Children and Family Ministries
Welcome to Children and Family Ministries. Our faith formation programs and special events reach families with children from 1st through 7th grade, ministering to families so that all can grow as Passionate Disciples of Jesus.
Discipleship (Faith Formation) at St. Francis is a family-based experience.
- The process begins with a kerygmatic course for parents. This adult course focuses on the Trinity and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
- Sprouts for Families includes formation for the "domestic church," the church at home, and follows the parents' course.
- Formation continues in the second year (and beyond) with A Family of Faith which is formation for families based on the four pillars of the Catechism.
- Read more about the process of The Way | El Camino here.
Sprouts is a course for children with parents and the first stage in faith formation and sacrament preparation for children. This meets weekly and is designed for families with children in grades 1-7. Weekly topics are based on the topics of the Alpha Course.
A Family of Faith from Sophia Institute is designed for families with children in grades 1-7 and is formation for the whole family based on the four pillars of the catechism. Families whose children are not preparing for sacraments meet twice per month (in 2023-24, the focus of the year is The Creed). Families whose children are preparing for First Reconciliation/Eucharist meet every week.
A note about Sacrament Preparation: Preparation for the First Reconciliation (Confession) and First Eucharist (Communion) is for parents and children together and is part of the second year of formation. Learn more…
If your child is in 2nd grade or older and desires baptism, please contact the office (616-392-6700) for more information. Learn more about baptism of older children…
All volunteers, 18 years or older, who have access to children and vulnerable adults, are required to participate in a one-time Virtus Protecting God’s Children training and complete documentation, including authorization for a criminal background check. Click here to access information, policies and forms or contact Susan Bippley, Coordinator of Family Ministry, at sbippley@stfrancisholland.org or 616-392-6700 x8983 for more information.