The St. Francis Christian Formation Center

provides formation, resources, training and consultation serving the on-going faith formation needs of
children,
youth,
 families,
 and the adult community
 within the guidelines and directives of the General Directory for Catechesis.

Thomas M. Schneeberger                                                                                Lisa Brouty
Director                                                                                                             Administrative Secretary

PROGRAM MID-YEAR “HIGHLIGHTS”…SINCE AUGUST 2011

+ “Inside out and Upside down on Main Street” gave our kids attending the summer program this year the opportunity to recognize how Jesus makes a difference everyday in our lives. 35 kids and team celebrated each day with scripture, crafts, music, and games. A summer “fun” tradition since 1984!

+Religious Education classes begin in September with over 120 students and 80+ families served by 15 faithful catechists and aides. Three catechists continue their course work towards diocesan certification.

+Sacramental Preparation for Reconciliation begins in October for grade two students and parents and for tenth grade students making ready to celebrate Confirmation. Two host families provide space and time for our Confirmation candidates to gather for faith sharing, a unique and very successful component of our Confirmation prep.

+Liturgy of the Word with children continues to provide the opportunity for children attending the 10:30 liturgy to listen and respond to the Word at their level of understanding and faith. A very well prepared adult team of six leads the prayer.

+ The month of October always provides us with the opportunity to serve our local community by assisting with yard raking. “Rake&Run” is another great tradition here that sees our youth at their very best. Heartfelt “thanks” are given by the community and this year was no exception.

+For 19 consecutive years in November our Middle School “Up+Word” retreat has happened with great success. Again this year 21 campers, 9 youth team, 6 adult team celebrated a positive experience of church! We look forward to next year and celebrating a 20 year tradition.

 + “Thanks-for-giving” the Sunday before the Thanksgiving holiday celebrates with our religious education classes a special morning treat of creating and consuming a cookie… a sweet way to give “thanks” for our blessings.

-2-+The first Sunday of Advent this year saw a group of middle school youth gather for “Advent-ure”…a spirited evening of activity and reflection naming Advent as a time to seek the “real” meaning of Christmas.

 + “Adventagious” gathers high school youth in a candle light prayer service in the early weeks of the season of Advent. The quiet evening prayer provides a nice balance to the lives of youth (and adults) in a time of year that often gets very full. A name exchange assists in sharing a message of hope and light in the season.

 +The “Giving Tree” is another long standing tradition here at the Center. This year 122 tags were placed on the tree, gifting 25 families in our local community. Our parish community always provides so much more than what is asked of them on the tags. The tree then continues to “give” by becoming a “Tree That Tells a Story” decorated by our students with symbols of faith. Our children and their families always look forward to this special event celebrated on the third Sunday of Advent.

 +The Christmas Eve liturgy with children is a wonderful celebration of the story of Christ’s birth into this world. It is a Holy Night brightened by our children’s enthusiasm, anticipation and joy-filled participation. The presentation of the Gospel drama this year was on the best.

 +Ministry with youth was active during the “Christmas break” with a bowling outing and serving the poor at Watertown’s Salvation Army soup kitchen on New Year’s Eve morning. Because of space limitations the kitchen is only able to accommodate a small group of volunteers. Another great outreach experience none the less.

+A note regards “tradition”…

I have used that word often in the reflection highlights, with intention.

We risk each year of just repeating the same old program or event and so it is important to remember we are a people of tradition…studies affirm the value of traditions in families (and church). Traditions provide predictability, a sense of “all will be well” especially in a fast paced culture and world that is often uncertain, unpredictable.

People of faith and tradition experience a repeated event ever new, at a deeper level of meaning… with the event becoming part of our religious story and identity.

So, may the “tradition(s)” continue!