Give Realm
     
Give Realm

Learn

Growing Deeper in Faith

From Sunday School and Bible studies to adult formation, small groups, and other opportunities to explore Scripture, we learn together so we can grow deeper in faith, better understand God’s Word, and live out what we believe each day.

Children’s Sunday School

  • Our Sunday School helps children grow in faith through Bible stories, prayer, music, crafts, and engaging activities in a safe and welcoming environment. Our Sunday School meets at 9am during the School Year, and students are brought into the Church to share the Eucharist with their families. Christian 

  • Christian Education at St. Francis also involves a wide variety of intergenerational activities and support for parents who hope to develop a rich faith life in the home. Through these opportunities, families can learn, grow, and experience faith together beyond Sunday mornings.

 Adult Forums

  • Adult forum meets after church (grab your coffee and visit for a few minutes first) during the program year. Topics range widely! Join us for thoughtful conversations on Scripture, Church history, parish news, and more. 

Bible Studies

  • Bible Study gathers every Tuesday at 11 am in the Library. Childcare is provided in the undercroft.

Sacraments

The sacraments are sacred moments that draw us closer to God and strengthen us in our life of faith.

Click a sacrament below to view more details.


Baptism

Baptism

Baptism

Whether you’re a new parent looking to baptize your child, or you’re ninety-five and have never been baptized, this sacrament is the point of entry into the full sharing in the Body of Christ. Depending on where you are in your journey, the preparation process may be just one or two meetings with one of the clergy to review the liturgy and the theology of baptism, or if you are unsure about whether to take this step, you’re invited into a longer period of discernment and conversation about whether this is something you feel called to do.

Communion

Communion

Communion

We typically encourage families to present their children for their First Communion when they start asking questions about the sacrament and expressing interest in drawing closer to God in this way. Most children at St. Francis go through First Communion preparation or enrichment sometime between kindergarten and third grade. If you are visiting with us, all who are baptized and who desire a deeper relationship with God in the sacrament are welcome to receive the sacrament.

Confirmation

Confirmation

Confirmation

Many of those who go through the Confirmation preparation process at St. Francis are teens who spend a year learning about their faith and preparing to receive an increase of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Most students prepare for Confirmation around 8th or 9th grades, but preparation really begins long before. Students who have a strong foundation in faith and habits of prayer through their family life and participation in a worship community will be the best equipped to fully engage the Confirmation process.

Confession

Confession

Confession

Our most common form of confession takes place during the regular Sunday liturgy, but the Episcopal Church also offers private confession with a priest for those desiring it. The simple practice is not required, but it can be especially helpful when guilt burdens us or when we are struggling to overcome habitual sins. You can look at pages 446-452 in The Book of Common Prayer for the two rites (forms) that we use. In Confession, the priest is sworn to the strictest confidentiality. We offer set times for Confession during Lent or any time by appointment with one of the priests.

Annointing of Sick

Annointing of Sick

Annointing of Sick

As with this holy oil thou art outwardly anointed, so may our heavenly Father grant that thou mayest be inwardly anointed with the Holy Spirit. May he of his great mercy forgive thee thy sins, send thee release from suffering, and restore unto thee health and strength. May he deliver thee from all evil, preserve thee in all goodness, and bring thee to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (The Book of Common Prayer, 225-26) The great physician invites us to use these means of grace with all who are sick or suffering in mind, body, or spirit. We frequently anoint after worship, before surgeries, or when we visit people in hospitals. Special prayers alongside anointing are offered for those who are nearing the end of this earthly life.

Marriage

Marriage

Marriage

A period of intentional preparation, discernment, and prayer helps to equip the engaged couple for life together, and the grace of the sacrament strengthens the union between those who join their lives. The wedding liturgy can be found on p.423-32 in The Book of Common Prayer. Due to constraints on space usage and staff time, weddings at St. Francis are limited to those who are active worshippers in the parish or who have a long-term connection with the parish.

Ordination

Holy Order

While congregations do not ordain people to Holy Orders, we do support and raise up leaders who will serve the church in these sacred ministries. We are honored to have supported several members who have discerned a call to ministry, and numerous seminarians have served placements here. If you have been thinking or praying about ministry, we encourage you to reach out so we can pray alongside you and help you in your discernment process.

Youth Group

MERCY Youth Group gives teens from St. Francis Episcopal Church, St. James Episcopal Church, and Christ Episcopal Church opportunities to build friendships, grow in faith, and serve others together.


Each month includes a mix of social events, service projects that may qualify for SSL hours, retreats, mission trips, and other activities designed to help teens stay connected and involved.


The group is currently led by Pastor Allison from St. Francis, Fr. Angel Roque from Christ Episcopal, and Madeline Weber from St. James. Together, they provide a welcoming and supportive environment where teens can have fun, ask questions, serve their community, and grow in their relationship with God.

Make a joyful noise until the lord

Further Resources

Explore trusted Episcopal and Anglican resources to deepen your prayer life, worship, and understanding of the faith. From the Book of Common Prayer and daily prayer guides like Mission St. Clare and The Trinity Mission to news and teaching from The Living Church, these resources offer helpful ways to stay connected and continue growing throughout the week

Book of Common Prayer

bcponline.org


This prayer book of the Episcopal Church connects us to the wider Anglican Communion. It includes liturgies for the Eucharist, daily prayer, baptisms, funerals, weddings, and a brief catechism outlining the faith. 

Mission St. Clare

missionstclare.com


Provides an easy iphone app for praying the daily office (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline/Night Prayer). 


For Android users, the liturgy can be accessed at their website. 

Trinity Mission

thetrinitymission.org

 

If you would like an audio version of the Daily Office to pray on your commute, the Trinity Mission has been providing an audio version since 2012. 

The Living Church

livingchurch.org 


News, commentary, and theological reflections for the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican Communion. Fr. Mark serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Living Church. 

×

Staff Website Login

Access your staff dashboard

Forgot password?
Use at least 8 characters with one uppercase letter.
Or continue with
Google
Staff Login