The Catholic Parish of St. Francis of Assisi, Derwood Maryland, offers a variety of activities for all ages. Programs are offered throughout the year, with special emphasis during liturgical holidays. Visit our parish calendar for monthly activities or our bulletin for weekly updates. Additional information can be obtained by calling the rectory (301-840-1407).

Parish Activities

FAITH FORMATION GROUPS: Parish-based

- Weekday Scripture Study: prepare for Sunday's readings, Thursdays 1:30-3pm Jan Lavoie (301) 869-6002

- Mom's Faith Sharing: every Thursday 9:30 am. Join other St. Francis moms for discussion and prayer as we seek to make Christ the center of our families. Stacey Tuman (301) 208-0740

- Women's Scripture Study:  A scripture study designed to help women learn more about the virtues and how they apply to our daily lives as Christians. Wednesdays 8-9:30pm, 2 x a month Sue Madison (301) 977-6854, Mary Dixon (301) 330-4382

- Church Guys: The Church Guys meet on Saturday mornings for faith, fellowship, and relaxed discussion.  We discuss Scripture, other spiritual writings, and how to live our faith as Catholic men.  Saturdays 7:30-9am Wendell Hall (301) 792-0478, wvh@scllaw.com http://stfrancischurchguys.wordpress.com/about/

- RCIA
Terry Davis (301) 774-0783, Sara Dean (301) 977-6373

PARISH PRAYER GROUPS

- Lamb of God prayer group: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 7:30pm, St Clare's Chapel. Louise Classon (301) 977-5217

- First Friday Adoration: following 7:30pm mass through 8:30am, church & St. Clare's chapel

- Parish Prayer Chain: an informal group of faithful parishioners that have joined together to pray for special intentions.
Marianne Bullen (301) 963-3420, mariannebu@comcast.net

FAITH & FELLOWSHIP: Parish-based social groups

- Lunch Bunch: 1st Wednesday of the month at a local restaurant.
  Mary Lou Habib (301) 417-0243

- Friday Morning Coffee & Donuts: weekly following Friday morning mass.

- Bridge Club: monthly, September through May
  Paul Lea (301) 963-1907

- Bowling (w/ St Patrick's parish)
   Richard Beitner (301) 460-3971

- Men's Slow Pitch Softball
  Dan Sullivan (301) 775-2283, Milt Madison (301) 977-6854

FAITH FORMATION GROUPS: Archdiocesan, national & international groups w/ active parish participants

- Total Consecration to Jesus through the Blessed Virgin Mary Preparation according to Saint Louis Marie de Montfort Carol Kohan
http://www.fisheaters.com/totalconsecrationmontfort.html

- Hearts Aflame: Adult courses on fundamentals of scripture, prayer, sacraments.
1 evening/wk for 6-8 weeks. Courses offered throughout the year. Susan Anderson, DRE (301) 258-9183

- JustFaith: a thirty-week justice formation process with a focus on poverty
Charles McCarthy, (301) 840-1407
www.justfaith.org

- Pax Christi: Catholic peace movement; aims for peacemaking, justice, human rights, non-violence, and global restoration. Usually meets 1st Thursday of the month. Charles McCarthy, 301-840-1407
www.paxchristiusa.org

- Christian Family Movement: Catholic movement to promote Christ-centered marriage and family life, help individuals and their families to live the Christian faith in everyday life, and improve society through actions of love, service, education and example. Starting summer/fall 2010. Stacey Tuman (301) 208-0740
www.cfm.org

- Couples for Christ: a Catholic movement intended for the renewal & strengthening of Christian family life. Saturday mornings. Ed DeAusen, (301) 948-6274 http://couplesforchristglobal.org/

- Worldwide Marriage Encounter: couples retreats; tools to turn good marriages into great marriages www.wwme.org

-Knights of Columbus #2323: Catholic fraternal service organization, whose members meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. The Council operates within five major areas: Service to the Community, Assistance to the Church, Youth Activities, Family Events, and Social Affairs. Mike Thomas, cinnabarmike@verizon.net, (301) 330-5970 www.KofC2323.com

- Challenge Club: for girls in grades 5-8; virtue, friendship & faith, apostolic projects www.gaithersburgchallenge.com

- Communion & Liberation: aims to communicate the awareness that Christ is the one true response to the deepest needs of people in every moment of history
www.clonline.us

FAITH FORMATION: Multi-media and favorite web sites

- St. Francis Library: lending library w/ books, CDs, and DVDs Karen Mason

- Lighthouse CDs: provides inspirational CDs and brochures that will enrich & strengthen people's relationship with Jesus Christ and understanding of their Catholic faith. Stacey Tuman (301) 208-0740
www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org

PARISH FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES (Volunteers always needed!)

- BINGO
  Friday nights, Rick & Kathy Cornwell

- Holiday Bazaar
  November, Ann Culver

- Christmas Tree Sales
  December, Wayne Burnside

- Super Yard Sale
  May, Linda Foster & Mary Dixon

- Wolf Pack Annual Golf Tournament
  Brian Karem

UPCOMING CLASSES/EVENTS

Parish Lenten Mission
Lent 2010: Bob Rice, http://www.bob-rice.com
Lent 2011: Fr. Jude Winkler

Msgr. Ralph's Lenten scripture series: Mary and Scripture (Lent 2010)

October 4th, 2010: Sister Helen Prejean, co-sponsored w/ St Patrick's

RETREATS

Annual men's and women's retreats
Anastacia Wooden
2010: tentatively scheduled for Fall 2010

WOLF PACK SPORTS

Youth Sports:
- Fall Tackle Football
- Spring Flag Football
www.SFAWolfpack.com
Brian Karem, bkarem@aol.com