Via Zoom 'gatherings', PSM combines a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice with a love of knitting and / or crocheting. Shawls made by the group are given to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Blessings are prayed into every shawl. Click stfrancisstamford@gmail.com for more info regarding 'get-together' dates and times. To request a Prayer Shawl for a friend or family member (in celebration of a good event or to provide comfort), please click REQUEST and fill out as instructed.
Click INVOCATION to read the prayer that is said at every gathering.
For many, having others pray for them as they face illness or times of special need is a source of strength, healing, and comfort. The Home Pray-ers are a group of parishioners who pray individually, on their own schedule, for anyone (parishioner, family member, friend, or other) who wants our prayers.
As a member of the Interfaith collaborative, St. Francis does its part in supporting the periodic Midnight Run by collecting new and gently used clothing and new personal care items which are separated and loaded onto a truck. Sandwiches, soup and coffee are prepared. The truck is typically driven to NYC for the late night 'run'.
Midnight Run's goals are to find common ground between the housed and the homeless, and to provide human contact in a forum of trust and affection. Many schools, churches and civic groups make these trips.
Annually, local organizations are invited to apply for a grant from St. Francis church. Applications are reviewed and awarded by the Outreach Committee. This is another avenue for parishioners to make a difference in the community. Some past recipients are: Americares Free Clinics, Back to School Shop, Building One Community, Child Guidance Centers, Filling in the Blanks, Housing Development Fund, Inspirica, Laurel House, New Covenant Center, Pacific House, & Starfish.
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!
Click MFM button to go to the Walk / Run website for info, registration, and donations.
The Dove Program is a longstanding social-service program that is coordinated by Person-to-Person (P2P) in Darien. At Christmastime, St. Francis joins with more than a dozen area churches and schools to collect monetary donations which P2P uses to provide needy families with Christmas dinners.
