the catholic community of st. francis of assisi
2026 Bishop’s Annual Appeal
As a diocesan family, we are invited to join together in supporting the ministries, programs, and outreach efforts that bring Christ’s love into our parishes and communities. Your prayers and participation help strengthen Catholic education, support parish vitality, and extend care to those in need.
Please take time to reflect on how you can contribute to this mission of faith and service.
First Eucharist: Preparing as a Body of Christ
At the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, preparation for First Eucharist has always been an important milestone in the life of our parish. Each spring, children come forward for the first time to receive Holy Communion, surrounded by their families and the wider community. Over the years, however, our parish began to reflect on how we prepare children for that moment and how the journey leading up to it could better reflect the life of the Church itself.
Traditionally, children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist gathered for two retreats during the year. These retreats were meaningful opportunities for reflection and preparation, but they were brief. Due to separate school/formation communities, most children arrived knowing half of the others in the room, and families often left still feeling like strangers to one another.
Several years ago, parish leadership began asking a simple question. What if sacramental preparation could help families experience the life of the parish community, rather than simply preparing for one celebration day? From that question, a new model began to take shape.
Volunteer Receptionists
Will Rogers, the American humorist, entertainer, and social commentator, famously said, You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” That is certainly true, and first impressions are very important for those looking to find a Parish Church. Your parish is where you receive sacraments, find your community, and share faith experiences throughout your life. First impressions are very important, and we fortunately have some fine ambassadors of our parish always at the ready.
The volunteer receptionist ministry is a group of volunteers who serve as the first point of contact for callers and in-person visitors to the parish offices. Ginny Peters is one of those volunteers, and she loves her role: “I believe St. Francis is a very welcoming Catholic community that embraces anyone who is hurting, wanting to learn about St. Francis, or looking to build their faith. Certainly, as the receptionist, we are not called to ‘educate’ someone in their faith, but we can certainly be a source of welcome, comfort, and love.”
