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.

 

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.

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!
 

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.

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.

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!

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.