Clergy & Faith Life
Rev. Steven Arisman
Pastor, St. Francis Solanus Parish & School 12 years a priest · 6 years at St. FrancisMeet Fr. Arisman
Father Steven Arisman has served as Pastor of St. Francis Solanus Parish and School for six of his twelve years as a priest. For him, the school is not a separate institution from the parish. It is the parish at work, forming young disciples and shaping hearts for Christ.
He brings that conviction into everything from All School Mass to hallway conversations.
He’ll tell you plainly: he loves being a priest, and he prays that many more vocations will rise from this very community.
His vocation story
From the ER to the altar
Eagle Scout, ER worker, baseball umpire, and now a priest. In this episode of One Mile Talks from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Fr. Arisman shares how God led him to the priesthood, including the heart attacks that once left him hours from death.
Video: One Mile Talks, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Faith & mission
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What he loves most about Catholic school
“I love forming young people to be the disciples they are called to be. It’s beautiful to see them grow and change and develop skills and talents. To touch lives and shape hearts and bring them to Christ.”
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What he hopes every student always knows
“That they are loved. The Lord loves them, I love them, and so many love them. Always know of that love!”
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How faith shapes everything at St. Francis
“Faith is the central aspect of all that we do at St. Francis Solanus. It’s the central aspect of what I teach!”
A little more about Fr. Arisman
- Favorite saintLeo the Great
- Favorite part of the school dayAll School Mass
- Childhood bookThe Giving Tree
- Perfect SaturdayMass and confessions
- Something surprisingHe was a gymnast
- Favorite Bible verse“Faithful friends are beyond price, no amount can balance their worth.”Sirach 6:15
- Pilgrimage dreamThe Holy Land
- Favorite feast day or traditionChristmasA love passed down from his grandfather
- MusicAll kinds
- Favorite movieEmmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
- Favorite sportBaseball
- Coffee or tea?Tea
- Favorite family activityCards
- Unexpected hobbyKayaking
- Best advice received“Never, never, never give up.”Winston Churchill
What our families say
Faith & Tradition
Our family's love for St. Francis Solanus School is deeply rooted in faith and tradition. With Joe's family having attended for generations, it is incredibly meaningful to now watch our children walk the same halls and grow in the same values-rich, faith-centered environment.
Joe & Alexis Darnell FamilyKnown at every stage
St. Francis Solanus meets the individual academic needs of all our children at every stage of development. Our older kids recognized the "St. Francis Solanus difference" during an initial school visit and were ready to start the next day! The parent-teacher partnership is collaborative and focused on helping students do their best, and the Catholic influence of the priests, deacons, DRE, and staff is focused on fostering a true and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Aaron & Karen Weiman FamilyTo be Jesus to others
St. Francis provides a quality Catholic experience. They learn not only how to add and subtract but to know Jesus, love Jesus, and to be Jesus to others. We are proud of our choice to have provided a faith-based education for our children and that our children have continued to choose St. Francis for their children. It is important to celebrate the privilege of a Catholic education and we have been blessed to have been supportive of continuing this legacy.
Deacon Dennis and Pat HolbrookAccountability with grace
The culture is one of partnership. Students are truly known by their teachers and staff. There is accountability paired with grace. Leadership is present and engaged.
The Friye Mamdani FamilyEnthusiasm and dedication
The teachers of St. Francis are observing and always seeking ways to improve the abilities of our students. The enthusiasm and dedication from the teachers has helped our children gain confidence and excel in multiple areas.
Brad & Makenzie Holtmeyer FamilyLessons come to life
The teachers at St. Francis bring lessons to life, creating engaging classrooms where students feel excited about learning. What stands out most is their strong training in literacy instruction, ensuring that every student grows as a confident, capable reader and communicator.
John & Lindsey Kelly FamilyAcademic excellence
St. Francis School offers a welcoming and nurturing environment where academic excellence is paired with strong values rooted in the Catholic tradition.
Dr. Samuel & Danielle Healy FamilyInviting family-feel
The school is small which gives it a warm, inviting family-feel. Staff and students alike begin to know everyone within the building. This brings a sense of comfort knowing our children are being well taken care of while growing in academics and in faith.
James & Tera Terwelp FamilyLoved and cared for.
We find comfort in the fact that our girls are loved and cared for from the moment the door opens and they are welcomed into school each morning until the staff wave goodbye at the end of the day. Everyone they encounter throughout the day at St. Francis is Jesus to them - just what a true Catholic school should be!