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St. Francis Parish offers a daily welcoming presence, a safe sleeping space and a nutritional breakfast to approximately 16 of
our homeless brothers and sisters.
We serve over 100 in a year.
We Are Called To “Feed the Hungry” & “Shelter the Homeless”
“God comes in every voice, behind every face, in every memory, deep in every struggle.”
Our brothers and sisters who are homeless and find shelter with us every night need your generosity and prayerful support.
The cold, dark days of winter are especially daunting for those who live their lives on the streets.
During the holiday season, particularly at this time of year with its festive, family activities, many of us want to share
with those who are most vulnerable among us. Below are some opportunities for you to consider:
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Step Ministry - Financial Support
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Donations provide the following services:
- $5:0 One night’s shelter & breakfast for 1 of our guests
- $10: One week’s breakfast for 1 of our guests
- $20: One night’s shelter & breakfast for 4 of our guests
- $35: One week’s shelter & breakfast for 1 of our guests
- $50: Christmas Eve motel voucher for 1 of our guests
Green donation envelopes are in the racks in the back of church and may be placed in the collection basket or mailed in.
More Information:
Learn more about our Step Ministry
Call Kay (916) 443-8084 x111
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Breakfast Ministry - Food Items & Financial Support
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Food Donations:
(Collection on the first Sunday of the month or brought to Parish Center)
Food Items We Can Use:
- Individual fruit cups
- Individual fruit juice boxes
- Individual cold cereal boxes
- Peanut-butter crackers
- Breakfast bars
- Hot Chocolate packets
- Coffee
We supplement these items with our purchases of cheese sticks, fresh fruit and milk.
Financial Donations:
Financial donations are welcome and appreciated to cover these expense items. We cannot use canned goods. PLEASE do not
drop off perishable items or clothing. Call Kay (916) 443-8084 x111 for further information.
More Information:
Learn more about our Breakfast Ministry
Call Kay (916) 443-8084 x111
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Step Ministry to the Homeless
One day each week
6-7:30PM in the Parish Center Courtyard
"What you do for the least of my brethren...."
Homeless not only for a room made of bricks but homeless from being rejected, unwanted, completely torn out of society....
That unwanted one is my brother and my sister....
We belong to each other. – Mother Teresa
The courtyard of our Parish Center provides a sacred dwelling place where a community of ministers and homeless guests meet each
other on holy ground and give witness and dignity to our shared experiences. This ministry is rooted in Scripture and
responds to the call to welcome strangers, provide shelter to the wanderer, love thy neighbor, and not turn away from the needs
of others.
As a Step Minister, you have the opportunity to serve as a welcoming presence for the homeless guests of the St. Francis Step
Ministry one day a week from 6-7:30PM.
The Step Ministry provides a safe, peaceful and private place to sleep in the Parish Center Courtyard. This ministry is rooted in
Scripture and responds to the call to welcome strangers, provide shelter to the wanderer, love thy neighbor, and not turn away
from the needs of others.
More Information:
Breakfast Ministry
The Breakfast Ministry began, appropriately, on the Feast of All Saints, November 1st, 2001, to serve a simple morning meal twice a
week to the Guests who sleep on our church steps. Since that time, through many generous hearts, we have slowly expanded and are now serving seven days a week.
The Ministry depends on our morning teams (better known as the Breakfast Club!) who actually serve the guests each morning, as
well as on food donations from the rest of the parish. Donations are always welcome. Items we can use are: coffee, juice, baked
goods, string cheese, instant oatmeal, cocoa packets, cold cereal and hard boiled eggs. Donations can be dropped off at the Parish
Center M-F, 9-5 or in the carts provided at mass on the first weekend of every month.
Mission Statement
- Providing a place where all are welcome.
- Recognizing the presence of Christ in each other as we
gather together in the courtyard each evening to listen, share, and
support one another.
- Responding compassionately to the needs of our guests,
believing it is gospel justice for all to have a safe place to sleep.
- Being considerate of the impact of this ministry on the
extended community.
Vision Statement
- Be an expression of love.
- Continue to evolve in understanding and responding to our gospel call.
- Be a model for other churches and communities.
- Collaboratively build community and maintain sacred space.
- Support each other in life transitions.
- Seek to enhance community awareness of the needs of the homeless.
- Provide opportunities for neighbor/community interaction with Step guests and ministers.
- Share with others from the heart of our experience with the Step Ministry.
- Model the Franciscan spirit by being instruments of peace, love, forgiveness, faith, hope, light, and joy in all aspects of the ministry.
- Collaborate with the parish community and administrative body.
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For More Information
Please Contact:
Kay Skoniecnzy
(916) 443-8084 x111
KayS@stfrancisparish.com
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