Grow in Faith, Together. 

Come Join with Other Moms

Whenever your family reality allows! During the school year (September – May) we’ll reflect together on the next Sunday’s Gospel (which can be hard to do at Mass with little ones) and talk over a helpful mom principle/challenge (leaning on the wisdom of Maria Montessori). Bring your little ones. This is a very flexible mom-and-little-ones environment! Choose the group time that works best for your family, and invite a friend!

Thursday Evening

• Thursdays
• 5:30–6:30 pm
• Valley Community Center (4444 Fuller Rd., West Des Moines)

Beginning in September and throughout the school year, we will meet the first and third Thursday of the month. 

Friday Mornings

• Fridays, September-May
• 9:30-11:00 am
• Valley Community Center (4444 Fuller Rd., West Des Moines)

One Friday a month (typically the first Friday) we do NOT meet at the community center, but meet here at St. Francis (in the Youth Room) for a Flourish Retreat morning. Same time. Come take some personal quiet time or discuss a provided theme with other moms.

We are pleased to offer limited childcare on retreat mornings. To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all children, advance registration is required. Due to staffing and room capacity, we are unable to accept drop-ins. Childcare registration opens one week prior to the retreat day. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our kids safe and cared for!

Childcare sign-up

Retreat dates for 2026-2027: September 4, October 9, November 6, December 4, January 8, , February 5, March 5, April 2 and May 7.

If you are interested in joining our email list or GroupMe app group, or if you have questions, please contact Heather Rohe at hrohe@saintfrancischurch.org.

Looking for help and encouragement after the death of a loved one?

GriefShare is a special seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our group is led by caring parishioners who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. We know it hurts, and we want to help and encourage you after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend.

Meetings will be held in the Saint Clare room from 6:00-8:00 pm in the fall of 2026.

GriefShare meeting dates can be found on our events calendar.

Registration is FREE and will be available in the summer of 2026!

For more information, please contact Deacon Bill Richer

Some groups discuss the Sunday readings. Others hear and share faith stories. No registration required.

Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 am

• Group meets in the St. Clare room.
• Coordinators: Dan Nielson and Chris Doud.

Saturdays, 8:00 am

• Group meets in the Middle Conference Room.
• Coordinator: Jim Henscheid.

For more information about any of these groups, contact the Faith Formation Office at 515-440-1030.

Join us for an hour of prayer centered on Scripture and the Rosary. Each evening includes the daily Gospel reading, prayer intentions, a Scriptural Rosary, and concludes with either the Divine Mercy Chaplet or the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph. During the month, we rotate through the four sets of Rosary mysteries, with the Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary prayed whenever there is a fifth Monday.

We meet every Monday from 7:00–8:00 pm in the Youth Room, except on holidays or during weather-related parish closures.

Sunsational Seniors fosters prayer, community, and camaraderie for the “65 and older” members of St. Francis. Through fellowship and fun activities, we gather to build friendships and share the love of God with one another.

Join us anytime — no sign-up is needed!

Sunsational Seniors gathers socially on the third Thursday of each month (summer and holiday dates may vary). A main dish and drinks are provided, and we invite you to bring a dish to share.

Visit our events calendar for dates.

We look forward to seeing you!

Adults (married or single) in their early 20s – mid 30s meet for fun and fellowship.

YA Community GroupMe

Looking for a Young Adult Community? Join the SFA Young Adult Community and start receiving information, such as our Rec Night, beginning September 27, from 5:00–7:00 pm in the School Gym. Young adults, ages 19+, can enjoy basketball, volleyball, pickleball, dodgeball, kickball, and more! Enter through the north gym doors. 

Join GroupMe

Book Study: Understanding Divine Mercy by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC

What is Divine Mercy, and why does it matter in our lives today? Join other young adults as we explore Understanding Divine Mercy by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC. Together, we’ll learn more about St. Faustina, Divine Mercy Sunday, and God’s mercy in the midst of suffering and everyday life.

Come read, reflect, and grow in faith together!

• Thursdays, October 15 - November 12, 2026
• 7:00-8:30 pm
• Youth Room
• Participants can purchase the book from their favorite bookseller

Register for Understanding Divine Mercy

Book Study: Bible Basics for Catholics by John Bergsma

Ever wished you knew more about the Bible and how all the pieces fit together? Join other young adults as we explore Bible Basics for Catholics by John Bergsma. This approachable and engaging book will help us better understand the story of Scripture and discover how it connects to our Catholic faith.

Come read, learn, and grow in faith together!

• Thursdays, January 14 - March 4, 2027
• 7:00-8:30 pm
• Youth Room
• Participants can purchase the book from their favorite bookseller

Register for Bible Basics for Catholics

Book Study: The Restless Flame by Louis de Wohl

What can the life of St. Augustine teach us about seeking God, navigating doubt, and finding our way to faith? Join other young adults as we read The Restless Flame by Louis de Wohl, a novel that brings St. Augustine’s journey to life.

Come discover Augustine’s story and reflect on what his search for truth might have to say to us today.

• Thursdays, May 6 – June 24, 2027
• 7:00-8:30 pm
• Youth Room
• Participants can purchase the book from their favorite bookseller

Register for The Restless Flame