Pastoral Care

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction is an ancient Christian tradition.  It is a form of ‘holy listening’ wherein the seeker explores their spiritual journey with the help of a trained director. It is a process that directly assists individuals in developing and cultivating their personal relationship with God. Rather than it being a time of problem solving, it’s aim is to explore where God is in the midst of our lives as we live out our spiritual journeys.

If you have found yourself:

• longing for something more, but not sure what that is
• feeling stuck and desiring to deepen your prayer life
• facing a transition in your life
• seeking discernment about having to make an important decision
• wanting to deepen your relationship with God

spiritual direction may be helpful.

At St Francis of Assisi parish, we have a small group of trained spiritual directors who meet one on one at the parish, in their homes or through zoom. For more information on how to connect with a spiritual director, please contact Gladys Whitehouse at sfaspiritualdirection@gmail.com

The Women’s Ministry at St. Francis offers the women of the parish a place where they can deepen their relationship with God through prayer and reflection at retreats and spiritual events. We also experience the living Christ in fellowship with one another through social events and community service. The group hosts events monthly, some of which include: Yoga & Breakfast, retreats, art experiences, interactive prayer services, and social gatherings. Bible study and book opportunities are available weekly.

Monday through Friday, welcome people who walk in our door, answer the main phone number.

Stephen ministers are lay ministers trained in active listening to walk with those dealing with stress, grief, life transitions or other concerns. Stephen Ministers are volunteers who offer confidential Christian care to those who seek prayerful, emotional support to deal with stress, grief, life transitions or other concerns. They offer empathetic listening, unconditional positive regard, and other resources and referrals as needed. St. Francis’ Stephen Ministry is part of a worldwide caregiving network.

In praying the Rosary, we include the petitions and intentions of our parishioners, the ministries of our parish, and the prayers of our community and world. By praying the Rosary, we reach out and offer spiritual support to our brothers and sisters who are in need. We meet every Monday from 7:30 to 8:30 pm in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel. We meet every morning immediately after the 9am Mass in St. Mary of the Angels Chapel

Makes shawls as expression of our community’s care and concern for those struggling with difficulties in life.

Volunteers prays for the intentions of parishioners

The Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets in person in the Community Center, Padua Room every 1^st and 3^rd Mondays from 8 to 9 am.  The meetings provide a way for men to come together for fellowship. For discussions, we select a book that deals with faith and life issues.  See Men’s Prayer Breakfast on Realm for meeting details or contact Deacon Steve at 732-213-0104 / stephenwandrews@outlook.com.

In accordance with our parish mission statement, we reach out to provide spiritual nourishment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families and friends. We seek to affirm the intrinsic value and self-worth of all people and to welcome them into full participation in the faith community. All LGBTQ+ people are welcome.