SERVE IN THE COMMUNITY

St. Francis offers many opportunities to serve our community. Learn about the ways you can get involved and help make an impact to our local community and those aboard. 

  • Poster for St. Francis House Chef's Night Out event featuring a chef's hat, a yellow covered dish, and a spatula, fork, and spoon, with text calling for volunteers.

    CHEF'S NIGHT OUT

    Our team prepares and serves dinner for 30–40 residents at St. Francis House, a shelter serving families and individuals experiencing homelessness in St. Augustine. We participate in the Chef’s Night Out program on the 2nd Sunday of every month.  Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information. 

  • Orange background with white text that reads "DAYS FOR GIRLS" and a stylized flower graphic with a red center.

    DAYS FOR GIRLS

    Volunteers sew and assemble reusable feminine hygiene products that are distributed to women and girls in need, both domestically and internationally. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • Logo for 'Dining with Dignity' featuring a fork, a plate, and a heart with a house and cross inside.

    DINING WITH DIGNITY

    Four volunteer teams take turns preparing and serving meals to 40–60 food-insecure individuals in St. Augustine. Each team serves three times per year. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • Stylized text reading "The Gator Jackpot" with a logo of a pink alligator with wings, and below that "Jacksonville Tim Tebow Foundation" in uppercase letters.

    HER SONG

    We support Her Song, a residential program for survivors of human trafficking, through supply drives and partnership. Learn more at hersong.org. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • A blue reusable shopping bag on top of a white plastic bag next to a rolled-up blue camping mat with black straps, on a yellow background with black text reading "Mats & Merlot" and an arrow pointing to the camping mat.

    MATS & MERLOT

    Volunteers meet once a month to process and weave used plastic Kroger grocery bags into sleeping mats that are distributed to homeless individuals by the St. Francis House Street Team.

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    Volunteers of all skill levels can contribute to this ministry.

    Contact: Cindy Fielding, cindymeeka@yahoo.com

  • Colorful illustration of children with backpacks standing in front of a 'Back to School' banner, with text 'Mission: Backpack + Plus!'.

    MISSION: BACKPACKS

    Each summer, we collect donations to purchase backpacks and grade-specific school supplies for students in need at Valley Ridge Academy. Volunteers of all ages help shop, pack, and deliver. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • Logo for St. Francis House featuring a heart-shaped outline with a stylized city skyline and a gauge, along with the text 'St. Francis House' and the tagline 'Compassion. Shelter. Opportunity.'

    ST. FRANCIS HOUSE & PORT IN THE STORM

    We collect and deliver non-perishable food for St. Francis House and Port in the Storm, the only full-time emergency shelter between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach. We also coordinate an annual Giving Tree gift card drive for residents. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • A basket filled with cleaning supplies, towels, a plant, a candle, and a gift box, with the text "Welcome Home Basket" at the top.

    WELCOME HOME BASKETS

    Each spring, we collect donations to fill baskets with cleaning supplies for families moving into new housing through the St. Johns Continuum of Care. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • Logo of Kairos Prison Ministry International, featuring an eye-shaped design with the word 'KAIROS' inside.

    KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY

    Volunteers complete training and travel to a state prison near Lake City, Florida to lead a four-day spiritual retreat for 36 residents, modeled on the Cursillo movement.  Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • A group of young children, some holding emoji-themed paper fans, standing and sitting in what appears to be a classroom, with colorful underwater-themed art on the wall behind them.

    CUBA COMPANION PARISH

    Since 2010, St. Francis has partnered with San Pablo Church in Bolondrón, Cuba. We support our companion parish through prayer, mission trips when possible, and tangible means of support. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • Multiple tealight candles with flames burning, arranged on a dark surface, creating a warm, flickering light.

    ST. FRANCIS CARES

    St. Francis Cares provides pastoral support and practical help to parishioners during times of need, including meals, visits, and transportation. Contact Noelle Pecora at  noelle@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • Multiple small tea light candles with flames lit, placed on a reflective surface with a blurred background.

    ONCE UPON A ROOM

    Once Upon a Room transforms hospital rooms into warm, welcoming bedrooms for children facing challenging health horizons. Volunteers provide the items to furnish and decorate these rooms based on a theme the child loves. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.

  • Multiple lit candles on a dark surface, with a soft glow and blurred background.

    PIE IN THE SKY

    Each Thanksgiving season, volunteers bake and deliver homemade pies to homebound parishioners and neighbors in our community. This simple act of kindness brings warmth and connection during the holiday season. Contact Lauren Kersting at lauren@stfrancispvb.org for more information.