The Ladies of St. Francis Ministry: A Place Where All Are Welcome
Here’s some good news — if you are a woman over the age of 18 and a parishioner, then you are considered a member of the Ladies of St. Francis Ministry!
“Our mission is basically to support our parish and to develop a community of faithful women,” says Jan Zeidler.
The ministry members attend 5:30 p.m. Mass together on the third Tuesday of the month six times during the year. After Mass, they enjoy fellowship and dinner together, followed by a program or presentation, and then the formal portion of their meeting.
“It’s a way of communicating with the women of the parish to let them know what’s going on in the parish such as events, projects, and things we wish to provide service to our parish for, as well as our community,” Jan says. “We’re trying to always look ahead to see what projects and things we can assist with, as well as promoting hospitality and that community spirit.”
The meetings also provide the opportunity for fellowship among the women in our parish, as they have the chance to meet one another and share a meal.
“They have the opportunity to talk about things that are happening in the parish, ideas for other growth in the parish, things we can do to improve,” Jan says. “And many of the ladies are also involved in other ministries, they bring a wealth of information so everyone knows what’s happening in the parish.”
The Ladies of St. Francis help fund many different initiatives and projects around the parish community. They helped fund the new nativity scene, the completion of the Blessed Mother grotto between our church and school, and they recently began helping with Hope House, a place for young mothers in need of help. The ministry has also funded the cost of vestments for priests and has collaborated with the new Welcoming Committee of our parish to greet new members in our parish community.
The ministry’s main fundraising events come in the form of card parties, which typically take place on the first Thursday of the month.
“We usually have a really good attendance,” Jan says. “We have ladies call in and make a reservation for their group, and then they come in around 11 o’clock and they are able to set up cards, dominoes — any type of game they wish to play at their table. This is open to all parishes in our community.”
During the event, the Ladies of St. Francis serve lunch and some of the card tables will continue up until 3 p.m. During that time, there is also an opportunity for raffle prizes and the chance to win some things.
“It is a really wonderful money-making event for us. Obviously, there are some costs, but it is a really good time for all of the ladies,” Jan says.
One of Jan’s favorite parts of being an active member of the ministry is getting to know women of our parish on a more personal level.
“We have a lot of hard-working individuals that care a lot about others and are always forming new ministries,” she says. “It’s wonderful to gain some insight into those women in our parish who are trying very diligently to be spiritual leaders.”
Since every woman in our parish is already a member, the Ladies of St. Francis is open for all women to join at any time. While there are annual dues, accommodations can be made upon request. Any woman aged 18 or older is welcome and encouraged to drop in to one of the regular meetings.
For more information about the Ladies of St. Francis Ministry, contact Jan Zeidler.