Youth Formation

Welcome to St. Francis Xavier’s Youth Formation Program.

Click here for updates on changes in programming due to COVID-19

All students in Middle School and High School meet on Wednesdays from Mid-September to the beginning of May. Classes are held at the Education Center from 6:30-8pm unless otherwise noted on the calendar. All classes are encouraged to spend 10-20 minutes in various forms of prayer during class time. Each grade participates in monthly large group classes that bring the students out of the classroom and offer an opportunity to encounter Christ through dynamic talks, activities and prayer.

Middle School

Beginning Fall 2019, all middle school students will meet weekly in class, please see calendar.

Grades 6 – Students spend class time working through the basic stories of the Bible from Genesis to Acts, learning the stories and characters in Salvation history. Resource material for catechists is the Encounter program by Ascension Press.

Grade 7 – Students study the basic teachings of the faith through RCIC style topic based lessons for the first half of the year and the second half is Theology of the Body for Middle School Teens by Ascension Press.

Grade 8 – Students meet weekly during the school year. The curriculum for 8th Grade is Teen Three Timeline by Ascension Press

High School

At the end of 8^th grade, all students have the opportunity to choose between attending Traditional Faith Formation classes or join a Discipleship Group. See the Handbook for more information.

Traditional Faith Formation classes

The curriculum for High School is Chosen by Ascension Press.

Discipleship groups

New Discipleship groups are formed over the summer. The groups meet in the homes of the leaders or the students. The times and days of the week may vary depending on the group. This group is intended to meet all 4 years of high School. We use a variety of different curricula including YDisciple by Augustine Institute, Teen Bible Studies with Mark Hart by Ascension Press, and other approved curriculum.

Retreats

One of the most important things that we can do to foster a young person’s faith is to create opportunities for them to have a true encounter with Our Lord. For many youth, as well as adults, until an initial encounter with Jesus Christ has taken place there is little to no interest in the teachings. Our program strives to create settings and events that set the stage for a young person to allow God to touch their heart and let them know how much they are loved. Each student is required to attend the retreat(s) scheduled for their grade level. Click on links below for information and permission forms.

Dates for Mandatory Retreats:

Grade 6 & 7:

Sunday, Oct 6, 2019 from 2-7pm – Mandatory Retreat hosted at St. Francis Xavier Ed. Ctr

Grade 8:

Confirmation Weekend Retreat: Sept 27-29, 2019 – Held at Camp Friendship; Annandale

Grade 9:

Confirmation Weekend Retreat: January 24-26, 2020 – Held at Camp Friendship, Annandale

Traveling Chalice Program

This program is for all St. Francis Xavier families. It’s purpose is to bring an awareness of religious vocations to our parish and encourage prayer and an openness to the religious life. Click on the image to sign up or for more information.