STEWARDSHIP RENEWAL 2022 CATHOLIC CHURCH ST. FRANCIS XAVIER The Eucharist Our Love and Our Life
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Jesus, I give my whole life to You. I thank You for creating me, dying for me, and rising for me. In gratitude, I offer myself to You, asking for the grace to keep You first in my heart. Please give me a spirit of service and love so I can pour out myself for others as You did for me. Help me to use everything You have given me for the good of my family, my parish, and all around me.
Prayer of theGood Steward Amen
At St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, we have embraced stewardship as a way of life for our parish family. Because the Eucharist is at the center of our Faith, it is also at the center of our stewardship way of life. As we enter into this time of Renewal, we are reminded of what a treasure we have in the Eucharist, in the fellowship or our parish family and in the simple acts of service we can offer to each other. Let us focus with new intensity on the Eucharist as our love and our life, offering gratitude to the Giver of this priceless Gift with concrete commitments of Time, Talent and Treasure. 3
Our Love and Our Life
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all… ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it (paragraph 1324).”
— St. Teresa of Calcutta
“When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now.”
• Consider attending one extra Mass each week or making a mid-week visit to Jesus in the Tabernacle.
• Commit to saying grace before meals and have every family member mention one way they were “fed” by God that day.
• Prepare yourself for Sunday Mass by reflecting ahead of time as a family on the lectionary readings that will be proclaimed. Even five or ten minutes will change you!
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Just as our bodies need healthy physical nourishment to survive and thrive, so too, do our spiritual lives require nourishment. We are called to use the gift of time above all to nourish our souls. So, we must take an honest look at ourselves. Do we put our spiritual life first, or do we focus more on the cares of the world or escape from those cares? Do we use our time to obtain the lasting “food” of good spiritual nourishment that Christ and the Church offer to us? When we commit time each day to seeking spiritual food, our loving and generous Father will transform our lives. How will you commit to using your time in the year ahead so that God can truly feed you?
• Every night before bed, pray slowly and lovingly the prayer that Jesus himself taught us, the “Our Father.”
Stewardship Timeof
Consider these ideas to help you get started:
“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.” (John 6: 55-57)
• If you are homebound, we value and need your talents! Consider ways you can serve right from home — helping with phone calls or emails for a ministry or offering skills like sewing or baking for parish events. There are countless ways to serve God’s kingdom.
• Instead of taking family for granted, commit to a daily extra act of service toward a family member as a concrete way to serve the Lord.
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We have heard these words of dismissal at the end of Mass so many times, but have we truly taken them to heart? If the Eucharist is indeed our Love and our Life, then it must touch everything that we do when we leave the Church at the end of Mass. We have been filled up by Love itself; now, in gratitude, we must pour out our lives for others. We must serve Him who has loved us so well by serving others with the talents He has given us.
“Go in peace, glorifying the Lord with your life.”
• We have gone without the beauty of attending Mass in person. Consider serving in a ministry that makes our Church or our liturgies more beautiful.
Stewardship Talent
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• We have all now, to some degree, experienced what life is like for our homebound parish family members. Perhaps join a ministry dedicated to serving their needs.
• Ask yourself if your family budget reflects what you most love in this life so that your spending is a reflection of that love.
“From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need.
• Take a look at your current spending habits, and assess what expenses are preventing you from offering your treasure more selflessly.
Tryfollowingyourselfchallenginginthewaysthisyear:
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For the true steward, money has a spiritual component. When used according to God’s will, our income becomes a sort of prayer — which demonstrates our love and gratitude to God, and our real trust in His plan for our lives. Our spending habits are also a reflection of who and what we truly love. God asks us to love Him above all else. Do we?
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• Commit to giving a percentage of your income to God through the parish offertory as an expression of your love for the God Who withholds nothing of Himself from us.
The custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ who became poor to make us rich” (CCC paragraph 1351).
Stewardship Treasure
Parish Pastoral Council
Contact: Matt Cabeen, thecabeens@gmail.com405-338-9708, 7
The Stewardship Council advises the Pastor regarding the development of stewardship as a way of life for the parishioners. They build a parish community of involvement and participation while encouraging personal faith growth. The committee also evaluates the stewardship efforts of the parish, assists with the Stewardship Renewal, and liaisons with ministry leaders to provide awareness and encourage ministry participation. The Pastor, in conjunction with the current Stewardship Council members, appoints new council members for a three-year term.
Contact: Cade Crawford, cadecrawford@yahoo.com405-880-4109,
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Councils
Contact: Tim Trojan, tim.trojan@gmail.com405-332-6025,
Contact: Jill Metzger, jill_metzger@sbcglobal.net405-385-2695,
The Finance Council advises the Pastor regarding the management of parish finances and property. They review operating procedures and help develop the parish budget. Members are appointed by the Pastor.
Altar servers assist the celebrants in preparing for and celebrating the Mass and other liturgies. This is open to boys and girls who have made their First Communion. Periodic training sessions are held throughout the year, as needed.
Contact: Jenny Nelson, jjnelson1@suddenlink.net405-747-5465,
Stewardship Council
Contact: Fr. Robert Healey, 405-372-6886, frhealey@sfxstillwater.org
MinistriesLiturgical
The choir provides vocal and instrumental music for weekend Masses and occasionally for special Masses and services. Weekly practices are typically on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. The choir sings at the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, but choir members are welcome to sing or play with the cantors at the Saturday 5 p.m. Vigil Mass and the Sunday 11:15 a.m. Mass. Information for each week is sent out via Flocknote. Joining the choir does not mean a commitment to sing every week. We welcome those who can join us even occasionally. We welcome singers and instrumentalists of any age.
Altar Linens
Altar Servers
This group of Sacristans cares for the altar cloths, ensuring they are clean and wrinkle-free.
Choir
2022 Ministries
Finance Council
The Parish Pastoral Council advises the Pastor regarding the promotion of evangelization at our parish. They assess parish needs, advise on parish programs, encourage parish participation in spiritual and apostolic life, and provide a forum for parish dialogue. The Pastor, in conjunction with the current council members, appoints parish council members for a three-year term.
Contact: Marilyn Seiler, marilynseiler72@gmail.com405-334-1630,
Contact: CC Crane, cccrane@ymail.com405-880-1992,
The distribution of Holy Communion at Mass is a sacred ministry of the ordained. However, when the need arises, fully initiated Christian men and women may be invited to collaborate in the ministry of the ordained to their sisters and brothers. In addition to bringing the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the people of God, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion witness to faith in the real presence of Christ by their actions and by the dignity and reverence with which they treat the Body of Christ. EMHC are men and women mandated by the Bishop of Tulsa to collaborate in the ministry of the ordained when a true pastoral need exists as determined by the pastor. (Diocese of Tulsa, 2018)
Ushers
Ushers provide a welcoming, safe and secure church atmosphere. They perform supporting duties before, during, and after each Mass, including seating people for services, identifying gift bearers, collecting and securing the offering, and preparing the nave for the next service.
Greeters provide parishioners and visitors with joy as they enter the church for weekend Masses. They also are the friendly faces that distribute our parish bulletins following the celebration of Mass. Individuals and families are welcome to become greeters at the Mass they usually attend.
This group of Sacristans cares for the Mother Theresa Chapel, including making sure there are candles, lighting utensils, and sand for extinguishing matches.
Sacristans
Sacristans provide behind-the-scenes support to ensure that our liturgies run smoothly. They prepare the sacred vessels, linens, and vestments needed for each liturgy and assure that these items are properly cleaned and stored. The sacristans also prepare the church for the following seasons: Lent, Easter, Advent, and Christmas. Contact: Kathleen Altendorf, 405-820-7038, mktnorman@yahoo.com
Greeters
Lectors assist in the Liturgy of the Word at Mass by proclaiming the readings of the Old and New Testaments in an inspiring and meaningful way. They carefully review the Scripture passages and practice reading them aloud before coming to church. Lectors serve during the daily and weekend Masses.
Contact: Lanette Hickenbottom, 832-489-7937, nethickenbottom@gmail.com
Mother Teresa Chapel
Contact: Daryl Krehbiel, Daryl.MidPlains@gmail.com405-780-2855,
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Lectors
Contact: Angela Weiser, 405-372-9111, aweiser6@gmail.com
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Contact: Kathleen Altendorf, 405-820-7038, mktnorman@yahoo.com
Eucharistic Adoration
The Cleaning Angels assist with cleaning projects around the parish, including dusting and polishing the pews in the Chapel and Nave. The Cleaning Angels also dust the baseboards.
Contact: Rhonda Coon, 517-290-1574, rhocoon@gmail.com
Parish Life Cleaning Angels
Contact: Deacon Randy Hearn, 405-372-6886, dcnhearn@sfxstillwater.org
Contacts: Richard Cronk, 405-269-9786, bendonker@hotmail.com and Judith Cronk, judyklynne@yahoo.com405-269-1229, 9
Meals
Cookie Ministry
Collection Ministry
The Cookie ministers provide a welcoming atmosphere to guests, and freshly baked cookies are made available (along with coffee) in the Parish Welcome Center. Members of the committee are needed to bake cookies on a monthly schedule.
This group of Sacristans prepares the altar for Sunday Mass, including preparing the candles, changing Holy Walter fonts, and cleaning the Sanctuary.
Contacts: Leah Benjamin, 405-372-6886, leah@sfxstillwater.org and Julie Huber, 405-762-6621, jahuber14@gmail.com
The Compassion Meal Ministers assist in arranging meals for those recuperating, grieving, or experiencing other critical conditions. This parish service is managed by the Stillwater Catholic Women.
The collection ministers are responsible for counting all Sunday, Holy Day, Special and Miscellaneous collections. These trained volunteers spend their time and talents sorting, counting, and recording collections weekly. Collection Ministry volunteers work closely with Erin Johnson, Database Manager.
Contact: Denise Stevenson, 405-614-1535, dero03.ds@gmail.com
Weekend Altar Prep
Compassion
Adorers spend time in prayer, meditation, and adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Their devotion provides an outpouring of grace in our parish. Our very first step in our Parish Mission is to Encounter God. This is what is offered to you in Adoration. A time to talk to God and to hear God’s word in your life. Hours including evening, night and early morning hours are being planned and will soon be available.
Hospitality Hospitality Ministers coordinate light snacks and refreshments following the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Members work in groups for two-to three-hour shifts (including Mass time). Duties include serving food and beverages, as well as performing light cleanup. Contacts: Cathy Albright, 405-747-9824, cmalbright@hotmail.com and Toni Smith, 405-334-1165, tonismith95@yahoo.com
Kitchen Angels
Contacts: Amanda Fiorazo, 405-372-6886, amanda@sfxstillwater.org and Julie Huber, jahuber14@gmail.com405-762-6621,
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal service organization of men founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The Knights of Columbus provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, the parish, the community, families, and young people. Our local council is also active in many philanthropic areas, including the Center of Family Love in Okarche, Special Olympics of Oklahoma, and Birthright. Every second Sunday of the month after Mass at St. Francis Xavier, the Knights of Columbus provides a full breakfast following 8:30 a.m. Mass in Parish Hall.
Lenten Dinners
Each Friday during Lent, a different ministry provides an evening meat-free meal after the Stations of the Cross. Lenten Dinner ministers coordinate, set up, and clean up for the parish dinners.
Natural Family Planning (NFP) ministers provide fertility education for parishioners. NFP uses all-natural and highly effective scientific methods to record and interpret signs of fertility so that couples can delay or achieve pregnancy. In keeping with Church teaching, NFP honors the dignity of the human person by respecting the natural rhythms and functions of the body. The main NFP class series, comprising three classes spaced roughly one month apart, are typically offered three times throughout the year for engaged or married couples. During these classes, couples learn how to effectively detect and interpret their own signs of fertility and infertility; and couples apply that knowledge to their own lives. In addition to the “Main Class Series,” “Postpartum” and “Premenopause” classes are also offered by request. Classes are offered through the Couple to Couple League (CCL). To learn more and register, please visit the CCL website at www.ccli.org and search for live onsite classes near ZIP code 74075. Classes are taught by Rose and Matt Cabeen.
Contact: Rose & Matt Cabeen, 405-338-9708, thecabeens@gmail.com
The Kitchen Angels assist with cleaning and organizing the kitchen where needed.
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Knights of Columbus — Council No. 5266
Natural Family Planning (NFP)
Contact: Pedro Velasco, grandknight.kofc5266@gmail.com405-614-4585,
Contact: Gina Agnew, ginaagnew@hotmail.com214-729-8009,
This committee welcomes new parishioners through personal contact and by hosting various events. Members help new parishioners feel welcome by their new parish family.
Online Rosary Ministry
Parish Library Ministry
Upon the arrival of a new baby, members of this ministry assemble meals and gifts to provide support to the growing family. The members deliver these items to the family in hopes of building fellowship as the new, little, precious member is welcomed into our parish community. This service is managed by the Stillwater Catholic Women.
Contact: Sandie Baker, saundradianne@gmail.com918-697-5113,
Beginning with the Covid pandemic, parishioners wanted to pray together, and an online Rosary was formed. Led by Gina and Rob Agnew and a small team of parishioners, the online Rosary is every night at 8 p.m. on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Contact: Gina Agnew, ginaagnew@hotmail.com214-729-8009,
The volunteer receptionists staff the Welcome Center at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. They provide a warm welcome, answer questions, and assist members of the office staff in parishrelated needs.
Contact: Karen Bisges, 405-372-6886, karen@sfxstillwater.org
Parish Receptions coordinate and host receptions for special events in the life of the parish. Contact: Toni Smith, tonismith95@yahoo.com405-334-1165, 11
New Parishioner Welcoming Committee
Contact: Kathy 405-620-3253,Bidelspach,k_s_b13@yahoo.com
New Baby Welcome
Parish Receptions
Parish Office Volunteers
Contacts: Mona Pratt, jmcfester@gmail.comJessicamonapratt@sbcglobal.net405-612-4260,andMitchellTrojan,405-410-6395,
The librarians offer parishioners highquality theological and spiritual books for their growth in faith. The librarians shelve and organize the collection of over 500 books.
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Spanish Language Classes
Contact: Margie Ponce, margarita.c.ponce@gmail.com239-470-8940,
Contacts: Dr. Cida Chase, 405-377-0671, csc1937@okstate.edu and Luz Florez, 405-880-0553, lachiqui_2000@yahoo.com
The parishioners of the Sod Squad assist with lawn care and grounds maintenance through various tasks, such as flower gardening, mowing, weed eating, edging, and general upkeep of the gardens and grounds. They are involved in hands-on projects that may include mowing and landscaping during the spring-fall seasons and snow removal in the winter.
Saturday Rosary Group
Contact: Walter Howell, 405-338-1039, wrhowell4@gmail.com
St. Francis Xavier Parish Festival
St. Francis Xavier offers two weekly Spanish classes. Come learn to communicate with our vibrant community of Spanish-speaking parishioners and explore the fascinating lifeways of Latin America and Spain. Our classroom will allow you to embrace new ways of life and meet some of the Spanish-speaking members of our parish’s growing family.
Saturday Rosary Group meets at St. Francis Xavier every Saturday at 8 a.m. to pray the Rosary, and increase devotion to the Blessed Mother. The first Saturday of the month observes the scripture Rosary prayer format. Afterward, participants are invited to attend the 9 a.m. Mass or enjoy breakfast together!
The Parish Festival Ministers coordinate the annual Parish Festival that is held on a weekend near the Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Dec. 3). The festival includes a sale of handmade gifts and homemade baked goods/candies donated by our generous parishioners. There are activities for children, a variety of delicious foods for lunch, and Christian fellowship. The annual parish festival is stewarded by the Stillwater Catholic Women.
Contact: Kevin Larios, klarios357@earthlink.net405-780-3009,
Sod ChurchSquad:Gardens and Grounds
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Xavier Women
The ministers foster fellowship among women of the St. Francis Xavier Parish and the community of Stillwater. They provide services for other members of the parish, such as bereavement meals, compassion meals, new baby welcoming, sacramental receptions, scholarships, the St. Francis Xavier Parish Festival, and the Women’s Lenten Retreat. They also participate in the activities of the Stillwater Church Women United and the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month. All women of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church are considered members of the Stillwater Catholic Women.
Catholic Homeschool Group
Contact: Catie Hanson, Catherine.R.Hanson@gmail.com405-612-8153,
Contact: Gloria Cabeen, gloriacabeen@gmail.com203-605-3989,
Contacts: Jennifer Ringwald, 405-476-0564, jringwa82@gmail.com and Jenny Nelson, 405-747-5465, jjnelson1@suddenlink.net
Parishioners meet to pray and lend their skills to this compassion ministry by knitting and/or crocheting prayer shawls and baby blankets. This ministry meets weekly on Wednesday in the Parish Hall from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and weekly on Thursday in the Youth Lounge from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All are invited who either already know how to knit/crochet or would like to learn.
Wrapped in Prayer
Spiritual Direction can be defined as a process carried out in the context of a one-on-one relationship in which a competent guide helps another to grow in the spiritual life by means of personal encounters that have the directee’s spiritual growth as its explicit focus. The spiritual director facilitates discernment and exploration of feelings, senses, and images of the Directee to recognize the Spirit at work. This ministry is for those individuals who are willing to engage regularly (approximately monthly) in an open sharing between themselves and a trained spiritual director on the fundamental activity of the interior life, namely, prayer, both as it is directly experienced by the individual and as it affects his/her daily life.
This ministry provides support for parish families that homeschool their children, as well as community service opportunities and social activities.
High School Lunch
Contact: Marilyn Seiler, marilynseiler72@gmail.com405-334-1630,
The High School Lunch volunteers prepare lunch for all high school students from 12-1 p.m. on Fridays, in the parish gymnasium. They assist with activities such as shopping, cooking, serving, and cleanup. Gift cards are welcome to help pay for the food and supplies.
Youth FormationFaith
Contact: Ashleigh Martin, 405-269-3786, ashleigh@sfxstillwater.org
Spiritual Direction
Vacation Bible School Ministry Team
The SFX ECDC is a joyful, nurturing Christ-centered community, rooted in the Catholic faith, providing for the total development of our students through active and engaged learning. The SFX ECDC is committed to educating children and keeping all children safe. Our safety measures include an automated check-in system, gated playground, and tornado shelter. The program fosters the desire in children to come to know God and utilizes an across-the-board curriculum from the Frog Street Press. This curriculum meets the needs of the “whole child” and includes language, social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and motor development. SFX ECDC serves children from 12 months old to Pre-K age and is built around the needs of each individual child. A summer program is also available for children aged 12 months to 8 years old. The center is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers flexible attendance options. Parents can choose from a two, three, or five-day a week program with half days or full days offered for working professionals.
Vacation Bible School Ministry Team members coordinate and assist with our annual summer Vacation Bible School program for children Pre-K through fifth grade. The VBS Ministry Team’s mission is to provide a welcoming, fun, and safe atmosphere for our kids to be able to feel comfortable, meet friends, have fun, and grow in their love for Jesus! Adults and youth in sixth grade or above are welcome and encouraged to volunteer.
Xavier Kids Ministry Team
Contact: Jacob Farni, jacob@sfxstillwater.org405-372-6886,
The Xavier Kids Ministry Team’s mission is to assist in the faith formation of children in Pre-K through fifth grade. Team members assist in faith formation in the following ways: setting up for Xavier Kids events, leading small groups, teaching group lessons, leading and brainstorming games, operating our check-in and check-out system, as a member of the welcoming crew to greet and help create a hospitable and fun environment for the kids during Xavier Kids events, and assisting with First Communion and First Reconciliation Sacrament Preparation classes.
Contact: Jacob Farni, jacob@sfxstillwater.org405-372-6886,
Xavier Teens (formerly EDGE and LifeTeen)
St. Francis Xavier Early Childhood Development Center (SFX ECDC)
Volunteers assist in carrying out the Xavier Teens Program for middle school-age students and high school-age students. This ministry offers spiritual, social and service events focused on inviting youth to live a more active faith life. The youth are challenged to examine various aspects of their faith and to grow in their understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church. Participants help shape our parish and prepare themselves to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. The Xavier Teens Program meets on Sunday evenings. Confirmation begins in 11th grade. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated during the 11th-grade year of high school.
Contact: Ashleigh Martin, 405-269-3786, ashleigh@sfxstillwater.org
Contact: Claudia Ogrin, claudia@sfxstillwater.org405-334-5154,
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Becoming Catholic (also known as RCIA) Becoming Catholic is a way for nonCatholics to learn what the Catholic faith is all about, what we believe, and why we believe it. We are always looking for sponsors to walk in faith with those learning and growing in a relationship with Jesus. This group meets weekly beginning in September to the Easter Vigil. This ministry needs sponsors, and assistance with hospitality, food, setup, and cleanup.
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Contact: Jennifer Ringwald, 405-476-0564, jringwa82@gmail.com
Contact: Jessica Petter, jessica@sfxstillwater.org405-372-6886,
Adult FormationFaith
Catholic Young Adults of the Stillwater Area (CYA)
The mission of Catholic Young Adults is to put parishioners in their 20s and 30s in touch, communication, and relationship with Jesus Christ through faith and fellowship with the greater Catholic Young Adult Community. Follow us on social media or the Parish website for upcoming events!
Contact: Jessica Petter, jessica@sfxstillwater.org405-372-6886, Moms, INC (In the Name of Christ) Mom’s, INC is a group for mothers of all ages with children of all ages, may it be biological or adoptive and fostering. We support each other in our vocation of motherhood. Members gather monthly for the First Saturday Mass at 9 a.m. in the Nave, with a Mom’s Morning Out afterward. We gather to be rejuvenated by the Mass and by each other. Please join us and invite your friends, sisters, and mothers!
Retreat in Daily Life Since the sixteenth century when St. Ignatius of Loyola created the Spiritual Exercises, people from all walks of life have been drawn to this powerful retreat experience. The most common form of the Spiritual Exercises used today is “The Retreat in Daily” or the 19th Annotation Retreat. Those desiring to make this retreat commit to a specified time of daily personal prayer (minimum of 3045 minutes) with scripture followed by reflection on the prayer and the keeping of a journal totaling one hour. This 32-week prayer journey occurs between September and May of each year and is for those who want to live more deeply in relationship with God. It is a time set apart in the midst of everyday life to help participants discern more clearly God’s movement in their hearts, heed His call, and act as disciples bringing His message to others using their unique gifts and graces.
Contact: Marilyn Seiler, marilynseiler72@gmail.com405-334-1630, Small Faith Sharing Community (previously Sunday Morning Discussion Group) Group discussions focus on understanding the Scripture readings as the readings relate to one’s day-to-day lived experiences. Participants have the opportunity to explore their awareness of how God works in their lives, to share how their faith affects their spiritual wellbeing, to express their gratitude for God’s blessings, and to pray for personal, local, and global needs. Participants meet on Sundays at 10 a.m.
Contact: Karen Bisges, 405-372-6886, karen@sfxstillwater.org
Contact: Sandy Soulek, 405-372-4307, ssoulek@hotmail.com and Mary Davenport, mary@teamstillwater.com405-747-5651,
Outreach
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Contact: Clem & Mimi Ward, 405-377-3884, cmbjward@sbcglobal.net
The members of this group unite together to establish a closer bond with each other. They provide social and spiritual support through regularly scheduled activities. The OWLS meet in the Parish Hall at 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, unless there is a scheduled outing.
Ambassadors
The parishioners of St. Francis Xavier are very proud of their new church home and enjoy showing newcomers the wonderful things inside the church and its facilities. The Ambassadors volunteer to give tours for those interested in seeing the beauty and learning more about St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
The OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Saints) 55+ Club
Contact: Kathleen Bays, 405-743-9258, kbays@sbcglobal.net
Bereavement Committee
Food Backpack Ministry
The Food Backpack Ministry ensures that every child from Stillwater Middle School who has a need will receive nutritional food to eat on the weekends while away from school. Currently, the ministry is serving over 45 children per week, which amounts to over 1,400 food bags per school year. Members of the ministry help prepare the food bags and distribute them to the school weekly. Each volunteer signs up to deliver food bags to the Middle School for one month of the school year.
Giving Tree
Contacts: Mona Pratt, da1willett@aol.comDoloresmonapratt@sbcglobal.net405-612-4260,andWillett,405-612-2890,
Contact: Ashley Klepper, klepper.ashley@gmail.com405-923-2216,
At Christmastime each year, this ministry gathers gifts for those who are less fortunate. Previous recipients include Birthright, Mission of Hope, Mother Teresa Ministry, Wings of Hope, among others, as well as local families.
Contact: Jeanne Campbell, 405-377-5683, stillwater@birthright.org
Birthright is a pro-life crisis pregnancy center that provides free, confidential services including pregnancy tests, emotional support, baby clothes, diaper assistance, and non-judgmental help. Birthright also makes referrals for prenatal support; financial resources; employment; housing; legal/social assistance; parenting classes and adoption. To learn more about Birthright, visit their website at 405-332-15551-800-550-4900Contactbirthright.org/stillwater/.Birthrightforservices:(Toll-Free)(TextingOption)
As a service to grieving families, our parish provides a meal following the funeral service. Often these meals can be quite large, so many volunteers are needed to prepare and serve the meal. The activities of this outreach program are managed by the Stillwater Catholic Women.
Catholic Charities Education Center — Stillwater Utilizing the St. Francis Xavier Church at 6th and West, the Stillwater branch of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma seeks to assist men and women to enter the workforce by offering a variety of classes and seminars. Services that will be offered include high school equivalency exam classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), computer training, Microsoft Office Application courses, and career coaching. Volunteers are needed to mentor, teach, and work behind the scenes to provide childcare and food for our students while they are in class.
Contact: Robin FitzGerald, 918-508-7101, rarfitzg@gmail.com
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Birthright of Stillwater
The Mother Teresa Ministry’s mission is to respond to the Gospel message of Jesus by assisting the poor and marginalized in our community. This is accomplished by sharing gifts given to us with those whose immediate and critical needs cannot be met from other sources (public agencies, churches, family, and friends).
The Grief Support Ministry coordinates Seasons of Hope, a Catholic faith-based support group for those who have experienced loss. This support group consists of six weekly sessions, where participants explore mourning through Scripture, prayer, reflection activities, and faith sharing. Individual grief support sessions are also available.
Contact: Brandi Bishop, 405-269-2252, brandi@sfxstillwater.org
Homebound Communion
Contact: Brandi Bishop, 405-269-2252, brandi@sfxstillwater.org
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit Catholics who are physically or mentally unable to join the community for the celebration of Mass, meeting them where they reside in their home or care facility to maintain a connection between them and the Catholic Community. Flexible Schedule.
Mother Teresa Ministry
Contact: Clem Ward, cmbjward@sbcglobal.net405-372-7673,
Volunteers respond weekly to phone message requests for assistance and issue vouchers as appropriate. Specific collections are designated to support this ministry on Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, and four Holy Days when not on a Sunday (Jan. 1, Aug. 15, Nov. 1, and Dec. 8). Individual donations are welcome at any time.
Love NeighborThy
Health and Wellness Ministry
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The Health and Wellness Ministry embodies the compassionate healing love of Jesus Christ. Focusing on body, mind, and spirit wellness, we provide outreach through education and advocacy in the parish and the larger community. The Health and Wellness Ministry is led by the parish nurse and comprised of parishioners with an interest in promoting health and wellness. Programs and services coordinated by the Health and Wellness Ministry include monthly blood pressure clinics, coordination of support groups, personal health coaching, referrals to community resources, bereavement and caregiver support, and health education through classes, seminars, and weekly bulletin articles.
Contact: Marilyn Seiler, marilynseiler72@gmail.com405-334-1630,
Grief Support Ministry
Couples are asked to contact the priest or deacon at least six months in advance of the planned wedding date, to attend Natural Family Planning classes, and to register for a Marriage Preparation retreat.
Members of the Stephen Ministry are specially trained and commissioned to bring Christian support and the healing love of God to those in need of firsthand love and support. They are not professional counselors or psychologists but seek to provide Christian support in a confidential, caring relationship with a person in need. If you or someone you know needs a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on, call Stephen Ministry.
Sacraments
On the third Monday of each month, volunteers from St. Francis Xavier assist shoppers and stock shelves for Our Daily Bread, a non-profit food and resource center for Payne County. On the designated day, volunteers meet at Our Daily Bread, at 12:45 p.m. (701 E 12th Street in Stillwater). We gather for a brief orientation prior to startup. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes. St. Francis Xavier parishioners may donate nonperishable food to Our Daily Bread by placing food in the tub labeled “Our Daily Bread,” located in the narthex of the church. Parishioners may also donate clean plastic bags and clean egg cartons. Additional information may be found at www.ourdailybreadstillwater.org
Our Daily Bread
Couples preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony are invited to participate in PreCana classes with the Pastor and at the diocesan level. A team of married couples from the parish provides presentations and leads discussions on related topics.
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Contact: Fr. Brian O’Brien, 405-372-6886, frobrien@sfxstillwater.org
Contact: Clem Ward, cmbjward@sbcglobal.net405-377-3884,
Stephen Ministry
Contacts: Angela Pradia, meholley.meh@gmail.comMaryangie_mklady@yahoo.com405-762-9405,andEllenHolley,405-762-9357,
Pre-Cana Classes (Marriage Prep)
711 N. Country Club Rd • Stillwater, OK 74075 www.SFXStillwater.org • Phone: (405) 372-6886 Please Keep This Catalog Until Fall 2023 Every member of this parish family has been called by God to be here, in this time and in this place, for a reason — to be loved by Him and to love Him and others in return. He has given us Love itself in the Eucharist. Let us love Him in return with our Time, our Talents, and our Treasure, so that we can truly say Call Actionto COMMITMENT CARD: