Ministries & Organizations

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

These are informal Faith Formation Group(s) which help 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. They are short programs that last for only 4-6 sessions. Call if interested in expanding your knowledge and understanding of your faith!

Contact: Deacon Steve AuBuchon
Telephone: 228-7936

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: Nancy Robke
Telephone: 228-7783

BIBLE STUDY

Increase 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.
OCTOBER 25, 2020: St. Francis has decided to postpone Bible Classes until the new year (2021).  With many in the class in the vulnerable age group, and with holiday parties and shopping possibly adding to the increase of COVID cases, it seemed prudent to postpone the class.  We’ll keep you posted in the bulletin and on the web page concerning a specific date for resumption.
November 24, 2020: CLICK HERE for websites to Bible Study resources you can use while our local classes are still postponed.
UPDATE: Feb. 23, 2021: Bible In a Year Podcast: https://media.ascensionpress.com/podcast/all-bible-in-a-year-episodes/

Contact: Deacon Steve AuBuchon
Telephone: 228-7936

BOY SCOUTS

Boys ages 11-18 welcome to discover their duty to self, to others, country, and God. Troop meets every Tuesday at the Aviston American Legion at 7:30pm. Enjoy weekend camping trips and learn outdoor skills. Adult volunteers always needed.

Contact: Dan Pickett
Telephone: 228-7601

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: Fr. Dan Friedman
Telephone: 228-7219

CUB SCOUTS

Established for the purpose of creating well rounded responsible young boys. Boys are introduced to wide range of people and activities. We focus on environmental issues, religion, and community service. Guidelines are provided through workbooks. Meeting 2 hours per month. Adult volunteers always needed.

Contact: Dan Pickett
Telephone: 228-7601

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/orThurs. mornings at 7:30am Mass.

Contact: Milissa Faust
Telephone: 973-7728 or 228-7219 Ext #3
E Mail: dre@stfrancisav.org

HOLY FAMILY SOCIETY

Formerly known as the Catholic Fraternal Life (CFL), C.H.F.S. is a fraternal insurance society. We meet once a month to discuss charitable projects in the community: i.e. aid to schools, churches and community organizations. We also, annually, build a Habitat for Humanity home. Assistance always needed.

Contact: Emily Mashing
Telephone: 920-8289

PSR – CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

Adults help in preparing 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 7:30-8:12am at school.

Contact: Deacon Charles Litteken
Telephone: 228-7726

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
Telephone: 228-7302

PSR – TEACHER & TEACHER'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 – 8:15 am.

Contact: Milissa Faust
Telephone: 228-7219 ext. 3 or 618-973-7728
Mail: dre@stfrancisav.org

C.Y.M. (Youth)

8th grade thru 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 are the last Sunday of the month. All High School & 8th Graders are welcome. Adults who enjoy working with teens are always welcome.

Contact: Lynn Huegen
Telephone: 407-0470
Contact: Deacon Charles Litteken
Telephone: 228-7726

PRE-CANA

Help couples prepare for marriage, by giving 15-12 minute presentation of experiences from 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
Telephone: 594-4298

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 Dall
Telephone: 228-7224
Contact: Steve Maue
Telephone: 314-3189

RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION)

Volunteers work together to prepare individuals to join the Catholic Faith. Adults needed 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: Steve Aubuchon
Telephone: 228-7936
Contact: Deacon Charlie Litteken
Telephone: 228-7726

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.

Contact: Jenny Litteken
Telephone: 228-7211

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 from September through May.

Contact: Amy Strubhart
Telephone: 

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 include ages kindergarten and up. Meetings 1 ½ hours per month.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Be a part of learning! Volunteers needed for 1 week in July from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. Children kindergarten through 6th 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:
Telephone:

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: Dan Mondt
Telephone: 228-7888
Follow Aviston Knights of Columbus on Facebook

PASTORAL COUNCIL

Council members assist and advise the Pastor in the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Parish. Consists of eight members with 3 year terms, three of which are elected annually. Meeting 1 night per month. Must be 18 years or older.

Contact: Lorie Kluemke
Telephone: 

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: Julia Stockmann
Telephone: 228-7407

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: Kevin Burton
Telophone: 570-8224
Contact: Kevin Litteken
Telophone: 779-9938

CHOIR – ADULT

Share the gift God gave you and join the choir! Members sing at 9:30am Sunday and for special feasts and occasions. Practice Sept. through April. Must love to sing and desire to spread the Word of God through song.

Contact: Lois Brandmeyer
Telephone: 228-7833

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
Telephone: 228-7751

CHOIR – EARLY MORNING

Individuals who are early risers help lead the congregation in song at the 7:30 am Sunday Mass. Share your gift and start the morning right. Perfection is not a requirement.

Contact: Julie Stockmann
Telephone: 228-7407

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
Telephone: 228- 7751

CHOIR – SATURDAY EVENING

Individuals who prefer Saturday evening masses help lead the congregation in song at the 7:30 pm Saturday Mass. No scheduled practices. Perfection is not a requirement. Choir currently being formed.

Contact: Michelle Hagen
Telephone: 228-9031

FRIENDS OF ST. VINCENT

This group provides corporal and spiritual works of mercy to those in need. Acts can include providing food and help with other needs. Meeting times and commitment to be established by the members.

Contact: Karrie Schnerre
Telephone: 815-979-4238

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 need.

Contact: Lois Brandmeyer
Telephone: 228-7833

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.

CHOIR – YOUTH

Youth raise your voice in song! Spread God’s Word. 5th through 12th grade sing at various Masses throughout the year. Practice worked around school functions. Desire to sing is required.

Contact: Dan Fuehne
Telephone: 228-7920

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: Marilyn Buscher
Telephone: 660-7165

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: Karen Auer
Telephone: 799-8765

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: Julie Stockmann
Telephone: 228-7407

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 1st Sunday of every month at 10:30am.

Contact: Lynn Huegen
Telephone: 407-0470
Contact: Deacon Charles Litteken
Telephone: 228-7726

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: Fr. Dan Friedman
Telephone: 228-7219

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 needed on a rotational basis. Training provided.

Contact: Frank Hogg
Telephone: 228-7488

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: Peggy Litteken
Telephone: 779-9940

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: Amber Griesbaum
Telephone: 228-7219

HISPANIC OUTREACH

This group 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: Fr. Dan Friedman
Telephone: 228-7219

GREETERS

Friendly men and women who would like to welcome parishioners before Mass. Commitment of 15 minutes before Mass once a month.

Contact: Ann Faust
Telephone: 228-9009

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 1 hour a month, or more if desired. Volunteers also needed for singers and/or musicians who would be able to take part in Communion Service on Sundays approximately 4 times a year.

Contact: Helen Middeke
Telephone: 604-6099
Contact: Ruth Lager
Telephone: 228-7325

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 Friedman
Telephone: 228-7219

PRO-LIFE

Individuals promote events related to Pro-Life through the year. Time commitment varies; no scheduled meetings.

Contact: Fr. Dan Friedman
Telephone: 228-7219

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: Amber Griesbaum
Telephone: 228-7219

ORGANISTS & MUSICIANS

Share your gift with your parish family. Adult and youth volunteers with musical talent for weekday and weekend Masses are needed. Organists, pianists, and all other musicians are welcome.

Contact: Lois Brandmeyer
Telephone: 228-7833

ACIC (AVISTON COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT CLUB)

This group hosts fun events throughout the year as fund-raisers for various community items; such as park needs, school uniforms, etc. Meetings are once a month. Must be 18 years old to join; $10 dues/individual; $12 dues/family.

Contact: Christopher Dall
Telephone: 772-8673

ROSARY LEADERS

Help lead in the prayer of the Rosary before all Masses. Help our Parish keep prayer as a focus. 15-12 minute time commitment per rotating schedule.

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: Dale Rakers
Telephone: 830-8248

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: Joan Frohn
Telephone: 228-7583

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: Marcella Markus
Telephone: 228-7307

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: Amber Griesbaum
Telephone: 228-7219

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: Tim Feldman

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Knights of Columbus – The Niemeyer Agency allows members financial planning assistance for their future.

Contact: Niemeyer Agency
Telephone: 526-7991
Follow Knights of Columbus – The Niemeyer Agency on Facebook