YFF Class & Event Calendar
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Our children are our future. Saints JFX youth programs are designed to help the young people of our parish continue to grow spiritually while following the four pillars of the Catholic Catechism: Creed, Prayer, Sacraments and Morality. Guided by the Holy Spirit, our staff works diligently to provide great faith formation for all our children — God’s children. We partner closely with parents, as home and parents are where children first learn about God’s love.
Our Youth Programs
Family of Faith (R-Ed)
FAITH FORMATION FOR THE DOMESTIC CHURCH
The family is the first place that the Gospel is shared and lived. You, as parents, have the unique privilege and honor of being the primary catechist of your child. The Catholic Church considers the home to be the domestic Church because what you do in your home and as a family is holy. Our hope is that our new religious education format will allow for the incredibly busy schedules your families have, for intentional time spent in conversation about faith with your child, and for the opportunity to build Catholic community connections with other families. NEW STRUCTURE FOR THE 2023/2024 YEAR This year, we will be utilizing the Family of Faith program for all families in our parish. STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM Family 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 meet in the 2nd Tuesday of each month from October - May. Meetings will be held in the gym at SFXS at either 5:30 – 7:00PM or 7:30PM – 9:00PM. Parents will choose their desired session at the time of registration. While the parents meet for their lesson, they may sign their children up to spend time with a catechist to review over the materials they have recently covered at home. For children younger than 5 babysitting will be provided. During the parent lesson, parents are given the resources, knowledge, and understanding of the lessons/activities that they will be teaching their families at home for the rest of the Month. Community Meetings In addition to the monthly instructional sessions (classes), most months have a Community Meeting as well. These meetings often correspond with the topics discussed in the classes. These community meetings are designed to put into practice what we have learned in the classroom and grow together in fellowship and community as a parish. See the calendar for dates and times of each community meeting. 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 FOF Calendar The Parent Guide
The Parent Guide includes:
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 (Year 1)
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 here. 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
Preparation for First Reconciliation & First Holy 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 dmckenna@ssjfx.org or 847-251-3734. Reconciliation and First Communion Calendar 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 Confirmation should be directed to Dana McKenna at dmckenna@ssjfx.org or 847-251-3734. 7th Grade Pre-Confirmation Calendar 8th Grade Confirmation Calendar Meet Our Director
Welcome you to Saints JFX Family of Faith Formation Program, a Spirit-filled journey of Catholic faith formation with child, parent and catechist led by the Holy Spirit. We are grateful and honored to share your family’s faith journey and help parents emphasize the importance of a relationship with Jesus. Faith Formation is lifelong and ongoing. Our focus is on family catechesis. Parents are children’s first and best teachers. It is our philosophy that it is our job to support the parents in this responsibility. Our core program utilizes the A Family of Faith materials. The vision for A Family of Faith is to help create strong Catholic families in which children learn the joys of following Jesus Christ and the truths of the faith through the witness of Christian life given by the parents. We will encourage and equip parents to fulfill their God-given duty and privilege of educating their children in the Catholic faith. Our community prides itself on the involvement of our parishioners and we hope that you get involved in the many ministries, events and liturgies that will help your family feel connected to this community. For more information, please contact Dana McKenna – Director of Family of Faith dmckenna@ssjfx.org or 847-251-3734. CLOW (Children's Liturgy)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Ages 5-9 Children’s Liturgy of the Word (“CLOW”) is offered for children ages 5 through 9 at the 9:30 AM Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church and at the 10:30 Mass at St. Joseph Church every Sunday. This is an Archdiocesan-approved program to give younger children the opportunity to hear and discuss Sunday’s readings at their level. Click HERE for more information. SPRED (Special Religious Education Development)
Special Religious Development (SPRED) is a program to bring all persons with developmental disabilities into full membership in the parish. A community of adult believers gathers to welcome those with developmental disabilities and to grow in faith with them as preparation for their participation in the worship experiences of the parish community. SPRED communities are formed in age groups: children 6-10, 11-16, 17-21 and adults. Saints JFX hosts a group for children 11–16 with a leader catechist, an activity catechist, and six adult catechists, each of whom has a young friend. There are groups for every age in neighboring parishes. Contact the parish chairperson for further information: Marion Kahle: mkkahle@yahoo.com. ACTION for Teens
ACTION: Belong. Grow. Serve.
ACTION meets almost every Sunday nights at 7:30 high school student-led liturgy and programming opportunities to deepen members’ faith. It doesn’t stop there—faith leads to service, and ACTION students engage in service opportunities throughout the year. For more information on ACTION including dates, times, and locations, please click the button below! |
