FAMILY
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
Teaching
the Faith
The greatest
gift a parent can give their children is to introduce them to a living
relationship with God in Jesus Christ. In this relationship, the
child will grow up showered in the love of God, strengthened to weather
any storm, and given the means to share this overflowing love from God
to others in charity. The family provides the first community where
children can see themselves as valued individuals, loved and belonging
to others. As they continue to grow in Faith, children are able to
recognize that they have gifts and talents and that these gifts and talents
make a meaningful contribution to the lives of others.
Family
Religious Education
It is the
desire to offer parents the opportunity to share the Faith with their children
and fully take part in their children's religious education that St. Francis
of Assisi Parish offers Family Religious Education. Children aged
K to 5th grade with the presence of at least one parent (or guardian) and
youth in 6th, 7th and 8th grades meet following the Sunday 8:45 mass(10:20
a.m. - 12:10 p.m.). The topic of faith is introduced and families using
handouts and activities begin to explore the Faith, looking at subjects
such as the creed, discipleship, the sacraments, scripture, and prayer.
The children are then called to the classroom where parents and others
teach catechetical material geared specifically to the child's age level.
Youth in
grades 6, 7 and 8 meet in a youth group setting for the family session
and then proceed to the classsrooms for instruction.
Parents,
not teaching that day, are invited to joint the adult theology sessions
during the time the children are in the classroom.
Children
preparing for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Communion,
and Confirmation receive on-going formation geared for their development
within the classroom period, in addition to two separate family sessions
focusing on each sacrament.
Within
A Community of Living Faith
Teaching
the knowledge that makes up our belief is important, but more still is
required for that knowledge to come alive in a living relationship with
Christ. Family Religious Education offers the opportunity to nourish
a child's faith within the intimacy and connection of a community of Living
Faith.
To enroll
in Family Religious Education, complete and return the registration form.
For questions, E-mail: Ellen Ward @
or call 734-821-2132.