St. Francis of Assisi
Religious Education and Faith Formation
Welcome to Saint Francis of Assisi Religious Education.
We are blessed to have 800 children in our program. Please consider joining our volunteer catechists and assistants by sharing your faith and time with the children of our parish. We, at the parish of Saint Francis of Assisi, look upon religious education as a total parish experience involving not just the child, but also the parents, families, catechists, clergy and all those who form the community of faith. We believe that religious education is getting to know Jesus and learning what is expected of one who chooses to follow Him in the Catholic Tradition.
Through the light of faith we hope to develop in those entrusted to our care a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord. We strive to build up the church, fulfill the message and mission of Jesus Christ, and to love God and all of God’s creation by the inspiration and vision of Saints Francis and Clare.
Religious Education Online Registration 2021-2022 – Electronic Payment Option only at time of Online registration
RE Printable Forms 2021-2022 – Cash and Check only to be delivered by Mail or in person to the RE Office
First Communion
Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)
2021-2022 Parent Signature Page (For Online Registrations ONLY)
2021-2022 Religious Education Parent Handbook
2021-2022 Religious Education Parent Handbook (Spanish)
Confirmation
Follow Religious Education on Pinterest!
Parent Blog
2021-2022 Religious Education Calendar
Pay RE Tuition
Catechist Facebook Group
First Reconciliation
RCIA for Children
The RCIA adapted for children is instruction for children between the ages of eight and seventeen who have had little or no previous faith formation experiences. Some are not baptized; others have been baptized in another Christian faith, and are seeking complete initiation in the Catholic Church. Classes begin in the fall and the process for children’s initiation usually takes two years. Children who were baptized Catholic but have had little or no formation since baptism may receive instruction and sacramental preparation with this group. After reception of the sacrament, all children continue with instruction at their grade level. If you know of any families with children who are interested in becoming Catholic, contact the Faith Formation Office for more information or to register for classes.
Sacramental Preparation
Our sacramental preparation is considered to be a family program and is designed to take place in the midst of the community of the faithful. While teachers give religious instruction, this program involves parent participation. It includes parent enrichment meetings, retreats for the children, family activities, liturgical celebrations, and a home study component for parents and children to work together. To prepare for the sacraments of First Communion, First Reconciliation, or Confirmation, a child must be enrolled in the parish Religious Education program or attend Catholic School for the two years of preparation. The sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation are typically celebrated in May.
Special Needs
Children with special needs bring wonderful God given gifts to our parish. We are pleased to offer support to our parents of special needs children and we make every effort to provide the appropriate accommodations necessary for a special needs child. When possible the child is given one on one instruction within the classroom setting appropriate to the child’s grade level.
First Reconciliation
Reconciliation is one of the seven sacraments (signs of the presence of Jesus in our world) of the Catholic Church. This sacrament is also called Confession and Penance. We use the term Reconciliation to emphasize the positive and joyful aspects of going to Confession. We celebrate the forgiveness which reunites us with God, the church, and the community.
Parents should be involved in determining their child’s readiness to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. For First Reconciliation, we have a communal rite with individual Confession and Absolution. It is then the parent’s responsibility to bring their children to the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated prior to the reception of First Eucharist. Instruction for this sacrament precedes instruction for First Eucharist This is done to teach children the specific identity of this sacrament and to help them feel comfortable with it before receiving First Eucharist.
For questions about Religious Education, please contact Marianne Hayes:
For questions about Sacramental Preparation, please contact Sheila Noble: