Tuesdays
Advent Study - The Jewish Roots of Christmas
What is the true meaning of Christmas? Why is the birth of a Jewish boy in Bethlehem the center of human history? And why is the feast of Christmas so beloved, not just among Christians, but even among unbelievers?
In this new Bible study, Dr. Pitre answers these and other questions by going back to the Bible and ancient tradition to shed light on the little-known Jewish roots of this beloved holiday.
- Tuesdays, December 1 - 15, 2026
- 9:00–11:00 am
- Serra Room
Register here
Spring Study - Letters to Myself from the End of the World
Join us for an engaging and often light-hearted video study with Fr. Dave Pivonka and Emily Stimpson Chapman as they explore themes from Emily’s book Letters to Myself from the End of the World. Through conversation, Catholic theology, biblical wisdom, and personal experiences, this 8-part series invites us to reflect on how our faith can help us navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Come watch the videos with us, share in the discussion, and discover a faith-filled perspective on living well in a complicated world.
- Tuesdays: February 16 – April 20, 2027
- 9:00-11:00 am
- Serra Room
Register here
Wednesdays Mornings
Advent Study - Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues
Join us this Advent for a three-week study from Bishop Robert Barron exploring the seven deadly sins and the virtues that help us overcome them. Drawing on Dante’s Divine Comedy, Bishop Barron examines how pride, envy, anger, sloth, gluttony, avarice, and lust can keep us from flourishing in our relationship with God and others—and how the “seven lively virtues” offer a path toward healing and greater happiness.
Each week, we’ll watch a video together and spend time discussing what we’ve seen. No materials or homework required—just come, watch, and join the conversation!
- Wednesdays, 9:45-11:45 am
- Serra Room
- December 2 - 16, 2026
Register here
Spring Study - Revelations
Revelation: The Kingdom Yet to Come explores the powerful symbolism and message of the final book of the Bible.
Though Revelation fascinates many readers, few study it from a Catholic perspective. This study shows how the kingdom established by Christ in his Church is connected to the Kingdom of heaven. It explains the meaning of Revelation’s mysterious figures, explores the Church’s teaching on the Second Coming and the Last Judgment, and shows how the heavenly worship described in Revelation is reflected in the Mass.
- Wednesdays, January 6 - April 7, 2027
- 9:45–11:45 am
- Serra Room
- Suggested donation $30 for a printed study guide
Register here
Young Adults
For information regarding book studies for young adults, check out the Faith & Fellowship groups page.
Create your own small group or study on your own!
Adult Faith Formation has a variety of study materials available to checkout for individual and small group use. View the list of available studies.
- How – Come to the Faith Formation Office to check out available DVDs and leader’s materials.
- Where – You arrange for a location that works for you or your group – home, coffee shop, library, etc.
- Cost – No cost for use of DVDs or leader’s materials. However, you must order and purchase participant materials from the publisher.
Contact Heather Rohe in the Faith Formation Office at: 515-440-1030 or stop in to check availability.
Small Group & Individual Studies
There is a men’s study group that meets Sunday evenings and is open to new members. To be connected with a group member for more information, please contact Heather in the Faith Formation Office, hrohe@saintfrancischurch.org or 515-440-1030.
If you lead a small group that is open to new members, please let the Faith Formation office know so we can connect you with interested parishioners.