At St. Francis of Assisi, we want to assist our parishioners in having a strong Catholic faith. We do this through Faith Formation for both children and adults.
Faith Formation for Everyone
Since Vatican Council II, there has been a notable decrease in Catholic education among youth and adults for many reasons. When St. Francis of Assisi Parish was in its forming stages, the faith community wanted to address the lack of continuing education in the Catholic faith and embraced the idea of faith formation for everyone.
Faith Formation classes are scheduled September through May. Through regular attendance, Faith Formation offers the parish community an opportunity for all members, preschool through adult years, a chance to be formed in the knowledge of their Catholic faith, stewardship, current Church events, outreach programs and more.
Faith Formation for youth and adults begins with the parish community gathering on Sunday to celebrate Eucharist. After a brief break for coffee and donuts, children report to class for instruction, while parents attend sessions for the adult community. Adult formation is important not only for the adult, but so that children come to see that growing in faith is important for all ages.
As a Total Stewardship Parish, our Faith Formation classes are free of charge.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
1st through 3rd grade
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is celebrated during the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Children, first through third grade, are with their family through the opening prayer. Prior to the Liturgy of the Word, the priest calls the children and catechist forward. The children leave to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word adapted to their age level. While the gifts are collected, the children rejoin their families to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the parish community.
This is a great opportunity for our children to hear the Scripture proclaimed in words more on their level, they engage in a brief discussion of the readings, and are often given a take-home leaflet. They also learn about the church year, liturgical colors, parts of the Mass, and more.
Children's Faith Formation
Pre-kindergarten through high school
Our Children's Faith Formation serves children not attending a Catholic School, pre-kindergarten through high school. If your child is enrolled in a Catholic school, they are welcome to attend as well.
More information about Children's Faith Formation and the Youth Group are detailed on the Youth Programs page.
Adult Faith Formation
Adults and occasionally high school students
Adults in the parish meet for Adult Faith Formation while the children attend Children's Faith Formation. Recent programs have included Bishop Robert Barron’s Catholicism – The Pivotal Players and the Three Disciplines of Lent. Programs cover a wide range of topics including the Sacraments, liturgy, right to life, social concerns, prayer, the Paschal Mystery, and many other topics relevant to today’s Catholic.
Check the bulletin for the current program schedule.
Seasonal Programs
During Advent or Lent, programs are implemented that are designed to enrich these special seasons of the liturgical year. These may include scripture study, prayer groups, prayer aides, or other special activities to enhance family faith formation.
Watch in the bulletin for more information.
Retreats & Conferences
Looking for a youth retreat or interested in sending your children to a Catholic summer camp?
Check out the opportunities listed on the Retreats & Conferences page.
