Spiritual Life/Sacraments
A Catholic school with a rich faith tradition, SFA welcomes students of all beliefs. We strive to help each student develop a deep love of God and a habit of prayer. Beginning with the youngest, students come to know God through a variety of experiences. We hope to provide each of our students with an awareness of God’s presence that will invite them to be builders of God’s Kingdom. Our 4K-8th grade students attend Mass each week at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Wednesdays @ 8:15 am.
Our families are always welcome to join us in worship.
Sacraments
The sacraments are sacred signs that convey God’s love, grace, and blessings in our lives.
The sacraments are sacred signs that convey God’s love, grace, and blessings in our lives.
Sacraments are celebrated through each child’s home parish. All students who are members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish should register for the sacraments during school registration or in the parish office in August each year.
First Reconciliation
Our Catholic students celebrate First Reconciliation when they are in second grade. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation (also called confession or penance) we express contrition for our sins and are reconciled with God and the Church. Parents must attend a meeting about First Reconciliation. This sacrament takes place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in the fall.
First Eucharist
As Catholics, we know that the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith; it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pope Francis has called it the "Sacrament of Love". "The Eucharist is at the heart of 'Christian Initiation', together with Baptism and Confirmation. From this Sacrament of Love, in fact, flows every authentic journey of faith, of communion, and of witness." St. Francis Catholic School prepares our young Catholics to receive the Eucharist in 2nd grade. This preparation begins with the student's parents at home and continues into each day with their teachers at school. In the Eucharist, we receive the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion. Parents must attend a meeting for First Eucharist. Attendance at a “Learning About the Mass” session and a Saturday morning retreat are also required for the student receiving this sacrament.
Confirmation
Our Catholic students receive the sacrament of Confirmation
Our Catholic students receive the sacrament of Confirmation
in the spring of their 8th grade year. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the full life of the Catholic Church and both renews and strengthens our baptismal call to live our faith in Christ in our world. Parents and students will attend a Confirmation
Overview Meeting in the fall. A mandatory retreat for all students receiving the sacrament of Confirmation will be held in
January. The date for Confirmation is set by the Bishop and is held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. We will notify all families as soon as soon as we receive the date.
Sacramental Preparation and Faith Formation
St. Francis of Assisi Parish has programs for the following:
Children and teens that are baptized Catholic but missed receiving their sacraments at the usual time.
Catholic families who wish to have their child baptized.
Families who are interested in becoming Catholic.
Please contact the Director
Please contact the Director
of Religious Education, Betty Siano at 901-756-1213 or betty.siano@stfrancismemphis.org for more information.