St. Francis of Assisi Parish Aviston, IL 62216
 

251 S. Clinton
PO Box 93
Aviston, IL 62216

(618) 228-7219

SEARCH OUR SITE
HOME
ORGANIZATIONS
MINISTRIES
TEEN SPACE
SACRAMENTS
SCHEDULES
BULLETIN
LINKS
HISTORY
CONTACT US
 
NEW!!
 

MAKE A DONATION HERE!!

 
MAKE PRAYER REQUESTS
HERE!!
 

"As generous distributors of God's manifold grace,
Put your  gifts at the service of one another,
Each in the measure he has received."

1 Peter 4:10

 
Click on any of our ministries and organizations below to learn more about them as well as contact information.
 
FAITH DEVELOPMENT
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
BIBLE STUDY
PRAYER GROUP
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION
    CHURCH MONITORS
    CONFIRMATION PREP
 

 

 
LITURGY
CANTORS
CHOIRS
    ADULT CHOIR
    EARLY MORNING CHOIR
    RESURRECTION CHOIR (FUNERAL)
    YOUTH CHOIR
CHURCH DECORATING COMMITTEE
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER HOMEBOUND
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER FOR MASS
 

 

 
PARISH LIFE AND ORGANIZATIONS
ALTAR SODALITY
BOY SCOUTS
CUB SCOUTS
CHOIRS
CATHOLIC FRATERNAL LIFE (CFL)
COLLECTION COUNTING TEAM
CYO
FINANCE COUNCIL
4-H CLUB
GIRL SCOUTS
 

 

 
SOCIAL OUTREACH
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
HISPANIC OUTREACH MINISTRY
MEALS ON WHEELS
 

 

 
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
ACIC (AVISTON COMMUNITY 
  IMPROVEMENT CLUB)
AMERICAN LEGION
 

 

 

FAITH DEVELOPMENT

ADULT FAITH FORMATION 
Looking to form Faith Formation Group(s) to build community in the parish through educational opportunities.  Programs available:  Bible Study, Church History, Why Be A Catholic?, Liturgical History, Social Justice and Catholics, etc.  Call if interested in expanding your knowledge and understanding! Program is under development.
Contact: Fr. Dan                                                                                                                                    TOP

BIBLE STUDY
I
ncrease your Bible Knowledge. Adults meet weekly to read and study scripture using commentaries and study guides for historical, cultural, and spiritual insights.  Group meets as group determines. This program under development.
Contact: Janice Lampe                                                                                                                           TOP

PRAYER GROUP
This informal Prayer Group has been in existence over 30 years. One hour per week is spent in prayer and song followed by socializing. Anyone interested in growth and personal dedication to prayer is welcome to join.
Contact: Till Renschen
                                                                                                                          TOP

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION:

PSR – CHURCH MONITORS
Help with children’s religion program by supervising them at Mass. Church monitors should have a love of children and be willing to share their faith.  Duties are to supervise and set an example. Time commitment Tues. and Thurs. mornings at 7:30am Mass.
Contact: Jeannie Spirek
                                                                                                                           TOP

PSR – CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Adults help in preparing 7th and 8th grades for Confirmation.  Duties include helping with teaching, projects, and prayers. Spread your Catholic Faith with our young adults! Help needed M/W/F 7:30-8:20am at school.
Contact: Deacon Charles Litteken                                                                                                           TOP

PSR – TEACHER & TEACHERS’S AIDE
Teachers and aides help the children learn and understand their Catholic Faith and help spread God’s Word. Should have a love for children. Volunteer time is flexible depending on length of commitment – M/W/F 7:30 – 8:20 am.
Contact: John Pettinger
                                                                                                                          TOP

PRE-CANA
Help couples prepare for marriage, by giving 15-20 minute presentation of experiences for your own marriage (presentation outlines provided). Set up, serve food, and tear-down for meeting.  Time commitment 1-3 hours, 2-3 times a year. Public speaking skills helpful, but not required for all tasks.
Contact: Deacon John Hempen
                                                                                                             TOP

RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION)
Volunteers work together to prepare individuals to join the Catholic Faith. Adults neede to facilitate, discuss, and answer questions from the candidates.  Need a desire to walk with some-one down the path of  faith inquiry. Time commitment 2 hours/week for 7-8 months.
Contact: Deacon Charlie Litteken
                                                                                                           TOP

RENEW
Formation of small groups that discuss many religious topics that help revitalize Catholic Faith in our lives. Groups meet once a week for size weeks at individual’s homes in the spring and fall.
Contact: Steve Maue 
                                                                                                                             TOP

SUNDAY SCHOOL
This rewarding program is for 3 through 5 year olds. Children are taught prayers, songs, Bible stories, play games, and do crafts. Must have a love of children. Time commitment is for 1 hour on Sundays on a rotating schedule September through May.
Contact: Lynn Huegen
                                                                                                                            TOP

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Be a part of learning! Volunteers need for 1 week in July from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. Children kindergarten through 5th grade attend. Aid children in enjoying bible stories, music, crafts, and games about our Faith. Help for all facets of planning and implementation are needed.

Contact: Janice Lampe
                                                                                                                          TOP

LITURGY 

CANTORS
Help lead the congregational singing during Weekend Masses! Volunteers needed with pleasant singing voices, a love of music, and a good sense of humor. Commitment time varies depending on number of adults in program & ones availability. Operates on rotating schedule when possible.
Contact: Marge Thole
                                                                                                                            TOP

CHOIR – ADULT
Share the gift God gave you and join the choir! Members sing at 9:30am Sunday and special seasonal Masses. Practice 1-2 hours per week Sept. through April. Must love to sing and desire to spread the Word of God through song.
Contact: Lois Brandmeyer
                                                                                                                      TOP

CHOIR – EARLY MORNING
Individuals who are early risers help lead the congregation in song at the 7:30 am Sunday Mass. Shar your gift and start the morning right. 1-2 hours per week.
Contact: Cindy Zurliene                                                                                                                          TOP

CHOIR – RESURRECTION (FUNERAL)
Help provide a comforting, supportive and inspirational liturgy for families in a time of grief! These volunteers sing at parish funerals. No scheduled practices. Commitment time varies per needed.
Contact:
Lois Brandmeyer                                                                                                                         TOP

CHOIR – YOUTH
Youth raise your voice in song! Spread God’s Word. 5th through 12th grade sign at various Masses throughout the year. Practice worked around school functions. Desire to sing is required.
Contact: Dan Fuehne or Milissa Faust
                                                                                                   TOP

CHURCH DECORATING COMMITTEE
Help decorate our church with assorted plants, flowers, candles, and prepare altar cloths, etc. for liturgical services. Enhance reverence of His presence through church art and design. Time commitment 2 hours per week.
Contact: Margie Ottensmeier
                                                                                                                 TOP

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER FOR HOMEBOUND
Help the homebound feel their unity with the parish family. Assist in the distribution of the Body of Christ to homebound parishioners on weekends. Training is provided. One hour per week when needed. Training and yearly training renewal provided.
Contact: Deacon Jerry Stockmann
                                                                                                        TOP

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER AT MASS
Assist the Priest and Deacons in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ to the congregation at Mass. Training and yearly renewal training provided. Rotating monthly schedule.
Contact: Deacon Jerry Stockmann
                                                                                                         TOP

FUNERAL SERVERS (ADULTS)
Adult men and women assist in serving at the funeral Mass and grave side service. Help provide a comforting supportive and inspirational liturgy for families in a time of grief! Time commitment 1-2 hours as need on a rotational basis. Training provided.
Contact: Frank Hogg
                                                                                                                              TOP

GIFT BEARERS
A great way for families or individuals to be involved in Mass. Present the Offertory Gifts at the altar during weekend Mass. Rotation schedule where you specify the Mass you prefer to attend. Time commitment 1 Mass per month depending on number of members involved.
Contact: Carolyn Kampwerth                                                                                                                  TOP

GREETERS
Friendly men and women who would like to welcome parishioners before Mass. Commitment of 15 minutes before Mass once a month. This program is under development.
Contact: Mary Litteken                                                                                                                            TOP

LECTORS
Adults and young adults to proclaim the Word of God at Masses. Must be comfortable speaking in public and be wiling to prepare and practice the scripture readings. Rotation schedule of 1 hour per month for weekend Masses and 1 hour per week for weekdays. Training provided.
Contact: Fr. Dan                                                                                                                                    TOP

MASS SERVERS (YOUTH)
Young boys and girls be a part of the Mass! Serve and assist the Priest in various weekend Masses. Training provided. Rotating monthly schedule with request for preferred Masses. A great way for youth to share their faith.
Contact: Carolyn Kampwerth                                                                                                                  TOP

ORGANISTS & MUSICIANS
Share your gift with your parish family. Adult volunteers with musical talent for weekend Masses. Organists and all other musicians are needed. Youth musicians for weekday Masses too! Time commitment 1 ½ hours per rotation schedule.
Contact Lois Brandmeyer                                                                                                                       TOP

ROSARY LEADERS
Help lead in the prayer of the Rosary before all Masses. Help our Parish keep prayer as a focus. 15-20 minute time commitment per rotating schedule.
Contact: Millie Wesselmann                                                                                                                    TOP

SACRISTANS
Assist in keeping the church, altars, and sacristy neat and orderly. Volunteers straighten books in pews before and after Masses and funerals. Keep Holy Water fonts supplied. Maintain candles. Time commitment 2 months per year.
Contact: Vera Netemeyer                                                                                                                       TOP

USHERS
Men and women assist at weekend Masses as ushers. Duties are: provide assistance to strangers and to the physically and hearing impaired. Assist with seating of congregation, taking up the collection and facilitating emergencies. Time 1 hour per week on a monthly rotating schedule.
Contact: Carolyn Kampwerth
                                                                                                                  TOP

PARISH LIFE & ORGANIZATIONS

ALTAR SODALITY
While only formally meeting twice per year, members are always ready to assist spiritual and educational needs of our Parish. Multi-generational activities such as quilting, annual picnic preparations, church cleaning, and Holiday party. Meeting 1 ½ -2 hours with emphasis on annual picnic.
Contact: Diane Wellen                                                                                                                             TOP

BOY SCOUTS
Boys ages 11-18 welcome to discover their duty to self, to others, country, and God. Troop meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays with indoor and outdoor activites. Enjoy weekend camping trips and learn outdoor skills. Adult volunteers always needed.
Contact: Kevin or Amy Gordon                                                                                                                TOP

CUB SCOUTS
Established for the purpose of creating well rounded responsible young boys. Boys are introduced to wide range of people and activities. Environmental issues, relgion, and community service are focuses. Guidelines are provided through workbooks. Meeting 2 hours per month.
Contact: Dan Pickett                                                                                                                       TOP

CATHOLIC FRATERNAL LIFE
C.F.L. group meets once a month to discuss charitable means of service in the community. Assistance always needed.
Contact: Darlene Timmermann                                                                                                              TOP

COLLECTION COUNTING TEAM
Assist after 9:30 am Sunday Mass in counting weekly offerings. Time commitment is 1-2 hours a week on a monthly rotating schedule. Must be a confidential person with good math skills.
Contact: Tom Beckmann                                                                                                                        TOP

C.Y.O.
High school young adults discover servicing their Parish thru projects. They participate in spiritual and recreational activities that enrich their lives and promote the Catholic faith. Meetings 1st Sunday of month. All High School youth welcome. Adults who enjoy working with teens are always needed.
Contact: Sue Lohman & Susan Bridges                                                                                                 TOP

FINANCE COUNCIL
The Finance Council serves as advisor to the pastor on issues of finance, investments, and properties. The council reviews financial decisions and procedures relating to the parish and reviews Parish revenue and expenses. Time commitment semi-monthly 2-3 hours. Membership by appointment.
Contact: Mike Koch                                                                                                                                TOP

4-H CLUB
Youth have fun, meet people, learn new life skills, build self confidence, and learn responsibility. They set and achieve goals thru wide range of projects such as environment, crafts, home, and foods. Meetings once a month 1 ½ hours per month.
Contact: Ruthie Markus                                                                                                                          TOP

GIRL SCOUTS
Girl Scouts build strong mind and body thru indoor and outdoor activities and projects. Great interaction with others. Adult volunteers 2-6 hours per month and have patience and be creative. Girls ages kindergarten and up. Meetings 1 ½ hours per month.
Contact: Sharon Lampe                                                                                                                        TOP

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Catholic adult men and their families in a growing and vibrant service organization. Structured to work towards helping the Church and community. Time commitment approx 3 hours per month including activity sign-ups. Meetings once a month.
Contact: Ron Kampwerth                                                                                                                       TOP

PASTORAL COUNCIL
Council members assist and advise the Pastor in the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Parish. Consists of eight members with 2 year terms, 4 of which are elected annually. Meeting 1 night per month. Must be 18 years or older.
Contact: Barb Haselhorst                                                                                                                      TOP

PICNIC COMMITTEE
Help plan the annual Parish picnic! Assist in developing new ideas and organizing various fund-raising booths and aspects of the picnic. Four meetings per year and 2-3 days for the fun & rewarding festival! Must be creative and enthusiastic!!
Contact: Mike Koch & Bob Venhaus                                                                                                       TOP

QUILT TEAMS (PICNIC)
A grouping of 4 families (makes 1 team) go together to make a hand-made quilt, or to purchase a hand-made quilt for our Parish Picnic. A quilt is to be donated every year by the group. New groups are always needed and welcomed.
Contact: Kathy Barkmann
                                                                                                                      TOP

QUILTERS
Learn the art of quilting by joining the ladies on the three weeks of quilting in November, January, or March. Quilts are made for the Parish Picnic, and donations for other organizations. No training necessary; we will teach.
Contact: Kathy Barkmann                                                                                                                      TOP

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
This society provides corporal and spiritual works of mercy to those in need. Acts can include providing food and help with other needs.  This organization is in the formation stage. Meeting times and commitment to be established by those who are interested.
Contact: Angie Schlimme                                                                                                                        TOP

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Help organize ways for our parish to recognize & develop their “Time” with Prayer, to share their “Talents” within the parish, and to understand the importance of sharing “Treasure” to operate our parish. Our goal is to keep a close faith community. Meetings are once a month. Volunteer time varies.
Contact: Colleen Harper                                                                                                                       TOP

WELCOMING COMMITTEE
Volunteers needed to meet and welcome new neighbors in our community and inform them of our parish and activities. Volunteers need to be friendly and outgoing and not hesitant to meet new people. Time commitment varies.
Contact: Betty Richter                                                                                                                           TOP

YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM
Enacted to help parish youth be and feel more connected to their Catholic religion, through activities that are fun, rewarding and interactive. Adults must have a love and belief in our parish youth, and time to devote to their projects. Meetings are first Sunday of every month after 9:30 am Mass.
Contact: Deacon Charles Litteken                                                                                                        TOP

SOCIAL OUTREACH 

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
Volunteers set up a small Christmas Tree by the side altar in Church with many hand-made ornaments on it with gift ideas for needy children in the area. The parishioners are asked to take an ornament and give the gift indicated for charity. Time commitment November & December.
Contact: Karen Braundmeier                                                                                                                 TOP

HISPANIC OUTREACH
This group, under formation, has the goal of connecting with and welcoming Hispanic families living within the parish. We hope to make them feel a part of the parish family. It will also help the rest of us become sensitive to their needs and unique cultural values and faith.
Contact: Rhonda Siegfried                                                                                                                     TOP

MEALS ON WHEELS
Volunteers deliver hot meals to homebound citizens living in the area. Must have valid drivers licenses and automobile insurance. Time commitment varies.
Contact: Charlie Rakers                                                                                                                          TOP

NURSING HOME MINISTRY
Eucharistic Ministers help with and conduct Sunday Communion Service and distribute the Eucharist to Catholic residents at Aviston Countryside Manor. Assist with Wednesday Mass. Time commitment is 2-3 hours a month, or more if desired.
Contact: Helen Middeke                                                                                                                          TOP

PRO-LIFE
Individuals promote events related to Pro-Life through the year. Time commitment varies; no scheduled meetings.
Contact: Shelley Thole                                                                                                                            TOP

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

ACIC (AVISTON COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CLUB)
This group hosts fun events throughout the year as fund-raisers for various community itmes; such as park needs, school uniforms, etc. Meetings are 2nd Tuesday of each month. Must be 18 years old to join; $10 dues/individual; $20 dues/family.
Contact: Dennis Rakers                                                                                                                          TOP

AMERICAN LEGION
Armed Service veterans that maintain the post of the Aviston Legion by hosting various events such as dinners, weddings, etc. An honorable respect is made to all members of our armed services, present and past. Meetings are once a month.
Contact: Al (Turk) Kuper                                                                                                                         TOP

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
The ladies meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. This group assists in the Legion’s fund-raisers such as the annual rummage sale, and cook/serve at wedding dinners, funeral lunches, and various banquets. Must be a wife and/or daughter of a veteran.
Contact: Ceil Markus                                                                                                                               TOP

SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION
A member needs to be a son, grandson, great-grandson, or step-son of a military veteran. The Squadron’s intent is to honor our forefather veterans and assist them with maintenance and ceremonies of the Aviston Legion. We serve in community improvements and needs.
Contact: Jerry Kues                                                                                                                                TOP

 
Website Created & Donated by TechKnow Solutions, Inc © 2006