Ministries
Welcome to this website. Our hope is that it will be a helpful place for those who may be looking for a church home to discover a bit more about who we are.
We are a worshiping community, grounded in prayer: from that life together we desire to be a community that is continuing to grow in Christ, as a learning community, as a caring community, and as a community called to serve. Our ministries aren't ultimately about words on a web page, but about the men and women and young people who are on a journey together. The best way to learn about our ministries is to join us in that journey.
A Worshiping Community...
The center of our life as Episcopalians is to gather for Word and Sacrament on a weekly basis. We celebrate Holy Eucharist, Rite II (except in Lent, when we use Rite I on Sundays) four times a week: on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., on Saturdays at 5 p.m., and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the church. In Advent we offer a 5 p.m. Evensong Service on Sunday nights, and in Lent we pray the Office of Morning Prayer daily in the chapel.
The ministries that support our worship life include the following: altar guild, lay eucharistic ministers (LEMs), ushers, and music ministries. To learn more about our music ministries, which include an adult choir, a youth choir, and a contemporary music team, please contact our Minister of Music, Charles Nwachuku, at the church office.
Finally, we are excited as a parish to be looking toward a new ministry at St. Clare House, a place for prayer, meditation, and learning. Click here to learn more about this ministry.
Senior Luncheon 2007
A Learning Community...
At St. Francis Church, roughly 1/3 of us were raised as Episcopalians, 1/3 have come from Roman Catholic or Orthodox backgrounds, and 1/3 have come from other Protestant denominations. This provides a rich diversity of theological perspectives that we see as a strength. Opportunities exist for people at various stages in their journey to grow and learn from each other as our faith seeks understanding. These ministries include the following:
Church School Program: At St. Francis Church, a church school program is available for children ages three through grade six, during both the Saturday (5 pm) Service and the Sunday (10 am) Service. The program is directed by Susan Bastardo, a member of the staff at St. Francis, and the teaching is done by volunteers who are a part of our community. To register for Church School you may fill out one of the forms available in the narthex, or contact Susan Bastardo at 508-829-0600
Youth Ministries: Our Youth Fellowship at St. Francis Church is comprised of two groups--a "junior high group" (grades 7 and 8) and a "senior high group" (grades 9-12) The program is open to all, friends and parishioners alike, and is directed by Lori Churchhill. The groups normally meet on Sunday afternoons, with special retreat and mission programs planned as well. For more information, please contact the youth ministers through the Church Office.
Confirmation Program: Persons in tenth grade or older are invited to participate in a year-long course of prayerful preparation for Confirmation. Expectations include willingness to enter into a learning relationship with a mentor, and regular attendance in worship throughout the year. For more information, please contact the rector at the Church Office.
Adult Catechumenal Program: The adult catechumenal class is the adult version of confirmation preparation at St. Francis. It is primarily intended for those who are looking to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church or received from another denomination. Those who are already confirmed members, but who are looking for "a refresher course" are also welcome to participate.
A Caring Community...
We seek to care for those within our community through various pastoral inreach ministries, including our pastoral lay eucharistic visitors ministry. The Rev. Dr. Darrell Huddleston, our Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, is responsible for coordinating both priestly and lay ministries that care pastorally for the people of St. Francis Church. In addition, various fellowship opportunities, potluck suppers, and small groups help us to share the love of Christ with those who are a part of our parish community.
St. Francis receives its fifth "Ark Award " from Heifer International, each representing a $5000 contribution.
A Serving Community...
With God's help, we believe that our baptism calls us to reach out to those beyond our walls in love and service. The primary means for doing this is through the work of our mission committee, which works ecumenically to support the CROP Walk each fall, serves at the Mustard Seed Soup Kitchen in Worcester, and offers various other volunteer opportunities. We also put together at various holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter) food baskets that are delivered to those in need in the Wachusett Region. It is a stated goal of St. Francis Church to give away 50% of our budget each year: while we aren't there yet, we continue to see missional giving as the backbone of our life together. Opportunities exist throughout the year to serve others; the best way to learn about them is to become a part of our parish family and to participate as they arise.
Safe Church Policy
Read the
Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
