Get Involved and Serve With Your Christian Community at St. Francis of Assisi
Our service programs give us the opportunity to put love into action. At St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, there are many ways to share your gifts—whether serving our parish family or reaching out to the wider community.
To learn more and express your interest, simply fill out our Connection Form. Our Newcomer and Volunteer Coordinator will follow up to help you get connected or answer any questions you may have.
This page highlights just a few of the ways to serve. For a full list of faith, community, and service opportunities, please explore our Connection Form.
Art & Environment Committee
The Art & Environment Committee plans and implements the liturgical decorations for the parish, decorates the altar, and cares for the interior plants and flowers. Help is always welcome for the variety of tasks the committee performs. For more information, contact Molly.
Funeral Luncheon Ministry
The parish provides a luncheon for the family and for those attending the funeral. Parishioners who volunteer to help at funeral luncheons see first hand how grateful the families are and that the people who attend can feel the love and compassion extended to them by our parishioners. If you are interested in helping with this very rewarding ministry, please email volunteer@saintfrancischurch.org.
Homebound Ministry
Homebound Ministry serves those members of our church body who, due to physical limitations, are unable to attend church services regularly. If you are interested in helping with this very rewarding ministry, please email volunteer@saintfrancischurch.org.
Homeless & Hungry
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church offers parishioners many opportunities to assist the homeless and hungry in the greater Des Moines area. We do this by serving at local shelters and hosting various projects throughout the year such as:
- Coat Drive in the Fall
- Thanksgiving Baskets in November
- Angel Trees in December
- Lenten Crosses in March/April
If you have questions regarding these projects, please email Montse Madden.
We also support 4 different homeless and hungry services each month:
- St. Joseph Family Emergency Shelter: Volunteers provide dinner for approximately 30 people on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Contact: Kim Mallisee
- Central Iowa Shelter & Services: Volunteers provide the meal, supplies and serve downtown on the 9th and 10th of each month. View the signup here. Contact: Lisa Altringer
- Connection Café: Volunteers serve lunches for over 100 homeless and working poor the 3rd Wednesday of each month in downtown Des Moines. Contact: Carole Chambers
- Food Pantry Sunday: Volunteers coordinate a monetary collection for the local food pantries every 4th Sunday of the month. You can donate here. Contact: Randy Jensen
- Iowa Homeless Youth Center: Donations of food are collected to provide the meal on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. (September – May only) Contact: Amy Raedeker
To be added to the email list for these service opportunities, please send an email to volunteer@saintfrancischurch.org and let us know which program you are interested in.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights is a group of men that brings fellowship along with their fundraising for many groups like the Mentally Challenged, Special Olympics, ARC Industries, Ruby Van Meter School and Bishop Drumm Alzheimer Unit.