861 Wildwood Lane, Grapevine, Texas  76051 - (817) 481-2685 - Fax (817) 488-3169 

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St. Francis offers multiple Formation Sessions for
ALL ages from Pre-K through 12^th grade.
Registration for Fall Sessions 2010-11
is currently underway! 

Come by the Parish Office to pick up registration packets.

Fall Faith Formation Schedule
Sessions Offered:
School Year Session – September through April

3-yr old – 1st Grade
Sundays 9:00am—10:00a.m., 11:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.
Wednesdays 4:30p.m.—5:30p.m.

2nd – 5th Grade
Sundays 10:15a.m.—11:15a.m.
Wednesdays 4:30p.m.—5:30p.m., 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.

6th – 12th Grades
Sundays 10:15a.m.—11:45a.m.
Wednesdays 7:00p.m.—8:30p.m.
All students are registered on a first-come, first served basis
with volunteer’s children being placed in classes first.

Catechesis for Children – Pre-K thru 8^th Grades

Faith Formation teaches our children about their Catholic faith using Harcourt’s Called to Faith curriculum.  Students are taught by teams of dedicated catechists and assistants and participate in faith building, age-appropriate activities and lessons, taking home each week’s lesson to share with their parents. Students periodically participate in outreach efforts to broaden their view beyond their classrooms and families.

The High School Students (9^th thru 12^th grades) like the elementary curriculum are taught by teams of catechists and participate in faith building, age-appropriate activities and lessons.  We will be implementing the U.S. Bishops document Doctrinal Elements in a Curriculum Framework using Harcourt’s Called to Discipleship.

In addition to the Harcourt curriculum used in the classroom, parents and students have access to the Harcourt/St. Francis website where parents can obtain additional information on the subjects taught and students have activities, games and lessons to reinforce what they are learning in the classrooms.

11th & 12th Grades may also join Pass-It-On, a peer-to-peer ministry group that meets year round, except for the month of August.  This group focuses on helping each other live Christian lives.  This group meets on Wednesday evening from 7:30 – 8:30p.m. in the Youth Center

Volunteer Opportunities include Session Coordinator, Catechist, Assistant Catechist, Office Help, Crafts, and Nursery help.  All volunteers will be automatically assigned to the session that their children are attending, unless otherwise noted.  Volunteers can sign up on the Family Page of the Formation Registration Forms or contact the Formation Office.  Children of full-time volunteers may have their fees waived.   Also, all volunteers are asked to complete a short application with a background check and a brief interview will be conducted.  All volunteers are also required to attend a Keeping Children and Youth Safe session before beginning volunteer work.  This certification is renewed every 3 years.

Session Coordinator:  Will volunteer during the time their child(ren) is in class by overseeing the other volunteers, assisting with whatever is needed, talking to parents who have questions and assisting the Formation Office to disseminate information and oversee dismissal.

            Catechist/Assistant Catechist: Prepare the lessons for each class and teach the students about the subject that is age appropriate.  There is some advance preparation required each week and training will be provided.  Required to have at least two adults in every classroom and the preference is for three, so that teaching responsibilities can be rotated.

            Office Help:  Be in the office during the Formation session to assist catechists and staff with various projects, copies, shredding, tracking attendance, etc.

            Crafts:  Assist teacher in gathering supplies for crafts in the classrooms, finding ideas for teachers needing help, possibly leading a craft project in a classroom.

            Nursery:  During Wednesday sessions, volunteers are needed to assist the Nursery Coordinator with caring for the children of volunteers that are not old enough to attend classes.  Usual age for these children is infants to 3-year olds.

Sacrament Preparation

Eucharist and Reconciliation

Preparation for First Eucharist and Reconciliation is done in the 2nd grade.  In addition to Faith Formation classes, attendance at a Sacramental preparation workshop is required of the parent prior to the child receiving the sacraments.  If your student is older than 2nd grade then arrangements can be made for them to prepare for the sacraments they have missed.  Please contact the Formation Office for more information

Confirmation
Students may begin preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation at the age of 15 in 10^th grade.  Confirmation Preparation and Requirements include:
    Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation
    Enrollment in the Faith Formation program
    Participation in Confirmation Preparation Classes
    Attendance at the “Spirit” Confirmation Retreat (or a Confirmation Retreat hosted by another parish.)
    40 hours of Community Service
    Attendance at Mass weekly
RCIA adapted for Children and Teens
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children is for children, 3rd through 12th grades who have not been baptized or who were baptized in another Christian Tradition.  We follow similar guidelines and rites as in the RCIA (Adults) adapted to the level of the children or teens in formation.  Those prepared through the RCIA-Children or Teens enter into full membership of the Catholic Church during the Easter Season.

Friendship Factory
Friendship Factory held generally the Second Sunday of each month in conjunction with Mothers with Young Children's and Children's Ministry provide social and service opportunities primarily for 3rd through 5th Graders while learning more deeply about their Faith and our call to serve.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word
For Children in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade (who have not yet received Holy Communion), the Children’s Lector proclaims the same Sunday readings as for the adults, but in words children can understand using the Children’s Lectionary.  This is not a catechism class; rather the lectors break open the scriptures in ways that make the stories come alive.  The children are invited to enter into the stories, developing a greater appreciation for the meaning of the Gospel in their lives.

The children are dismissed for Children’s Liturgy of the Word after the opening prayer. 
The Prayer, First Reading, and Gospel are proclaimed. After the Gospel, the children sit
and share with the Lector what they have heard. They offer prayers, recite the Creed and
offer their monetary donations.  The children join their families and the congregation for
the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Children’s Liturgy Lector:  Is trained and scheduled similar to the Lectors for mass.  Lectors can volunteer for the mass that they usually attend.  Children ages Kindergarten through 2nd grade will be dismissed to the Chapel and Lector will lead them in readings and an interactive reflection.  Training is provided and there are always at least two adults present.  Teenagers are also encouraged to help with this ministry.  Great opportunity for families to minister together!

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