Ministries

Volunteers

Contact information is given for each of our ministries below. If you want to volunteer or participate in a ministry, but don't know which one, please contact Veronica Thomas. We'll be happy to help you find your ministry.

Contact: Veronica Thomas at (401) 274-3434 ext. 131; vthomas@stfrancischapel.com 

The Poverello Center

The Poverello Center is the Franciscan outreach that serves the needy and poor through Food and Wellness programs which are:

Contact: Elizabeth O'Dea at (401) 455-3740; eodea@stfrancischapel.com

The Bread & Blessings Sandwich Program

The Bread & Blessings Sandwich Program is a ministry that strives to feed the poor and homeless in Providence. Three times a week, over thirty (30) volunteers of all ages serve coffee, hot chocolate, pastry and bag lunches to more than two hundred (200) men, women and children at the Beneficent Congregational Church located at 300 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence. Those bagged lunches are made three times a week by another thirty (30) volunteers.

Contact: Fr. Brice Leavins, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 100; info@stfrancischapel.com

Liturgical Ministries

Fr. Charles welcomes and trains those who attend Church of St. Mary and St. Francis Chapel who wish to serve as Liturgical Ministers. The Ministry includes lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, crossbearers, altar servers, greeters and ushers.

Contact: Fr. Charles O'Connor, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 143; coconnor@stfrancischapel.com

Music Ministry

Music During Mass

Saturday 5:00 PM - Music Ensemble Mass
Sunday 8:00 AM - Congregational Mass
Sunday 10:00 AM - Choral Music Mass (with choir September to June)

Church of St. Mary on Broadway Choir "Sing on Broadway!"

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!

If you think you have a pretty good singing voice, have always wanted to “Sing on Broadway,” and have Thursday nights free this year for singing, camaraderie and refreshment call (401) 274-3434 ext. 110 and leave your name and phone number or  e-mail Kathryn Chester at kchester@stfrancischapel.com.

We would love to have you join us!

Schedule

September to June

Commitment

Weekly Rehearsals
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the choir rehearsal room; rear entrance of church and Sundays 9:00 AM in the choir loft.

Weekly Mass
Sundays 10:00 AM

Optional Masses
(Notify director immediately if unavailable.)
Christmas Eve
Holy Week
Other

Admission Requirement

Permission of director of music.

Contact: Kathryn Chester at (401) 274-3434 ext. 110; kchester@stfrancischapel.com

Religious Education

Kindergarten Program

Our kindergarten program focuses on basic concepts: God’s love for us, Church as community, loving and sharing with family and friends, stories that Jesus told us, and praying and singing with God. Children engage in age-appropriate active, hands-on learning, building on the faith formation that their families have begun to inspire in them.

First Communion: Grades 1 and 2

First Communion is a two-year program that begins in grade 1 and culminates in receiving the sacrament at the end of grade 2.

Developing A Strong Faith: Grades 3 through 6

During these years, children acquire a sense of community within St. Mary’s parish and a deeper knowledge and understanding of their faith. The years between the sacraments may be the most important time for developing a young adult’s sense of spirituality.

Confirmation: Grades 7 and 8 (This is a change.)

Confirmation is a two-year program that begins in grade 7, runs through grade 9, and culminates in receiving the sacrament in the fall of grade 9. Children who have attended Catholic School throughout their middle school grades, are required to complete a one-year program only. These teenagers should register in grade 8 and participate in Year 2 of the Confirmation program.

Sacramental Prep For Older Children: Any grade

Is your child older and not made First Communion? Has your toddler or school-age child not been baptized? Is your teenager a junior or senior in high school and not confirmed? Has your child received none of the sacraments? Not a problem.

Register your child and we will organize an individual or small age-appropriate group for instructing the child in preparation for the sacrament and then assign him/her to the appropriate level of peers. Children who are older than usual learn the concepts much more quickly, so correct instruction can place them on a fast track to receive the sacrament within the year.

Schedule

Classes are held on Sunday mornings from 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM. A schedule of dates is provided upon registration.

Registration

For more information or to register your children please contact Diane DiSanto, Ed.D., at (401) 274-3434 ext. 144; ddisanto@stfrancischapel.com.

Registration Fee

Our Religious Education Program requires a registration fee of $10.00 per child (with a maximum fee of $30 per family). Funds will help to offset the cost of books, Bibles, and materials for the classrooms. Anyone who cannot afford this fee should speak to the director. All children are welcome.

 

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a program designed for two groups:

So, are you an adult who would like to become Catholic? Were you baptized but never received your First Communion and/or Confirmation? RCIA may be the appropriate next step for you on your faith journey. RCIA is a program of inquiry, preparation, acceptance, and celebration of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) in the Catholic faith.

RCIA generally runs from mid-September to early May. The program has several stages and sacraments are celebrated at the Easter Vigil each year.

Contact: Diane DiSanto Ed.D., at (401) 274-3434 ext. 144; ddisanto@stfrancischapel.com

Faith Formation

Contact: Diane DiSanto, Ed.D., at (401) 274-3434 ext. 144; ddisanto@stfrancischapel.com

Prison Ministry

The Franciscans in Providence and their partners in minitry have been ministering at the Maximum Security facility of the Rhode Island Adult Corrections Institution since 1996. The ministry is centered on the men and their celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday mornings. The ministry also includes preparing men ofr the reception of sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion) and providing classes on Sacred Scripture.


Contact: Fr. Michael Joyce, OFM at (401) 274-3434 ext. 132; mjoyce@stfrancischapel.com

Coffee Ministry

The Church of St. Mary holds a coffee hour on the first Sunday of each month following the 10:00 AM Mass. This time together provides the opportunity for parishioners to gather, get to know each other, and socialize in a casual setting.

A wonderful group of people do a great job running this coffee hour each month, and we certainly appreciate all they do. Sharing the responsibilities, however, is important, especially since people may need to take a particular weekend off due to illness or other commitments. People can serve in several capacities:

At each coffee hour, a free will offering box sits on the table. Donations are appreciated to offset the cost of coffee, cream, and paper supplies. We serve organic, free trade coffee.

This is a call to stewardship. This ministry is important to our building community at the Church of St. Mary.

Contact: Diane DiSanto, Ed. D., at (401) 274-3434 ext. 144; ddisanto@stfrancischapel.com

Bazaar Committee

Contact: Diane DiSanto, Ed.D., at (401) 274-3434 ext. 144; ddisanto@stfrancischapel.com

St. Francis Knitters

The Knitting Ministry (or Crochet Ministry, if you prefer) is exceptionally active and vibrant. Our knitters produce a wide variety of goods for a number of different purposes, each one unique in its goal and meaning to the parish.

Our Weekly Knitters for Poverello

A committed group of knitters meet weekly on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (except for Tuesdays that follow a Monday holiday). They work diligently, socialize, and enjoy light morning refreshments as they knit hats, scarves, mittens, blankets, or sweaters for those in need of warm clothing during the winter. These handmade items are distributed basically to two groups: Families who shop at the Poverello Center and homeless individuals who frequent our Bread & Blessings Sandwich Program.

Our Bazaar on Broadway Knitters

All types of clothing, decorative items, afghans, baby clothes, handbags, or unique specialties are created by talented crafters and sold at the parish Bazaar on Broadway, held on the third weekend in November. Many of our knitters also have friends who knit or crochet and donate high quality items which we sell at reasonable prices. Anyone wishing to contribute his/her talent for a good cause is welcome. We often ask, “Can you make ONE item for our bazaar?”

Our Prayer Shawl Knitters

Prayer shawls provide comfort, consolation and warmth to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one or are suffering from major illness. Knitters in this ministry pray for the recipient while they knit soft, comforting shawls. Our Ministers of Care and/or the friars distribute these shawls as a tangible symbol of caring on the part of the Church of St. Mary community. Shawls received before October 4, which is the Feast of St. Francis, will be blessed during 10:00 AM Mass on Sunday at the Church of St. Mary. Two women from Hartford, CT initiated the Prayer Shawl Ministry, which has grown into a national movement. You can read more about the origin of the shawl ministry at www.shawlministry.com.

Our Home Knitters

Many people cannot meet with us in to knit but enjoy the craft and want to do something to benefit those in need. They knit at home. One faithful home knitter, for example, is a ninety-one year old lady whose knitting helps her arthritis in her fingers. One winter she singly produced about two hundred pairs of colorful children’s mittens. Another young woman amazingly finds time to knit at home while caring for her three children.

Our Corporate and Business Knitters

On occasion, employees from various businesses call wishing to knit for our ministries. They meet weekly during their lunch or as often as they wish. Our knitters are willing to meet occasionally with any such group to discuss needs, to provide yarn, or to pick up knit goods.

FAQ about Our Knitting /Crocheting Ministry

1. What if I do not know how to knit?
Our knitters are happy to teach new people. In addition to contributing to our ministry, you will acquire the skills to create homemade fashions for yourself, friends, and family.

2. If I knit or crochet, but do not have yarn, how can I participate?
Some people knit with yarn they have since they craft for their own pleasure and accumulate it. We provide yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks to anyone who wants to knit or crochet but does not have supplies.

3. Do you accept donations of yarn?
Yes. Donations of yarn are appreciated. Avid knitters donate excess supplies on occasion. All kinds of yarn are put to good use. Monetary donations are also appreciated so that we can purchase yarn for special projects.

Contact: Diane DiSanto, Ed.D., at (401) 274-3434 ext. 144; ddisanto@stfrancischapel.com

Men of St. Francis 

Contact:  Parish Ministry Office at (401) 274-3434 ext. 100; info@stfrancischapel.com

Women of Service & Spirit

The Women of Service & Spirit is a faith in action ministry, which aptly takes its name from the story of Martha and Mary who both work and pray in the company of Jesus.

The women take on a variety of projects, such as “Pack-a-Backpack,” conducted every summer to provide backpacks and school supplies for children who attend Sophia Academy or are members of the families who shop at the Poverello Center. In its origin, the group primarily assisted Sophia Academy. “Sophia,” which means “wisdom” in Greek became, and continues to be, the focal point of the group’s prayer and meditation.

The Women of Service & Spirit meet on the first Saturday of the month (subject to change) at 9:30 AM and assist in a Parish Ministry Office project such as the backpacks or our annual bazaar. They take time, however, to read and reflect on a Scripture passage, a poem, or brief piece of writing. The women share faith experience, pray, reflect, and engage in activities that further our parish goals. All women are welcome to join this group at any time.

Wisdom is bright and does not grow dim.
By those who love her she is readily seen.
And found by those who look for her.
                                                                                     Wisdom 6:12

Contact: Diane DiSanto, Ed.D., at (401) 274-3434 ext. 144; ddisanto@stfrancischapel.com

Secular Order of Franciscans

At the Church of St. Mary, a group of approximately 20 women and men have publicly chosen to live lives according to the gospel in the spirit and charism of St. Francis of Assisi and the rules of the Secular Franciscan Order.

The Secular Franciscan Order, formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, is an official Order within the Catholic Church, and was established by St. Francis of Assisi early in the thirteenth century.

Members do not live in community, but live their everyday lives in the world. However, members gather together in fraternity on a regular basis. By profession, they promise to follow a Rule of Life approved and confirmed by Pope Paul VI in June of 1978.

We are people from all walks of life who support each other in prayer and ministry. We have many ministries at St. Mary's and several others throughout Rhode Island. We invite you to come and join us on our journey.

Contact: Phyllis Cicchetti at (401) 331-6510; info@stfrancischapel.com

Gay & Lesbian Friends of St. Francis

Contact: Fr. Scott Brookbank, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 176; sbrookbank@stfrancischapel.com

Ministry of Care

The Ministry of Care at the Church of St. Mary provides a number of different services. "The Ministers of Care are committed to visit the sick to offer them hope and bring them communion and to re-ensure them of the parish's family prayers and to serve the families who are experiencing grief from a death of a love one. They also commit to attended scheduled meetings with the Director of Spiritual Life."

Serving the Sick and Homebound

If  you have a family member, who is homebound or hospitalize and needing of a spiritual friend, who will bring the holy Eucharist and will pray with the person, or if you are interested in being trained as a Minister of Care who visits the homebound or hospitalize, please contact Fr. Scott.

Contact: Fr. Scott Brookbank, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 176; sbrookbank@stfrancischapel.com.

Bereavement Team

Another service offered by Ministry of Care is The Bereavement Team. Ministers of the Bereavement Team are designated as the Liturgical Ministers for funerals. They will work with the presider to prepare the Church for the Funeral Mass and greet the bereaved and at times function as a Lector.

Contact: Fr. Scott Brookbank, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 176; sbrookbank@stfrancischapel.com

Friars

Contact: Fr. Steven Patti, OFM, (401) 274-3434 ext. 130; spatti@stfrancischapel.com

St. Mary's Board

Contact: Fr. Steven Patti, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 130; spatti@stfrancischapel.com

Pastoral Council

Contact: Fr. Steven Patti, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 130; spatti@stfrancischapel.com

Finance Council

Contact: Fr. Steven Patti, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 130; spatti@stfrancischapel.com

Poverello Board

Contacts: Fr. Steven Patti, OFM, at (401) 274-3434 ext. 130; spatti@stfrancischapel.com and/or Elizabeth O'Dea at (401) 455-3740; eodea@stfrancischapel.com