SAN FRANCISCO DE ASÍS PARISH

Flagstaff, Arizona

928.779.1341

It's  and "YOU ARE LOVED!"

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

This web page is divided into two parts.  The Parish Life section describes programs and policies of the parish as it relates to how we function as a community.  This includes Religious Education, Sacramental preparation, and other useful information about the life of the Parish.  The second section is on Parish Ministry.  This section informs about the various ministries that go on in the parish.  The intent is for you to know what is going on and give you an opportunity to volunteer with your time and talent in whatever way you feel called to help.

Here is a list of the contents within each section.  You may click below to be redirected to that specific ministry program, or browse the whole listing:

To return to parish "home page," click here

Parish Life

Parish Religious Education (RE) Programs for Children

Program Philosophy

The philosophy of the RE Program at San Francisco de Asís is to continue the mission of Jesus by providing for the children and youth of the parish a catechetical program of instruction for all grades.  We realize that our values, beliefs, and traditions are best passed on when families and the parish community work together as partners in the faith formation of the parish children and youth.  This program will form in the children a foundation, which include the teachings of scripture, the traditions of the Church, and the teachings of the Church at age-appropriate levels. Recognizing that faith formation is a life-long process and that parental involvement is essential to the formation process, we hope to create an atmosphere where children and their families can grow in their appreciation and understanding of their faith and their role in the life of the community.

Sunday Preschool and Childcare

The family is a young child's first community of faith.  Our Sunday Preschool Program introduces the child into a larger community of faith.  On Sunday mornings, we offer "Seeds," a program for 4 and 4 year olds.  We help our families build a family faith and love by preparing the child to know the love of God in a personal life of faith.  We offer classes at St. Pius X Center at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. masses.  During this time, we also offer childcare for those under the age of 3.  Once your child enters kindergarten, the move into the weekly Children's Liturgy of the Word program.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

At San Francisco de Asís we offer additional support to our families with our Sunday Children's Liturgy of the Word program.  All children grades K-4 from both San Francisco de Asis School and our Parish RE Program are invited to participate.  During assigned Masses, children are escorted to a designated area to discuss the readings of the week at a level that is appropriate to their age and to discover how these words relate to their own life situations.  After song, prayer, discussion, and activities, the children are escorted back to the church where they rejoin their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Elementary Level RE

Elementary RE is for Kindergarten through Sixth grade.  These classes are available to all families in the parish community and follow the traditional school year.  Classes begin the first week after Labor Day and conclude in the middle of May.  Click here for more information on the parish RE Program.

Middle School Program

Our middle school program is for 7th and 8th graders.  This program meets every other week on Monday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the basement of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel.  A team-teaching approach is used to provide a positive experience of the Catholic community through spiritual, educational, social activities, and service.  Occasional trips and retreats are offered throughout the year.  For more information or to enroll your child, call 928.779.3296.

San Francisco de Asis Catholic School

School Motto:  To learn, lead, and live like Christ!

San Francisco de Asis is our parish elementary and junior high school.  Preschool through 1st grade classes are housed at 621 W. Clay and 2nd through 8th grade classes are located at 320 N. Humphreys Street in downtown Flagstaff.  All families are urged to participate in the Catholic education of their children.  Students receive daily religious instruction.  "Discipline with Purpose" is our all-school discipline program where children learn life skills to carry into adulthood.  Students at San Francisco de Asis score above-average on National Achievement tests and are academically well-prepared to enter high school.  For more information, call Mr. Michael Evans, School Principal, 928.779.1337 or click here for the school's website.

Teen Confirmation

Confirmation is the Sacrament of Initiation, a commitment that the teen must make.  Confirmation is part of our journey as disciples of Christ.  At San Francisco de Asís, we ask that those wishing to be confirmed be at least 16 years old.  An essential part of the confirmation process is active and faithful participation in the Life Teen program.  They will attend a weekend retreat and do service activities.  This is a demanding program and the candidates need prayers and support from their families and sponsors and the entire parish community.  For more information, please call 928.779.3296.

Life Teen Program

Life Teen is a dynamic and exciting youth ministry program for all high school teenagers.  The program focuses on bringing teens closer to Christ through the Life Teen Mass, Life Nights, and Retreats.  All high school teens are encouraged to attend the Life Teen Mass on Sunday evenings followed by an interactive Life Night at St. Pius X  Center.  This Mass focuses on the unique needs of teens but the whole family is invited to attend.  For more information on the Life Teen program, please contact Jason Kidd at 928.779.1341.

Holy Trinity Newman Center

The Newman Center is the Catholic Campus Ministry to the students and staff of Northern Arizona University.  Our responsibility is to be the Catholic presence on campus.  We do this by serving the students spiritual, sacramental, and educational needs in the faith while providing a community-building atmosphere for the young adult students.  We offer retreats, sacramental preparation classes, Bible studies, book groups, prayer services, socials, service projects, camping trips, and more.  The Newman Center is directed by Michael Vollmer with the advisement of the Student Leadership Team.  For more information, please call 928.779.2903.

Volunteer ministry opportunities for the Newman Center include:

All volunteers will be interviewed by the Director.  They must be flexible, enjoy working with college students, and model the Catholic faith.

Adult Education/Formation

Periodically the parish offers classes and events for adult faith formation and the development of adult spirituality.  These may be conducted by parish staff or by experts from outside the parish.  Some examples of events for adult faith formation and the development of adult spirituality are:  scripture studies, retreats, presentations on sacraments and doctrine, adult Confirmation program, book studies, art exhibits, concerts, days of prayer and the annual parish mission.  Information about classes and events is provided in the parish bulletin.

Parish Hospitality/Retreat Center ("the white house")

The Catholic Community Renewal Center (also known as "the white house") is located next to San Francisco de Asis School at 319 N. Beaver Street and is used for retreats, classes, and meetings.  The facility will accommodate 35 people overnight or 40 for group meetings.  A Catholic reference library is maintained for use by parishioners.  The retreat facility contains a chapel that can be used by individuals for prayer or by small groups for liturgies.  For more information, call 928.773.1084.

Retrouvaille

This program can provide help for troubled marriages.  The Retrouvaille program consists of a weekend experience with six follow-up sessions.  It is designed to provide the tools to help put your marriage in order again.  Please call the parish office for more information, 928.779.1341.

Rite of Christian Initiation

The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a process through which adults, children, and teens either become Catholic or complete their Catholic initiation.  Adult inquiry is a year-round process, although catechetical sessions generally meet from September through May.  Children and teens meet during the school year (also generally September through May).

Who Belongs in RCIA?

Adults:

Teens:

Middle School:

(Please note:  Middle school students who are in need of baptism are required to participate in sacramental preparation for a period of two years prior to reception of sacraments.  Preparation includes BOTH the parish Middle School Program and a pre-Lent series of RCIA catechesis sessions.)

Children:

(Please note:  Elementary children who are in need of baptism are required to participate in sacramental preparation for a period of two years prior to reception of sacraments.  Preparation includes BOTH the parish religious education program and the Sunday RCIA catechesis.)

For more information, please call Barbara Nabours at 928.779.1341 or visit "Becoming Catholic".

Infant Baptism

Infants receive the Sacrament of Baptism at less than catechetical age, generally six years or younger.  For infant baptism, parents are required to take instruction aimed at understanding their role in the faith formation of their children.  Call the parish office to receive information about classes and how to begin this process.  This program is facilitated by couples and individuals from the parish who have volunteered for this ministry.  Classes are offered in English and Spanish.  For more information, call 928.779.1341.

Adult Confirmation

Catholics typically are confirmed in high school as part of our youth program.  However, we frequently get adults who are not confirmed and would like to be confirmed.  We are offering several series of classes for adults seeking confirmation.  These classes are well-publicized in the weekly bulletin, or you may call the Parish Office (928.779.1341) or the Newman Center (928.779.2903).

Marriage Preparation

Diocesan policy for marriage preparation requires that couples allow for a minimum of six months of advance preparation.  This gives the parish adequate time for paperwork and the couple adequate time for their preparation.  Preparation includes attendance at an Engaged Encounter weekend (see below) or completion of a series of exercises in a workbook with a sponsor couple (see below) and an Introductory Session to Natural Family Planning.  No wedding date can be set before meeting with one of the parish priests or deacons.  To set an appointment, please call the parish office at 928.779.1341.

Engaged Encounter

Engaged Encounter is a weekend designed to give couples planning marriage the opportunity to dialogue honestly and intensively about their prospective lives together -- their strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambitions, goals, their attitudes about money, sex, children, family, their role in the church and society — in a face-to-face way.

Sponsor Couple Program

The Sponsor Couple Program is a program in which engaged couples work with a married couple assigned to them by the parish program coordinator.  It provides direct couple-to-couple sharing of the sacred-human reality which is day-to-day experience of Christian marriage.

Weekend Experiences

Cursillo

Cursillo is an expression of an individual's willingness to grow in love for God and service to God's people.  The movement began many years ago in Majorca, Spain, among a group of lay people in the Spanish Catholic Church.  The power of the program that was developed, and has continued to develop, has affected people all over the world.  The Cursillo weekend is a short course in Christianity.  Three days away from the world and with God.  It is a time of learning, reflection, prayer, song, meditation, sharing, and joy.  A person has an opportunity to focus on the meaning of Christian Life.  Cursillistas meet regularly to support each other in their Christian faith journey.  For more information, contact any Cursillista or Sally Valdez at 928.526.3404.

Marriage Encounter

A weekend experience for married couples aimed at making good marriages better.  Couples who have attended sing the praises of the program and actively recruit and encourage others to attend.  For more information, please call the Parish Office at 928.779.1341.

Social Services

Catholic Social Service of Northern Arizona

Catholic Social Service is dedicated to serving the needs of peoples of all faiths.  This social outreach provides counseling and financial help to all segments of the community, especially those who are most neglected in our society.  For more information, please call 928.774.9125.

St. Vincent de Paul

Our parish has an active conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  We have a Thrift Store located at 2113 N. East Street (928.779.4353).  The Thrift Store accepts donations to be used as items for sale or to be given to those in need.  Profits from the store are used to help those in need.

St. Vincent de Paul Help Line 928.774.6511 — For those in need of financial help or with food.  You can call anytime and leave a message and a volunteer will get back to you.  If you wish to speak with a volunteer, call between 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

Travelers Aid Center — 43 S. San Francisco is operated by St. Vincent de Paul and helps persons stranded in or passing through our community.  The Center is open from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).  Travelers in need of assistance must show up in person.  Phone calls cannot be accepted.

Hope Crisis Pregnancy Center

We carry on the fight for life by counseling and assisting women who are pregnant and troubled.  A 24-hour help line is available at 928.774.8302.  The Center is located on the corner of Butler Avenue and Kendrick Street, adjacent to Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel.

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Parish Ministry

To really help our faith grow, we need to be physically involved in the work of the Church.  You are encouraged to review this section of the website and prayerfully decide how you are called to become more involved in our parish life.  For more information on any of these ministries, please call the Parish Office at 928.779.1341.

Liturgical Ministry

Lectors

Lectors have the important responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God to the community during the celebration of Mass.  Training is offered several times a year and commissioning is for a three-year period.  Volunteers should have a special love for God's word, be willing to train and prepare for this ministry, and the ability to project their voices well over our parish sound systems.

Eucharistic Ministries

Eucharistic ministers proclaim the presence of Christ by helping with the distribution of Holy Communion at daily and Sunday masses.  Training is offered several times a year and commissioning is for a three-year period.

Eucharistic Ministers of Care

Eucharistic Ministers of Care are Eucharistic ministers who also bring the Eucharist to the home bound, the hospital, and others who cannot join our community in Mass.  We offer Communion Services and visitations at the local assisted living facilities.  Home, hospital, rest home, and assisted living visitations are done each Sunday and can also be done during the week.  Special training is given for this ministry and we need as many people as we can get to help.

Altar Servers - Ministers of the Altar

The Ministry of Altar Servers is open to all boys and girls at least 10 years old that have received their First Communion.  Training is offered periodically throughout the year.

Mass Captains/Sacristans

Sacristans/mass captains come early to help prepare for liturgies for daily and Sunday masses.  They are responsible for setting up sacred vessels for liturgies and seeing that everything is put away afterwards.  In order to be ready to take on this ministry, a person should be experienced as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.  This is a very important ministry and we are always looking for people to help in this area.

Music Ministry

Music is an important part of the weekly liturgy in our parish, and we are always looking for new people to join us.  Because of the large number of masses each week, we are continuously in need of singers, instrumentalists and leaders.  Our music styles range from traditional choir to contemporary to teen group (not just teens!), and two Spanish music groups.  If you are interested, call Paul Romo at 928.779.1341 or 928.527.1947.

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee helps to plan and facilitate the parish celebrations for Sundays and Holy Days.  Our aim is to make our liturgies more meaningful and to enhance the experience of community worship.  A background in liturgy and/or music is helpful but not necessary.

Art and Environment Committee

The primary purpose of this committee is to create a visual environment for worship that reflects the themes of the liturgical season and lectionary readings.  The message of the Good News is related in colors, shapes, texture, and symbols.  Any artistic talent such as sewing, drawing, carpentry, and interior decorating is welcome.  This committee closely coordinates its work with all the liturgical ministries.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

The Children's Liturgy of the Word ministry works in planning and implementing the breaking open of the Word for children each Sunday throughout the parish.  We, as a faith community, are responsible to see that our children are shaped and formed by God's Word just as we are.  Having a separate liturgy of the Word for the children allows us to use teaching methods and examples that are geared especially for children rather than adults.  Experience with liturgy, music, or drama is helpful but not necessary.  Training is provided to those who volunteer.

Ministers of Hospitality - Greeters/Ushers

Ushers greet members of the assembly and help to set a welcoming atmosphere to Sunday liturgies.  They assist people in finding seats, take up the Sunday offering, direct people during reception of the Eucharist, and help with any problems that might arise.  They also take care of the collection after Mass and see that it gets to the proper place.  Hospitality ministers are primarily called to welcome both friends and guests at Sunday liturgy.  This ministry greatly influences the atmosphere of Sunday worship.  A sincere, helpful attitude and a warm, friendly smile are required.  All ages welcome, and training is provided.

Catechetical Ministry

Religious Education — Our RE programs are always in need of volunteers to help with our catechetical programs.  New persons in this ministry normally start out as classroom aids or assistants and then, with training and experience, those who are called to it become catechists.  Persons are also needed to help with other things such as hospitality and clerical support to the program.  Training is provided.

Infant Baptism Preparation — Individuals and couples are needed to help the parish with all phases of our infant baptism program.  Volunteers receive training first and then have the opportunity to help with various program needs that include:

Marriage Preparation — successfully married couples are needed to help with Engaged Encounter weekends and to also be a part of our Sponsor Couple Program.  Engaged Encounter — help is needed to provide support for the weekend (this can include many different things) and also to be presenting couples.  Training and experience is required before you are asked to be a presenting couple.  Sponsor Couple — sponsor couples work with a couple who are preparing for marriage.  Workbooks are provided and the couples go through the workbook together.  Training is provided before you are assigned to a couple.

Spiritual Ministry

Ministry of Care — An outreach of compassion and healing presence of the sick, suffering, or bereaved persons, in the hospital, care centers, or at home.  There are a number of ways a person can be involved in this ministry:

Prayer Groups — Persons interested in joining in this area of spiritual growth may contact the Parish Office at 928.779.1341.

Prayer Chain — A group committed to pray for your needs.  If you are interested in joining the city-wide prayer chain, or anyone needing prayer, call the Parish Office (928.779.1341) or Sally Valdez at 928.526.3404.

Secular Franciscan Order — St. Francis of Assisi founded the Secular Franciscan Order so the laity could enter his community as far as possible while remaining in the world.  Franciscans celebrate relationships, promote peace, and practice continual conversion.  By their profession, they pledge themselves to live the gospel in the manner of St. Francis by means of the rule approved by the Church.  For more information, please contact Dianna White, 928.526.2570.

Guadalupanas — We honor our Lady of Guadalupe by helping the parish with our time, talent and treasures.  We make the 12th of each month special in the parish in honor of our Lady and we host the novena and celebration of Our Lady's feast each December 12th.  We have monthly meetings on the first Sunday of each month.  For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 928.779.1341.

Parish Women's Club — The purpose of this organization is to promote Christian living and service in San Francisco de Asís parish, foster the spiritual development of women in the parish, and provide opportunities for friendship and community spirit through social, cultural, and educational programs and events.  We welcome all women.  Monthly meetings are in the parish bulletin.  For more information, contact the Parish Office at 928.779.1341.

Knights of Columbus — We are an organization of Catholic men involved in the church, community, and family activities.  This organization is open to all men of San Francisco de Asís over the age of 18.  For more information, contact any Knight or the Parish Office at 928.779.1341.

Outreach Ministry

St. Vincent de Paul

To actually function as a parish nurse, a person must be an RN, but our parish nurses identify many needs that can be met by anyone interested in this ministry.  Anyone interested in volunteering to help homebound or disabled persons should sign up.  Volunteer work could include any of the following:  friendly phoning; visiting; shopping for/shopping with; transportation; handyperson work around the home.  For more information, come to a ministry fair or contact Margaret Bond at 928.527.1958.

Catholic Scouts

We are a Catholic group drawing from the San Francisco de Asís parish for both Cub and Boy Scouts.  For more information, contact Tammie Thompson at 928.714.1000.

Catholic Social Service of Northern Arizona

Catholic Social Service is dedicated to serving the needs of peoples of all faiths.  This social outreach provides services to all segments of our community, especially those who are most neglected in our society.  To volunteer, please call 928.774.9125.

Flagstaff Family Food Center

We need men, women, and young people (12 years of age and older) to serve dinner and to assist with clean-up (bus tables, wash dishes, washing down tables, as well as sweeping).  If you can serve others with a smile, with joy in your voice, and with love in the light of your eyes, please volunteer.  This labor of love is done from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  For more information, please call 928.774.3188.

Hope Crisis Pregnancy Center

We carry on the fight for life by counseling and assisting women who are pregnant and troubled.  We maintain a 24-hour help line.  Volunteers can help in many ways.  For more information, contact Rosanna Tarr at 928.779.2377.

Life Issues

Our parish supports the pro-life efforts of Flagstaff Right to Life and the Hope Crisis Pregnancy Center.  If you are interested in volunteering for a pro-life ministry, contact Rosanna Tarr at 928.779.2377.

Stephen Ministries  "Christ caring for people through the people"

Stephen Ministry equips lay persons for effective, spiritual caregiving, and insures that quality follow-up care is available for as long as it is needed. Through this ministry, San Francisco de Asís is able to:

Stephen Ministry does not provide professional counseling, nursing care, errand, housekeeping or repair services. To request care from a Stephen Minister, contact Deacon Dennis Revering at 928-863-0495.  To learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Dave Chicci at928-221-8194.  To learn more about Stephen Ministry, St. Louis (the national organization), please visit www.stephenministries.org.

Administrative Ministry

If interested in any of these ministries, please call the Parish Office at 928.779.1341.

Parish Council and Finance Committee

We assist the pastor with all matters dealing with finance and budget.  We are also a clearinghouse for all the organizations to exchange news and ideas dealing with the parish.  Members are appointed to these committees by the Pastor.

Office Volunteers

Volunteers are needed in the Parish office to do clerical work, copying, stuffing envelopes and the Parish Bulletin.  Your help is greatly appreciated, as we have many groups requesting help from the Parish office.  We always have a good time doing these tasks and it is a great way to meet other parishioners.

Collection Counters

Volunteers are needed to help with counting our weekly collection for the parish.  The counting is almost always done on Monday mornings.  We hope to have enough volunteers that you will only be asked to count once a month (or less).

Grounds and Landscape

The grounds and landscape team is responsible for presenting an attractive "first impression" of the parish grounds.  Their primary jobs are to cut the grass, water, trim and fertilize the lawns, prune trees and bushes, maintain sprinkler systems, and assist in the planting and maintenance of planter beds, as needed.  New ideas are always welcome for improving the lawns and gardens around the parish buildings.  There are no formal meetings for this group, just work sessions in the summer.  Also, we need help in removing snow from the parking lots and sidewalks during the winter season.

Church Care

Altar Care Ministers are committed to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the whole church.  Individuals, families, or groups of people sign up for weekly cleaning at each facility (once a month), including (but not limited to) emptying and cleaning holy water fonts, straightening hymnals and dusting pews, picking up stray objects (paper, etc.), straightening the sacristy, and cleaning sinks.

St. Francis Gift and Book Store

The St. Francis Gift and Book Store is located next to Nativity Chapel and offers a full array of gifts for all the sacraments, cards, Santos, paintings, and Icons.  Volunteers are needed to help during the hours the store is open.  Training is provided.

If You Don't Know Where You Fit...

Or if you don't know where to start, this is for you.  Give us one hour or so per month and we will match you with the job and/or activity that best uses your talents.  Occasionally we have a need for specialized trades, skills, etc.  We always have a need for time commitments and help with special events within the parish such as Gran Jamaica, St. Francis Day Celebration, and Mardi Gras.

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Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix