St. Francis Xavier Catholic Faith Community - Religious Education Make up Home Work

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"If we see families nourished by faith, how they live in joy, how they live suffering in a deep and underlying joy, how they help others, loving God and their neighbor, this seems to me to be the most beautiful proclamation today. For me, the most comforting proclamation is always that of seeing Catholic families and Catholic individuals who are penetrated by faith: the presence of God shines forth in them.”

Pope Benedict XVI

Adult Faith Formation Confirmation First Sacraments Focus of Study (by Grade) Homework Liturgy of the Word for Children Religious Education Religious Ed Staff & Contacts Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Sacramental Information Schedules Vacation Bible School

Mission Statement

We as Religious Education/Faith Formation staff are committed to assist parents in the faith formation of their children and youth by providing resources and support. We do this by offering the opportunity for religious instruction, worship, prayer and service.

Religious Education

Parents have the right and the duty to transmit this heritage of faith to their children: to help them find their own identity, to initiate them to the life of the Church, to foster the responsible exercise of their moral freedom and their ability to love on the basis of their having been loved and, above all, to enable them to encounter God."

Children experience human growth and maturity to the extent that they trustingly accept this heritage and training which they gradually make their own. They are thus enabled to make a personal synthesis between what has been passed on and what is new, a synthesis that every individual and generation is called to make.

Sharing our Faith together-Our Partnership with Parents

Family and church based faith formation together constitute a vital partnership in the nurturing of the faith of children and youth. We believe parents are the first and foremost Catechists (teachers) of their children.

The St. Francis Xavier Religious Education/Faith Formation programs and process are guided by the following two principles:

1. Faith formation is a lifelong process that includes everyone.

2. Our Catholic faith tradition comes alive when we enter into relationships with others, especially our family, and through actively sharing in the life of the parish community, especially in worship, sacraments, fellowship and
outreach to the greater community.

3. In order to have a living faith, every individual needs a basic knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Church.

Religious Education Staff

Eileen Garcia
Director of Religious Education
Grades 1-3 & 10
252-8761 Ext. 1402
email Eileen Garcia

Linda Arnold
Religious Education Coordinator
Grades 4-9
252-8761 Ext. 1410
email Linda Arnold

Geri Blais
Religious Education Secretary
252-8761 Ext. 1405
email Geri Blais

Parents: The Family Registration information for 2010-2011 has been sent. Your prompt attention to completing and returning the registration is imperative in our planning.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE ~ The success of last year‘s Faith Formation for children and youth involved over 100 people as catechists and catechist assistants. This does not mention the large number of people who helped as hall monitors and with preparation of materials. Our children and youth are again in need of faithfilled adults-young and old-who will journey with them in faith as catechists and catechist assistants during this coming year. Our volunteers should be practicing Catholics. Please pray about how YOU will help in this ministry. For more information call the Religious Education Office at 252-8761
ATTENTION: ALL PARENTS

In mid-September, Catholic Education Ministries of the diocese is sponsoring a free event:

What Does it Take to Help a Child Grow Up Catholic?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Holy Angels Performing Arts Center

Cathedral High School

312 7th Ave. N.

In today's world, a lot of people are talking to your children about God. You should be one of them! In this presentation, Bill Huebsch, author of Growing Up Catholic will lead a conversation about how you can shape the faith of your children. Rooted in Church documents and good old common sense, he will provide a menu of options for modern families

of all kinds. This event is free and open to the public.