September 16, 2018 - "Need for Volunteers"

Labor Day has come and gone.  School is back in session.  This week we celebrate Catechetical Sunday.  I am commissioning Catechists at all Masses this weekend.  We also begin our Religious Education classes this week.  For a parish to grow and flourish, parishioners need to contribute their time, talent, and treasure.  I want to take the opportunity today to highlight some ways in which we can contribute our time and talent that will benefit all of us in the parish and also those to we reach out in love and service.  Here are some ways to serve:
 
Religious Education
We all share responsibility for faith formation and the support of many volunteers make our programs successful.  I am encouraged by the faithful service of some many in our faith formation programs.  But there are still some needs to be filled.  We need some additional catechists, classroom aides, art team catechists, substitutes, volunteers who would offer support with service projects, and people who would help with sacramental celebrations and special events.  To learn more, please call the Religious Education Office at 301-258-9193.
 
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children five to nine years of age are invited to go to a separate location for the Liturgy of the Word to receive special age-appropriate proclamation and reflect on that day’s readings.  This occurs at the 11:15 a.m. Sunday Mass from September through June.  We could use more members for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) prayer leader team.  You don’t have to be a parent to engage in this ministry, but you should be comfortable connecting with children of various ages.  To learn more, please call Fr. John at the Rectory at 301-840-1407.
 
Haiti Ministry-Grant Writer
St. Francis Haiti Ministry is looking for a volunteer grant writer to help craft foundation grants.  Some experience with grant writing is preferred, but not required.  The person need not be a St. Francis parishioner, but should be willing to attend monthly meetings.  We hope to have this position filled by this fall.  If you are interested in serving as a grant writer, please contact our Haiti Ministry Coordinator Dan Cardile at [email protected].
 
St. Francis Brew Crew-Servers
The Brew Crew is back by popular demand, serving coffee and doughnuts after the 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Masses today.  This hospitality ministry is looking for friendly volunteers who will help purchase food and beverages and serve their fellow parishioners after the 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Masses on the third Sunday of the month from September to May.  If you are interested in joining this ministry and promoting fellowship in our parish, please contact Ministry Coordinator Sylvia Jones at 301-762-6564.

Food Pantry—Processors
Volunteers for the St. Francis Food Pantry take turns emptying out the food donation bin in the Gathering Space and delivering food to the St. Martin Food Pantry.  Members typically do a delivery once in a six-month period.  Members also assist with the Archdiocesan Lenten Food Drive and the Mulholland Family Foundation’s Summer in the City Food Drive.  To Join the Food Pantry Ministry, please contact Ministry Co-Coordinators Carolyn Brauer at [email protected] or Christine Young at [email protected].
 
Music Ministry Volunteers Needed
Singers and instrumentalists are welcome to participate in the various music opportunities at St. Francis, including the Traditional Choir that sings at 9:30 a.m. Mass.  The Traditional Choir practices on Thursday evenings. Cantors are also needed for the 5:00 p.m. Vigil, 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Masses.  For more information, please contact St. Francis Director of Music Janet Pate at [email protected] or 443-812-5585.  The Contemporary Folk Group leads music at the 11:15 a.m. Mass and practices at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.  The Contemporary Folk Group is an intergenerational group and welcomes people of all ages.  Singers and instrumentalists are welcome.  For more information, please contact Sue Madison at [email protected] or 301-977-6854.  You can also contact John Ryan at 301-977-2690.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John