim Virgin Statute Home Visitation program, the First Saturday of Reparation Program and the weekly Prayer Hour on Wednesday mornings.
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Boy Scouts
Contact person: Mike Herries 892-2560
Meeting: every Wednesday at 7:00pm
The Boy Scout program at SFA encourages older boys to progress through the various levels of boy scouting. It is an active troop that has produced a large number of Eagle Scouts over the years.
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Cub Scouts
Contact person: Kim Gerwel - 894-3231
Meeting: 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm
SFA has a large and active Cub Scout program for boys ages 6-11. Cub Scouting teaches boys the scouting principles of good citizenship and religious beliefs while imparting practical knowledge.
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Girl Scouts
Contact person: Melisa McGrath 846-2811
Meeting: determined by each Girl Scout troop
The Girl Scout program at SFA covers troops from Daisies to Seniors and is affiliated with the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis.
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Home & School Association
Contact person: Christin Braunel - 293-1009
Meeting: Meetings in Sept., Nov., Mar., and Apr. at 7:00pm
This organization is open to all parents of students in SFA School and strives to promote unity and communication between the home and the school. It supports the school administration, teachers and parents in their efforts to provide quality education and formation in our Catholic faith at St. Francis of Assisi School. In addition, it sponsors various fund-raising activities, the proceeds of which are used to benefit the school.
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Knights of Columbus - Council #5359
Contact person: Jason Rebholz 323-8045
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of every month
This fraternal non-profit organization sponsors various activities throughout the year, including the Tootsie Roll Drive for Mental Retardation and Roses for Life.
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LIFE TEEN High School Youth Ministry
Contact persons: Jeremy Reminger 620-9490
LIFE TEEN is a dynamic, 100% Catholic high school youth ministry movement dedicated to leading teens closer to Christ. This is accomplished through a vibrant Eucharistic spirituality and by giving teens a wide variety of opportunities to grow in their faith. All are welcome to join us for our LIFE TEEN Mass every Sunday at Noon Mass. A program geared specifically to high school teens called “Life Night”, meetins every Sunday evening from 7:00pm-9:00pm in Room 18 and is open to any and all high school teens.
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Pom & Twirl Team
Contact person: Danielle Thum 846-9041
Meeting: Every Monday during the school year from 3:00pm-4:30pm
This organization is open to girls and boys in grades 1-8. It teaches our children routines in Dance, Pom Pons, Baton, Flags, Ribbons, Drum and Bugle. In doing so, it improves their self-confidence and coordination along with developing their ability to work as a team. The Pom & Twirl Team performs in community parades and local competitions as well as participating in the SFA parade and school assemblies.
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St. Anne’s Sodality
Contact person: Joan Halaz - 894-2528
Meeting: Tuesday after the 1st Sunday from Sept.-June at 7:00pm
Membership in this organization is open to all ladies of the parish and is a wonderful opportunity to become active in many aspects of parish life. One of the purposes of this organization is to unite women of the parish in service, prayer and fellowship. The Sodality has generously contributed to the parish throughout its long history and is a fine example of what working together can mean for the betterment of parish life.
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St. Vincent De Paul Society
Contact person: Rich Tampow 487-6714
Meeting: 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm
This organization ministers to those in need within our parish community who seek assistance, regardless of religious affiliation. We address their spiritual needs as well as their physical needs, such as food from our pantry, food vouchers, utilities, shelter, rental assistance, etc. Members of this organization support each other through spiritual reflection and teamwork. Our works are self-rewarding. We are God’s presence to our less fortunate brothers and sisters.
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Secular Franciscans
Contact person: Mary Wainscott 842-1230
Meeting: 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm
The local Secular Franciscan (SFO) fraternity is part of an international union of Franciscan fraternities, in which the men and women, while continuing to live and work in the world, pledge themselves to strive for holiness in keeping with the vision and charism of St. Francis of Assisi.
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Parish Activities
Generally, parish activities call for short term or periodic commitments of time throughout the year. Such activities are usually projects developed in response to particular needs of the parish or the diocese. These activities provide unique ways for parish members whose time may be limited to contribute to parish life.
Advent Giving Tree Program
Contact persons: Mike & Judi Yemm 846-2996
Meeting: No scheduled meetings
This program provides members of the parish with an opportunity to prepare for Christmas by remembering persons and families less fortunate than themselves by purchasing a gift for them. The generosity of our parish family was demonstrated once again this year with over 1500 gifts being brought in support of this program. Help in making the ornaments, sorting the gifts to be distributed and delivering them to the various organizations that are supported by this program would be most welcome.
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Annual Catholic Appeal
Contact persons: Greg Jacob 487-1076
Jay Indelicato 293-0181
Meeting: As needed
This annual appeal helps to support the charitable, educational and social works of the Archdiocese. Many volunteers are needed to serve as workers for the solicitation of pledges from parish members. If you can help with this effort, please contact either Greg Jacob or Jay Indelicato.
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Blood Drive
Contact person: Dottie Melching 846-8690
Meeting: None
Three times a year, St. Anne’s Sodality sponsors a blood drive. These blood drives are typically held on Sunday mornings and volunteers are needed in various capacities. Watch the bulletin for details for giving the gift of life.
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Care and Share
Contact person: Kay Miller 487-5736, ext. 232
Care and Share is SFA’s parish-wide response to our call to serve one another. Volunteers offer to provide any of a wide variety of services for fellow parishioners in temporary need of assistance. Services include visiting with the hospitalized or homebound, raking leaves, mowing lawns, cleaning house, preparing a home-cooked meal, sending a card and running errands to name a few. Please call if you or someone you know could use a helping hand or if you wish to volunteer your services. The direct line to our mailbox is 487-5736, ext. 232.
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Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)
Contact persons: Denise Sperruzza 846-6895
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is an effective spiritual renewal process that calls together the members of the parish in order to experience personal conversion and Christian community in the environment of their own parish. This is accomplished initially through “Renewal Weekends” (retreats) held on the parish grounds four times per year, twice in the fall and twice in the spring, with separate retreats for men and women in each season.
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Donut Sundays
Meeting: 4th Sunday in the months August - April after 7:00am, 9:00am & 10:30am Mass
Parishioners gather on the 4th Sunday in the months of August through April to share light refreshments and fellowship. Each month Donut Sunday is hosted by a different parish organization.
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Fish Fries
Contact person: Carol Barnhart 487-9511 or Denise Sperruzza 520-3155 or d1sperruzza@att.net
Meeting: Ash Wednesday and every Friday of Lent 4:00pm-7:00pm
Any parish member who would like to help with the fish fries is encouraged to volunteer. People are always needed to help bread the fish, prepare the food, serve the food and help clean-up. Varying work times are available and can accommodate most any schedule. This is a good way to meet other parishioners and involves a limited commitment of time. Dining in and carry-outs are available. Proceeds benefit the parish. If you are unable to work, at least consider patronizing the fish fries!
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Liturgical Art & Environment
Contact person: Mary Rose LaMear 892-7697
Meeting: As needed
This committee provides visual accents for liturgical celebrations held in our parish. Among the activities performed by this committee are caring for plants, buying and arranging flowers, making banners, planning and designing bulletin covers and using, maintaining and replacing supplies kept for yearly feasts. Creative ideas are welcome as are people to shop for supplies.
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Liturgy of the Word for Children
Contact person: Deacon Russ Fink 487-5736
Meeting: 4:30pm Mass on Saturday; 9:00am & 10:30am Mass on Sundays
The purpose of the Liturgy of the Word for Children is to lead the children to worship. The children’s celebration is an extension of the adult assembly and gives the children an opportunity to prayerfully hear and reflect on the Word of God at a level they can understand. Training and materials are provided for those adults who lead this element of the children’s worship. Catechists are scheduled once each month at the Mass of their choice.
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Martha’s Group
Contact persons: Rae Edwards 846-2921 or Dottie Melching 846-8690
Meeting: As needed
This is a group of volunteers, formed into teams, who show support and care at the time of a funeral. They prepare a post-funeral meal for the family and friends of parish members who are buried from SFA. Martha’s Group would welcome additional members to participate in this important Work of Mercy.
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Moms-in-touch
Contact person: Elaine Winkler 487-0243
Meeting: Every Wednesday morning during the school year from 9:15am-10:15am
This is a group of mothers who meet weekly to pray for our parish school children and the intentions of our parish school. All moms are welcome regardless of where their children attend school. Toddlers are welcome!
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Parish Library
Contact person: Marge Lechner 846-1496
The Parish Library is an opportunity to grow in knowledge of the Catholic faith and to grow spiritually as an individual. There are over 1,000 books, videos and DVDs, with new releases being added monthly. The library is open every Sunday after all Masses, Mondays from 9am to 4pm, and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to Noon.
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Parish Picnic
Contact person: Pat Siemer 487-5736
Meetings: As needed
Our annual parish picnic is held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and is a major fund-raising event for the operation of our parish. It is one of our best community building activities of the year, bringing together all organizations united in a common effort. There are many opportunities to participate in making our parish picnic a success! Please consider getting involved at some level - even if you have just a few hours.
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PSR Teachers
Contact person: Deacon Russ Fink 487-5736, ext. 125
Meeting: Mondays through the school year from 5:30pm-7:00pm
Our Parish School of Religion offers parishioners the opportunity to serve as Catechists for 1st through 8th grade children. Substitutes and aides are also needed at times. Previous experience is valued, but not required. Training, certification and on-going support are provided.
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Sanctuary Care Group
Contact Person: Kay Miller 846-8135
Meeting: None
This is a group of volunteers who, on a rotating basis, provides for the care and maintenance of the various items used during worship.
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