St. Francis would like to introduce a new layout for parish-wide faith formation starting in Fall 2019.  Goals for the new parish-wide Faith Formation Plan are:
 
Nurture our parish community
Vibrant parishes are life-giving, both for their congregation and their surrounding communities. They foster lives of holiness and discipleship among their members and joyfully desire to share that same gift of faith in Jesus Christ with those they encounter.  As a parish community, at whatever stage of life we are at, we can contribute to the community in friendship, experience and faith while at the same time growing in our own formation as Catholic Christians.  This act of unity will energize our fellow parishioners as we journey through life together.
 
Support the Domestic Church
The Domestic Church is comprised of the family unit. As families are the basic building blocks of society, St. Francis wants to support their formation since this is where we first learn about God and learn to integrate our Catholic identity into our lives as stated above.  Since parents are the constant in the lives of their children, it is sensible to include parents in the faith formation of their children empowering them to be spiritual leaders in their Domestic Church.
 
 Please look at the layout chart and then read the FAQ’s below for more info. 

GENERAL MONTHLY PLAN

FAQ’s
 
Why is there a new plan of Faith Formation for St. Francis?
In an effort to revitalize our parish as a whole, research was done to identify the key factors that will play a part in this initiative.  One such factor was intergenerational catechesis which will bring the parish together as one, while honoring the different stages in life.  St. Francis Parish will function as support for its parishioners from Baptism through adulthood. 
 
What does this new plan consist of?
Generally speaking, there will be a rotation of “types” of Sundays per month as noted in the accompanying chart.  This rotation will vary due to holidays and liturgical celebrations that happen in different months.  Please take a moment to look at the chart to see what will be taking place.
 
How does this new plan affect families raising children?
For families raising children, our focus is to support parents as “the first preachers of the faith to their children” (Lumen Gentium) throughout the many stages of their children’s growth.  It has been shown that the former model of catechesis for children, which strictly takes place in the classroom, is minimally effective in forming disciples of Christ, especially given our current cultural challenges. Statistics have shown a steady decline in Mass attendance and attendance of religious education in the past 40 years.   This is a reflection of the lack of effectiveness of catechesis in the Truth and Beauty of our Catholic Faith.  Recognizing the need for change, there has been a shift in catechesis to whole family formation – supporting parents in their own formation as children of God and preachers of the faith in their family while working with the children as well.  Integrating our Catholic identity into daily family life will increase the chances of the children growing into faithful disciples in their adulthood.  We will be implementing the hybrid model of catechesis here at St. Francis partnering with parents in catechizing their children.
 
How does this new plan affect adults in our parish who are not currently raising children?
This plan will allow adults without children to attend formation classes at a convenient time during which all other parishioners will be gathering as well.  This will allow for a unified parish which will help to bring vitality to the life of St. Francis as a parish.
 
What will the Adult Education course consist of?
There will be two meeting options for the Adult Education class: 1) Sundays from 12:30pm-2:00pm or 2) Wednesdays from 7:00pm-8:30pm.  Both options will meet in the south classrooms.
            We will be studying Genesis to Jesus in the fall, a dynamic Scripture study as an overview of the great Plan God designed for us.  What is the Bible?  Where does it come from?  What story does it tell?  How are we supposed to read it?  Gain a panoramic vision of salvation history and humanity’s place in the story.  Discover how much you are loved by God.
 
How will the First Communion program look for my child?
First Communion is a 2-year program.  If your child has not attended the first year of Faith Formation, your child will need to do that first.  This is typically done in 1^st grade.  (Please see the next question on Faith Formation participation.) 
Once completing 1 year, your child will be considered a 2^nd year student where your child will receive his/her First Holy Communion at the end of the 2^nd year.  2^nd year students will attend approximately 2 classes per month on Sundays (see Sundays #1 and #2 on the chart).  Parents of 2^nd year students will be in formation meetings at the same time as their child twice a month where parents will be learning the deeper understanding of the Sacraments your child will receive in order to emphasize these Truths to your child.   At home discussions, activities, and Catholic family living will be essential in the formation of the child.  Families are also asked to attend the once a month parish gatherings (Sundays #4) per the calendar that will be sent out.   
 
If I have a child in 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th, or 5^th grade, what will the Faith Formation program look like for my child?
            You and your child will attend Sunday #1 and Sunday #4.  On Sundays #1 (as labelled on a calendar sent out in the fall), both parent and child will break out into their formation groups after the luncheon – parents with other parents; child with his/her grade appropriate catechist.  During this time, your child will be preparing for the topics that will be covered at home for the month.  Parents, during your formation time, you will be following along the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other enrichment topics that will help your child understand the Truths of the Faith better.  What’s great about this model is that the discussions/activities/etc. done at home can be done with multiple-aged children – great for the whole family!  On Sundays #4, families will come to the gathering and children will briefly touch base with their catechist, especially if there is a family home project to show-and-tell.
 
What if I’m a parent that wants to attend the Adult Education class?  They meet at the same time.
            There are a couple of options:  1)  Attend the parent portion of faith formation on Sundays and attend the adult education class on Wednesday nights.   2) Although it would be ideal to have both parents at the parent formation sessions, you could have your spouse attend the parent portion while you attend adult education on Sundays.
 
I have a middle schooler or high schooler.  How will the program look for my child?
            Generally speaking, middle schoolers and high schoolers will meet when all other groups meet on Sundays #1, #2, and #3.  They will be invited to serve in some capacity on Sundays #4.  Although, there will be varied activities that will cause the schedule to fluctuate for this age group (off-site activities, retreats, service opportunities, etc.).  Parents of middle schoolers and high schoolers should come to the parent formation meetings once per month on Sundays #1 while their child is at youth group.  There is nothing like being supported during these challenging years!
 
My child is looking to be Confirmed this year.  When does this happen and how do I get information about it?
            Most high schoolers receive the Sacrament of Confirmation their 9^th or 10^th grade year, although 11^th and 12^th graders are of course welcome into the program.  Teens seeking Confirmation will meet twice per month on Sundays from 2:30pm-4:30pm.  There will be an information meeting in September that will address the entirety of the Confirmation program.  Coming to this meeting prior to registration is high suggested.  Not sure if you want to be Confirmed?  Please come to the meeting anyway.  Date of the meeting TBD.
 
My children are not in 1^st grade yet, but we would like to participate in the program.  Can we?
            Yes!  You can.  As parents you are welcome to come to the parent formation meetings on Sundays #1 and to the All Parish Community Gatherings on Sundays #4.  You are forming your child at the most basic level, so of course St. Francis will be happy to support you!  If you need child care on Sundays #1, please contact Monica Conrow and we will see what we can do.  Or if you feel comfortable keeping your child with you, we can help you arrange for crayons, coloring sheets, etc.
 
I would like to help in some way.  But how?  And what can I do?
            Bless you for answering the call of the Holy Spirit!  This is how we collaborate together as a community and take ownership of our parish family.  There are sign-ups today after Mass for many various opportunities. If you like to cook and want to contribute to parish luncheons or gatherings, please bless us with your cooking!  Do you enjoy working with the little ones?  Do you want to be on the Adult Ed. lead team or are you open to sponsoring an RCIA candidate?  Contact Monica.   And if none of those strike a chord with you, feel free to contact Monica anyway to meet and discuss your gifts.