Structure of the ProgramFamily of Faith is comprised of both Instructional Sessions (classes) and Community meetings. Please see the calendar for the specific dates and times of each session.
Instructional Sessions (Classes) Families will gather one Sunday a month from September through May following the 9:30 AM Mass. Sessions will be held in the Saint Francis Xavier Campus School Gymnasium. Each monthly session will begin with parents and children gathering together for an opening prayer and introduction to the day’s lesson. Students will then be dismissed with their grade-level catechists for one hour of catechesis, while parents remain in the gymnasium for their own faith formation and instruction. At the conclusion of class time, families will reunite in the gymnasium for closing prayer, fellowship, and important announcements. Our Family of Faith program is designed to support parents as the primary educators of their children in the Catholic faith by providing meaningful resources, guidance, and community throughout the year. Community Gatherings and Hospitality In addition to the monthly instructional sessions, the Family of Faith program offers an opportunity throughout the year for families to gather together in conversation and support within the parish. This year, the Family of Faith program will host four community dinners in September, October, December, and April. These gatherings are designed to bring families together for faith, friendship, and shared meals as we continue to grow as a parish community. We will also offer time for fellowship following the monthly parent sessions, providing parents an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their role as the primary educators of the faith. Many of these community gatherings will correspond with the themes and topics discussed during the monthly sessions. Please see the program calendar for specific dates and times of all community events and dinners. The Curriculum A Family of Faith follows a four-year cycle: one pillar of the Catechism is covered per year from September-April. Parents are given a detailed picture of authentic and vibrant Catholic family life, the tools to implement this life in their home, and age-appropriate readings, games, crafts, and other activities to help them deepen among their children a love for Christ and His Church. The Parent Guide
The Children's Activity Book The Children's Activity Book is designed to help children come to know the Catholic Faith through fun games and activities. The Parent's Guide offers talking points for how to use each activity in the children's book as a teachable moment, leading the child to a deeper relationship with Christ. Activities in the Children's Activity Book include:
Pacing Guide After four years, families will have been guided through the entirety of the Catechism and will have developed a broad understanding of the Church's teachings. Families then cycle through the program again in order to deepen their knowledge and develop the habits needed for life-long spiritual growth. You can learn more about the Family of Faith Curriculum at our publisher's website here or see our Pacing Guide. Family Expectations Your family commits to attending monthly meetings throughout the year (September - May). Parents will teach their child(ren) the appropriate lessons at home using knowledge from the meetings and following the given syllabus. Families will attend Saturday/Sunday Mass weekly. Parents communicate to the director regarding absences from the monthly sessions. SACRAMENTAL FORMATION Any family who wishes their children to receive either the sacrament of 1st Reconciliation, 1st Communion, and/or Confirmation will need to register for Family of Faith OR be enrolled in St. Francis Xavier School. For those not enrolled in our parish school, all preparation for these sacraments take place with special additional parent/student sessions. Please click the buttons below to access the calendars and other documents pertaining to these sacraments. 1st Reconciliation & 1st Communion For those students who are enrolled in St. Francis Xavier School, preparation for these sacraments will take place in the 2nd grade religion class during their normal school day. For students not enrolled in our parish school, preparation for these sacraments take place within our Family of Faith program and along with several additional classes for the students to participate. In addition to the preparation classes as highlighted above additional requirements for ALL families (both school and Family of Faith) include two parent meetings (one in the fall, one in the spring), and one retreat/rehearsal for First Communion. Please see the calendar directly below for detailed dates and info for this year's sacramental preparation process. Inquiries regarding First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion should be directed to Dana McKenna at [email protected] or 847-323-2027. 1st Reconciliation / 1st Communion Calendar (2025/26) Confirmation For those students who are enrolled in one of our parish schools, preparation for Confirmation will take place in the 7thand 8th grade religion class during their normal school day. For students not enrolled in our parish schools, preparation for Confirmation take place within our Family of Faith program along with additional sacramental preparation classes during the school year. In addition to the preparation classes, additional requirements for ALL families (both school and Family of Faith) include two parent meetings one in the Fall and one in the spring, plus participation in a Confirmation retreat/rehearsal for Confirmation. Please see the calendar directly below for detailed dates for this year's sacramental preparation process. Inquiries regarding First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion should be directed to Dana McKenna at [email protected] or 847-323-2027. 7th Grade Pre-Confirmation Calendar (2025/26) Confirmation Calendar (2025/26) |
