2020-21 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM

For the 2020-21 program year, we will be supporting families with an at-home model of catechesis instead of our usual in-person classes. We are also planning a variety of ways to connect families with catechists and others in the parish community through outreach, online gatherings, and, as conditions allow, the possibility of in-person gatherings, all in support of your efforts to teach the faith at home.

Our program offerings for Kindergarten-Grade 8 will include:

1) An At-Home Catechesis Kit with the following resources:

• Finding God 2021 grade-level textbook for each child (K-8)
• 60-page (print out or digital access) of Finding God At-Home Edition parent lesson plans for each grade
• Access to online resources, including Interactive Session Reviews and Learning Games
• A Bible appropriate to your child’s grade level

2) Religious Education Program Events facilitated by parish staff and volunteer catechists, including:

• 7 online sessions for parents using Finding God Family Catechesis program, offered in live and recorded formats
• Family Small Groups/Catechist outreach (parents choose one); 7 or more throughout the year
• Online Religious Education Program events for all; 7 throughout the year (any of these could be offered in-person as safety allows)
•  Online class meetings with catechists for students in Grades 6-8; to be scheduled every 3 weeks; families choose Monday or Tuesday evening sessions

The registration fee for this year's program is $100 per child. 
 Click here to complete the Sign-up Form for the 2020-21 Program

Payment is not required at this time. All who sign-up will receive a registration packet, payment information, and additional details about this year's program. (Please note: We never want finances to be a deterrent to faith formation. Please contact us if you have a situation that requires assistance.)

Information Regarding Sacramental Preparation for 2020-21

Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, and full initiation inL the adapted RCIA for children and teens seeking Baptism will also be offered in a blended program including online and at-home formats. Since preparing for a sacrament involves formation in addition to grade-level catechesis, sacramental preparation at St. Francis is not grade specific and children are expected to have participated in religious education in the year prior to preparing for a sacrament. Families requesting sacramental preparation for their child are asked to indicate this on the pre-registration form so that additional information can be provided. Please note that there is a separate materials fee for sacramental preparation programs.

Questions? Call the Religious Education Office at 301-258-9193 or email sfareligioused@sfadw.org.
Please share this information with others, especially those who will be new to our program!
 

• Registration Form for 2020-2021
• Religious Education Online Permission Form
• Publicity Release Form 
• St. Francis of Assisi Religious Education Handbook
• NEW! Pay for Relgious Education classes online through Faith Direct. 

Our parish Religious Education program supports parents who are the first to give witness to the Christian way of life to their children. Together, we share the faith in hopes that children:

• experience a personal relationship with Jesus and know that they are God’s special and unique creation
• realize that they are immensely and unconditionally loved by God and that the Trinity dwells in them
• understand that they are made to live in community, and have a responsibility to live moral lives, and to also continue Jesus’ mission by communicating God’s love to others

Our parish presents a full program of faith formation following the Archdiocese  of Washington curriculum,  Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization.  See the parent guide. 

Families are encouraged to have their children participate in Religious Education each year. 

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Sacramental preparation is not tied to a specific grade and St. Francis welcomes all youth to prepare for sacraments. We aim to help children and families prepare for the sacraments at the time that is right for them. While there may be a "typical" age at which a child prepares for each sacrament, sacraments are celebrated based on readiness, not age.

• Learn more about the preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
• Learn more about the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation
• Learn more about how children and teens (age 7 and older) prepare for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in a process modeled on the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

Would you like to volunteer and teach our children? Learn more.

Questions? Contact Susan Anderson, Director of Religious Education, 301-258-9193