Via Zoom 'gatherings', the Prayer Shawl Ministers blend spiritual practice with a love of knitting and crocheting. We create each shawl with care and prayer, then give them to those in need of comfort, healing, or celebration. Every shawl is blessed after its completion. For details about upcoming gatherings, email stfrancisstamford@gmail.com. To request a shawl for someone—whether to offer comfort or to celebrate a joyful occasion—click REQUEST and fill out as instructed.
Click INVOCATION to read the prayer shared at our gatherings.
For many people, knowing that others are praying for them during times of illness or special need brings strength, healing, and comfort. Our Home Pray-ers are a dedicated group of parishioners who pray individually, on their own schedule, for anyone—whether a parishioner, family member, friend, or someone else—who requests our prayers.
Early in the year, we partner with the Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative to collect new and gently used clothing items. These are sorted and delivered to New Covenant Center for distribution. This drive typically supports over 200 individuals in need.
Preparing and serving dinner for the men at Pacific House is always a rewarding experience! It’s a chance for us to share good conversation and enjoy the warm sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others.
Over the course of two weeks in early spring and fall, we gather new or gently used clothing for Person-to-Person—a wonderful chance for parishioners to clear out their closets while helping those in need.
As summer approaches, we collaborate with the Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative to collect new underwear and socks for men, women, and children. A number of non-profit organizations benefit from this program. The items are delivered to a specified church for sorting and distribution.
While still enjoying the summer months, we help disadvantaged children get ready for the school year by collecting school supplies for Bethel AME's annual Community Day. The children have such fun doing this activity!
Since 2013, St. Francis has hosted Miles for a Mission which is a walk / run to generate funds for a selected non-profit. Typically, the non-profit is a local organization. Donation sponsors are solicited as well as friends and family. Upon the completion of the walk / run, a Dogapalooza contest is held with prizes and lots of tail wags! In 2024, we presented the Salvation Army of Greater Stamford with a check for $30,000!
Click MFM button to go to the Walk / Run website for info, registration, and donations.
Each year, our Outreach Committee invites local organizations to apply for small grants that support their important work in the community. The Committee carefully reviews each application and distributes the awards. This program offers our parishioners a powerful way to share God's love and extend their impact, helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The recipients for 2024 were: Americares Free Clinic, Back to School Shop, Building One Community, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Domus Kids, Family Centers, Filling In the Blanks, Inspirica, Intempo, Kids in Crisis, New Covenant Center, and Starfish Connection.
Click MORE INFO button to read about each organization.
The Dove Program is a long-running social service initiative coordinated by Person-to-Person (P2P) in Darien. Each Christmas season, St. Francis joins over a dozen local churches and schools to collect monetary donations, which P2P uses to provide holiday dinners for families in need. We typically contribute around $1,500 to support this meaningful effort.
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