Religious Ed Program

The St. Francis Xavier Religious Education Program instructs its parish children in the Roman Catholic faith and prepares them to receive the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. Children who did not receive Baptism in infancy may also receive instruction in our program leading to Baptism. The purpose of the program is to provide: catechetical instruction in the Catholic faith in the areas of morality, history, and doctrine; initiation into the faith community; and opportunities for commitment to Christian service.

By recognizing that the parents are the primary teachers of faith for their children, our program is designed to assist parents to uphold their baptismal promise to teach and raise the child in the Catholic faith. The parents must show a daily commitment to God by practicing the gift of faith and setting an example for their children. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this program depends on the commitment of each household to join in our instruction and in living out a Christian life.  There are ample ways in which our parish staff can assist the household to joyfully integrate into parish life.

Our program utilizes the Faith and Life series, published by Ignatius Press for Levels One (Grade 1) through Eight. Our program concludes with Level 9 (equivalent to Grade 9) for those children prepared for Confirmation. Normally, students are enrolled in a grade parallel to their academic grade, unless they have missed some years of religious instruction.  Our pastor and coordinator reserve the right to place the child at the class level best suited to his or her level of religious knowledge.

All families participating in our Religious Education Program must be active and registered members of our parish family. An active member is one who at least attends Mass every weekend.

Parental Commitment

Parent’s Commitment to the Catholic Faith and the education of their Children:

• You commit to raise the child in the Catholic Faith
• You commit to attend Holy Mass every weekend and on Holy Days of Obligation with your children
• You promote the Catholic faith in the household by praying with your children and discussing the faith
• You agree to use the budget envelope system at the parish
• You agree to attend our Adult Catholic Education classes provided each year

First Communion Preparation:

St. Francis offers a two-year sacramental instruction for children preparing for the Sacraments of First Penance and reception of Holy Eucharist. Before receiving these sacraments the students must complete both Level One and Two. Before being admitted into Level 2 the child must first complete Level One or demonstrate knowledge of Level One material. If your child was not baptized at Saint Francis Xavier Parish, please bring a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate with you when you register.

Confirmation Preparation:

Students are normally prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation in Level Nine and receive the sacrament the following spring. They should have completed the other levels prior to entering Level 9. There are several other expectations that must be met before receiving Confirmation. For more information contact the Office of Religious Education.

Schedule & Class Procedure

• Levels 1-6 attend classes on Sundays 9:15-10:15am
• Levels 7-9 attend classes on Sundays 11:30am-12:30pm

All children levels 1 – 6 must be signed out at the end of class by a parent, legal guardian or parent designate. Parents that have children in Levels 7-9 can sign a waiver to have their child sign themselves out to meet the parent or other responsible person outside the building.

For those students who have never received instruction in a formal catechetical program, have missed a few years, or are too old to participate in those grades that normally prepare them for a respective sacrament, there is a special class they may attend that is taught by the Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE).

This group meets every Sunday and allows young people to receive a catechetical foundation on par with their peers. Please contact the Office of Religious Education if you have questions about this specail preparation.

Program Cost

Program cost may vary from year to year. Please see the program Registration Form which indicates the cost per registration for each student in each level of instruction.

**Financial Aid may be available for those families (CRE) proving need and with approval by the pastor.