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 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.
Periodically, St. Francis joins forces with St. John’s Lutheran to collect clothing and personal care items which are separated and loaded onto a truck. Sandwiches, soup and coffee are prepared. The truck is 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. Applications are reviewed and awarded by the Committee. This is another avenue for parishioners to make a difference in thecommunity. Some past recipients are: Americares Free Clinics, Back to School Shop, Building One Community, Child Guidance Centers, CT Food Bank, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Domus, 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!
Adapting to the pandemic and in response to the societal events in 2020, an appropriate national organization was selected. MFM was held virtually and had participants and donors from across the U.S.
A longstanding social-service program that is coordinated by Person-to-Person in Darien, St. Francis is one of 19 area churches and schools that provide food in reuseable bags for needy families at Christmastime. Parishioners provide more than 20 Stamford families with non-perishable food items, and cash donations to the scholarship fund.
