St. Francis Holy Name - Men's Group
St. Francis Altar Society - Women's Group

Who:  
All men and women registered at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rockwell City. In the last few years, Holy Name and Altar Society have been working together.
 
Purpose:
To provide support and fellowship to the church, priests, parishioners, and community.

Meetings:
Meetings are announced in the bulletin. Lately they have been on Tuesday or Thursday morning after 8:00 a.m. Mass, about six times a year.
 
Holy Name Leadership:
The men’s group is led by a 4 person board. 

Altar Society Leadership:
The women’s group is led by a board of four women and four Circle Chairpersons. All of the women of the church are divided between the four circles.  They donate food and service for social gatherings, events, and funerals.  There is also a funeral committee who organizes, prepares, and serves food for funerals.   

Activities and Contributions Include:

• Social gatherings and meals after church
• Annual Turkey Dinner
• Figure 8 Food Stand in June
• Outdoor Mass and Potluck
• Meals for Religious Education Students at Lake City
• Gifts for priests, religious ed teachers, graduates, etc. 
• St. Francis Scholarship Fund 
• Provide funds and items to church as needed
• Ladies’ Salad Supper with entertainment and donations to Food Pantry
• Funeral Dinners
• Deliver Meals on Wheels 
• Life Serve Blood Mobile 
• Church Women United

Funerals:  
Funeral dinners are served by the funeral committee. The family pays for all food purchased and it is customary for them to give a donation to the Altar Society.  The funeral committee may order and prepare food, or it may be catered. Altar Society can provide desserts and drinks if catered.  

Activities

Turkey Dinner
Each year on the last Sunday in November, St. Francis holds a turkey dinner. The turkey, dressing, and gravy is catered, while the men make the potatoes, vegetable, and cranberry salad.  All families donate pies and work to make it successful.  Assignment sheets and tickets are sent out in the mail a few weeks prior to the dinner.  The turkey diner is served dine in or carry out. In the past we have served over 1,000 meals within three hours.  

Food Stand for Figure 8 Races
St. Francis Holy Name and Altar Society are in charge of the food stand at the first Figure 8 Race in Rockwell City in June. Please join the fellowship by helping work or donating bars or cookies for the food stand.  

Ladies Salad Supper
St. Francis Altar Society ladies group has a Salad Bar Supper for women in the community in April.  There is entertainment, door prizes, and socializing.  Ladies are asked to donate a food or paper product to the New Opportunities Food Pantry. The four Altar Society Circles donate salads and workers.    

Religious Education
Religious Education is the ongoing faith and spiritual development considering life experiences, sacred scripture, church teachings, etc. Youth meet on Wednesday evenings and RCIA candidates on Thursday evenings. Other groups organize as it works best for those involved. Volunteers are always needed to lead discussions.

Calhoun County Parishes Outdoor Mass and Potluck
Calhoun County Parishes comprised of St. Mary in Lake City, St. Thomas in Manson, and St. Francis in Rockwell City have an outdoor Mass together in June.  It is located at the City Park by the fairgrounds in Rockwell City. It is followed by a potluck. Grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and brats are provided. Parishioners bring a side dish or dessert.  There is always an abundance of delicious food to join the fellowship.  

Social Gatherings
Social gatherings are held four or five times a year after Saturday night Mass.  Sometimes the Altar Society and/or Holy Name will provide food such as soup or sandwiches. For other socials, parishioners will bring an appetizer to share. Cards and games are often played after socials in the winter. We hope you can join us for wonderful conversations and delicious food.