Directory of Ministries
Our Ministries
Please contact the Parish Office at (217) 222-2898 for ministry contact information. We will be happy to help!
Adult Formation
Bible Study and Small Study Groups
Our parishioners run a variety of small groups and Bible studies designed to help you connect, grow, and deepen your faith. Some groups take place in homes, while others meet in our parish hall.
Parish Office, 217-222-2898, [email protected]; Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
The Wild Goose
The Wild Goose, a 14-part series featuring Fr. Dave Pivonka, invites viewers to an encounter, or a renewed encounter, with the Holy Spirit. The videos and the accompanying discussion/reflection questions are a great resource to help you build a relationship with the third person of the Trinity. The series will be offered twice beginning in October: Tuesday afternoon session, 1 p.m., Tuesday evening session, 6:30 p.m., 7 sessions in the fall, 7 sessions in the spring.
Bob and Jane Haas
Divorce & Beyond
This is an eight-week program for individuals looking to address the traumatic effects of divorce. Participants meet weekly and work to heal the wounds caused by divorce through collaboration and discussion. This program is designed for people who have finalized their divorce.
Parish Office, 217-222-2898
Evenings with Engaged
A marriage preparation program led by married couples and designed to provide engaged couples with an understanding of the church’s teachings of marriage, the graces received from them, and an appreciation for the Sacrament of Matrimony. These sessions take place within the year of marriage preparation. Some training is offered.
John and Christina McDowell
Healing After Loss — Grief Support
Whether the loss is recent or a long time ago, healing can continue through the strength found in prayer and the love of others. We are offering an opportunity to be what is needed for the group that gathers. We will use resources available to us and each other as we share and pray together and find comfort in scripture, memories, and support of our fellow Catholics.
Deacon Dennis & Pat Holbrook
Men’s Group
The goal of this ministry is to help men grow in their Catholic faith and become the men that God is calling them to be. The focus of this year’s program is Be A Man, a 10-episode video series. This no-nonsense series is a firestarter for any man ready to start living with holy purpose. Fr. Larry Richards challenges men to step into their true identity as beloved sons and men of God. Gather with others for fellowship and a light breakfast, video, discussion, and prayer. The group will meet weekly, on Friday mornings, for five weeks in the fall and five weeks in the spring.
Rick Gengenbacher
OCIA — Team Member/Sponsor
Our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program guides adults who want to become Catholic, and we need your presence to make their journey special! OCIA team members help lead engaging discussions or reflections on Scripture. OCIA sponsors “walk with” an individual exploring Catholicism. Sessions are held weekly during the school year.
Parish Office, 217-222-2898, [email protected]; Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Saint Study
The goal of the Saint Study is to create an opportunity for men and women of all different walks of life to come together and help each other strive for more virtuous lives looking to the Saints as our example. We meet the first Sunday of each month (September-May) at 6 p.m. in the parish hall, unless announced otherwise. Join us for reflections on the lives of the Saints, along with The Biblical Roots of the Mass by Edward Sri.
Karen Weiman; Deacon Dennis and Pat Holbrook; Kelli Lunt
Scripture Discussion Group
Are you interested in developing a deeper appreciation for the readings you will hear at Mass in the upcoming weekend? Scripture Discussion Group provides an opportunity to share thoughts and questions about the readings, and is meant to complement Bible study. No charge and no required preparation. Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Deacon Wayne Zimmerman
[email protected]
Youth Formation
BEAR
BEAR is the youth ministry program for the 6th through 12th graders. At BEAR, we encounter our Lord through prayer, worship, service, discussion, and fellowship! Meetings and other events are available at stfrancissolanus.com/ministries/youth-group/
Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Liturgy of the Word for Children Leader
Children from pre-kindergarten through second grade are dismissed with a catechist to experience their own Liturgy of the Word at the 9 a.m. Mass, from September through May. There is a rotation among the volunteer adults.
Liz Gengenbacher
PSR Adult Catechist
Catholic men and women: We need your help to share our faith with public school children grades 1-6 who don’t have theology class at school! Join us for Monday evening sessions where you’ll guide young people to encounter Jesus and grow in their Catholic faith. All materials, training, and a supportive community are provided.
Parish Office, 217-222-2898, [email protected]; Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
PSR Teen Catechist
High school students: Share your faith and become a PSR Teen Catechist! Help guide children grades 1-6 who don’t have theology class at school in their Catholic faith during our Monday evening sessions. This is a great opportunity to make a difference and deepen your own faith. Training and support provided.
Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Totus Tuus
Totus Tuus is a vibrant, week-long Catholic summer program for youth in 1st-12th grades. Led by a team of enthusiastic young adults, it’s a chance for young people to deepen their Catholic faith through sacraments, Scripture, discussion, games, and skits!
Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Totus Tuus Volunteers
Totus Tuus, our Catholic summer camp for children and teens, relies on volunteers to support the Totus Tuus team of four college students. We need help to house and feed the team, and to provide snacks and supervision for campers. If you’re a young adult interested in being on a Totus Tuus team, let us know!
Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Youth Apostolate Adult Volunteers
BEAR (our youth program) forms our youth into disciples of Christ. We’re seeking volunteers who are at ease with individuals ages 11–18 and who are striving to deepen their own faith.
Grant Wilson, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Parish Life
Holy Name Society
All men of St. Francis Parish are members. We enjoy spending time together while we raise money from events such as the Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on the third Sunday in October, Ash Wednesday Fish Fry, Palm Sunday Chicken Dinner, a golf outing, and other events. All proceeds are given to the church, school, the Boy Scouts and St. Francis Food Pantry. The Holy Name is the charter group for Boy Scout Troop 22. Each year on Ascension Thursday, the men have a free dinner and a speaker. Please come to a meeting to join us the second Wednesday of the month.
Mike Zanger
Ladies of St. Francis
All women of the parish (ages 18 and up) are invited to become involved in the Ladies of St. Francis. This group enjoys an evening together six times a year with Mass, dinner, a program with speakers/entertainment, and an opportunity to grow in fellowship as Christian women. The group is affiliated with the Springfield Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Quincy Deanery DCCW. Fundraising includes six monthly card parties to support the stewardship needs of the parish community.
Helen Zimmerman
Quilters
Quilting is done each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Members give what time they have available during these hours. Two queen size quilts and two baby quilts are donated to St. Francis each year. The group does machine piecing and hand quilting. Come try our group — we visit while we quilt, and we will teach you how to quilt.
Kay Gallaher
Scouting
Both Boy and Girl Scout groups are available to foster physical, emotional and spiritual development, as well as citizenship, teamwork, responsibility and leadership in our young people. Adult leaders and helpers are needed to support the programs and activities offered.
Girl Scouts: Anne Meyer; Pack 22 Cub Scouts: Cole Terwelp; Troop 22 Boy Scouts: John Hamann
St. Francis Community Assistance
Inspired by Gospel values, the St. Francis Community Assistance Ministry leads women and men to join together and grow spiritually by offering help to those in need. Services are provided to both parishioners and community members. One of the main services is providing groceries to those who are in need through the parish food pantry. Volunteers also stock the food nooks (mini food pantries) at St. Francis and those in the community. Some of the other services provided to parishioners include visiting those in nursing homes, sending birthday cards to those 80 years and older, providing sympathy Mass cards when a parishioner has lost a family member in death, delivering poinsettias to parishioners who are 90 and older, and providing holiday food boxes to parishioners who request this. The last Tuesday of each month, and 5 or more Sundays a year, a team of 12 ministry members helps prepare and serve a meal at Horizons Soup Kitchen.
Mary Beth McGee
Welcoming Committee
This ministry is designed to ensure that every parishioner and visitor at St. Francis feels welcomed. New parishioners are contacted by a member of the ministry and invited to a special Mass, luncheon, and tour of the church. New parishioners are introduced and encouraged to become involved and active members in the parish community. Two luncheons are held each year. Members act as Welcoming Ambassadors at various parish functions. Additional parish-wide activities may also be planned.
Drew and Julie Erwin
Parish Life - Annual Events
Holiday Bazaar
Our parish hosts an annual Holiday Bazaar the first weekend in December. All parishioners and parish organizations are invited to attend and volunteer time working at the bazaar, as well as set up and tear down after the bazaar. Parishioner donations of gift cards, theme baskets and baked goods for the various booths are needed.
Angel Miranda
Parish Picnic
The primary function of this group is to plan the annual Parish Picnic that is held in the month of June and includes food, games for children and adults, raffles and music. The responsibilities are to coordinate and recruit volunteers to assist in the various game and food booths and other jobs related to the picnic. The group meets as needed during the year.
Danielle Jacobs
Services
Angel Dusters
The Angel Dusters help in the weekly cleaning of the church on Thursday morning at 8:00. We enjoy maintaining the church by dusting all areas of the church, dry mopping, Swiffer wet-mopping, scrubbing areas where needed, straightening books, cleaning the pews, and sanitizing and refilling the holy water fonts.
Jan Smith
Austin’s Army
On Monday mornings, men of the parish assist with special projects around the church and school. From painting the old to building the new, men are needed to give of their handyman skills to restore and rebuild St. Francis Solanus.
Ed Zanger; Mike Hummert; Gerald Koetters
Church/Rectory Grounds Landscaping
This committee of volunteers will meet monthly during favorable weather (or as needed, e.g., after a wind storm) to stroll the church grounds and decide what needs to be done. Possible tasks might include picking up branches, pulling weeds, trimming bushes, raking, sweeping, etc. Work outdoors together to beautify the St. Francis Solanus grounds.
Ann Freiburg
Coffee & Donuts
Helps with assisting the ministry or organization responsible for hosting Coffee and Donuts after 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Masses on the first Sunday of each month.
Mike Holbrook, Parish Office, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Flower Committee
To enhance liturgical celebrations and reflect the current liturgical season, our worship space is decorated with banners, flowers and art. Volunteers with artistic or interior design skills are needed to plan the space, as well as people who can assist with the physical needs of preparing our sanctuary for worship. Members coordinate with the Liturgy Committee.
Doris Karhoff
Funeral Luncheons
As a service to the family who is grieving, our parish provides a luncheon immediately following the funeral service. Two teams now take care of all the meals. This ministry is still in a state of being reorganized. Please volunteer again, even if you did not get a call or did not get on a team last year. This ministry is still in need of additional teams of about 6-8 people each, and needs people willing to lead a team. Each team will be relied upon to prepare, serve, and clean up after a meal for the funerals occurring on a certain day of the week, from about 8 a.m. to about 2 p.m. Can you spare a day or two per month to help this very worthwhile ministry? There is also a need if you would like to be called to provide a dish.
David Hildebrand; Deacon Dennis & Pat Holbrook
Hospitality Host/Hostess
Volunteers assist in hosting a dinner or refreshments for various parish events and/or provide baked goods or a dish for an event.
Marcia Steinkamp
Parish Nursing Program
The Parish Nursing Program assists parishioners in integrating faith and health. Activities include visits to parishioners in their homes, nursing homes and the hospital as needed. Blood pressure screenings are also done after Masses on designated weekends.
Helen Zimmerman
Rosary Makers
The Rosary Makers foster a devotion to Our Lady by making rosaries for others to take home, pray, and grow in their Marian devotion. Rosaries are provided for St. Francis Solanus Parish, other Catholic churches, Blessing Hospital, and the Ladies of Charity, as well as to overseas missions. Instructions and materials are provided. Volunteers work at home, on their own.
Phil and Sherry Kemner
Leadership Councils
Liturgy Planning Committee
The Liturgy Planning Committee collaborates with the pastor on the spiritual and worship needs of the parish. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Donnette Canady; Cindy Reichert
Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council collaborates with the pastor on the spiritual and social growth of our parish community, as well as our extended “neighbor community.” It seeks to assess needs, and foster unity through the development of small-group programs/activities which encourage evangelization and discipleship in our daily spiritual and apostolic life. It also provides a forum for “parish community” dialogue.
Maureen Makarewicz
Stewardship Council
The Stewardship Council is responsible for growing stewardship as a way of life at St. Francis, by stressing and implementing Discipleship and Evangelization. They evaluate the stewardship efforts of the parish, assist with the Stewardship Renewal, and collaborate with the Welcome and Hospitality Committees. Members of two sub-committees visit hospitalized parishioners and send greeting cards to newly baptized or newly married. Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Monica Hinkamper
Liturgical Ministries
Adult Funeral Mass Servers
Adult volunteers fill the ministries of parish funeral Masses as servers, readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. An excellent opportunity for retired men, women or couples, to occasionally offer about an hour and a half. Training will be provided. You are contacted on a rotational basis when there is a funeral to see if you are available to serve the funeral Mass. This is a great, rewarding ministry to help families who have lost a loved one.
Jim Nauert; Diane Glaub
Altar Servers
The altar servers assist the priest during Mass by participating in the entrance procession and presentation of the gifts, as well as holding the prayer books. This is open to Confirmed boys and girls, third grade through high school, as well as adults. Training is provided.
Parish Office, 217-222-2898, [email protected]
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
These ministers assist the priest and deacon with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Ministers receive the opportunity for spiritual enrichment to help deepen their faith and reverence for the sacred presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Communion Ministers must be in full communion with the Church and must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. There is a rotation among those who offer their services.
Steve and Geri McMillen
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick
Some members of our parish are unable to attend Mass due to age, illness or other circumstances that make them homebound or in a nursing facility. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are needed to ensure these parishioners receive the Eucharist in their home, or nursing facility.
Homebound — Carolyn Briddle; Nursing Homes — Geri McMillen
Gift Bearers
Families, couples and individuals who would like to present the gifts of bread and wine the Offertory to the priest for Consecration on Sunday.
Cindy Reichert
Good Samaritan Mass Group
This group of parishioners helps transport residents to and from the chapel at Good Samaritan Home. They also minister as sacristans and lectors at Masses, which are on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Maureen Makarewicz
Greeters
Greeters create a welcoming environment before Mass by offering a friendly greeting as newcomers and parishioners enter the church. Greeters receive persons attending with a smile and a friendly demeanor, helping those who need assistance.
Cindy Reichert
Readers
Readers proclaim the Word of God at Mass in an inspiring and meaningful way. They carefully review the Scripture passages and practice reading them aloud before coming to church. Training is provided as needed and there is a rotation among those who offer their services.
Janet Zeidler
Sacristans
Sacristans work behind the scenes to ensure that our liturgies run smoothly. They assist in preparation for Mass by setting out the sacred vessels, bread and wine, etc., for weekend and weekday Masses.
Sarah Genenbacher
Ushers
Men, women and families serve at Mass by greeting people, assisting them to their seats, collecting the offertory, and directing the flow of people during Communion every weekend. The ushers are also keenly aware of security concerns and are prepared to make contact with authorities, should the need arise.
Drew Erwin
Music Ministries
9 A.M. Mass Parish Choir
This choir is a group of dedicated men and women who give their time and talent to enhance the liturgical services of our parish. Many of our members have never sung in a choir before, but through commitment and weekly rehearsals, are able to develop their musical talents. The choir primarily sings at the 9 a.m. Mass.
Jill Steinkamp, [email protected]
Funeral Choir
Men and women available to sing weekdays or Saturday mornings for funerals are invited to join this choir.
Mary Ann VonderHaar
Youth Choir
This group is open to students in grades 5th – 12th. The Youth Choir provides both vocal and instrumental music once a month at school & weekend Masses. The group practices twice a month on Fridays.
Jill Steinkamp, [email protected]
Prayer Ministries
Monday Night Rosary
The Rosary is prayed every Monday night at 7 p.m. in the Friars Chapel. Enter the north side of church at the door marked Prayer Chapel. Come join us.
Phil and Sherry Kemner
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is for anyone who would like to pray for our sick parishioners or non-parishioners. We pray for all intentions and all who are in need of prayers. We have a group app that you can choose to be added to, where all prayer intentions are listed. Also, you can get notified by email or text, if preferred.
Prudy Patterson; Cindy Reichert
Seven Sisters of the Apostolate
A group of seven women who commit to praying for our priests one hour each week. We join our hearts and are committed to praying for our priests. One sister is assigned a day of the week to dedicate one hour of prayer for a priest. The Holy Hour is ideally prayed in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. We want to have as many groups as we can. We currently have one group each for Fr. Arisman, Fr. Beagles, Fr. Rafal, Fr. James Wheeler, Fr. Bruce Scott, and Fr. Kenneth Ahanonu, and would add priests if we have more volunteers. You are committed to a particular day of the week but not to a particular hour or place. There is a need for substitutes as well, in case one of the core groups cannot offer prayer on their assigned day.
Pat Holbrook
School Ministries
Solanus Saints
Solanus Saints is a group of parishioners whose mission is to help where needed in school. We offer help to teachers. The help could be working with a student, handling various work a teacher might have, making copies, organizing, a project, or helping in a classroom. You will be assigned one teacher to help you and the teacher will work out an agreeable time to work together. Solanus Saints is a wonderful way to minister to St. Francis School.
Maureen Makarewicz
St. Francis School Parent & Teacher Organization (PTO)
PTO is a group of parents and teachers, and is intended to be a vehicle through which families and the school can work together in a spirit of harmony and teamwork to develop, promote and protect the vision and mission of the school. Throughout the school year, they coordinate programs, services and fundraisers that enhance the quality of the school. All parents and staff are welcome to join this organization and earn service hours while working on this ministry. If you want to help make our parish school the best it can be, join PTO!
St. Francis Solanus School, [email protected]
Catholic Organizations and Ministries in our Community
Birthright of Quincy
Birthright of Quincy is a non-profit, non-judgmental, non-denominational service organization operated completely by volunteers. The mission of Birthright of Quincy is to offer basic emotional and practical support that every pregnant woman and girl needs in order for her to bring her child into the world and beyond. Birthright also provides support they need to make educated and responsible decisions regarding their future and that of their babies. Visit www.birthrightquincyil.org for more information.
Pam Eftink
217-224-1277 | birthrightquincyil.org
Blanket Project
A ministry of making relatively simple quilts, by piecing together squares of fabric, and tying (rather than quilting) to complete. Blanket Project volunteers provide over 200 quilts per year to the Ladies of Charity, to be distributed to those in need who visit their Center. Volunteers gather in the Parish
Hall basement from 8:30-2:30 on occasional Mondays, and also cut and sew squares at home.
Alice Peters
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
CYO promotes the physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and general welfare of young people. Its programs include volleyball, basketball, and karate. Adults can volunteer to assist with coaching as well as to serve as a board member when needed.
Eric Wait; Pat Humphrey; Lindsey Carrier
Cursillo
The Cursillo movement is a powerful instrument of renewal in the Church. Its aim is to concentrate on the Person and teachings of Jesus Christ. It begins on Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday night with those attending working together and listening to talks given by priests and lay persons.
Russ and Terrie Rohrer
Knights of Columbus
Knights of Columbus Council #583 is a fraternal organization. The Knights are organized into a series of degrees for members based on their four basic principles — Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The Knights have been well known for service through the years.
John Veith
quincykofc.org
Ladies of Charity
The Ladies of Charity is a Vincentian organization whose motto is “To serve rather than be served, in humility, simplicity, and charity.” The purpose is to assist the needy. Volunteers staff a Center at 4th and State, where food, clothing, and household items are distributed for free, on Mondays and Fridays. Ladies of Charity volunteers also staff a Thrift Store at 24th and Elm, where donated items are sold from Tuesday through Saturday. Volunteers also assist clients who sign up for our free laundry ministry, available on the first or third Thursday of the month.
Brenda Ehrhardt
Quest
Great River Quest is a very fast-paced, 24-hour retreat for 13 to 15 year olds! The youth learn about God, friendship and self, all while praying, playing and sharing in an exciting, fun-filled and thoughtful environment. These retreats are guided by adults and other teens.
Caroline Wiewel
greatrivertec.org
Right to Life of Adams County
Our mission is the education of the public on pro-life issues. Our main focus is the abortion issue. Volunteer opportunities include: praying at the Life Chain, helping at our annual dinner in October, helping promote our Pennies for Life campaign in the churches, and becoming a board member.
Lyn Schlipmann
rtlac.org
Teens Encounter Christ (TEC)
Great River Teens Encounter Christ is a three-day weekend retreat for teens age 16-21, with focus on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Teams of adults, young adults and teens help guide participants by sharing their experiences — struggles, joy and feelings — in their own lives and friendship with Jesus Christ. Visit www.greatrivertec.org for more information.
Julie Catlett, Executive Director
White House Retreats
The White House Jesuit Retreat Center in the South County area of St. Louis offers two and three-day silent retreats for both men and women. Retreats are based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Private accommodations and family-style meals are furnished for the retreatants.
Men's Retreat Contact: John Venegoni
Women's Retreat Contact: Deborah Schulte