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.