St. Francis Xavier Parish and its committees host events and fundraisers throughout the year. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to volunteer and interact with members of the church community. The following are a few examples of events and opportunities.
Religious Education Classes: Held September through May to ensure the faith and religious education of our parish's children. More information on classes and the Religious Education program can be found by visiting the St. Francis Xavier Parish Religious Education web page.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults): Know of someone who has the desire to become Catholic or perhaps just wants to learn more about the religioun? Here is the answer. These meetings are held for the cluster at St. John Parish in Clarion and do require registration. For more information, visit the Cluster RCIA page.
Ministries: These ministries, such as being a greeter, lector, eucharistic minister, altar server, participating in the home bound ministry, and music ministry, are purely on a volunteer basis. These ministries help to meet the needs of not only the parish but its parishioners. We always welcome new volunteers. If you are a member and would like to help or feel called to help the church in any manner, please contact the parish office and we can find a place for you in one of these ministries. Training and periodic meetings are provided.
Advent and Lent: To prepare for Christmas and Easter, scripture studies and bible studies are often offered. On Thursdays during Lents, the church hosts Stations of the Cross followed by a soup supper and spiritual growth video. In addition, many other opportunities are made through the the seasons of Advent and Lent, including the Cluster Lenten Retreat.
Parish Library: The St. Francis Xavier Parish Library is open the first Sunday of each month following the Sunday morning Mass. We have DVD's, CD's, books and various periodicals for all ages on various topics for your spiritual enrichment.
Cluster Picnic: Each summer the three parishes gather for a Mass and potluck at Lake Cornelia. It's a time for enjoying great food, fellowship and furthering parish relations within our cluster community.
Feast Day Potluck: On the weekend closest to December 3rd, the parish has a potluck in the parish hall to celebrate St. Francis Xavier feast day. The parish also takes the opportunity during this dinner to welcome new members to the parish.
Fundraiser Dinners: These dinners are held throughout the year. Included are the 4th of July Supper and Irish Stew Supper. These events help raise money for the church, its committees and ministries. Good food, conversation and a great time can always be found. Watch the bulletin and the church calendar for the next upcoming dinner!
Clothing Drive: Held once a year in October, this is an opportunity to donate clothes for those in need in Appalachia. A donation center is set up in the parish hall and open for donations. Donations must be clean and in good condition. Sorry, but we are unable to take early donations or store them till the clothing drive.
KC Omelet Breakfasts: The Knights of Columbus host these in the parish hall throughout the year to help raise money for various organizations and programs in the area.
Blood Drives: Currently, St. Francis Xavier Parish is a site for the Blood Center of Iowa's blood drives. The blood drives are held bimonthly on the fourth Monday of the month. This cause provides blood for those who are injured or hospitalized.
Caring Pregnancy Center: Located in Mason City, this center offers services to meet a woman's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in the time of unexpected pregnancy. Donation opportunities are provided by the parish through the year including the Baby Bottle Campaign.
Religious Education Classes: Held September through May to ensure the faith and religious education of our parish's children. More information on classes and the Religious Education program can be found by visiting the St. Francis Xavier Parish Religious Education web page.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults): Know of someone who has the desire to become Catholic or perhaps just wants to learn more about the religioun? Here is the answer. These meetings are held for the cluster at St. John Parish in Clarion and do require registration. For more information, visit the Cluster RCIA page.
Ministries: These ministries, such as being a greeter, lector, eucharistic minister, altar server, participating in the home bound ministry, and music ministry, are purely on a volunteer basis. These ministries help to meet the needs of not only the parish but its parishioners. We always welcome new volunteers. If you are a member and would like to help or feel called to help the church in any manner, please contact the parish office and we can find a place for you in one of these ministries. Training and periodic meetings are provided.
Advent and Lent: To prepare for Christmas and Easter, scripture studies and bible studies are often offered. On Thursdays during Lents, the church hosts Stations of the Cross followed by a soup supper and spiritual growth video. In addition, many other opportunities are made through the the seasons of Advent and Lent, including the Cluster Lenten Retreat.
Parish Library: The St. Francis Xavier Parish Library is open the first Sunday of each month following the Sunday morning Mass. We have DVD's, CD's, books and various periodicals for all ages on various topics for your spiritual enrichment.
Cluster Picnic: Each summer the three parishes gather for a Mass and potluck at Lake Cornelia. It's a time for enjoying great food, fellowship and furthering parish relations within our cluster community.
Feast Day Potluck: On the weekend closest to December 3rd, the parish has a potluck in the parish hall to celebrate St. Francis Xavier feast day. The parish also takes the opportunity during this dinner to welcome new members to the parish.
Fundraiser Dinners: These dinners are held throughout the year. Included are the 4th of July Supper and Irish Stew Supper. These events help raise money for the church, its committees and ministries. Good food, conversation and a great time can always be found. Watch the bulletin and the church calendar for the next upcoming dinner!
Clothing Drive: Held once a year in October, this is an opportunity to donate clothes for those in need in Appalachia. A donation center is set up in the parish hall and open for donations. Donations must be clean and in good condition. Sorry, but we are unable to take early donations or store them till the clothing drive.
Regular Events Hosted by Other Organizations:
KC Omelet Breakfasts: The Knights of Columbus host these in the parish hall throughout the year to help raise money for various organizations and programs in the area.
Blood Drives: Currently, St. Francis Xavier Parish is a site for the Blood Center of Iowa's blood drives. The blood drives are held bimonthly on the fourth Monday of the month. This cause provides blood for those who are injured or hospitalized.
Caring Pregnancy Center: Located in Mason City, this center offers services to meet a woman's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in the time of unexpected pregnancy. Donation opportunities are provided by the parish through the year including the Baby Bottle Campaign.