Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Thank you to all those who participated in the 2012 Living Nativity this past December 16. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

Come See the Living Nativity Sunday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Come and enjoy the Living Nativity Procession this Sunday, December 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in church.
 
The Living Nativity Procession re-tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in narration, light drama, and song. The story continues with a candle-lit procession outside on the parish grounds where scenes of wonder and joy can be experienced. The Program is followed by the Children's Christmas Festival in the PAC with refreshments and games.

Thanks to the Joe and Erika Cherney Family, Thomm Ciesicki, Barbara Dobozy, and the Ginger Burns Family, we are able to give praise to the Lord through scenes including live animals. Thanks also to the many people involved in the program and to the John and May Butsic Family for taking on the role of the Holy Family.

This event is ideal for families with children and all those who desire to re-live the Christmas story this Advent! We look forward to seeing you and your family!

The Living Nativity Procession
Sunday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.
beginning in Church 

Come Experience with Spirit and Joy:

The Story of the Birth of Jesus Christ;

Praise of Angels, Shepherds, Kings, and Sojourners;

Live Animals Honoring Christ’s Birth;

Candlelit Walk of Nativity Scenes;

Resplendent Music to Glorify the Lord;

The Peaceful Wonder of the Nativity.

Refreshments and games afterward at the

Children’s Christmas Festival

Cookies & Treats Needed
for the Nativity Procession 

We are looking for volunteer bakers who will provide 2-3 dozen homemade cookies or other finger food treats for the Nativity Procession.

Drop off of treats is on Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Parish Office or on Sunday, December 16 after the morning Masses or around 6 p.m. on December 16 in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) kitchen. Thank you!

 

 

Nativity Procession: Sunday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m.

The Living Nativity Procession:  
Sunday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m. beginning in Church

Come Experience with Spirit and Joy:

The Story of the Birth of Jesus Christ
Praise of Angels, Shepherds, Kings, and Sojourners 
Live Animals Honoring Christ’s Birth
Candlelit Walk of Nativity Scenes
Resplendent Music to Glorify the Lord
The Peaceful Wonder of the Nativity

Refreshments and games afterward at the Children’s Christmas Festival

For information on singing in the Nativity Choir or signing up for a shepherd, angel, king or townsfolk role, please click here!

First Reconciliation: Sunday, November 4 at 3 p.m. & Monday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m.

First Reconciliation (Confession) Preparation Meeting:  November 4 & 5

              The concluding first Reconciliation parent and child preparation meeting is scheduled as follows: (Please plan on attending one of these meetings with your child).

Sunday, November 4 at 3 p.m. or

Monday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m.

in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

Sign-up for Dec. 1 or Dec. 8 confessional times will take place at this meeting.  Fr. Jim or Fr. Bosco will be with us to answer questions, ask a few questions, and to teach us about this Sacrament.  The meeting will conclude with a communal prayer service and the children will receive their pins. For information, contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 821-2132.

8th grade Family Session A & B notes

For Sunday A & B Family Session Confirmation candidates:

Just a reminder, for the 8th grade only, this coming's Sunday B on October 28 and Sunday A & B on November 18 are repeats of the same lesson.

If you are attending the November retreat, please attend the Sunday B session in the school library this coming Sunday, October 28.  If you already attended the October retreat, you may choose to attend either this coming Sunday's session or the session on November 18.

For a look at the Sunday 8th grade topic schedule, please click here or go to www.stfrancisa2.com (click on religious education, then classes, then middle school).

Mass with Bible Presentation: Sunday, October 28 at 5 p.m.

Instructions for the upcoming Mass with Presentation of Bibles:  Sunday, October 28 at 5 p.m. in church 

Sixth graders:
1.  Please pick up your name tag and name certificate from the table in the gathering space of church. 

2.  Please sit with your family in the reserved center pews. 

3.  After the homily, Father will call you forward.  As illustrated below, please stand facing the altar/cross at the foot of the sanctuary steps.  You will receive the bible and then Father will pray the blessing over you.  After the group blessing, you return to your pew.

4.  Your name certificate has an adhesive backing and is meant to be placed inside your bible on the name page.  (After receiving your bible, open your bible, remove the protective paper from your name certificate, and carefully aligning the certificate, press it in place in the inside cover of your bible).

For more information, please see the middle school class page.

First Reconciliation Parent & Child Meeting: Sunday, October 14 at 3 p.m. or Monday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Dear parents of children preparing for First Reconciliation,

    “...for with the Lord is unfailing love…”—Psalm 130:7 

Preparation for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance) is normally celebrated in the second grade prior to First Communion.  Preparation for the Sacrament consists of participation at the scheduled parent and child preparation meetings and educational material to be reviewed during classroom times.  For children older than second grade, please request the preparation textbook at the meeting.  Preparation meetings are designed for both parent and child.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Saturdays, December 1 and December 8.

The first parent and child meeting is scheduled for: (Please plan on attending one of these meetings with your child) this coming Sunday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. or Monday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).

Please contact me at 734-821-2132 or ward@stfrancisa2.org if you are unable to attend the preparation meeting.  (Sibling are welcome at the meetings).  For your planning, the second and concluding parent and child meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 4 at 3 p.m. or Monday, November 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the PAC.  Click here for a look at the calendar of First Reconciliation or First Eucharist dates.  I look forward to working with you and your children as they prepare to receive this Sacrament rich in God’s mercy.

In Christ,
Ellen Ward
Director of Religious Education
St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Welcome to the Start of RE Classes!

Welcome to new and returning families in Religious Education (RE) classes!

The class topic schedules for each session/grade are now online for Sunday Preschool and Elementary (grades K-5) Classes, and Middle School (grades 6-8) Classes.

Please also note that the RE calendar including class dates, meetings, and events is also on-line.
To download specific dates into your electronic calendar:  1) click on the link, "To See the Full RE Calendar," then 2 ) click the drop-box of interest groups, located on the top-right of the calendar and choose the interest group of your choice, then 3) click the ical button (and adjust the choices if needed in the pop-up), and 4) voila, just the dates of your chosen interest group will download.

Do you have suggestions on information you would like to see on the Religious Education website?
Let me know at ward@stfrancisa2.org

A blessed and happy year!

Religious Education Classes Start Sept. 23

Dear RE parents,

Welcome to a new year of formation in the Catholic Faith!  Religious Education classes begin this coming week. 

For families registered, please refer to the email sent earlier for your child's classroom assignment.

Start of Religious Education Information follows:

For the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Preschool program beginning this Sunday, Sept. 23: 
    Preschool classes begin at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 23 in the lower elementary wing of the school.  Please drop off and pick up your preschool child from the classroom.  Please sign up with the teacher to periodically bring the snack during the year.  At the end of class, please remain upstairs until the ending time of 11:45 a.m. so that your young child and their classmates do not become distracted by seeing you outside the door.

For the 10:20 A.M. Sunday Family A session beginning Sunday, Sept. 23 in the PAC:
    Please meet with your children in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) on Sunday, Sept. 23 following the 8:45 a.m. Mass.  Please help yourself to donuts and coffee.  The Family program begins in the PAC at 10:20 a.m.   The middle school youth (grades 6, 7, 8) will join in the PAC on Sept. 23 for the opening and then proceed to the music room (6 & 7 grades) or school library (8th grade). After the family session is concluded, the grade appropriate classroom sessions begin.  While your child is in the classroom, you are invited to the adult session in the music room, located at the end of the 2nd/3rd grade wing.  The session ends at 12:10 p.m.
   
For the 4:30 P.M. MONDAY classes beginning Sept. 24:  A GATHERING in the PAC 
For the 6:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY classes beginning Sept. 2:  A GATHERING in the PAC
    For the first Religious Education class, parents please meet with your child(ren) in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) for Monday and Wednesday classes.  We’ll begin the year in prayer and friendship, hand out your child’s class schedule, introduce events in the program, and provide you an opportunity to meet your child’s catechist.  After the gathering, children will begin their lessons in their classroom until the end of the session time.  Monday classes begin at 4:30 p.m. and end at 5:45 p.m.  Wednesday classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 7:45 p.m.

For the 10:20 A.M. Sunday Family B session beginning Sunday, Sept. 30 in the PAC:
        Please meet with your children in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) on Sunday, Sept. 30 following the 8:45 a.m. Mass.  Please help yourself to donuts and coffee.  The Family program begins in the PAC at 10:20 a.m.   The middle school youth (grades 6, 7, 8) will join in the PAC on Sept. 30 for the opening and then proceed to the music room (6 & 7 grades) or school library (8th grade). After the family session is concluded, the grade appropriate classroom sessions begin.  While your child is in the classroom, you are invited to the adult session in the music room, located at the end of the 2nd/3rd grade wing.  The session ends at 12:10 p.m.
       
    We look forward to working with you and your children during the coming year.  Please feel free to reply to Courtney Aymen, Secretary at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2130 or myself at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2132 for questions or more information.  See you soon!

God bless you!
Ellen Ward, DRE
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
2150 Frieze Ave
Ann Arbor, MI   48104

RE Teachers Needed Update

Volunteer teachers and aides for Religious Education are still needed in the following classes:

Sunday Family A:  RE teacher needed for Grade 2 (begins Sept. 23)

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. aides/substitutes for grades 3, 5, 6, 7 (begins Sept. 26)

Sunday Family B:  RE teacher needed for Grade K and Aides/substitutes needed for grades 1, 3, 6, 7 (begins Sept. 30)

If you can help, please contact the Religious Education Office at 734-821-2132 or email Ellen Ward at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org

RE Teachers Needed

We are still in need of volunteers to teach Religious Education classes in the following sessions:

Sunday Family A (begins Sept. 23):  grade K, 1, & 2 and teacher/aide for grade 6 & 7.

Sunday Family B (begins Sept. 30):  grade K & 3

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. (begins Sept. 26):  grade 1

Co-teachers and aides needed in various sessions & grades

If you can help, email Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2132.

Confirmation Meeting (for 8th grade) September 16 & 19

Confirmation Meeting September 16 & 19 for Spring 2013 Candidates (8th grade or High School), Parents, and Sponsors

Preparation for the  Sacrament of Confirmation normally begins in the 7th grade and is celebrated in the eighth grade at St. Francis.  The preparation meeting for 8th grade students, (or High School), their parents, and sponsors (if available) is scheduled for (please plan on attending one of these meetings with your child):

Sunday, September 16 at 3 p.m.
or Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

This parent and student meeting will review the requirements for Confirmation, provide Confirmation preparation materials, including the “Celebrating our Faith” Confirmation book, and present information on completion of the book.  If your youth’s sponsor is able to attend the meeting, please invite and encourage them to come along with you and your son or daughter.

Retreats (Oct. 19-21 and Nov. 16-18)
The retreat experience is a key part of the preparation for Confirmation.  We are again fortunate to be able to schedule overnight weekend retreats at Bethany House in DeWitt.  Modeled after a well-rounded youth ministry program, the retreats are scheduled for the weekends of October 19-21 and Nov. 16-18 and will allow for a fuller experience of faith and relationships of trust with God and with one another.  The focus of the retreats is the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Retreat forms are available on-line (Please refer to your email or call 734-821-2130 or email ward@stfrancisa2.org for the password to use the on-line form) and from the Religious Education Office.  Retreat forms are due by September 19.  Please register early to ensure space in the weekend of your choosing.

Questions?  Please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2132.

2013 Confirmation Date: Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.

We just received word from the diocese that the date for the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation for St. Francis of Assisi Parish is Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. (church).

Children's Liturgy of the Word Begins Sunday, August 26

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word begins Sunday, August 26 at the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses (and will run every Sunday, except May 5, through June 30)

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is designed for children in grades K-3. At the time of the scripture readings in church, Father calls the children forward to the altar.
The children then follow the adult leaders to the chapel, located in the basement of the church. In the chapel, the children hear the readings proclaimed and explained to them at a child’s level. At the time of the offertory, the children are brought back up to church and return to their parents. No pre-registration is necessary.

 Also, thank you to Sara Huige for her years of service and welcome to Joan Desjarlais, our new Children’s Liturgy of the Word coordinator.

To volunteer or for more information on the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, please contact Joan Desjarlais at jdesjarlais106@yahoo.com or email stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or call the RE office at 821-2130.

Enjoy a Slideshow of VBS 2012

Enjoy a slideshow of VBS 2012:

Thank You VBS Families!

Thank you to all those who volunteered to help make VBS a delightful and faith-filled week for the children!

Happy Summer to all the VBS families!

A slideshow of pictures will be posted soon!

VBS Special & Playground Toy Collection

If your plans include attending the 8:45 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Masses this Sunday, July 22, then after Mass, stop by the Parish Activities Center (PAC) for a VBS special of donuts, fruit & cream, and coffee & juice.

Also, this weekend is the collection of playground toys to help the children of St. Louis Center.  If you are able, please purchase some of the toys from the list below and bring them up at the time of the offertory (when Father calls for the canned food), and place them in or near the basket by the altar in the front of the church.  Thank you so much!

Play Toys (to be brought up during the offertory at Mass the weekend of July 21/22) include:

sidewalk chalk                                                        
pop-up soccer nets
plastic sand trucks (durable)                                    
basketballs
sand toys (durable)                                                 
butterfly nets
Sprinklers bug 'houses'
playground balls
other fun playground toys

(For more information on the playground collection, please go to http://www.stfrancisa2.com/religious-education/vacation-bible-school and scroll towards the bottom of the page).

Presenters in Varying Fields of Expertise Needed for VBS

We’re looking for some adults to present in their field of expertise one day during Vacation Bible School.    

We’re looking for presenters in the areas of 1) Health Care; 2) Cooking or Nutrition; 3) Firefighter, police, or public safety; 4) Veterinary or care of animals; and 5) Kinesiology or exercise.

Each presentation would last 20 minutes and repeat 5 times as different age groupings of children (preschool to 5th grade) rotate through the presentations.  Time commitment is one day during VBS week (Monday-Friday, July 23-27) from 9 a.m.-12 noon.

If you can lend us a hand with your time and sharing of your knowledge, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.  Thank you!

Sign Up Now for Early Registration Discount for 2012-2013 RE Classes!

Sign up for 2012-2013 Religious Education classes for children in grades preK-8 on-line now by clicking here!

For a downloadable paper form, click here!

The early registration discount applies until July 31.

For questions, please contact the RE office at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2130 or contact Ellen Ward, DRE at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.

Congratulations to the 123 children who joined with us for the first time in the Holy Eucharist last May 5 & 6!

Thank you especially to the parents for their support and participation in their children’s lives, guiding and bringing them to this day.

Thank you to the catechists and school teachers, Jenni Alexander, Christine Bruxvoort, Jack Bryan, Michelle Corrunker, Victoria Emch, Catherine Farrell, Myra Hufnagel, Kim Kratzer, Sylvia Otero, Matt Zawistowski, Barbara Zimdars, and Dana Zugay who helped to prepare the children for this day.  Thank you to those who assisted with the Masses and helped out at rehearsals and meetings. 

Thanks to those who provided treats, assisted with the reception, greeted and ushered for the Masses. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing the Sunday morning breakfast. 

Thank you to Sylvia Otero and Anne Stemmerich for the extra time and talent given to helping at the meetings, rehearsals, and Masses.

Thanks to Courtney Aymen for their work with the details accompanying the celebration.

Thanks too for Fr. Jim McDougall, Fr. Bosco Padamattummal, Dcn. Rich Badics, Tom Kean, Carol Fedewa, Linda Opaleski, Matt Schnaidt, and Paul Ward, and for all those who shared their gift of music, for all those who gave of themselves to provide for the liturgical roles, for those who ushered, and for all those who supported in word or deed the work that enabled this day’s celebration.

Congratulations to the 106 youth confirmed with the Holy Spirit by Bishop Earl Boyea last April 22!

Thank you especially to the sponsors and parents for your support and participation in sharing your faith and guiding the youth towards this day. 

Thank you to those parishioners who prayed for each of the candidates, sending them a card of encouragement and support.

Thank you to the catechists who helped prepare and interview the candidates:  Cynthia D’Agostino, Karin Deam-Mengozzi, Kevin McKay, Fr. Bosco Padamattummal, Jan Robb, Roxanne St. Pierre, Liz Schummer, Anne Stemmerich, Maureen Ybarra, Ray Yerkes, and Brian Wyzlic.  Thank you to those who assisted with the Masses and helped out at the meetings, service projects, interviews, and rehearsal, especially Victoria Emch, Carol Fedewa, Denise Fisher, and Carol McGarvey.  Thank you to the parents who helped chaperone the retreats.

Special thanks to Jan Robb and Anne Stemmerich for their work with projects including the retreats, meetings, interviews, teaching, the Presentation Mass, and the coordination of the reception following the Confirmation Mass.

Thanks to Courtney Aymen and NuNu Lysloff for their work in all the details accompanying the preparation process. 

Thanks to Anne Stemmerich, Victoria Emch, Catherine Farrell, and the parents and the 7th grade youth volunteers who worked the reception and to all those who donated food. 

Thanks also for Bishop Earl Boyea, Fr. Jim McDougall, Dcn. Rich Badics, Carol Fedewa (and the Sunday 5 p.m. Mass Group), Jim Russo, Matt Schnaidt, Paul Ward and for all those who participated as ushers or liturgical ministers in the Mass, and for all who helped towards providing for the day’s Celebration.



 

Ordering the 2012 Confirmation Group Photo

A professional photographer will take a group photo of the Confirmation youth immediately following the Confirmation Mass on April 22.   If you would like to purchase a photo, please click on the appropriate link or fill out the Confirmation photo form available here or from the RE office and submit by April 22.

Confirmation 2012 Group Photo on-line order form

Confirmation 2012 Group Photo downloadable order form

 

Happy Easter!

Have a Blessed and Joyful Easter!

(No RE classes the week of April 9)
Classes resume on Sunday, April 15 for Sunday preK and Sunday Family Session A.
Classes resume on Monday & Wednesday, April 16 & 18 for RE students.
Classes resume on Sunday, April 22 for Sunday Family Session B.

Rehearsal for Confirmation candidates and their sponsors (or parent) is Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. in church.

Confirmation is Sunday, April 22 at 2 p.m. in church.  Candidates and sponsors, please arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. in the PAC.

Parishioners, please return your card of encouragement and prayer for the candidate by April 15 to the RE office.  Thanks!

Family Penance Service: Monday, March 26 at 5 p.m. in church

On Monday, March 26, families with children in grades 2-8 and older, please come to church at 5 p.m. to celebrate the Lord's Healing and Forgiveness this Lent in the Sacrament of Penance.

The annual Lenten Communal Family Penance (Reconciliation) Service is designed for families with children. The readings are child-friendly, and the service includes prayers and an examination of conscience for children and adults. Prayers and readings are prayed together as a group, with confessions heard individually. Several priests will be available to hear confessions. The service lasts about one hour. All are welcome!

A blessed and Holy Lent!

Instructions for re-scheduling Confirmation Interviews

Confirmation candidates (for April 2012):  If you need to re-schedule your interview because of the storms on Thursday, please feel free to do so at the link: 

http://st-francis-rel-ed.genbook.com

When you reach the site, please click on Confirmation interviews and then "no preference" for maximum availability.  Feel free to also re-schedule by contacting Courtney Aymen at 734-821-2130.  Thank you!

Pray for our Confirmation Candidates

The 2012 Confirmation candidates were presented March 11.

If you picked up a prayer card last Sunday, please remember to pray for the Confirmation candidate on the card.  Please send a card, mentioning your prayer and encouragement in the weeks before Confirmation and please by April 15.

Please call 734-821-2130 for information.

Please send the card to:

(Name of Candidate)

c/o St. Francis of Assisi Parish Confirmation Prayer

2150 Frieze Ave.  Ann Arbor, MI   48104

For more information, contact the Religious Education Office at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2130.

Family Penance Service on Monday, March 26 at 5 p.m. in Church

This lent, on Monday, March 26 at 5 p.m. in church, celebrate God's forgiveness in the Family Penance Service.  The Service is ideal for families with children (already having received their First Reconciliation).  Readings and prayers are said in common.  Several priests will be available to hear individual confessions.  The service lasts about one hour.  Contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.

St. Patrick's Dinner & Talk: Sunday, March 18 at 6 p.m. PAC

You and your family are invited to a St. Patrick’s Dinner & Talk on Sunday, March 18. Sunday evening’s events include:

6 p.m.   Dinner in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) featuring Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Salad, Rolls, and Dessert. Suggested Donation: $5/person or $20/family.

7 p.m.  Alice Camille Talk in church on the Seven Last Words of Christ for adults. For more information on Alice Camille, go to the faith-sharing group page.

Children:  Child care is available for children through 5th grade in the preschool room of the school at 7 p.m.

Middle School Youth:   Middle School youth are invited to the youth group with Brian Wyzlic and Catherine Farrell. Middle School youth meet at 6:15 p.m. in the PAC and join together for dinner. Then we’ll be moving to the school library for activities on Lent with a splash of St. Patrick’s fun thrown in. We’ll finish up at 8:15 p.m. For more information, go to the middle school youth group page.

Sign up by showing up!

For more information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132 or Janene Ternes at jlternes@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2122.

Mardi Gras Sunday, February 19

If your plans include attending the 8:45 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, Feb. 19, then stop in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) afterwards and enjoy:  paczki, bagels, & fruit, and coffee & juice!

A simple craft activity will be available for the children!

Middle school youth are invited to help supervise the younger children with the craft. 

Interested?  Time commitment is 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the PAC.  (This event counts towards service hours!)  Sign up by showing up!

For more information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.

First Eucharist Parent & Child Meetings: Feb. 5 & 6

The first Eucharist parent and child preparation meeting is scheduled as follows: (Please plan on attending one of these meetings with your child).

Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. or

Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

Registration for your child’s reception of First Communion, information on First Communion Masses, and a participatory introduction to the Lord’s supper will take place at this first meeting. 

For information, contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 821-2132.