Grow in Faith, Together. 


No matter where you are on your journey, faith is meant to be shared in community. Our Faith and Fellowship groups offer welcoming spaces to build meaningful Catholic friendships, talk about life and faith, and support one another in prayer. Whether you are seeking a group that matches your current season of life or a casual space to share your faith, there is a circle of friends waiting to welcome you. Explore our communities below and find where you belong.

If you would like help getting connected to any of these programs, please fill out our Connection Form and our Newcomer and Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch. 

Flourish (Growing as Moms 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)

For summer months, we will meet once a month. Our next Thursday evening meet up is August 20. 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.

GriefShare

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 TBD

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

For more information, please contact Deacon Bill Richer

 

Men's Faith Sharing

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.

Rosary Group

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

Sunsational Seniors fosters prayer, community, and camaraderie for the “55 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.

Watch the bulletin for upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you!

Young Adults

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

What I Saw in America by GK Chesterton

Join us as we dive into What I Saw in America, G. K. Chesterton’s 1922 travelogue about his time in America. The book is much of what America meant to him, as an Englishman. His views on freedom, democracy, and capitalism are front and center in this book as he viewed Americans being virtually driven into indentured servitude if not outright slavery.

  • Thursdays, August 6 – September 17, 2026
  • 7:00-8:30 pm
  • Youth Room
  • Participants can purchase the book from their favorite bookseller