St. Francis of Assisi offers classes in religious education for children and teens from prechool through 8th grade. Our program seeks to impart knowledge of the faith into which our children have been baptized, and to support parents and children through lessons, activities, liturgy, and preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Our formation classes are continuous and build one year upon the next. Grade 1 is required for First Eucharist preparation. Grade 3-7 are required for Grade 8 Confirmation.

Please see our downloadable Faith Formation Registration Form, Calendars, and Policies to the left in Documents.

We offer two programs to better serve you and your child

1. Our Atrium program is a Montessori-based curriculum for Catholic religious instruction, following the curriculum of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. This instructional method is used through Grade 3.*
2. Older students are taught in a traditional classroom setting, with instruction by a teacher; a text-book is used, followed by hands-on activities and crafts, which support the lessons. This program is designed to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation; which takes place in 8^th grade. Students are instructed and challenged to foster their own faith and to make a deep connection with Christ in their daily lives. Opportunities to participate in community service projects are also offered.

Catechist of the Good Shephard

• Preschool & Kindergarten Ages 3 - 6

• Grades 1 & 2 Ages  6 - 9

• Grade 3

• Grades  4, 5

* Atrium instruction in Grades 4 and 5 is available only for children who have completed Atrium instruction in all previous grades. Other students will attend the traditional program classes as shown below. For information, contact Gina Fleming, Director of Religious Education, at 203-227-8353 or [email protected].

Traditional

• Grades 4 - Tuesday  3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
• Grades 5 - Monday  3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
• Grades 6 - Thursday  3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
• Grades 7 Confirmation Prep -Tuesday, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
• Grade 8 Confirmation Year – Tuesday, 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.

Tuition

Registrations received after June 1 for the following school year will be subject to a $100 late fee. Tuition costs are as follows:

• One child: $325
• Two children: $500
• Three or more children: $625
• First Holy Communion Sacrament Fee: $100
• Confirmation Fee: $100
• Online Homeschooling Program:  Additional $50   *Not an option for Sacramental Years: First Communion 2nd Grade) and Confirmation Class (8th Grade)

Registration

Registration and tuition payments may be done in person at the Faith Formation Office, or by mail. You may also call the Religious Education Office (203-227-8353) to arrange for tuition to be charged to a credit card. A downloadable Registration Form can be found in the Documents Menu on the left.

Transportation

One-way busing from Weston schools to all our weekday afternoon programs is available as part of the normal school busing schedule. Transportation to evening programs is not provided.

Parents and guardians of children in grades PreK - 8 must pick up their child from the classroom.

Weather Closing

We follow the Weston Public School schedule. When school is closed or afterschool activities are cancelled due to weather emergencies, Religious Education classes are also cancelled.

Volunteers Needed

Would you consider teaching, helping to teach or assisting in a class, or helping to organize one of our events? Contact the Religious Education Office at 203-227-8353.