The St. Francis Home School program is available for those families with special circumstances where study in the weekly religion classes is not possible.  Students who are home schooled are expected to follow the syllabus for their particular grade.  In addition to their weekly studies in the workbook, home schooled students must also attend periodic Family Catechesis sessions, generally held on Sundays after the 12:00 Mass, in Rader Hall.  Workbooks should be turned in at these sessions for the Director to review.  The Archdiocesan policy asks that at-home school parents attend catechist formation courses to aid in the ability to hand on the faith in truth and authenticity. The recommended courses are listed below. Please note that students entering a sacramental year (grades 2 and 8) must prepare for the sacrament in the regular religious education classroom setting.

Family Catechesis Dates:

Wednesday, November 21, 2018 - 7:00 PM Thanksgiving Family Mass

Friday, November 30, 2018 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM Advent crafts and movies

Sunday, December 16, 2018 - 4:00 PM Christmas Pageant

Sunday, January 6, 2019 - Epiphany celebration following the 10:15 Mass

Friday March 15, 2019 Family Lenten Supper, Spaghetti and No Meatballs 6:00,
Stations of the Cross @ 7:00

Living Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 12,2019

Holy Thursday, April 18, 2019 - Mass of the Lord's Supper

Good Friday Services - April 19, 2019

Easter Vigil - Saturday, April 20, 2019

Sunday, May 19, 2019 -  10:15 Mass followed by May Crowning of the Blessed Mother

Catechist Formation Program Classes - for Home School Parent

Spirituality: 3 two-hour sessions, for all grades

1. The Call to be a Catechist
2. Christian Prayer
3. Faith and Discipleship

Theology: 12 two-hour sessions, for grades as noted

The Profession of Faith

1. God and Revelation (all grades)
2. Introduction to Scripture (6th)
3. Jesus, the Fullness of Revelation (6th & 7th)
4. The Church: The Christian Community (all grades)

Celebration of the Christian Mysteries

5. Sacraments of Christian Initiation (grades 3,5,7)
6. Liturgy and Eucharist (grades 3,5,7)
7. Sacraments of Healing (grades 3,5,7)
8. Sacraments of the Service of Communion (grades 3,5,7)

Life in Christ

9. The Human Person: In the Image of God (all grades)
10. The Human Community: Law, Grace and the Common Good (all grades)
11. Love the Lord Your God: Commandments 1, 2 and 3 (grade 4)
12. Love Your Neighbor: Commandments 4 - 10 (grade 4)

Religion Teaching Skills: 5 two-hour sessions, for all grades

1. Guidelines and Culture in Catechesis
2. The Learning Environment
3. Planning a Lesson
4. Understanding the Student
5. Media and Values

To sign up for classes: website www.nyfaithformation.org . Click on "Our Programs". Click on "Catechist Formation". There you will find courses being offered both online and on site. You may register for courses on the website. Please supply a copy of the course completion certificate to the Faith Formation office.