Here we’ve listed programs that are geared toward children & teens. Explore the links below for more information on each program.
Blue Knights Boys Club
The Blue Knights Catholic Boys Club is a boys’ club aimed at teaching boys about their faith through discussions on virtues, the lives of the Saints, Scripture, games and crafts. Although not directly affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, a similar image of knighthood, defense of faith and family, and armoring oneself with virtues is shared by both groups.
Boy Scouts
Scouting is adventure, family, fun, character, leadership and so much more. In Scouting, boys start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. It’s fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a Montessori approach to faith formation with children (ages 3-8) that began in Rome over 50 years ago.
Children’s Choir
SFA Children’s Choir (CC) is for all children in the parish who are in grades 3-5.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is an opportunity for children to leave the main church assembly during the Liturgy of the Word portion of Mass and listen to a specially formatted children’s version. This allows children to hear and reflect on the readings at an age-appropriate level, giving them a better understanding of the Word.
EDGE (Grades 7-8)
EDGE is our parish’s youth ministry program for all 7th & 8th grade youth of our parish who attend public, private, and home schools. This is a program where our youth can learn about their faith, find a Catholic community, and experience Jesus all while having fun and serving others.
FISH (Grades 9-12)
FISH, or Fellowship in Spirit with Him, is our high school youth ministry program open to all 9-12 grade students.
Frankie’s Little Friends Playgroup
Join other moms and their little ones for fun and fellowship. This is a great opportunity to visit and grow in the parish family while your children play.
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts unleashes the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ in every girl, preparing her for a lifetime of leadership – from taking a night-time hike under the stars to accepting a mission on the International Space Station; from lobbying the city council with her troop to holding a seat in Congress; from running her own cookie business today to tackling cybersecurity tomorrow.
Kids Care
Here at St. Francis, our Kids Care program provides a safe, fun and nurturing environment both before and after school for children grades K-8. Kids Care is an Iowa DHS certified program.
Little Flowers Girls Club
Little Flowers is for girls age pre-K through 2nd grade, and Wild Flowers is for girls in 3rd through 5th grade. Each month, the girls pray, attend Adoration, do a craft or service project, and learn about a saint and virtue.
Liturgy of Life Choir
The Liturgy of Life (LOL) is open to all high school students who want to share their musical gifts. LOL sings for Mass twice a month and for special occasions.
Middle School Choir
The Middle School Choir is open to any youth in grades 6-8 who enjoy singing and having fun! The group leads one or two Masses each month and sings for special occasions.
REACH
Religious Education for All Children (REACH) is a Faith Formation program that is a multi-age, self-contained classroom for children with special needs that provides small group learning and one-on-one attention.
Religious Education (Grades K-6)
The mission of St. Francis’ Religious Education program is to consistently and constantly extend Jesus’ invitation to discipleship and to provide students with age-appropriate catechesis guided by biblical faith, the teachings of the Church, and a clear vision of the Gospel.
Special Needs Ministry
The mission of the St. Francis of Assisi Special Needs Ministry is to create and maintain an environment where all of God’s children can share their unique and wonderful gifts with Him.
St. Francis Preschool
The St. Francis Preschool provides an environment that will nurture and stimulate children, increase each child’s knowledge and understanding of God, surround each child with the feeling of God’s presence, and encourage each child to actively participate in Catholic Christian life.
St. Francis School
As parents, providing your child with an outstanding education, in an environment that fosters the development of their Catholic faith and deepens their love of God, is the most important gift you can give. St. Francis of Assisi School can provide this experience, with rewards that will last your student’s lifetime.
Sunday School
The exciting lessons in Sunday School are planned to help your preschool and pre-k child(ren) learn about Jesus and His Church. The Sunday School program uses the Allelu! curriculum from Our Sunday Visitor.
Vacation Bible School
Children will spend each morning learning the daily bible point by singing songs, exploring a bible story, playing games, being imaginative, and learning about their Catholic faith all while having fun!