Religion/Faith Formation

Hello Eighth Grade Parents,

Last week we posted the end of the year dates for the eighth graders. We are still looking for volunteers to help with the Service Day on May 17 (May 20 rain date.)  If you are able to help please contact me.

Next week, Wednesday, April 13 is our Lenten School-wide service project.  As you know we are bringing Meals from the Heartland to St. Francis Parish Hall.  The students will be participating in this service event throughout the day in religion class. You are more than welcome to come and volunteer to serve with the kids during their scheduled service event.  Joni Schnoes is working on coordinating volunteers, please contact her if you are interested. Joni Schnoes: jschnoes@dowlingcatholic.org

Also a few weeks ago, Deacon Bill invited all the Confirmation candidates to join the SFA Youth Group traveling to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in November of 2011.  NCYC registration and deposit is due next week. I know this seems like a long way out, however, for a conference of this size an early commitment is essential.  I know many of your families collected information from Deacon Bill regarding this event. Please strongly consider sending your child to this life-changing weekend.  I went as a high school student and was inspired to make faith an important part of my life.  We have had many SFA graduates who have attended NCYC and they would all tell you it was worth their time and money.  Please be sure to contact Deacon Bill if you have any questions.  Bill Richer: bricher@saintfrancischurch.org

Kathy Lang also would like to announce an 8th Grade Class Party:
8th Grade Class Party
Friday, June 3rd 6-10pm
Connor Lang's House
31281 Champagne RD
Waukee IA

The SFA eighth grade students will be taking their Confirmation test on Thursday of next week in religion class.  Each student has been given a study guide, scavenger hunt, and Confirmation lessons to help guide their study.  Essentially the test will be composed of multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions regarding the basic teachings of the Catholic faith.

Eighth graders are also working on their Confirmation project which is due Monday, April 18th.  Their last workday in class will be Friday, April 15th.  During Holy Week students will be participating in a diversity of prayer stations.  They will each receive gifts at the prayer stations in order to remind them of the many different ways to pray.  Please continue to encourage daily prayer at home.

Finally, as mentioned earlier, all Serviam hours are Due on Friday, May 6th. Please use the following link if the students need ideas as to where to serve.
http://saintfrancisschool.org/Academics/Sixth%20Grade/service/Service%20Organizations.pdf


Lastly, many parents and sponsors contact me each year about gift ideas for Confirmation.  My strongest suggestion is to give something that can help them continuously grow in their Catholic faith or something that will help them connect with universal Church.  Below you will find a few ideas. Many of these gifts can be found at the Catholic bookstore Divine Treasures on Hickman or online.

Cathlic Books
The Catholic Youth Bible, Third Edition: New American Bible Translation (Hardcover)
Blessed are the Bored in Spirit: A Young Catholic's Search for Meaning - Mark Hart
Do I have to Go? - 101 Questions about the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life
Did Adam and Eve Have Belly Buttons?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers
Did Jesus Have a Last Name?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers
365 Saints: Your Daily Guide to the Wisdom and Wonder of Their Lives by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker
Catholicism For Dummies
My Life with the Saints - James Martin
I Choose God - Chris Cuddy and Peter Ericksen
100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know. - Mark Hart & Todd Lemieux
Rediscovering Catholicism - Matthew Kelly

Other Gift Ideas
Patron Saint medal or icon
Palm of Your Hand Crosses
http://www.catholicsupply.com/christmas/conf.html
Miscellaneous
http://www.findgift.com/Occasions/Confirmation/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/34354/ten_memorable_confirmation_gift_ideas.html