Ministries

We are ...

A Worshiping Community...
The center of our life as Episcopalians is to gather for Word and Sacrament on a weekly basis. We celebrate Holy Eucharist, Rite II (except in Lent, when we use Rite I on Sundays) four times a week: on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m., and Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in the church.

The ministries that support our worship life include the following: acolytes, altar guild, lay eucharistic ministers (LEMs), ushers, and music ministries. To learn more about our music ministries, which include an adult choir, a youth choir, and a contemporary music team, please contact our Minister of Music, Charles Nwachukwu, at the church office.

Finally, St. Clare House is a place for prayer, meditation, and learning. Click here to learn more about this ministry.

Three acolytes from St. Francis serving at the cathedral in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A Learning Community...
At St. Francis Church, roughly 1/3 of us were raised as Episcopalians, 1/3 have come from Roman Catholic or Orthodox backgrounds, and 1/3 have come from other Protestant denominations. This provides a rich diversity of theological perspectives that we see as a strength. Opportunities exist for people at various stages in their journey to grow and learn from each other as our faith seeks understanding. These ministries include the following:

Church School Program: At St. Francis Church, a church school program is available for children ages three through grade five, during the Sunday (10:00 a.m.) service. The program is directed by Susan Bastardo, a member of the staff at St. Francis, and the teaching is done by volunteers who are a part of our community. To register for Church School you may fill out one of the forms available in the narthex, or contact Susan Bastardo at 508-829-0600

Youth Ministries: Journey to Adulthood, a three part program, runs from 6th -12th grade. 6th and 7th graders meet on Sundays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for Rite 13. 8th and 9th graders meet on Sundays from 4:00-6:00 p.m. for J2A. Grades 10, 11, and 12 meet on Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for youth group. For more information see the "youth" page on this website or contact Rev. Jill Williams at assoc.rector@gmail.com or through the church office. Everyone is welcome regardless of denomination, church affliation, or school district. We hope to see you there!

Confirmation Program: Persons in tenth grade or older are invited to participate in a year-long course of prayerful preparation for Confirmation. Expectations include willingness to enter into a learning relationship with a mentor, and regular attendance in worship throughout the year. For more information, please contact the rector at the Church Office.

Adult Catechumenal Program: The adult catechumenal class is the adult version of confirmation preparation at St. Francis. It is primarily intended for those who are looking to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church or received from another denomination. Those who are already confirmed members, but who are looking for "a refresher course" are also welcome to participate.

Safe Church Policy
Read the Policies for the Protection of Children and Youth in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.