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
Various Bible Studies are offered August through November, and January through April. Contact Brad Kendrick for the current study being offered.
Brad Kendrick
Divorce & Beyond
This is an eight-week program for individuals recovering from the often painful process of divorce, where participants meet to draw spiritual strength from each other in coping with their individual situations. The program is offered periodically on Monday nights from 7-8:30 p.m.
Drew and Julie Erwin
Evenings with Engaged
A marriage preparation program led by married couples and designed to provide engaged couples with good communication skills and an appreciation for the Sacrament of Matrimony through sessions that take place within the year of marriage preparation. Some training is offered.
John and Jayne Lammers
Financial Peace University
Whether you realize it or not, money affects everything — your health, job, future, and most importantly, nearly every relationship you have (including with your Heavenly Father). And when your finances feel out of control, your life does too. Too often we allow money to get us out of whack! Participating in this ministry teaches parishioners the precise steps to take to gain control of their finances. By leading a nine-week course of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, you will be empowering our brothers and sister to be better stewards of the financial gifts God has blessed them with.
Rick Gengenbacher
Healing After Loss - Grief Support
The group will begin in the fall of 2021. 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 Holbrook or Pat Holbrook
RCIA — Team Member/Sponsor
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the ancient process by which the Catholic Church initiates its new members. Team members can help by facilitating sessions, breaking open the Sunday Scriptures during the Sunday dismissal or assisting the RCIA coordinator. RCIA sponsors assist the candidates and catechumens by journeying alongside them during the process. Sponsors attend sessions and help introduce and incorporate those in the process into parish life. Sessions are held weekly, typically starting in the fall.
Mike Holbrook, 217-222-2898 (x108)
Women's Saint Study
“Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be” — St. Therese of Lisieux, patron saint of the Women’s Saint Study. This new ministry began with the hope of creating a community echoing the words of St. Therese of Lisieux. The goal of the Women’s Saint Study is to create an opportunity for 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. All are welcome to come join us at any time in this walk together. We meet for book discussion, prayer, appetizers, and fellowship the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parish hall. Bring a friend! An introductory meeting to our next book study, I Believe in Love by Fr. Jean C.J. d’Elbee on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux, will begin January 2022.
Karen Weiman
Kelli Lunt
Youth Formation
Ignite
Ignite is a youth group open to youth in sixth through 12th grades. On Sunday nights, we engage in fellowship and learning about our faith through discussion, games, praise and worship, and more!
Parish Office, 217-222-2898
Liturgy of the Word for Children Leader
Children from kindergarten through fourth grade are dismissed with a catechist to experience their own Liturgy of the Word at the 9:00 a.m. Mass from September through May. There is a rotation among the volunteer adults.
Kristy Henrichs
PSR Catechist
The Parish School of Religion provides religious education for our parish children who attend the public schools in grades 1-8. Catechists facilitate the lesson each week with projects and activities. Materials for classroom preparation are provided. Men and women who desire to share faith and time with our young people are needed.
Mike Holbrook, 217-222-2898 (x108)
Society of St. John Paul II
This a group for high schoolers that meets on Saturday nights. We grow in our faith through Lectio Divina, Bible studies, and other forms of public prayer. We also help each other grow in our relationship with Jesus by forming friendships that are centered on Christ through various different fellowship activities.
Parish Office, 217-222-2898
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School teaches our children about their faith in a fun, activity-filled atmosphere. Usually held the third week of June, adult and junior high volunteers are needed to teach, lead small groups, prepare food, and help with crafts, games and music.
Lydia Spillman
Youth Ministry Adult Volunteers
The Youth Ministry program in our parish is aimed towards helping to form our youth into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. The focus is to evangelize, catechize, and to teach our young people to do the same by being witnesses to the Good News in their daily lives. We are looking for adults to help foster an environment which puts emphasis on this group mission. Ideally, our volunteers are comfortable with being around and talking to people between ages 11-18 and are open to growing in their own faith. Our two youth groups meet on Saturday and Sunday nights. You may also be asked to help with summer programs, such as VBS or Totus Tuus.
Contact: Parish Office, 217-222-2898
Parish Life
Couples Prayer Group
The purpose of this group is to create a place to learn more about your faith and improve your prayer life with your spouse. It is not always easy to put God at the center in today’s world, but support always helps! We meet the third Sunday of every month after the 11 a.m. Mass, in the Parish Center. We have childcare provided for those who RSVP the number of children. Different couples lead every month. We have a Facebook page — search “St. Francis Couples Prayer Group.”
Tyler and Emily Wellman
Holy Name Society
All men of St. Francis Parish are members. We enjoy spending time together while we raise money from such 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 and BSA Girls Troop 225. 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.
Steve Obert
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 several times a year with dinner, a program with entertainment, and an opportunity to grow in fellowship as Christian women. The ladies also support the stewardship needs of the parish.
Rita Lammers
New Member Welcome
Feeling welcome at our parish once you have registered is key to becoming active in our parish. This ministry is newly formed and is seeking volunteers who will be a friend to those who are new to our parish. A ministry Coordinator is needed to work with the parish office, the new members, and the volunteers. In addition, there are plans to have two events each year that new members will be invited to attend.
Parish Office, 217-222-2898
Quilters
Quilting is done each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and sometimes 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 hand quilting, machine quilt piecing, and machine sewing. Come try our group -- we visit while we quilt, and we will teach you how to quilt.
Contact: Minnie Jo Glisan;
Rosemary Duesterhaus
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.
Troop 22 Boy Scouts: John Hamann;
Pack 22 Cub Scouts: Keith Wiemelt;
Troop 225 BSA Girls Troop: Marsha Collins;
Girl Scouts: Alice Arnold
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 o ering 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. 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, providing holiday food baskets/boxes to parishioners who are in need, and collecting bread from Panera to be shared with parishioners and food pantry recipients. The last Tuesday of each month, a team of 12 ministry members help prepare and serve a meal at Horizons Soup Kitchen. Meetings are held quarterly the first Monday in March, June, September and December at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center.
Mary Beth McGee
St. Francis Community Assistance Page
Young Moms Together
All moms and their young children are invited to share coffee, conversation, a time of prayer and Scripture reflection, while forming and strengthening friendships. Come whenever you can. The group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. It is held in Solanus Hall from 9 to 10:30 a.m. from mid-September through May.
Sarah Venvertloh
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 participate 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.
Keith and Bonnie Wiemelt
Russ and Terri Rohrer
Services
Angel Dusters
The “angels” help in the weekly cleanup of the church on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. They maintain the areas of the vestibules, pews, sanctuary and sacristy.
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.
Tom Rakers
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.
Doris Karhoff
Funeral Dinners
As a service to the family who is grieving, our parish provides a dinner immediately following the funeral service. Multiple teams care for Monday through Saturday dinners. Additional teams are needed to prepare and serve a meal.
Marcia Tushaus; David Hildebrand
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.
Linda Zanger;
Marcia Steinkamp
Little Lambs Childcare
Childcare for young children ages 1-3 will be offered during 9 a.m. Mass in the Parish Center. Contact us for more information or if you’d like to help volunteer. Student helpers are welcome as well!
Liz Gengenbacher
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, RN, BSN
Rosary Makers
The Rosary Makers foster a devotion to Our Lady by making rosaries and placing them in the back of the church for all
to use. Parishioners are invited to take them home and grow in their Marian devotion.
Phil and Sherry Kemner
Other Talents
If you have other talents you want to share with the parish, please write them in on your Commitment Card. Examples include gardening, grounds work, advertising, public relations, photography, graphic design, telephoning, etc.
[email protected]
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 first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Joselyn Cafun
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.
Monica Hinkamper
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee is responsible for developing stewardship as a way of life at St. Francis. They evaluate the Stewardship efforts of the parish, assist with the Stewardship Renewal, and follow up with leaders concerning ministry participation, meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Marcia Steinkamp
Liturgical Ministries
Adult Funeral Mass Ministries
Adult volunteers fill the ministries of Mass as server, reader and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at parish funerals. An excellent opportunity for retired men, women, or couples to offer about an hour and a half occasionally. 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 that lost a loved one.
Jim Nauert
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 boys and girls, fifth grade through high school, as well as adults. Training is provided.
Misty Cramsey
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 at the preparation of the gifts 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 readers, Communion ministers, and music ministers at Masses, which are on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Roger and Phyllis Knuffman;
Bobbi Talken
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.
Fr. Arisman
Ushers
Men, women and families serve at Mass by assisting people to their seat, collecting the offertory and directing the flow of people during Communion every weekend. The ushers likewise ask families or individuals to bring up the gifts at the Preparation of the Gifts. The ushers are also keenly aware of security concerns and are prepared to make contact with authorities, should the need arise.
Usher Coordinator: Kelvin Hufendick
Security Liaison for ushers: Ron Gengenbacher
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
11 a.m. Mass Parish Choir
This group is open to students in fifth through 12th grades and provides both vocal and instrumental music at the 11 a.m. Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month. Practices are twice a month on Fridays after school.
Jill Steinkamp
Funeral Choir
Men and women available to sing weekdays or Saturday mornings for funerals are invited to join this choir.
Mary Lou Rakers
Mary Ann VonderHaar
Prayer Ministry
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 Private. Come join us.
Phil and Sherry Kemner
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is for those who are willing to pray for prayer intentions when you are notified via email or text. An option for a phone call chain can be set up. In addition, all will be invited to meet once per month to pray for, and write cards to people who have prayer requests. Those who join this Ministry can expect to act on the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
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. We want to have two groups, one for Fr. Arisman, and one group for Fr. Beagles. 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 group cannot offer prayer on their assigned day.
Pat Holbrook
School Ministries
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!
Erin Vonderhaar
Solanus Saints
Solanus Saints is a group of parishioners whose mission is to help every student in our school reach his or her full potential. We mentor and tutor students who need extra help; assist in classrooms so teachers can focus on a student or group of students; help running copies, making bulletin boards, and assembling projects. If you are a retired teacher willing to tutor and mentor a student, a parishioner who could listen to a student read or work on math, or writing lessons, or someone who wants to offer support assembling projects or making copies, Solanus Saints is a wonderful way to minister to St. Francis School.
Maureen Makarewicz
School Landscaping
This committee of volunteers would be responsible for the seasonal care of the school grounds. Tasks may include planting and watering of flowers, trimming of bushes and planting grass where needed. This group may also clean memorial stones and plaques that are positioned by the side of the building. We would like to project a positive curb appeal to our visitors.
Tom Friye
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.
Patty Adam
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
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 poor. Volunteers staff a Center at 4th and State, where 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.
Jane Haas
ladiesofcharityquincy.org
Quest
Great River Quest is a very fast-paced 24-hour retreat for eighth through 10th-graders! 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: helping at our booth at the Adams County Fair, helping at our annual dinner in October, helping promote our Pennies for Life campaign in the churches, and becoming a board member.
Lynn 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.
Kelli Lunt, Executive Director
greatrivertec.org
The Belonging
The Belonging is a Catholic young adult group for people 18-29 years old in the Quincy area. We are working together to find our home in Christ, the Catholic Church, and the Sacraments. We focus our meetings around the Church’s teachings and traditions, prayer, service, and fellowship. We meet every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in the St. Francis Parish Center. 2 Corinthians 5:9 “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
Kendra Ramsey
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.
John Venegoni
