St

Mary Kay Michaels, Coordinator Religious Education Steve Jarosz, Youth Minister Sr. Youth Group

Religious Education at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic parish, is viewed as faith formation, currently in place for our children and high school youth from pre-K through ninth grade and older. It is our hope to move ahead to providing experiences of learning and growing together for all members of the parish, young and old alike-- those who have children and those who do not.

The type of parish community being formed here at St. Francis is that of a family. And, as family, it is in the parish that people are nurtured, cared for, educated, healed, guided and inspired. We strive in our faith formation program to provide a focal point for meaning in the daily lives of our families--developing a community of disciples--where no one feels as a stranger.

This year we have embarked on a new venture in our faith formation program, using a program for pre-K --6th, entitled "We Believe." This program offers a complete catechetical curriculum, including a textbook for each student, and addresses a learning style that is age-appropriate, educationally sound and with life-learning lessons. The program involves parents and families with child-initiated participation in prayer and activities that apply directly to family life. Both the texts and catechetical guides are in direct conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Concentration then for the 7th grade includes: "Introduction to the New Testament" and for the 8th grade: "Liturgy and Worship. "The 7th and 8th grade offerings are based on an adolescent catechesis, aimed at helping our young people to be motivated to continue the adventure of learning more about and deepening their Catholic faith.

Grades 9-12th and above (Senior Youth Group) offers an active and challenging opportunity for our high school youth to be integrated into the whole faith community. Discussions on vocations, abstinence, current events, parent relationships and peer ministries are included in the weekly meetings. Guest speakers are welcomed and our Youth minister also incorporates videos and internet resources for use in these sessions. Leadership is encouraged and our young people are thereby empowered to answer God's call to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

The sacrament of Confirmation in the parish will now be celebrated every other year, with the next celebration scheduled for the year 2006. Immediate preparation for that sacrament will be offered to those in 9th grade and older.