Welcome to St. Francis Xavier’s Family Formation Religious Education Program

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.

Monthly Sessions

Students in grades K – 7th grade are required to attend monthly sessions held at St. Francis Xavier
8th graders will attend monthly confirmation sessions – these students will not attend the RE sessions. Dates will be provided by Confirmation Coordinators.
Families can choose to attend on a Sunday after the 10am Mass (11:15 am-12:15 pm) or a Monday evening (6:30-7:30 pm). You only need to attend one of these days.

Homework will be passed out after each monthly session to be completed by the next session. Homework is for families to complete together.
There will be 3 homework lessons 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. Only one form needs to be completed per family.

Month	Session	Homework Completion Form
September	Welcome Back – Scavenger Hunt Sunday, September 22 11:15am-12:15pm or Monday, September 23 6:30pm-7:30pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
October	You’ve Got Mail, The Bible: God’s Love Letter to You Sunday, October 20 11:15am-12:15pm or Monday, October 21 6:30pm-7:30pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
November	See you at the Finish Line – The Final Coming Sunday, November 10 11:15am-12:15pm or Monday, November 11 6:30pm-7:30pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
December	Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 15 11:15am-12:15pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
January	A Match Made in Heaven-The Sacrament of Matrimony Sunday, January 12 11:15am-12:15pm or Monday, January 13 6:30pm-7:30pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
February	The Trinity: Now, That’s a Mystery Sunday, February 9 11:15am-12:15pm or Monday, February 10 6:30pm-7:30pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
March	The CleanSweep-The Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday, March 9 11:15am-12:15pm or Monday, March 10 6:30pm-7:30pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
April	O Most Holy Week Sunday, April 13 11:15am-12:15pm or Monday, April 14 6:30pm-7:30pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
May	May Crowning Sunday, May 4 11:15am-12:15pm	Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3

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 conjuction with St. Francis Xavier Church

Once your family has completed the service projects please fill out the Google Form HERE.

The service projects are due by April 30, 2025.

Missed a Session? Families that missed a session will have to complete the following per student in Grades 1st – 7th Grade:

Log into Formed at: signup.formed.org
Select our parish name (St Francis Xavier Church – IL – 60431)
Create your family account
Search Littlest Saints for grades 1st – 3rd
Search The Saints and Heroes Collection for grades 4th-7th grade
Watch one of the Videos on Saints and complete the Report HERE.
Turn in the report at the next RE session with your student’s First and Last Name and Grade.

If you miss more than 2 sessions in a year, you will have to make up the entire year.

Family Formation Fees:
$265 per family
*Catechists receive $100 discount

First Communion and Reconciliation Fees:
$85

Confirmation Fees:
$85

The deadline to register for the program is September 1, 2024.

Ready to register? Click HERE for instructions.

Catechist meet once a month for one hour to go over the monthly lesson
Catechist can choose to teach on Sunday or Monday
Catechist receive a $100 discount on RE
Catechist can choose to teach K-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade or help with hospitality
The commitment is very minimal and it can help you:
- Deepen Your Faith: As a catechist, you will grow in your own faith and learn the teachings of the Church. This journey allows you to deepen your relationship with Jesus.
- Model Behavior: Catechists serve as role models for young people. By modeling behaviors rooted in faith, you contribute to their spiritual formation in ways they might not encounter elsewhere.
- Practice Stewardship: Being a catechist is a form of stewardship. By dedicating your time, you give a precious resource back to the community and contribute to the well-being of others.
- Vibrant Parish Community: Joining the ranks of catechists makes you an active part of the most dynamic aspect of your parish. You’ll find support, prayer, and encouragement from fellow catechists on your faith Journey.
- Personal Growth: As you teach, your own faith will come alive. Prayer, liturgy, and your relationship with God will become more vibrant and Meaningful.
- Honor Religious Education: By becoming a catechist, you demonstrate to your own family that you value religious education. It’s a powerful way to show your commitment to passing on the faith.

If you would like to become a Catechist for the 2024-2025 year please complete the information HERE.

If you have additional questions please contact RE@sfxjoliet.org