Community Outreach

Channel One
Channel One is the Olmsted County Foodshelf. St. Francis of Assisi parishioners volunteer one Saturday morning each month at the Channel One warehouse to pack NAPS (National Assistance Program for Seniors) or MAC (Mother and Child) boxes. Parishioners may also volunteer individually to stock shelves and work in the supplemental food shelf. A collection barrel is located in the Gathering Space; parishioners are encouraged to donate non-perishable food at any time.

Charities Committee
The Charities Committee determines the disbursement of monies collected via the “Assistance For Neighbors In Need” envelope included in the parishioners’ packet of envelopes. This committee considers charity requests forwarded to St. Francis of Assisi Parish from local agencies and organizations and allots funds to the Deacons for Neighbors In Need. The Charities Committee meets twice a year, usually in June and December. A representative from the Pastoral Council is the group leader. Must be an active parishioner and a current participant in stewardship giving.

Dorothy Day House
The Dorothy Day House provides temporary housing and meals to those in need. Various areas of support are offered, and volunteer opportunities include making and serving meals, and staffing the house.

Social Concerns Committee
Social Concerns Committee members work to assist those in need within our parish and our community, working for justice and peace. Volunteers assist refugees, help with transportation for various needs, and work on other ongoing projects including Habitat for Humanity and The Sunday Meals Program. Time commitment varies and all offers are welcome.

Resource Room
The Resource Room is designed to assist people who have items to donate, and those who need them. Volunteers are needed to collect or pick up donations, and organize them for those in need. Time commitment varies; all offers are welcome.

Shawl Ministry
Members of the Shawl Ministry knit or crochet prayer shawls for others in need of comfort, solace, or healing. Each shawl is crafted with prayer for the recipient, then blessed by the parish priests. Daytime or evening groups are available; meetings usually once per month.

Sunday Lunch Program
The Sunday Lunch Program is a weekly Sunday noon meal sponsored by the six Rochester Catholic parishes and provided at no cost. Lunch in McCarthy Hall at St. Francis of Assisi Church is served by each parish on a six-week rotation. Each parish is responsible for providing approximately 12 volunteers on their assigned Sunday. Channel One food bank is the main source for the food served. The planning committee is comprised of two representatives from each parish and meets on the first Monday of each month at St. Francis of Assisi. Commitment of one year is appreciated.