Welcome to St. Francis Xavier’s Family Formation Religious Education Program
![](https://www.sfxjoliet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FamilyFormationLogo.jpg)
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.
Monthly Homework
![a girl showing her homework to her parents](https://www.sfxjoliet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pexels-photo-8055086.jpeg)
- 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.
![photo of planner and writing materials](https://www.sfxjoliet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pexels-photo-760710.jpeg)
Religious Education Calendar Monthly Sessions 2024-2025
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 | |
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 |
Service Projects
![](https://www.sfxjoliet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Corporal_Spiritual_WorksOfMercy.png)
Each family is required to complete (2) service projects.
One will be a Corporal Act of Mercy:
- Feed the hungry
- Give drink to the thirsty
- Clothe the naked
- Shelter the homeless
- Visit the sick
- Bury the dead
One will be a Spiritual Work of Mercy:
- Instruct the ignorant
- Counsel the doubtful
- Admonish the sinner
- Forgive injuries
- Comfort the sorrowful
- Bear Wrongs Patiently
- Pray for the living and the dead
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.
Would you like to be a Catechist for the 2024-2025 Family Formation year?
- 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