Study Groups
Tuesdays
Alpha
The purpose of Alpha is to help bring people into a relationship with Jesus Christ by sharing the good news of the gospel. Alpha sessions include a meal, video, and open discussion. Participants meet for 11 weeks, with a day-long retreat between weeks 7 and 8. Alpha is open to all adults…invite a friend of any faith or no faith!
Tuesdays, September 15-November 17, 9-11 a.m.
Retreat day: October 24, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Face coverings (masks or shields) required in common areas (bathroom, hallways, etc.) and in meeting rooms when social distancing is not able to be maintained.
Wednesdays
The Bible Timeline
The Bible Timeline study program takes you on a guided journey through salvation history. Presenter Jeff Cavins will show you how fourteen of the Bible’s narrative books tell the biblical story from beginning to end and give you the keys to understanding the amazing story woven throughout Scripture.
Through its 24 sessions, The Bible Timeline will teach you how to read and understand the Bible and introduce you to the wonderful narrative of the Bible in a way that will transform your life.
- Wednesdays, Sept 16-Apr, 14 9:45-11:45am, Serra Room
- Participants will need to register & order a study set at https://study.ascensionpress.com/studies/49837/registrations/new.
- Face coverings (masks or shields) required in common areas (bathroom, hallways, etc.) and in meeting rooms when social distancing is not able to be maintained.
Small Group & Individual Studies
Adult Faith Formation has a variety of study materials available to checkout for individual and small group use.
- How – Come to the Faith Formation Office to check out available DVDs and leader’s materials.
- Where – You arrange for a location that works for you or your group – home, coffee shop, library, etc.
- Cost – No cost for use of DVDs or leader’s materials. However, you must order and purchase participant materials from the publisher.
Contact Heather Rohe in the Faith Formation Office at 515-440-1030 or stop in to check availability.
View or print the list of studies (PDF)
Special Studies
Natural Family Planning
Coordinators: Kerry & Renee McGuire. For more information, contact the Parish Office at 515-223-4577.
Search and register for class times
Online Studies
FORMED
FORMED offers digital faith formation on demand for all ages including Catholic videos, audio books, e-books and study programs. To access, go to Formed.org, and create an account as a member of St. Francis of Assisi.
Ascension
Groups of two or more can start a Bible study or faith formation program anywhere, anytime.
10 Gifts of the Catholic Faith
Video-based sessions available online. From the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
View and print discussion materials
Elements of the Mass
Video episodes to help you know and love the liturgy more. From Liturgicalinstitute.org.
Faith Journey – The Catechetical Institute
The mission of Faith Journey – The Catechetical Institute, sponsored by the Diocese of Des Moines, is to further students’ spiritual formation and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. The heart of the curriculum is based on the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and provides a systematic presentation of the Catholic faith. Click here to view a video featuring people who have previously participated in this program.
For more information, contact John Huynh at jhuynh@dmdiocese.org or 515-237-5006.
More Information & Registration
Certificate in Theology and Ministry
Are you interested in deepening your knowledge of the Catholic faith? Do you want to enhance your pastoral skills? The Certificate in Theology and Ministry may be right for you! This program of academic and pastoral development consists of a series of courses delivered digitally over the course of one year. This means you can participate on your schedule. Co-sponsored by the St. Joseph Educational Center and Creighton University.
For more information, call Tom Quinlan at 515-222-1084 or tquinlan@sjeciowa.org or visit http://sjeciowa.org/creighton-certificate-program/