The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch,
but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ. GDC #80
 

By age...

Adults 
Youth Age 4 through 6 (coming soon)
Youth Grades 1 through 12 
Quinceañera

Helpful Links...

Faith Formation Calendar
Faith Formation Schedules (coming soon)
Youth and Family Program Registration 2014/2015

In the Acts of the Apostles, we learn about the formation of community.  Just as the followers of Jesus gathered in fellowship, in community, the people of St. Francis belong to a community.  We gather in prayer, in service, to praise, and to give thanks.  We also gather to share our faith and learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ.  These experiences encourage our individual and collective transformation (conversion) and formation (nurture) of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

At St. Francis de Sales, we strive to make faith formation a life-long experience.  We take serious our role in forming adults, children, and youth to live as disciples who live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in every day life. 

You are encouraged to take a look at our programs, processes, and preparations.  Links are provided on the right side of this page for the various age groups.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the parish office.

Q&A

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What is RCIA?

Resources

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The Holy Bible

Rite of Christian Initiation, Adapted for Children

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Schedule & Resources for Adults

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Here we've included information for adults who are ready to begin the process of becoming Catholic, RCIA, and those already in the process.  If you want to learn generally about becoming Catholic, click here.  You can also complete an interest form by clicking here and we will follow up with you soon.  

The Journey

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The Church refers to one's time spent learning and growing closer to God and His Church as a journey.  The journey through this initiation process has four periods.  These periods vary in time, but are to mark one’s maturing faith as he/she continues on this journey. 

The following outline is for someone who starts the process who has not been Baptized.

Rite of Christian Initiation (Adults and Children)

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Online Classes

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We encourage you to check out three different programs for on-line classes in faith formation:  Boston College C21 On-Line, University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF), and Catholic Distance University.  Contact the Parish Off

Baptism Preparation Session ~~ Preparacion Bautismal

Date: 
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 - 5:45pm to Wednesday, September 3, 2014 - 7:59pm
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The Baptism Preparation is an evening session from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.  It includes discussions of Catholic parenting and the Rite of Baptism.  This session is usually held on the first Tuesday of each month in church.  No advance registration is needed for this session.  

If a morning session is needed because of evening work schedules, this can be arranged by calling the Faith Formation Office, 392-6700, ext. 110.

Christmas Eve Family Mass

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Speaker Series: Mary Vaccaro. "The Shack"

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Family Ministry | Ministerio para la familia

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Welcome!  We at St. Francis de Sales are excited for the opportunity to work with your family as all of you grow as passionate disciples of Jesus.

Bienvenidos! En St. Francis de Sales estamos muy emocionados por la oportunidad de trabajar con su familia mientras todos ustedes se convierten en discípulos apasionados de Jesús. 

 

español

Certification Guidelines

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Click here for Catechist Certification Guidelines for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.  Within the diocesan guidelines for the initial certification, St. Francis generally follows Strand A of the diocesan certification.  In summary, there are 5 levels of certification recognized at St. Francis:

Adult Faith Formation

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Español

"Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study, must be 'the central task in the catechetical enterprise,' becoming 'the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age.'" - Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, #5

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