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Like Saint Francis of Assisi, we at St. Francis High School seek to follow the footsteps of Jesus—working to change the world by loving God and loving others.
The Pastoral Ministry Department is an integral part of our school’s mission to educate hearts, minds, and spirits. Our goal is to provide every student with opportunities for spiritual growth. We recognize and honor the diversity of experience that exists in our community. Everyone—regardless of faith tradition—is invited to participate in the spiritual life of the school. Our ministry opportunities are uniquely Catholic, grounded in the Franciscan Spiritual Tradition and inspired by the life and charism of Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael Page, Pastoral Ministry Department Chair states, “Saint Francis of Assisi is a great inspiration to me, and his life and words are a great inspiration to our school. Francis saw God’s presence reflected in the particular gifts and qualities of each person he met. The way he loved and encouraged others shows us an example of what it is to be holy—our Pastoral Ministry Department hopes to share this inspiration with our students every day in all that we do.”
Pastoral Care
From the classroom to the stage to the athletic field and beyond, the Pastoral Ministry Department works to provide our students with experiences and opportunities for spiritual growth across the full range of interests and activities here at SFHS. By listening deeply and walking with our students on their journey, we hope to guide them to an understanding of God’s call and God’s work in their lives.
Liturgies & Daily Prayer
We begin each day with the beloved Prayer of Saint Francis. Even though Francis himself did not write this prayer, it was compiled based on his writings and teachings. The words of the prayer inspire us every day to be peacemakers—bringing love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy to the people and places that need it most—and to share consolation and understanding from the heart.
Prayer continues throughout our day in every period and every classroom, and all of our games and activities begin with prayer.
St. Francis High School offers celebratory all-school liturgies every month, as well as Tuesday morning mass and Thursday afternoon reconciliation. We take time for prayer and reflection opportunities every day and throughout each season of the year, including adoration services inspired by the writings of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Students work with adults in the building to lead all of our liturgical ministries including music, hospitality, extraordinary ministers of communion, and altar servers.
Christian Service
Serving others is an essential part of the SFHS experience. We believe that God calls us to the place where our gifts and the world’s needs meet.
Saint Francis found God—and discovered his own meaning and purose—in “the path of descent.” By humbling himself to care for people who the world said were not worthy of attention or respect, Francis lived Jesus’ command to love our neighbors. Like our patron, we reach out to feed the hungry, welcome strangers, provide for the vulnerable and those in need, and walk with people who are excluded and marginalized.
SFHS students are asked to perform a minimum of 15 hours of Christian service each year as part of their academic requirements.
In partnership with local organizations dedicated to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Pastoral Ministry Department provides our students with dozens of service opportunities where they can experience self-discovery, growth, and a deepening faith.
Retreats
SFHS retreat experiences give students time to truly seek wisdom away from the daily obligations of their academic, co-curricular, and social lives. Our retreats support students from all religious and cultural backgrounds, inviting them to center themselves in God’s loving presence. Retreats help students to nurture relationships with one another and form their own personal connection to the Catholic faith tradition. Freshman, Sophomore, and Kairos Retreats are led by members of our Student Ministry Team.
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Freshman Retreat – Peace and All Good (one day)This one-day retreat brings the entire Freshman class together for an experience of welcome and community building.
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Sophomore Retreat – The Body of Christ: Faithful, Strong, United (one day) Sophomore students participate in an experience that focuses on their spiritual giftedness and growth as individuals and encourages them to come together as one St. Francis High School community.
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Junior Retreat – Who is God and Who Am I? (two-day)Junior students participate in an overnight retreat experience with a chance to step back and reflect on how they encounter God, how they experience their faith, and who they are called to be.
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Kairos Retreat – In God’s Time (four-day) Senior students are invited to participate in the four-day Kairos retreat, an opportunity to experience God’s friendship and enter “God’s time” together.
Retreats are an essential component of the spiritual growth opportunities we offer for our students. The Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Retreats are a Religion Department and Pastoral Ministry requirement. Kairos is optional for seniors.
Student Ministry Team
Every year, Pastoral Ministry enlists the help of a diverse team of juniors and seniors to serve as spiritual leaders in the student body. Applications become available in the late winter and the process includes an essay, teacher evaluations, and an interview. Those who are selected attend
an overnight training retreat in August, before helping to lead SFHS retreats, service programs, liturgies, and community events.
Student Ministry Team members are responsible for the creation and implementing activities to help students and faculty members grow in faith. They serve as facilitators and guides connected to the heart of the SFHS community. In addition, as retreat leaders, they play an essential role in accompanying our students on their journeys while growing and enhancing their own faith.
Women’s Spirituality Group & Men’s Spirituality Group
Weekly gatherings and monthly meals encourage our students to spend time with others, sharing and praying together. These groups are open to all and offer a place to check in and be supported by others who want to grow in their relationship with God and others. Scripture reflection, witness talks, small group time, prayer and community building give students an opportunity to lead and share their faith together.
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