A parish is more than just a group of people that prays and rejoices in the sacraments together; they also play together, support each other in good times and bad, and work together to better the church and their community. St. Francis Xavier has a very active Parish Life program that assists parishioners with celebrations such as weddings and other sacraments, as well as funerals and bereavement, community outreach and support, Hispanic Ministry, and opportunities for parish-wide fellowship.
Parish Council
The parish council of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church assists the pastor through proposals on missionary, catechetical and apostolic initiatives. Operating within specific bylaws, the council works with the clergy and church staff for the betterment of our parish. The parish council is open to any and all suggestions from parishioners; please contact council president Deacon Chris via email at csadowski@bellsouth.net.
Stewardship
Time and Talent
Being a good steward is being a good disciple. All of us have been blessed. We have unique contributions to make to the work of the Church, both as individuals and as families. By sharing our time and talent, we have the opportunity to take ownership in the parish.
There are opportunities to share our time and talent with our parish, either continuing programs, committees or in the new involvements within our parish life. The bulletin will have opportunities to share time and talent for upkeep or improvement to the Church facilities. In this way, we can become faithful stewards. As people who live our faith more fully. Jesus said nothing about wanting church members, but he was emphatic about his followers being true disciples.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. In all things glorify God. 1 Peter 4:10
Treasure
Our ability to earn money is a gift from God. Returning a percentage of our treasure back to God is one way that we live our faith.
Just like our family households, our parish community needs financial resources in order to operate, serve, and minister. God provides for these needs through you – you ARE the parish.
Prayerfully reflect on what your financial contribution to your parish should be. The amount is never as important as the spirit of generosity in giving. We may contribute money, but our real gift is LOVE.
Each year, parishioners formalize their commitment to sacrificial giving, a pledge between themselves and God, at Mass.
What return shall I make to the Lord, for all God has given me?
School
Why St. Francis Xavier School?
Graduates from St. Francis Xavier Catholic school stand at the threshold of young adulthood. They have developed spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically in our nurturing environment. During their years here, they have cultivated strengths, abilities, and characteristics that will serve them well throughout life. They know how to reason and write well, problem solving, study, and value education. While here they have experienced the important lessons learned from success and failure, joy and disappointment, winning and losing. Our students leave here knowing that Christ is the reason for this school. He is the unseen but, ever-present teacher in our classrooms. He is the model for our faculty and the inspiration for our students.
The GRACE Scholars board of directors recently convened in Savannah at the Catholic Pastoral Center. This provided a unique opportunity for Archbishop Gregory and Bishop Hartmayer to talk about the importance of GRACE Scholars to the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Diocese of Savannah.
Recognizing that the family is the basic unit of society, the ministry aims to provide our parishioners with programs and activities that address the faith/ spiritual and social needs of the family or individual at whichever point they are in their lives. We also provide service or outreach projects or opportunities to preach the Gospel without using words. We aim to provide a support system to new or transient families or individuals within St. Francis Xavier parish. We are only limited by the lack of volunteers to help us with new or ongoing programs.
Our Mission and Goal
Guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by the works and words of Jesus we aim to grow closer to Christ and grow in the knowledge and practice of our Catholic faith through spiritual, social and service activities aimed at serving our parish and community.
To provide our teens with life skills molding them into responsible, confident and well- rounded individuals empowered to be productive citizens of society. What we do
Lectionary readings and discussions
Speakers on hot topic issues
Participate in the annual Posada
Decorate the parish grounds for Christmas
Manna House
Holy Thursday torch bearers
Help with the Confirmation reception
Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
Advent Tree gift distribution
Participate in Wednesday evening Mass liturgy
Salvation Army Bell Ringers
Participate in leadership seminars
Host annual Easter egg hunt
Help with arts & crafts bazaar
Help with International Food Tasters
Service sleep-overs
Friend to each other
We gather on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7:30 pm in Xavier hall during the school year.
Our High School Youth Group is a great opportunity for the young people of our parish to grow together in faith, fellowship and fun! We meet each Wednesday during the school beginning at 3:30 in the narthex for snacks, games and homework, followed by group activities at 4:30, dinner at 5:15, a spiritual lesson at 6:00 and Holy Mass at 7:00 pm.
SFX School & Parents
The St. Francis Xavier Home & School Association is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to strengthen, enhance and encourage the educational and social environment of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. Its goals are to complement the school curriculum with additional opportunities for parents, teachers, and students to learn, socialize, communicate and grow. We work closely with the teachers and staff to help with events such as Back to School Night, Halloween Movie Night, the Christmas program, the Christmas Parade, Grandparent’s and Grand friend’s Day, Graduation, Catholic Schools Week, Spring Fling, and many, many more. We are the cheerleaders for our school, and hope you will be just as excited as we are to get involved with our school as we are!!
Parish Night
On one Wednesday Evening each month, we come together for an evening of food, fun, fellowship, and faith. We gather in the parish hall for a pot-luck supper with families bringing their favorite dishes, then we hear a short inspirational talk. Those who wish to stay and attend Mass at 7 pm.
Bereavement
Contact the Church Office for more information.
St. Vincent de Paul
Vincentian ministry is a call to holiness through service to the poor. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, supported locally by St. Francis Xavier and St. William Catholic Churches, operates a food pantry, a thrift store, and provides financial assistance for those in need. This ministry depends upon donations of non-perishable foods, clothing, small appliances, furniture, and money. Committed volunteers are always needed to process donations for the store, distribute food from the pantry, and counsel those requesting financial aid. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please contact Paula Donovan through the parish office at (912) 265-3249 or stop by the SVdP Thrift Store located at 1217 Newcastle Street to fill out a volunteer application. Store hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
St. Francis Xavier is a parish in the Catholic Diocese of Savannah. The beginnings of the Church in this area of coastal Georgia date back some four hundred years, long before Oglethorpe established himself at Frederica.
