Studies &
Small Groups

Groups for women, men, young adults, and moms, each built around prayer, learning the faith, and friendship. New faces are always welcome.

Find a group → (217) 602-9293

A group of St. Francis Solanus parishioners gathered together in the parish hall

Find your people

Faith grows better in company

Sunday Mass is where the parish gathers. These groups are where friendships form during the rest of the week: a few hours a month to pray, learn, eat together, and get to know the people in the next pew.

You don't need to sign up in advance or know anyone already. Pick the group that fits your stage of life and come once to see how it feels.

For women
For men
Ages 23–40
Exodus 90
Stay-at-home moms

Five groups

Find the group that fits

Upcoming events and any changes in time or place are listed in the weekly bulletin.

For women

League of Saint Clare

The League of Saint Clare exists to serve women of all ages and stages in our parish community. We rotate our events based on our four pillars of Worship, Formation, Fellowship, and Service. From bouquet making to Eucharistic Adoration to talks on Angels and Demons, we bet you can find an activity up your alley. Follow our upcoming events in the parish bulletin.

When: First and Third Sundays
7 – 8:15 PM
Where: Parish Hall (unless otherwise stated in the bulletin)
Contact: Grant
217-602-9293

For men

Francis' Fraternity

Francis' Fraternity exists to serve men of all ages and stages in our parish community. Just like the League of Saint Clare, we rotate events based on our four pillars of Worship, Formation, Fellowship, and Service. From golfing at the KC Range to setting up the youth group room to doing Rosary walks on the riverfront, you'll find something that piques your interest! Follow our upcoming events in the parish bulletin.

When: Every Thursday (except the fifth Thursday, if there is one)
7 – 8:15 PM
Where: Parish Hall (unless otherwise stated in the bulletin)
Contact: Grant
217-602-9293

Young adults, ages 23–40

Riverside Small Group

The Riverside Small Group exists to serve young(ish) adults from ages 23–40. Currently, we have married couples with and without children and singles all participating in the group. We gather for a potluck meal and fellowship followed by a short video and discussion, chosen by the leader of the month. Don't let being new deter you from coming; even if you come feeling out of place, you'll leave feeling like you belong!

When: One Tuesday per month
7 – 8:15 PM
Where: Grant and Jess Wilson's house
Contact: Grant
217-602-9293

For men, twice a year

Exodus 90

Exodus 90 has two sessions per year: Saint Michael's Lent (August–September) and true Exodus 90, 90 days before Easter. If you're a man looking for community and deeper focus in your walk with Jesus, join us!

When: Beginning of August – end of September and 90 days before Easter, times and days are TBD
Where: Varying locations
Contact: John McDowell
217-440-8187
or Aaron Kerkhoff
217-316-9203

For stay-at-home moms

Stay-at-Home Moms' Prayer / Community Group

If you're a stay-at-home mom looking for more community and for ways to level up in your intercessory prayers, join us! We choose a priest every few months to pray for, and each of us chooses a day of the week to offer up whatever she can for that priest as a prayer, be it a Rosary, her workout, or the extra hard or lonely or annoying things that crop up throughout the day. We also share aspects of our lives in our group chat, have spontaneous hangouts, and find time every other month to have a more scheduled gathering.

When: Varying times once every other month
Where: Varying locations
Contact: Grant
217-602-9293

League of Saint Clare and Francis' Fraternity

Built on four pillars

The women's and men's groups rotate their gatherings through four kinds of events, so over a few months you'll pray, learn, laugh, and serve together.