Youth Faith Formation

For questions about registration, contact Heather Rohe, Faith Formation Administrative Assistant at hrohe@saintfrancischurch.org.

Registration for 2026-2027 Faith Formation programs is open and will close on August 26, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

• Family Max: $400, incorporated into registration. During check out, be sure to answer "Is the subtotal fee over $400?" correctly for the right "Amount to be charged" to show correctly.
• Tuition Discounts: 100% tuition remission is available for lead catechists and Faith Formation nursery volunteers. Assistant catechists & staff receive 50% tuition remission. Please reach out to the Faith Formation Office for a discount code prior to registering.
• Tuition Assistance: Tuition assistance is available and can be requested here prior to registering. Once approval is given, a discount code will be sent to use during registration.
• Refunds: Full refund if cancelled on or before August 26, 2026. No refunds after August 26, 2026.

Register

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School students who wish to begin preparation to receive First Communion, please register at this link.

For questions about CGS, contact Katie Robey, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator at krobey@saintfrancischurch.org.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori-based approach to Faith Formation that is rooted in Scripture, the liturgy of the Church, and Maria Montessori’s educational principles. The CGS setting takes place in the prepared atrium environment where children are provided presentations given by a trained lead catechist. Items in the prepared atrium environment are carefully selected and crafted reflecting what a child would experience while at the Mass.

The presentations given in the atrium allow the child to ponder further into the teachings presented to them through the work of materials and prayerful reflection. Presentation content includes Biblical narratives, parables, geography and practical life. Space in each atrium is limited.

For questions about Children's Faith Formation, contact Katie Robey, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator at krobey@saintfrancischurch.org.

Our weekly Children’s Faith Formation program helps children in preschool-5th grade discover the love of Jesus and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith—all in a fun, age-appropriate classroom setting.

We use the Spirit of Truth curriculum by Sophia Institute for Teachers, which presents the fullness of the Catholic faith with clarity and beauty. Each grade level is guided through Scripture, prayer, doctrine, and the lives of the saints with interactive lessons and meaningful activities that help children connect what they learn to their daily lives. Along the way, they grow in relationship with Jesus, learn how to live as disciples, and experience the richness of our Catholic tradition.

Please note: Preschoolers must be at least 3 years old and potty trained by September 15, 2026. 

For questions about First Communion preparation, contact Katie Robey, Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator at krobey@saintfrancischurch.org.

Children who are at least seven years old (the age of reason) may begin preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Preparation for students in 2nd-5th grade includes:

• Regular participation in a Faith Formation program (St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Children's Faith Formation or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd)
• Parent-and-child Learning Center sessions for First Reconciliation and First Communion
• Completion of the Blessed at-home preparation program for each sacrament

First Reconciliation is celebrated at the conclusion of the fall semester and First Holy Communion is celebrated at the end of the spring semester. All dates, times, and event sign ups will be communicated by the Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator with parents following the child’s registration for sacrament preparation.

A copy of the child's Baptismal Certificate will be requested during the preparation process. 

If your child has not been baptized or is older than 5th grade, please contact the Faith Formation Office to discuss formation options.

For questions about EDGE, contact Chris Smith, Youth Ministry Coordinator at csmith@saintfrancischurch.org.

EDGE is our dynamic junior high youth ministry program for 6th–8th graders. We let our teens choose the topics they’re passionate about, and we dive deep using the IGNITE curriculum by Torchbearer Ministries, crafted specifically for Catholic youth. Expect lively sessions filled with fellowship, fun games, heartfelt prayer, relatable Scripture teachings, and small group discussions to connect on a deeper level.

For questions about Confirmation, contact Chris Smith, Youth Ministry Coordinator at csmith@saintfrancischurch.org.

Our Confirmation preparation program is designed to help students grow in faith, deepen their relationship with Christ, and fully prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Students typically begin their preparation their freshman year of high school and celebrate the sacrament their sophomore year.

During the first year of preparation, students participate in monthly sessions that combine large-group teaching with small-group discussion, creating space for formation, prayer, and community.

• When: First Wednesday of the month (with some exceptions)
• Time: 7:30-9:00 pm
• Location: Parish Hall

During the second year, candidates will:

• Attend a Confirmation retreat
• Participate in a Confirmation rehearsal
• Celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation

For questions about Revive, contact Chris Smith, Youth Ministry Coordinator at csmith@saintfrancischurch.org.

Revive is our youth ministry program for 9th–12th graders, a place to grow in your faith while discovering who you are in Christ during some of the most important years of your life. We meet every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 pm, starting in September. Revive exists to help teens find where they belong in a strong Catholic community, build a real and personal relationship with Jesus, and enjoy the journey along the way. Each night uses the IGNITE program from Torchbearer Ministries, with a strong focus on having fun, engaging in real and relevant faith talks and topics, diving into small groups, and continually growing in faith together.

• 26-27 Calendar
• Parent-Student Handbook
• Instructions for requesting an Annotated Baptism Certificate
• Confirmation Name Guidelines
• Confirmation Sponsor Guidelines
• Confirmation Sponsor Form