St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2015-2016 Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Religious Education year. We look forward to working with you in helping your children appreciate the gift of our Catholic Faith which you chose to share with them at their Baptism. Through our Religious Education at the parish, we focus on faith issues, sacraments, and educational classes that meet the needs of our children and fulfill the requirements of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Continuing and enriching spiritual formation at home is the most important element of religious education. We admire the time you spend each week with your children attending Mass, talking about God, and exploring Catholicism. You are a living witness to Christ Himself. Our children are truly blest that you desire to share with them not only life, but the gift of faith. Your job as parents is indeed challenging. We are delighted to support you in passing on the Catholic faith to your children with our parent Religious Education classes that are scheduled throughout the year.

Religious Education classes for students in grades Pre K through 12 are held Sundays at 9:35 am – 10:45 am. Classes begin August 16, 2015. Registration in the Parish Hall is Aug. 2 at 9:30 am and Noon; August 8 at 6:00 pm; and Sunday August 9 at 9:30 and 11:00 am. For information call Teresa Schumacher, 528-0485 ext 15 or email Teresa-Schumacher@att.net. Families are asked to help cover the cost of the program by paying $25 per child for the year (there is a $50 cap per family) BUT no family is EVER denied Religious Education due to financial difficulties.

Religious Education is required by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Those who attend a Catholic School meet this requirement as part of the school curriculum. Those who do not attend a Catholic school need to attend Religious Education classes at each their Parish. The classes are progressive and build on top of each other year after year. Proper formation is necessary for Sacrament preparation in addition to regular Religious Education classes. The preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two year process beginning in 1st grade with completion at the end of the 2nd grade. There is also a class for older children that wish to receive these Sacraments. Call Teresa for more information.

Religious Education Curriculum: Finding God 2013

Safe Environment Curriculum: Circle of Grace

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation is the final Sacrament of Initiation, following Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation imparts the seven-fold gift of the Holy Spirit, commissioning and equipping the faithful with the graces needed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Having been made full members of the Body of Christ at Baptism and having received the Bread of Eternal Life in the Eucharist, those who receive Confirmation are called to “make disciples of all nations” through daily witness to their faith in word and deed.

“Recall then that you have received a spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom, understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God’s presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with this sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.”–1302-3 Catechism of the Catholic Church

Confirmation Discernment:
How do I know if I’m ready?

None of us have done anything to deserve the astounding grace present in the sacraments. Thankfully, God does not require us to be worthy, but only asks that we cooperate with His grace and prepare ourselves as best we can. We can do that by:

• Taking seriously the process of preparation and completing the requirements to the best of our abilities.
• Selecting a sponsor who can be a role model and provide spiritual guidance on our journey.
• Working with yours sponsor and catechists to understand the teachings of the Church, especially on issues of disagreement or concern.
• Making a personal, positive choice to receive the sacrament.

Ultimately, if you are able and willing to stand before the Archbishop and the congregation of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in honesty and sincerity to request Confirmation, you are ready. God will handle the rest.