Faith Formation

Recognizing that faith formation is a life-long process that involves both the individual and communal experience of God’s presence among us, we offer a variety of programs for all ages- from our very young children through adults in the “graying” years. The programs offered are diverse in interest and appeal. They include Bible studies, special events for children, youth and families, parenting workshops, sacramental preparation and more.

Information on Confirmation is available under Sacraments.

Adult Enrichment
Contact: Margaret Bruni (703-221-4978)

Bible Study

    Monday Evenings, 7-9 PM, Faith Formation Conference Room; Tuesday Mornings, 9:45-11:15 AM, Br. Juniper Room
Guest Speaker Series
    Throughout the year, well known speakers and scholars are invited for evening presentations on a variety of topics
Neighborhood Faith-Sharing Groups
    Neighborhood gatherings of 8-12 adults who meet weekly to share their lives, the Sunday Scripture and a common vision of Church active in their lives. Facilitator training is provided. Groups usually form during the Advent and Lenten Seasons.
Parenting Workshops
    Parenting Workshops are sponsored throughout the year based on topics and speaker availability.
Marriage Enrichment Seminars and Retreat
    Celebrating the Gift of Marriage through seminars and a yearly retreat reaffirms the church’s commitment to the marriage covenant. The events are scheduled throughout the year with a special retreat day to celebrate World Marriage Day. A core committee shares ideas and a vision for Marriage Enrichment within the parish of St. Francis of Assisi. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at: 540-221-4978
Liturgical Season Discussion Groups

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Family and Intergenerational Ministry
Contact: Margaret Bruni (703-221-4978)

Our ministry to, with and for families, of all sizes and shapes, is an important aspect of the Faith Formation process at St. Francis of Assisi. We provide events, materials and opportunities for families to celebrate our rich traditions of the Catholic Church.

Liturgical Gatherings

    Special gatherings are scheduled for the Advent and Lenten seasons to help families understand the symbols and celebrate the richness of the liturgical seasons through crafts, games and activities.
Special Parish Events
    The parish schedules events throughout the year to enhance the experience of community in a variety of ways. This year the Faith Formation Ministry has special events for the entire family to celebrate.


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Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Contact: Margaret Bruni (703-221-4978)

The OCIA is the process through which adults are brought into full membership in the Catholic Church. Throughout the process of initiation, those seeking membership explore and share their own stories of faith as well as learn more about the Catholic way of life. The OCIA begins with an Inquiry period, through which introductory questions to the faith are explored and individuals can discern their own interest and readiness to enter the process of initiation more deeply. Inquiry sessions are on going throughout the year.

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Parish Library
Contact: 703-221-4978)

The Parish Library provides books, magazines, audio and video tapes to enrich the faith life of the adult community in areas of theology, Scripture, spirituality and family ministry. Most materials can be checked out for 2-week periods. Reference books must be utilized while in the library.

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Religious Education (PreK - 8th)
Contact: Mindi Bartosch & Marianne Hayes (703-221-4978)

St. Francis of Assisi’s Religious Education Program strives to provide opportunities for our children to discover their identity as Catholic Christians through experiences of lived faith and to provide support to the parents, the first teachers of the faith.

Sessions:

    Sundays 10:45-11:45 AM
    Thursdays I 4:30-5:30 PM
    Thursdays II 6:00-7:00 PM
    Saturday 4:15-5:15 PM
Fees:
    $65.00 for one child
    $80.00 for two children
    $95.00 for three or more
    Additional $20.00 per child in a sacramental preparation year. (usually 2nd grade & year I Confirmation)

Families must be registered in the parish before registering for the Religious Education Program.


Download The Religious Education Registation form: 2008-2009 RE Registration Form

Download our Religious Education Volunteer form: 2008-2009 form pending



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Sacramental Preparation for Older Children
Contact: Sharon Slavinksi (703-221-4978)

Children enrolled in 3rd-6th grades, who were baptized Catholic as infants and who seek to celebrate the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist, participate in a program designed to meet their needs. Additionally, the Christian Initiation of Children is a process for children who have either: 1) never been baptized, or 2) have been baptized but were not educated in the Catholic Tradition, who in both cases desire to be in full communion in the Catholic faith through the reception of the sacraments of Initiation--Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Their preparation involves growing in their relationship with God, learning about the Catholic teachings and practices and becoming active participants in the life of our Catholic faith community. This process involves the entire family.

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