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.
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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 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 (see links in Monthly Session info). Only one form needs to be completed per family.
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
Monthly Session info (2024-2025)
Topics for the Family Formation program follow the liturgical cycle.
| Month | Session | Homework Completion Form |
|---|---|---|
| September |
Welcome Back – Scavenger Hunt Sunday, September 22 11:15am-12:15pm |
|
| October |
You’ve Got Mail, The Bible: God’s Love Letter to You Sunday, October 20 11:15am-12:15pm |
|
| November |
See you at the Finish Line – The Final Coming Sunday, November 10 11:15am-12:15pm |
|
| December |
Christmas Pageant
|
|
| January |
A Match Made in Heaven-The Sacrament of Matrimony Sunday, January 12 11:15am-12:15pm |
|
| February |
The Trinity: Now, That’s a Mystery Sunday, February 9 11:15am-12:15pm |
|
| March |
The CleanSweep-The Sacrament of Reconciliation Sunday, March 9 11:15am-12:15pm |
|
| April |
O Most Holy Week Sunday, April 13 11:15am-12:15pm |
|
| May |
May Crowning Sunday, May 4 11:15am-12:15pm |
Lesson 1 |
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, 2025.
Program fees and registration
2024-2025 program fees
*Catechists receive $100 discount
First Communion and Reconciliation additional: $85
Confirmation additional: $85
Registration for 2024-2025 program is CLOSED
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
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.)
