The Religious Education 2019 – 2020 Formation Year.
The Religious Education of our young people is primarily the responsibility of parents.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2223) clearly states in regards to faith: “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.” Both by word and example parents are the first role models for their children in living the Christian life.
Essential to the religious formation of our children is participation at Sunday Mass. Â We ask all parents to value the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist by faithful attendance at Mass on Sundays. Â In addition to this being a source of strength and encouragement to you in these challenging times, your participation in Sunday Mass sets a beautiful example to your children to offer praise and thanks to God for the blessings of life we receive each day. Â We assist in this holy endeavor through our Religious Education Program that is held each week on Parish grounds.
If you have a child beginning First Grade in September 2019 or if you have moved to our Parish and are a registered parishioner of Saint Frances with children in grades 1 through 8 in public school, you must register your child/children at the Religious Education Office. Please call the office for information 516-785-2333 ext 205.
Families who are currently enrolled in our program pick up re-registration an email will be sent with dates.  All children who plan on continuing in our program must be re-registered each year.  Children need to successfully complete their current Rel Ed level before they can move to the next level. All re-registration forms should be returned to the Rel Ed Office by June 1st in order to receive the “Early Registration” Fee.
Program Overview:
Level 1-5
Level 1 – First year of preparation for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Level 2 – Second year of preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Levels 3, and 4 – Children learn about the Ten Commandments, The Beatitudes and other aspects of Church Community. They will continue to build their relationship with God and learn more about what it means to be a Catholic Christian.
Level 5 –  Students learn about the sacraments of the church and experience the sacrament in some form during the course of the year. During this level, students are introduced to the concept of “JOURNALING” which is part of the Confirmation Preparation levels. Every 5th level student is required to attend and reflect in writing on 5 SUNDAY Masses, as well as doing and reflecting on 5 hours of Community service.
Children must successfully complete each grade level to go on to the next level.  A written assessment test is given in levels 3 through 5 to determine readiness for the next level of religious education.
Level 6 & 7 & 8Â
Level 6 – First year of Confirmation Preparation. Students continue to attend classes at the parish. This year focuses on Salvation History – A Study of the Old Testament and introduction to the New Testament.
Students in level 6 are required to complete A Confirmation Journal which includes but is not limited to:Â 10 SUNDAY Mass Reflections, 10 Hours of Community Service, A Christian Autobiography and several other assignments.
At the end of this level, each student is required to have a “Journal Review” where they meet with a member of the Parish to talk about what they have learned over the year and their journal work.
Level 7 – Second year of Confirmation Preparation. Students continue to attend classes at the Parish. Students remain in the groups that they were in last year.  (A student must attend Level 7 at Saint Frances to continue in Level 8).
Students in level 7 are required to complete A Confirmation Journal which includes but is not limited to:Â 10 SUNDAY Mass Reflections, 10 Hours of Community Service, A report on the saint whose name they will be taking as their Confirmation name, a letter to the pastor among other assignments.
At the end of this level, each student is required to have a “Journal Review” where they meet with a member of the Parish to talk about what they have learned over the year and their journal work.
Level 8 – The Sacrament of Confirmation is received by students who have successfully completed the Religious Education Program. Students attend retreat, Reconciliation, and guest speakers.
One-to-One Program— We offer a Religious Education program for children who are in need of individual attention to complete their religious studies and receive the sacraments. Please contact the religious education office if you feel your child is in need of this program.
We at St. Frances are privileged to assist the parents in this task. We ask the parents of our students to support the program and philosophy that we have implemented by continuing to attend Sunday Mass as a family, to have your child each week attend their assigned class, to attend parent meetings and class activities you keep the promise you made when your child was baptized.
Click HERE for some fast facts from our Faith Formation Handbook
St. Frances de Chantal Faith Formation –Â Tuition schedule 2019/2020
When we calculate the cost of administering our Faith Formation Program, we include all the necessary supplies and equipment needed in order to form each child; but, we must include a portion of the parish’s total cost of operation. This makes it possible for our parish to maintain clean, safe and well-managed facilities to house this wonderful Faith Formation Program. Items included in the cost of operations are insurance premiums, heat, water, electricity, maintenance supplies and staff. The above tuition structure only covers approximately one half of the actual cost per child to run this program. Our parish Finance Committee and staff work very hard to continue subsidizing the reaming portion.
Please remember, our tuition fees along with weekly parish collections and donations, are the only sources of revenue to sustain this very important ministry for the children of St. Frances de Chantal.
If your family is having financial difficulty PLEASE speak to one of the Directors of Faith Formation when you register your child/children and discuss a payment plan.
If you would like to be a catechist in our program or volunteer in another capacity, please call our office.
FAITH FORMATION OFFICE:Â
Faith Formation Office:Â (516) 785-2333
Directors of Faith Formation:
Levels 1—5:  Mrs. Donna Mugno (ext. 209)
Level 6—8: Mr. Christopher Gospodarzec, Ph. D. (ext 204)
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Jane Patti (ext. 205)
Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 9:00am –12:30pm and 1:30pm—3:30pm
Closed on Holidays and Holy Days of Obligation
Email:
Mrs. Mugno:Â Â dmugno@saintjanefrances.org
Mr. Chris Gospodarzec:Â chrisgos@saintjanefrances.org
Mrs. Patti:Â jpatti@saintjanefrances.org
Fax:Â (516) 826-7645
Click below on a direct link to each level for specific information