Religious Education Program
Family Formation
We welcome you to Family Formation
Family Formation is a Religious Education program that engages both the parents and the children in the family. Children are more likely to put into practice the faith they see lived out day-to-day at home. The Family Formation program follows the liturgical cycle.
About the program
There are three (3) components to our program:
Monthly Sessions in Church
- Students in grades K – 7th grade are required to attend monthly sessions held at St. Francis Xavier.
- In-Person classes meet once a month at the following times:
- Sunday 11:10 am – 12:10 pm or
Monday 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Sunday 11:10 am – 12:10 pm or
- Students are required to attend only the day they are registered for
- In-Person classes meet once a month at the following times:
- 8th graders will attend monthly confirmation sessions – these students will not attend the RE sessions. Dates will be provided by Confirmation Coordinators. Click HERE for Confirmation program info.
Monthly Family Homework
- Homework will be passed out at each monthly session to be completed by the next session. Homework is for families to complete together.
- There will be 3 lessons of homework per month. Monthly in-home lessons are designed to take approximately one hour each week.
- After completion of each lesson there will be a Google form to fill out. You will need to complete one per family only. Google links can be found on the RE Monthly Session Calendar below.
Service Projects
Each family is required to complete (2) service projects.
- One will be a Corporal Act of Mercy
- One will be a Spiritual Work of Mercy
At least one project should be in conjunction with St. Francis Xavier Church
The service project is due by April 30, 2026
Once your family has completed the service projects please fill out the Google form below:
See our Parent Handbook for additional info
Monthly Session info (2025-2026)
Topics for the Family Formation program follow the liturgical cycle.
| Month | Session | Homework Completion Form |
|---|---|---|
| September |
Welcome to Family Formation Sunday, September 21 11:10am-12:10pm |
|
| October |
What Goes Around Comes Around (Overview of the Liturgical Cycle) Sunday, October 19 11:10am-12:10pm |
|
| November |
Living and Dying to Become a Saint Sunday, November 9 11:10am-12:10pm |
|
| December |
Nativity Pageant
|
|
| January |
As for me and My House, We will Serve the Lord (Jesus in the Eucharist) Sunday, January 11 11:10am-12:10pm |
|
| February |
Go tell it on the Mountain (Our Baptismal Call)
Sunday, February 8 11:10am-12:10pm |
|
| March |
Jesus’ Compassion in His Passion (Stations of the Cross) Sunday, March 8 11:10am-12:10pm |
|
| April |
Our Father, Who Art in Heaven (God, the Father) Sunday, April 19 11:10am-12:10pm |
|
| May |
May Crowning Sunday, May 3 11:10am-12:10pm |
Upcoming Family Formation activities
Service Project info
One project should be a Corporal Act of Mercy which includes:
- Feeding the hungry
- Giving drink to the thirsty
- Clothing the naked
- Sheltering the homeless
- Visiting the sick
- Burying the dead
One project should be a Spiritual Work of Mercy which includes:
- Instructing the ignorant
- Counseling the doubtful
- Admonishing the sinner
- Forgiving injuries
- Comforting the sorrowful
- Bearing Wrongs Patiently
- Praying for the living and the dead
Once your family has completed the service projects please complete the Service Projects form
The service projects are due by April 30, 2026.
Common Questions
Program fees
2025-2026 program fees
*Catechists receive $100 discount
First Communion and Reconciliation additional: $85
Confirmation additional: $85
Registration Info
What is needed to enroll in Religious Education
(New Students)
Complete New Parishioner Form
(for new Parishioners)
*Families must be parishioners at St. Francis Xavier
Payment information for registration
Click below to register for 2025-2026 program
Becoming a Catechist
Help our parish community by joining the ranks of catechists making you an active part of the most dynamic aspect of the parish...
Catechist info
- Choose to teach on Sunday or Monday
- Choose to teach K-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade or help with hospitality
- Meet once a month for one hour to go over the monthly lesson
Click below to sign up to be a Catechist for the 2025-2026 program year!
Attendance
Attendance Requirements
RE meets 9 times throughout the academic year.
Families must attend the day they are registered for. If you are not able to make a session please email Angie Alwood re@sfxjoliet.org
What if I miss a session?
Families that missed a session will have to complete an assignment for each student in grades 1st – 7th...
Makeup Assignment instructions
- Log into
- Select our parish name: St Francis Xavier Church-IL-60431
- Create your family account
- Search Littlest Saints for grades 1st - 3rd or The Saints and Heroes Collection for grades 4th-7th grade
- Watch one of the Videos on Saints and complete a report using the instructions HERE.
- Turn in the report at the next RE session with your student’s First and Last Name and Grade.)