Ministries
Christian revelation . . . promotes deeper understanding of the laws of social living. The Church receives from the Gospel the full revelation of the truth about man. When she fulfills her mission of proclaiming the Gospel, she bears witness to man, in the name of Christ, to his dignity and his vocation to the communion of persons. She teaches him the demands of justice and peace in conformity with divine wisdom.
The Church makes a moral judgment about economic and social matters, when the fundamental rights of the person or the salvation of souls requires it. In the moral order she bears a mission distinct from that of political authorities: the Church is concerned with the temporal aspects of the common good because they are ordered to the sovereign Good, our ultimate end. She strives to inspire right attitudes with respect to earthly goods and in socio-economic relationships.
The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
St. Francis offers a wide variety of ministries, with more details provided on the pages linked to below. To contact the coordinator of each ministry, login to (or sign up for) Flocknote. Contact information is also available from the parish office by email or phone at 540-886-2262.
LISTED BY CATEGORY
- ALTAR AND CHURCH CARE: Volunteers care for the church and prepare for parish liturgies.
- CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS: New members in these long-standing organizations are always welcome; each has its own special ministry in the life of the parish.
- CHRISTIAN FORMATION: Volunteers are always needed for this most important work of preparing young Catholics to take their place as faithful followers of Christ as well as the equally crucial work of helping adults continue their formation in the faith.
- COMMUNITY LIFE: Volunteers are always needed for these groups intended to foster a community spirit within St. Francis Parish.
- LITURGY AND MUSIC: Parishioners are encouraged to offer their talents to make the liturgy a worthy offering to God.
- PRAYER: St. Francis offers many opportunities for prayer, from contemplative to intercessory and as an individual or as part of a group.
- SOCIAL ACTION: Love of neighbor is a fruit of Christian faith, and St. Francis offers numerous opportunities for all to participate.
- YOUTH: Ministry to young Catholics is a crucial part of grounding them in the faith.
LISTED BY TIME COMMITMENT
- 4-6 TIMES A YEAR
- Altar and Church Committee
- Collection Counters