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St. Francis de Sales (SFDS) - Abingdon, Maryland
SFDS > About the Parish > Parish Ministries Directory
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121 
Members meet on the 1st Sunday of the month from September to June to study scripture. Group meets at 12:30 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Hall.

ADULT CONFIRMATION
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121
For adults who have celebrated the sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist in the Catholic Church but did not have the opportunity to be confirmed.

ALTAR SERVERS
John Campo, phone: 410-836-8178
Assist the presider at various liturgical celebrations. Altar servers are asked to attend one workshop a year. The minimum age for becoming an altar server is 4th grade. Also see Sacristans.

BAPTISM CLASSES AND SCHEDULING
Parish Office, phone: 410-676-5119
Call the parish office to schedule a date for your child’s baptism. Parents are asked to attend two preparation sessions for baptism of children under the age of 7.

  • For baptism of children over the age of 7, see Christian Initiation of Children
  • For adult baptism, see Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

BAPTISM PREPARATION MINISTERS
Deacon Richard Stine, e-mail:
Stine619@comcast.net, phone: 410-679-8327
David and Christina Scott, phone: 410-638-0331
Deacon Jim Sullivan, e-mail:
JSullivan@archbalt.org, office phone: 410-679-5199 ext. 136, or home phone: 443-484-2069
These ministers conduct the preparation sessions for parents of children to be baptized.

BAPTISMAL GARMENT SEWERS
Blanche Stine, phone: 410-679-8327
Nicolene Polyak, phone: 410-734-7724
These individuals sew and decorate the small white garment used in the Rite of Infant Baptism for babies who are baptized.

BINGO
Jim Curtis, phone: 443-402-0290
Second and Fourth Fridays of each month in Kilduff Hall. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Early Birds at 7:00 p.m., Regular Bingo at 7:30 p.m.

BLOOD DRIVE
Lisa Roberts, phone: 410-420-2069
Blood donors and volunteers are needed twice a year to assist the American Red Cross collect blood.

BOY SCOUTS
See Scouts.

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
John Gorbecki, phone: 410-569-1271
This committee administrates and coordinates the plans for the design and construction of the new religious education building. Meetings vary.

BROWNIES
See Scouts.

BUS TRIPS
Contact Parish Office, phone: 410-676-5119
Bus trips are scheduled throughout the year to a variety of places. Notice is published in the bulletin.

CALENDAR
Lisa Borkoski, e-mail:
lborkoski@stfrancisabingdon.org
To inquire about availability of meeting space on site or dates of parish functions.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Diane Lewis, e-mail: sfeducation
@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 115
Children ages 4 to 9 leave Mass (9:00 and 11:00 a.m. only) before the readings are proclaimed so they can hear the readings in language conducive to their understanding. The children return at the time of the Profession of Faith.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121
For unbaptized and baptized children in another denomination, ages 7 through 17 who seek initiation in the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation and First Eucharist.

CHRISTIAN REFLECTION GROUPS
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121
Small groups of individuals who meet in a member’s home to pray and share faith. Times and locations vary.

CHURCH CLEANING
Ed Petrovic, Facilities Manager, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 118
Individuals are invited to assist in cleaning the worship space. A small group of members meet weekly on Thursday afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m.

CONFIRMATION
Betty Burlin, phone: 410-676-3354, ext. 122
Preparation for students in Grades 9 and 10 include catechetical sessions, service projects and retreats. Celebration of the sacrament occurs at the end of the 10th grade.

COUNTERS
Stephen Olah, phone: 410-569-9525
These individuals are part of a team of three and count money from church collections and record the contributions. Teams are assigned once a month on Sundays.

CUB SCOUTS
See Scouts.

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Jim Wilson, phone: 410-515-2167
This committee’s task is to communicate the importance of the parish’s mission and to develop strategies to raise finances through capital campaigns, stewardship and bequests in order to continue and accomplish this mission. Monthly meetings vary.

DONUT SUNDAY SOCIAL
Mike Rowe, phone: 410-688-1713
A time to meet other parishioners held on the first and third Sunday of each month after Sunday masses.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Kate Sullivan, phone: 410-679-5999
Ministers who distribute bread and wine during Mass or take communion to the sick and homebound. Ministers are asked to attend workshops two times a year.

FAITH FORUM
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121
Three times a year, a one evening forum is held at the parish office for returning Catholics or interested Catholics would have questions about faith or church teachings. This forum is hosted by Fr. Mike. Watch bulletin for dates.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
John Gorbecki, phone: 410-569-1271
This committee acts as an advisory and consultative body to the pastor regarding the financial aspects of the parish. Meets monthly.

FIRST EUCHARIST
Betty Burlin, phone: 410-676-5119 ext 122
Parents are asked to attend two parent education meetings and work with child using a recommended book in preparation for the celebration of the sacrament. For adults, see the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

FIRST RECONCILIATION
Betty Burlin, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 122
Parents are asked to attend two parent education meetings and work with child using a recommended book in preparation for the celebration of the sacrament.

“FUN” RAISING COMMITTEE
Elaine Strong, phone: 410-803-4498
This committee has fun and good times raising money for the parish through bingo, plant sales, bake sales, craft shows, dances, 150 club, etc. Meets on the second Monday of the month.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Parish Office, phone: 410-676-5119

FUNERAL LUNCHEONS
Blanche Stine, phone: 410-679-8327
Parishioners are asked to donate baked goods for funeral luncheons offered to families of the deceased. They are also asked to serve at the luncheons.

GIRL SCOUTS
See Scouts.

GREETERS
Gabriele Segletes, phone: 410-893-8678
Greeters welcome members as they come to parish liturgies.

HOME VISITATION TO THE SICK
Deacon Richard Stine, e-mail:
Stine619@comcast.net, phone: 410-679-8327
Eucharist is taken to the homebound and Lorien Nursing Homes by ministers.

HOSPITABLE CARD SENDING
Caroline Reed, phone: 410-569-5589
Whenever a member of St. Francis incurs a crisis, the community lets them know they are prayed for and supported.

INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM CLASSES
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121
Three times a year, classes are scheduled to introduce individuals to the Catholic faith or to invite adult Catholics to update their own understanding of the faith. This serves as the first stage in the R.C.I.A. process. Call for dates and to register.

INVOLVEMENT AWARENESS COMMITTEE
The Involvement Awareness committee has been established to help facilitate the pairing of volunteers with a specific ministry based on talent, time, need and interest, much like a Human Resources Department for volunteers at SFDS. Please contact Beth Marchiano at the parish office for more information about this ministry at 410-676-5119.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Lee Eder, phone: 410-538-4433
A fraternal service organization, the Knights raise money to help needy people. Some of their activities include: working at a concession stand at Ravens games, distributing food baskets, etc.  Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 8:00 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Hall.

KofC LADIES
Carol Roddy, phone: 410-569-0710
Organization comprised of wives of the Knights of Columbus, the ladies meet on the third Monday of the month at 8:00 p.m. in Kilduff Hall.

LECTORS
Pam Vesely, phone: 410-569-1872
Ministers who proclaim the Scripture readings during Mass. Lectors are asked to attend a workshop once a year.

LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION GROUP
Joe Vichot, phone: 410-420-2326
This group works in partnership with Associated Catholic Charities to bring parishioners’ attention legislative bills which are oppose or support Catholic social teaching. Parishioners are encouraged to write to their legislators.

LITURGY COMMITTEE
Bob and Nancy York, phone: 410-679-2917
Meets monthly to discuss, plan and evaluate all liturgies, prayer services, sacramental celebrations and parish retreats which occur throughout the year.

LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Bob and Nancy York, phone: 410-679-2917
Plans, decorates and evaluates environment for the Worship Center, Stone Chapel and Kilduff Hall for all liturgical celebrations.

MARRIAGE
  • WEDDING ARRANGEMENTS
    Parish Office, phone: 410-676-5119
    Couples are asked to meet with a priest or deacon at least six months or more before their wedding. Please schedule the wedding date before setting a date for the reception. Pre-marriage preparation is to be done during this time.
     
  • WEDDING COORDINATORS
    Bob and Nancy York, phone: 410-679-2917
    Members assist couples and guests at wedding rehearsals and the day of the wedding.
     
  • WEDDING PLANNING SESSIONS
    Mary Jo Piccolo, e-mail: sfliturgy@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 123
    Couples are invited to attend a Wedding Planning Session to discuss the wedding ceremony, prayers, environment and music. Sessions are held four times a year. Call for date and time and to register.
     
  • PRE-MARRIAGE PREPARATION
    Deacon Richard Stine, e-mail:
    Stine619@comcast.net, phone: 410-679-8327
    Couples are asked to meet three times with a Sponsor Couple in their home. Sponsor Couples are members of the parish. The Archdiocese of Baltimore also offers the Pre-Cana and the
    Engaged Encounter Weekend as other forms of preparation at another location. Please call 410-547-5417 for more information. It is highly recommended that couples seek these preparation opportunities well in advance of their wedding date.
     
  • MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
    Regional Number: 1-877-558-LOVE
    A weekend during which you and your spouse have the opportunity to rediscover and focus on your relationship by concentrating solely on one another.
     
  • RETROUBAILLE (re-tro-vi)
    Regional Number: 301-468-6764
    For marriages that are experiencing difficulty, this weekend helps couples rebuild their relationship.

MUSIC
Mary Jo Piccolo, e-mail: sfliturgy@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 123
Adult Choir/Contemporary Choir, rehearsal: Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.
Cantors, rehearsal: Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.
Children’s Choir, rehearsal: assigned Thursdays 6:15 p.m.
Hand Bell Choir, as per bulletin announcement
Instrumental Ensemble, for various Sunday Liturgies or Feasts
Resurrection Choir (for funerals), rehearsal immediately before funeral

NEW PARISHIONERS’ WELCOME BREAKFAST
Parish office, phone: 410-676-5119
This committee is responsible for hosting the New Parishioners’ Welcome Breakfast held on the second Sunday of each month in the parish house.

OFFICE HELP
Sandy Gill, e-mail: sfmanager@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 110
Individuals can volunteer to answer phones, stuff bulletins, assist with mailings and type in the parish office.

OUR DAILY BREAD
George Alsfeld, phone: 410-569-1189
Located in downtown Baltimore, this is a place where the hungry can dine. Pans and recipes are distributed the last weekend of the month. Frozen casseroles are delivered the following weekend and taken to the location. On location assistance serving the hungry is welcomed.

PARISH DIRECTORY
Sandy Gill, e-mail: sfmanager@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 110
Call to make additions or deletions in the parish directory.

PASTORAL COUNCIL
Paula Winters-Buechler, phone: 410-836-9963
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the parish center. Members of the church are invited to attend.

PRAYER LINE
Deacon Richard Stine, e-mail:
Stine619@comcast.net, phone: 410-679-8327
A network of individuals who pray for special requests called in by anyone who needs prayer.

PRESCHOOL
Doris McKibben, phone; 410-676-1870 ext. 135
Preschool for three year old children on Tuesday and Thursday; for four year old children on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, either AM (9:00-11:30) or PM (12:30-3:00) sessions available. A five-day class for four year olds is available in the morning only. We have an open door policy and parents are welcome to volunteer.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
  • GRADES K THROUGH 5
    Diane Lewis, e-mail:
    SFEducation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 115
    Classes scheduled usually twice a month as per the Religious Education calendar on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:05 p.m. 
  • MIDDLE SCHOOL
    Patrick Perkins, phone: 410-676-3354 ext. 122
    Tuesdays and Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • HIGH SCHOOL AND CONFIRMATION
    Betty Burlin, Patrick Perkins, e-mail: bburlin@comcast.net, phone: 410-676-3354 ext. 122
    There are Three – 6 week sessions scheduled throughout the school year as per the Religious Education calendar. Confirmation is a two year program starting in the 9th grade and finishing in the 10th grade of which 20 hours of community service is required within this two year process.

  • HOME RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
    Diane Lewis, e-mail:
    SFEducation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 115
    Religious education of children done in home for a variety of reasons taught by parents. Parent support and resources are offered by the parish along with four sessions held at the parish throughout the school year.

RESPECT LIFE
Deacon Jim Sullivan, e-mail:
JSullivan@archbalt.org, office phone: 410-679-5199 ext. 136, or home phone: 443-484-2069

RETREATS
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121
Call to inquiry about local retreat houses and parish retreats or view
Bon Secours Spiritual Center Centennial Peace Garden, Franciscan Spiritual Center, or Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Retreat Center.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A.)
Beth Taneyhill, e-mail:
SFFaithFormation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 121
For adults unbaptized or baptized into another Christian denomination who seek initiation in the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, and/or Confirmation and Eucharist.

ROSARY 
Held before morning mass at 8:30 a.m. in the Stone Chapel.

SACRISTANS
John Campo, phone: 410-836-8178
Schedules young people to assist in setting up for various liturgical celebrations by setting up the altar, setting up for baptisms, etc.

SCOUTS
  • BOY SCOUTS – TROOP 810
    Walt Scowden, phone: 410-538-6334
    Meets Sundays at 6:00 p.m. in Kilduff Hall.
     
  • CUBS - PACK 810
    Carol Ambrozewicz – 410-838-3577
    Patrick Perkins – Parish Liasion, 410-879-3446
    Ages first through fifth grades. Pack meetings are held on the third Friday of each month (September through June) at 7:30 p.m. in Kilduff Hall.
     
  • GIRL SCOUTS (Brownies, etc.)
    Lisa Asbury, phone: 410-989-0141
    General meetings are held every Thursday (September through June) from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in Kilduff Hall.

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Jim Sullivan, e-mail:
JSullivan@archbalt.org, office phone: 410-679-5199 ext. 136, or home phone: 443-484-2069
This committee sponsors the Winter Crisis Homeless Shelter held here at St. Francis, supports the Sharing Table soup kitchen in Edgewood.

SENIORS’ CLUB
Bernie Bloom, phone: 410-569-5179
For ages 55 and over, this group offers social activities, games and trips. Meetings are held weekly on Mondays from 11:00 to 2:30 p.m. in Kilduff Hall. New Members welcomed.

SPANISH COMMUNITY
Deacon Alex Rodriquez, e-mail:
ARodriguez@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-2089
Spanish Mass held each Sunday at 12:45 p.m. in the Stone Chapel.

SQUIRES
Ray Traube, phone: 410-569-0591
For the sons of the Knights of Columbus.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Kris Magnani, phone: 410-515-9675
This organization offers financial assistance and food, to people in need. Representatives are available to give assistance every Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the foyer of Kilduff Hall. A general meeting of all volunteers is held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the parish center.

TIME AND TALENT VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Parish Office, phone: 410-676-5119
The Parish Office is ready and able to assist you in answering questions or directing you as a volunteer toward a ministry or activity in which you feel you can contribute to the life of St. Francis de Sales.

USHERS
Bob Roddy, phone: 410-569-0710
Ushers greet the people as well as seat individuals, collect contributions and direct the lines for communion. Ushers are asked to attend a workshop once a year.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Diane Lewis, e-mail:
SFEducation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 114
A week long series of scripture reflection and fun activities for Pre-school to Grade 4 held during the summer.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY 
Chairperson needed.
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 40 are invited to participate in a variety of social and spiritual activities. Watch the bulletin for announcements.

YOUTH MINISTRY
Diane Lewis, e-mail:
SFEducation@archbalt.org, phone: 410-676-5119 ext. 114
For students in grades 6 to 12 through middle school and high school groups, the youth group offers social, service and spiritual activities over the school year and the summer.