Below is a list of Parish Ministries. Each block link will connect you to the respective staff contact.
Their essential function is to provide a worshipful atmosphere by assisting the Celebrant throughout the order of service. They process in and out with the Celebrant, light candles, carry incense and the crucifix, help with the altar linens, cruets, chalice, and paten, and aid in the smooth progression of the Mass.
Membership is open to all ages, male and female. Members must be baptized Catholics having received their first communion, and believe in the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist.
Altar servers are appointed by the pastor and undergo training, held twice a year, and often attend “rehearsals” for more complex or solemn liturgical functions. Click the button below to connect with our Primary Contact Michael Nevadomski
Liturgical Ministers
Our parish benefits from many sacristans, readers, extraordinary ministers, and ushers, who help to make the liturgical experience vibrant and accessible to all. Click the button below to connect with Toni Bush.
SFDS Choir
The St. Francis de Sales Choir is a 25+ member group of singers dedicated to providing the finest choral music for worship at our church, carrying on a deep tradition of sacred music in our parish that stretches back to the 1920s.
Throughout its history, the Choir has fostered a strong sense of community within its members and a commitment to sustaining the unique gifts and characteristics that make our Parish such a special and inspiring place and an “anchor and beacon” for this neighborhood. We sing challenging works — but you do not have to read music or have a musical background to participate (many in the choir can’t read music).
As the choir’s director since 1997, Isabel Boston conducts, selects choral music and hymns, assigns cantors, and provides music for holy days throughout the liturgical year. An avid chorister since the age of 9, Isabel grew up in a music conservatory run by her father, Joseph Prendergast, where she cultivated a life-long interest in classical music. She joined the choir at St. Francis de Sales in 1989 and has sung with a number of vocal performance groups ever since, including Ancient Voices, an ensemble at the University of Pennsylvania, directed by William Parberry specializing in early music.
Organist Bruce Shultz formed the present all-volunteer choir of mixed voices in 1975. Many features of the music program bear his influence: his original “Mass for John Paul II” is a regular setting of the Mass at St. Francis de Sales. Click the button below to connect with our Choir Director Isabel Boston
Family Faith Formation (F3)
F3 activities help parents to grow in their role as the primary catechists for their children while allowing children to understand God’s presence in their lives through activities which engages the whole person. Key pillars of F3 are regular Family Masses and post-Mass activities, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and Sacramental Preparation programs. Click the button below to connect with Patti DeBonis
Knights of St. Peter Claver
The Knights of Peter Claver were founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1909, in an age of strict segregation. The fraternal organization was named after the Jesuit saint who ministered to African slaves in Colombia in the 16th century, and initially provided fellowship and spiritual direction for African American Catholics.
Further History of the Knights
Click the button below to connect with Jean Jordon.
Reading Groups
Groups of parishioners gather mostly to discuss works of literature that teach, inspire, and challenge. Some groups are organized by topic (e.g. theological and magisterial texts) or by target group (e.g. moms). Other groups are more general and target various groups and discussion topics. Click the button below to connect with our Primary Contact Terence Sweeney
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
The Religious of the Assumption regularly gather groups from the parish to work through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola at the Assumption Convent, located at 1001 S 47th Street.
Click the button below to contact Sr. Clare Teresa, RA
Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is a national organization for Catholics interested in prayer, fellowship, and evangelization activities centered around devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. The DeSales Legion of Mary group meets weekly after the 10:15am Mass in the lower church. Click the button below to connect with Deacon Samuel Ujor
Thanksgiving and Christmas Outreach
These programs provide opportunities to serve those most in need. These outreach efforts have the goal of forming long-term relationships based on care and friendship. Click the button below to contact Sr. Alice Daly, IHM.