Religious Education News

We welcome you and your family to continue or begin your journey of
faith with us! Please look for the links found above the slideshow
for the various activities within Religious Education.
The latest Religious Education news and updates are posted below:

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Blessings!

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and your family with peace of heart, joy of friendship, love of God, and the gift of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in your lives!  Merry Christmas!

Middle School Epiphany Party on January 5 & Ask Fr. James Night on January 12!

All Middle School Youth (Grades 6-8) are invited to an Epiphany party (3 kings) on:

Sunday January 5 at 6:15 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

Bring a white elephant (an inexpensive gift that you desire to give away as part of the exchange game). 

Sign up by showing up!  We'll supply the King's cake!

Contact Catherine Farrell at cfarrell@stfrancisaa.org or Andrew Kanitz at akanitz56@gmail.com  or the RE office at 734-821-2130.

Then, looking ahead to Sunday, January 12 at 6:15 p.m.:  Ask Fr. James Night!

All middle school youth are invited to mingle with Fr. James next Sunday, January 12 at 6:15 p.m. in the PAC. 

You will have a chance to ask him questions about the Faith and he may ask you a question or two! 
We’ll have prizes (gift certificates to some of your favorite places) if you can answer his questions correctly!  Join us for a super fun faith-filled event.  

Bring your questions and bring a 2L bottle of your favorite pop or punch/juice! 

Sign up by showing up!


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Nativity Procession is Still On! Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. in church!

The Living Nativity Procession is a re-telling of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ through song, narration, and scenes of wonder and joy! 

The Nativity begins this evening, Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. in church.

The Procession is followed by games and refreshments at the Children's Festival.

Friday, December 6, 2013

On-Line Family Advent Calendar

Xt3 On-Line Advent Calendar
Xt3.com (Christ in the Third Millennium) has a nice interactive Advent calendar at http://www.xt3.com/advent which includes videos and stories for children.

Xt3 is based in Sydney, Australia and contains Catholic resources on religious topics.  Perhaps you will find the Advent on-line calendar fun and informative for your family.
(The opinions of outside websites may not represent the opinions of St. Francis).

Friday, November 29, 2013

Advent Family Events

See more Advent Activities

Enter more deeply into Advent and be surprised by Joy as we discover Emmanuel, God with us!  Everyone is invited!

You and your family and friends are invited to:

 Living Nativity: Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m.
1.  The Living Nativity Procession and Children's Christmas
Festival on Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. beginning in Church.  The Nativity Procession re-tells the story of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with song, narration, live animals, and a candlelit walk filled with scenes of wonder and joy.  The Children's Christmas Festival follows the procession with refreshments and plenty of games for the children.


St. Nick: Dec. 22
2.  If your plans include attending the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, December 22, then stop by the Parish Activities Center (PAC) to enjoy homemade donuts and a visit with Saint Nicholas!  Simple gifts will be given to the children.

3.  Families are welcome to the Christmas Eve Children's Mass on December 24 at 5 p.m. in the main church.  See the full Advent and Christmas Mass schedule by clicking here!

All middle school youth are invited to:
Youth Group: Dec. 8 at 6:15 p.m.

1.  Second Sunday Youth Gathering on December 8 at 6:15 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  There will be plenty of fun faith activities, friendship, and food!  Middle school youth, please bring a bag of chips or your favorite Christmas cookies to share!  Sign up by showing up!  For more information, please contact Andrew Kanitz and Catherine Farrell at cfarrell@stfrancisaa.org or call the RE office at 734-821-2130.

2.  Youth are needed to help with the Nativity Procession & Children's Festival on Sunday, December 15.  Help is needed for setup at 4:30p.m. and at 6 p.m. (until about 8 p.m.) to help with the games.  Email Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or sign up to help with the Nativity/Festival by clicking here!

3.  Looking ahead:  Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 5 at 6:15 p.m. for an Epiphany party (3 kings)!  Bring a white elephant (an inexpensive gift that you desire to give away as part of the exchange game).  Sign up by showing up!  We'll supply the King's cake!

All High School youth are invited to a host of Advent activities at youth group!  Click here to see the High School page!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Upcoming November Middle School Events

November is a month full of activities designed for the middle school youth!  All activities listed count for hours of fun and service hours!

1.  Rake & Run:  Join in raking the leaves of our church neighbors this Saturday, November 2 at 1 p.m. (to 3 p.m.).  Meet to begin in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  Sign up by completing the permission form at stfrancisa2.com (click on middle school youth) or go directly to:  https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/2013-rake-run-field-trip  (Contact Catherine Farrell at cfarrell@stfrancisaa.org or akanitz56@gmail.com for questions).

2.  Giving Tree Ornaments:  Join in making the giving tree ornaments to benefit the less fortunate in our community on Sunday, November 10 at 6:15 p.m. in the PAC.  (Bring your favorite dish to pass!)  Sign up by showing up! (Contact Catherine Farrell at cfarrell@stfrancisaa.org or akanitz56@gmail.com for questions).

3.  Sing for the Nativity Program (Sunday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m.):  Practice is on Wednesdays, November 13 & 20 & 27, and December 4 with a final practice on Thursday, December 12 at 6 p.m.  All practices are in church.  Practice lasts about 45 minutes. Sign up by showing up!  For questions, contact Carol Fedewa at 734-821-2123 or liturgy@stfrancisa2.org or Kelly Hernandez at khernandez731@gmail.com or 734-904-3946.

4.  Thanksgiving Baskets:  Help make Thanksgiving baskets for the families of Perry nursery on Sunday, November 24 at 6:15 p.m. in the St. Francis school gym. (Contact Catherine Farrell at cfarrell@stfrancisaa.org or akanitz56@gmail.com for questions).

5. Toddlers & 2s:  Help with the Toddlers & 2s program during the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses in the nursery of church.  Contact Kelly Hernandez at khernandez731@gmail.com or 734-904-3946 if you can help!

6. Children's Liturgy of the Word:  Help during the Children's Liturgy of the Word during the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses.  Contact Cynthia D'Agostino at cynthia.dagostino@lafarge-na.com if you can help!

Happy Halloween and All Saint's Day!
BTW:  Join in gratitude at Mass celebrating All Saint's Day on Friday, November 1.  Masses for this holy day of obligation are at 7 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the church!

Religious Education events are for all parish, school, and guest families!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Ellen Ward
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
734-821-2132
ward@stfrancisa2.org

First Reconciliation Preparation: November 10 & 13


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 10 at 3 p.m. or
Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

Sign-up for Dec. 7 or Dec. 14 confessional times will take place at this meeting.  Fr. James 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 734-821-2132.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Mass with 6th grade Bible Presentation: Sunday, October 27 at 5 p.m.


Traditionally, St. Francis Parish provides bibles to the sixth grade students enrolled in the School or Religious Education classes.  The bibles are presented to the students during Mass with a special blessing.

This year’s bible presentation and blessing for sixth graders will take place at the parish Mass on:

Sunday, October 27 at 5 p.m.

Sixth grade parents:  Please set aside this time, so that your student may receive the bible and blessing.  Family friends, siblings,  and relatives are invited to attend!  For more information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2132.

A Social of Pizza, Salad, and Pop (hosted by the middle school youth group) follows the Bible Mass in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  After the 5 p.m. Sunday, October 27 Mass, all 6th graders and their families are invited to the Parish Activities Center (PAC) for a social of pizza, salad, dessert and pop.  A donation of $5/person ($20/family) at the door is appreciated.

Help us plan!  For the social, please RSVP Courtney Aymen at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2130 with number of family members attending.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Upcoming Events

First Reconciliation Preparation Meetings for Parent & Child

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 studied 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 7 and December 14.

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

Sunday, October 6 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

Please contact Ellen Ward 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 10 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the PAC. I look forward to working with you and your children as they prepare to receive this Sacrament rich in God’s mercy.





Mass with 6th grade Bible Presentation: 
Sunday, October 27 at 5 p.m.

Traditionally, St. Francis Parish provides bibles to the sixth grade students enrolled in the School or Religious Education classes.  The bibles are presented to the students during Mass with a special blessing.

This year’s bible presentation and blessing for sixth graders will take place at the parish Mass on:

Sunday, October 27 at 5 p.m.

Sixth grade parents:  Please set aside this time, so that your student may receive the bible and blessing.  Family friends, siblings,  and relatives are invited to attend!  For more information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2132.

A Social of Pizza, Salad, and Pop (hosted by the middle school youth group) follows the Bible Mass in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  After the 5 p.m. Sunday, October 27 Mass, all 6th graders and their families are invited to the Parish Activities Center (PAC) for a social of pizza, salad, dessert and pop.  A donation of $5/person ($20/family) at the door is appreciated.

Help us plan!  For the social, please RSVP Courtney Aymen at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2130 with number of family members attending.

 








Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Confirmation 2014 (for 8th grade and older)

We received word from the Bishop's office with the date for Confirmation 2014.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 2 p.m. in church.

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 choose one of these meetings to attend with your child):

Sunday, September 22 at 3 p.m.
or Wednesday, September 25 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. 11-13 and Nov. 15-17)

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 11-13 and Nov. 15-17 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 with credit card payment or can be downloaded as paper forms for October and November and from the Religious Education Office.  Retreat forms are due by September 25.  Please register early to ensure space in the weekend of your choosing.

Questions?  Please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Children are Invited to Sing this Sunday, September 8 at the outdoor Mass!

Calling all children to sing this Sunday, September 8 at the 12:15 p.m. outdoor Mass!

"Trading my Sorrows"
Practice singing by hearing, "Trading my Sorrows."
"Lord, I Lift Your Name on High"
Practice singing by hearing, "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High."
"Shout to the Lord" 
Practice singing by hearing, "Shout to the Lord."

Children in grades 2-8 are invited to sing as part of the children's choir for the outdoor Mass this Sunday, September 8.  The Mass which precedes the picnic begins at 12:15 p.m.

Children desiring to sing are asked to arrive at 11:45 a.m. and meet Carol Fedewa near the big tent set outside on the lawn behind St. Francis school.  (The lawn between the parish offices and the rectory).

Sign up by showing up! 

The children will sing during Mass the following songs:  "Trading my Sorrows,"  "Lord, I lift your Name on High," and "Shout to the Lord."  Rehearsal and review of the songs will take place at 11:45 a.m.  (Practice singing the songs at home by clicking the links above).

All Nativity singers, VBS singers, other singers, and newcomers are welcome!  For information, please contact Carol Fedewa at liturgy@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2123 (or Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132).

See you soon!
 

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Confirmation Meeting September 22 & 25 for Spring 2014 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 choose one of these meetings to attend with your child):

Sunday, September 22 at 3 p.m.
or Wednesday, September 25 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. 11-13 and Nov. 15-17)

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 11-13 and Nov. 15-17 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 and from the Religious Education Office.  Retreat forms are due by September 25.  Please register early to ensure space in the weekend of your choosing.

Questions?  Please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.

Monday, July 29, 2013


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2013

2013 Theme:  Year of Faith with St. Paul's Missionary Travels supported with resources from Group's VBS Athens & Pauline's St. Paul Adventure and Comic books

Our 2013 Stats
260 delightful PreK-5 children
15 nursery children (very cute toddlers & adorable babies)
76 middle school helpers (grades 6-8)
59 high school volunteers (grades 9-12)
53 Adult volunteers

Thank you to all those who participated in this year's VBS either through mighty deeds of wonder, generous kind words of encouragement, or by simply sharing the joy of your attendance!  We are grateful for all of you!  God bless your summer with overflowing abundance of God's Love!  

Click on the picture to see more photos from the week!

Questions? Contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2132.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Children's Book Collection on July 20/21


We Need Your Donations of Children’s Picture & Chapter Books for Our Sister Parish

On the weekend of July 20/21, we will be collecting donations of children’s picture and chapter books
in new or excellent condition for our sister parish, Corpus Christi in Highland Park.  Please bring donated books to Mass on Sat/Sun, July 20/21 to place in the basket near the altar at the time of the offertory (when Father calls the children forward to bring can goods for the poor).  Our parish children will pack the books during Vacation Bible School –held that coming week.

For more information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2132 or Chris Mollo at cgmollo@yahoo.com  (Children's book may be dropped off early in the RE or Parish offices). 

Thank you for your generosity!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

2013 VBS

Sign Up Now for 2013VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Who?  For Children in grades preK-5 (please use 2013-2014 grade)

What?  Athens (Paul's Journey to Share the Truth)

When?  Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26 from 9 a.m.-12 noon*
(*please note that Friday is longer with the closing program & picnic starting at 12 noon  and continuing to about 2 p.m.)


Where?  St. Francis Parish grounds

How?  Download the paper Sign Up form here!

Cost?  $35/child or $70/family  (Price includes t-shirt)
(Children of adults who volunteer all week attend free of charge)
Nursery for infants & toddlers available for Adult Volunteers)


Interested in Volunteering?  Adult, HIgh School, and Middle School Youth are needed to volunteer for VBS week.  

Adult Volunteers: Sign up here!

High School & Middle School Volunteers:  Sign up here!

Questions? Contact Ellen Ward at ward [at] stfrancisa2 [dot] org or call 734-821-2132.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

First Holy Communion Reception Help Needed for Sat, May 11 & Sun, May 12


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

2013 Confirmation Group Photo Form

2013 Confirmation families:
Please plan on attending the rehearsal on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. in church.

If you would like a group photo of the 2013 Confirmation youth, please download the order form here and return it to the Religious Education Office on or before April 17.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Religious Education classes resume Sunday, April 7.   Happy Easter!

Review our salvation history and some thoughts regarding the paschal mystery (life, death, and resurrection of Jesus) in our blog on the History Channel's "The Bible" series at:

Monday, March 4, 2013

Family Penance Service: March 18 at 5 p.m.

FAMILY PENANCE SERVICE

Monday, March 18 at 5 p.m.  in the Church

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!



Thursday, February 28, 2013

Supplies for Rotating Shelter Needed by March 10

Dear parents,
We need your help to collect supplies for the rotating shelter here at St. Francis.

If you are able, please drop off some or all of the items listed below in the RE office by Sunday, March 10.  The Middle School Youth will be putting together care packages for the rotating shelter on Sunday evening.

Items to be collected  include:

Tooth brush
Tooth paste
Dental floss
Mouth wash
Packaged snack food
Deodorant
small water bottles


For questions, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or Courtney Aymen at 734-821-2130.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

No RE classes on Wed, Feb. 27 due to weather

RE classes for Wednesday, Feb. 27 have been canceled due to the weather.  Questions can be directed to Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org  Thank you!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Happy Lent!

Thank you to all those helped or stopped in for a paczki this past Sunday.  It was good to see you all!  Thanks to the new Martha Washington Bakery on Jos Campau, Hamtramck for baking a little more than 500 paczki for us early Sunday morning!

Happy Lent!
(No RE classes on Monday, Feb. 11 & 18 and Wednesday, Feb. 13 & 20)  See you at one of the Feb. 13 Ash Wednesday Masses:  7 a.m.; 9:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m., 7 p.m. in church!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Mardi Gras Sunday: February 10



Parents:  If your plans include attending the 8:45 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, Feb. 10, then stop in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) afterwards and enjoy:  Paczki (from the New Martha Washington Bakery in Hamtramck), bagels, and coffee & juice!

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

and later in the day...


All middle school youth are invited to our Second Sunday Gathering on:

 Sunday, February 10
at 6:15 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

We’ll have fun activities, games, and food all in a faith-filled setting for the middle school youth!
Each one of us has been given a unique mission lived out in a vocation of following Christ.  Fr. John Linden and Dawn Hausmann from the Diocese will be joining us!  Sign up by showing up!  This session counts for one hour of service!
For more information, please contact Catherine Farrell at cfarrell@stfrancisa2.org or Brian Wyzlic at brianwyzlic@gmail.com or call the RE Office at 821-2130 or Ellen Ward at 821-2132.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Catechist Formation Topic #12: Liturgy & Worship is Now Available On-line!



We have been working to offer our catechist formation classes on-line.  We are pleased to announce the availability of Catechist Formation Topic #12: Liturgy & Worship online.  


The on-line class opens Sunday, March 3 and runs through April 14.  An instructional email with the link for the course will be sent to those pre-registered the week of Feb. 24.

Catechist formation topics cover 22 basic areas of our Faith and offer teaching methods for passing on the Faith to children and youth.  Participation in catechist formation sessions lead to diocesan catechist certification.  All interested individuals are welcome to sign up for the on-line course.   

For questions or help in registering, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.

Monday, January 28, 2013

No RE class on Mon, Jan. 28 due to weather

4:30 pm RE classes for Monday, January 28 have been canceled due to weather. The RE office will be closed today. Thank you.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Common Conference for Adults, Teens, and Children with Nursery Care

Common Conference on Saturday, January 19 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for Adults, Teens, and Children!
On Saturday, January 19, Parents come attend a workshop on topics of the Faith.  Spend an hour or all day (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) nurturing your faith in this new year!  For a look at the Adult workshops, see the brochure by clicking here.  Childcare (for the youngest) and Children's Workshop (for PreK-5) is available.  Sign up on-line by clicking here.

COMMON CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP
Saturday, January 19 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Children aged preschool to grade 5 (with middle school & high school helpers) are invited to spend all day or any part of the day in the Children’s workshops!  The workshops consists of center where the stories of faith come alive in crafts, games, stories, and hands-on activities.

Morning centers include:  The Carpentry Shop (Growing up in Nazareth); The Wedding at Cana (God is Love); The Good Samaritan (& the 2 Great Commandments); and Jesus Calms the Storm (Faith).

Afternoon center include:  The Last Supper (& the washing of the feet); The Resurrection (a maze from the tomb to glory); and Pentecost (the Holy Spirit).

Lunch is served at 12 noon, with a light morning and afternoon snack.  With guidance and supervision, the children are free to explore and play the stories of our faith at their own pace and interest.

Parents, sign your children up at http://www.stfrancisa2.com/sign-up-forms or directly by clicking here. (look for the Children’s Workshop & Childcare registration at the bottom of the page).  You may also email Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2132 with the name, age, and any allergies of your child. Please let us know if your child will attend all day, or just morning or afternoon.

Interested in Volunteering to help?  Contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2132.