Meets: Annually each October

St. Francis collects coats each fall to distribute to children in need across the school district, in honor of Kitty Elliott, a former St. Francis teacher who started the tradition.

Meets: First Friday of the month, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sept - May, Parish Hall

The Gathering is a day program for adults living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Volunteers help with meals, entertainment, crafts, and one-on-one time.

Meets: Every other Saturday, 2 p.m.

This friendly group knits and crochets shawls for the sick and recovering. No experience is required.

Looking to receive a shawl instead? Visit Pastoral Care to request one.

Meets: Annually each Christmas

Parishioners provide gifts for local families supported by St. Francis's outreach ministries throughout the year. A team is needed to coordinate this effort each year.

Meets: Weekly, starting each October; morning and afternoon slots available

Volunteers are paired with a 2nd-grade student at Woodview Elementary for weekly 30-minute reading sessions, supporting early reading intervention at a critical age. A brief training session is held each September for new volunteers before the program kicks off.

St. Francis supports the Fair Haven Food Pantry, which distributes groceries to food-insecure families in the Spring Branch and Memorial area every week. Drop off food donations on Sundays.

Volunteer directly with Fair Haven to interview clients, sack groceries, and coordinate food drives. Volunteer with Fair Haven

Greeters welcome everyone who walks through the door, help newcomers find their way around, and make sure they get introduced to clergy and the life of the church.

Ushers greet arrivals, hand out bulletins, help with seating, collect the offering, and help guide the flow of Communion.

Lay Readers read the Lessons and Prayers of the People during services and serve as Chalice Bearers at Communion.

The Altar Guild prepares the sanctuary, chancel, and chapel for every service, cares for the sacred vessels, linens, and vestments, and decorates the church for Christmas and Easter.

Acolytes are youth volunteers, grades 1–12 depending on the role, who assist the clergy during worship. It's a meaningful way for young people to serve and learn the traditions of the Episcopal Church.

Each spring, St. Francis collects professional attire, shoes, and accessories for Dress for Success Houston to support women entering the workforce.

Meets: Sundays, Sing at 9 a.m. service; Rehearsals at 8:30 a.m.

This group blends contemporary Christian music with traditional hymns for the family service.

High school and older singers and instrumentalists are welcome to join.

Contact: Dr. Matthew Dion, Music Director & Organist

832.325.2990 · mdion@sfch.org

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 7–8:30 p.m., and Sundays, 10:15–10:45 a.m., in the church

This adult choir sings at the 11 a.m. service, quarterly choral Evensong services, holidays, special services, Holy Week, and occasional concerts.

Open to all interested singers, high school age and older.

Contact: Dr. Matthew Dion, Music Director & Organist

832.325.2990 · mdion@sfch.org

The Beacon restores dignity and hope for Houston's poor and homeless through its Day Center, Beacon Law, Brigid's Hope, and the Cathedral Clinic. Volunteers help with meals, laundry and shower services, and client intake.

MAM provides rent and utility assistance, medical and transportation help, employment services, and more to families in need. Volunteers help in the resale store, teach ESL classes, and assist with data entry and client interviews.

LOTS provides daily breakfast and support for people experiencing homelessness. St. Francis collects clothing, especially for men, and delivers it to the LOTS facility. We also provide lunch and snack bags twice a year, and a volunteer team cooks and serves breakfast twice a year.