Our Faith

At our school, faith in action is a vibrant commitment to community service and compassion. Throughout the year, our students actively engage in various service projects, embodying virtues like kindness and almsgiving. Initiatives include canned food and cereal box drives supporting the local food bank, coat drives for those in need, and donations to Birthright of Oregon. We also extend our care to foster children through partnerships with organizations like "With Love," collecting clothes and essential items. These endeavors not only address immediate needs but foster a culture of empathy and selflessness, illustrating the profound impact our school community makes beyond the classroom.

First Holy Communion
The sacrament of First Holy Communion is celebrated in the second grade. We celebrate First Holy Communion on a Sunday and again in a school Mass during May.  

The sacrament of First Communion is an important tradition for Catholic families and individuals. For Catholics, Holy Communion is the third of seven sacraments received. It occurs only after receiving Baptism and once the person has reached the age of reason. ( first reconciliation must precede the first reception of the Eucharist). 

First Reconciliation
First Reconciliation (Confession) is the first step in preparing for First Holy Communion. Second-grade students are taught the prayers needed for reconciliation, how to enter the confessional and speak to the priest, as well as what it means to be truly sorry.  

Every year, St. Francis/St. Edward/Visitation HS Youth Ministry provides 6 classes to prepare high school students (7-12 grade) for the sacrament of Confirmation. Students in the Confirmation program are expected to attend Middle School and High School Youth Groups for the year. 

If you would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, please get in touch with Brian Meeuwsen at 503-828-5660.

Once a month, the entire school gathers to pray the Rosary. Students participate in an all-school prayer service called the Living Rosary twice a year. The students form a circle around the church sanctuary, with each student leading the prayer associated with their position in the Rosary.

It is a Catholic tradition to honor Mary, our Mother, during the month of May by placing on her statue a crown of flowers. This lovely devotional ceremony is a favorite tradition at St. Francis of Assisi. The May Crowning gives the children an opportunity to especially honor the Blessed Mother of Jesus, and to give thanks to her for bringing our Savior into the world.

The May Crowning service is led by our soon-to-be graduating eighth graders.  The crowning ceremony takes place in the church, where our special statue of Mary is lowered for the occasion.
 
The 8th graders dress in their best for this special day and line up for a procession to the statue of Mary. Each eighth grader carries a flower to place in front of Mary, and one student is chosen to place the crown of flowers on Mary's head.

Each year on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we give thanks for the creatures God has placed in our charge and for the life and ministry of Saint Francis.  The Liturgy for the Blessing of Animals occurs in the outside following the morning Mass.  All are welcome to bring their pets – or pictures of their pets.

Our school's cherished tradition for All Saints Day brings a delightful blend of learning and celebration. First and second-grade students eagerly choose a saint to emulate, delving into the virtues and stories that make each saint unique. As the special day approaches, the young scholars transform into their chosen saints, presenting a few sentences about their inspirational figures during the All Saints Day Mass. The entire school and community gather to witness this heartwarming spectacle, where the innocence and sincerity of these students shine through. It's a joyous occasion that not only deepens their understanding of saints but also fosters a sense of community and spiritual connection among us all.

Our school's Jesse Tree tradition enriches Advent by exploring tales from Jesus's lineage. Each day, a story about a family member is read, and a corresponding ornament is hung on the Jesse Tree. This meaningful journey through generations illustrates God's preparation for the birth of Jesus. The entire school comes together during this sacred time, and parents are warmly encouraged to join in the spiritual journey.

Empowering 3rd graders with the sacred responsibility of becoming Altar Servers for Mass. Our program instills reverence, discipline, and leadership as young students learn to serve their faith community with dignity and honor.