Thursday, April 9, 2009

Movie Night UPDATE






Our week of activies ended with a Movie Night on Friday. We started off with a couple activities, an intense game of charades, and a short discussion on how we view "Hollywood Stars". We were grateful to have our seminarian, Jose Luis, join us for several events! Then we grabbed some good food and settled in to watch Disney's Bolt about a dog who is a TV star, but he doesn't know it. After the movie we cleaned up and a competitive game of foosball ended our night!
Overall, we had a wonderful time. We had a variety of activities and a great group of kids who participated. Thank you to all who assisted in making this a fun, interactive and successful week. Special thanks to Fr. Reker and Karen Davis who shared their talents with kids who were eager to learn fom them!
Join us next year!

Gym Jam UPDATE




On Thursday we had our Gym Jam. We started out the night with several group games including musical chairs and a fun 'dress-up' relay. The rest of the night was spent playing basketball, tennis, bean bag toss, ladder golf, and other fun activities! The Gym Jam was a great opportunity to run around and use some of that energy that was building up all week!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Photo Safari UPDATE








Wednesday was all about learning how to take better pictures! (And so we have ALOT of them to show!) We were very fortunate to have our very own Karen Davis as our instructor. Karen has plenty of photography experience from years selling cameras, and teaching photography couses through Commnunity Education. She has come to be known as the "Rochester Photography Lady" because of her vast knowledge and teaching skills.

That being said, the kids were grateful to have such a teacher. Karen provided wonderful activities throughout the day. Still life scenes, creative and colorful materials and props along with different shooting techniques and perspectives challenged our creativity. We also got the chance to do some photography experiments with speed and action shots---it was a full day with plenty of creative opportunities.

Although we did not make it outside for a "safari" most of the kids expressed interest in taking such an excursion this summer with Karen. (Keep your eyes open for that opportunity!)

Thanks, Karen, for providing such a great activity!

Good Will at Goodwill UPDATE





Tuesday we showed some good will at the new Goodwill superstore. We started off the evening with dinner and playing cards. Then we went to Goodwill where we received a tour of the building and learned more about what Goodwill does for people in our community. After that, it was time to work. We mainly helped by arranging and cleaning the display areas on the sales floor. Our presence was very much appreciated by the staff. Thanks to Michelle Larson who served as our chaperone for the evening and to all the students who donated their time for this service!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Pasta with the Pastor UPDATE





On Monday we learned how to make an authentic Italian meal! Fr. Reker walked us through the steps for Penne all' Arrabbiatta--which means "angry pasta". This dish earned its name from the red pepper flakes that are included in its recipe. Our meal included baked bread and a fresh salad. Dessert was neopolitan ice cream. The students raved about the wonderful meal and several promised to try this recipe for their families.


Thanks for the pasta, pastor!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Happy about Spring Break, but you've got NOTHING to do?

Join us at St. Francis of Assisi for the

Boredom Buster Week!

March 30th-April 3rd
There’s a different activity each day!
Join us once or come every day---it’s up to you!
(All events are open to youth ages 6th grade and up.)



Monday, March 30: Pasta with the Pastor 3-6 pm Social Room
Fr. Reker will teach us how to make an authentic Italian meal—then we’ll get to eat it! All ingredients and supplies will be provided. Take the recipe home and cook for your family! Maximum of 12 youth---get your spot today!


Tuesday, March 31: Goodwill at Goodwill 5:30-9:15 pm Social Room
Start off with dinner together in the church Social Room. After that, we’ll drive over to the brand new Goodwill South Superstore. We will help organize merchandise, assist customers, clean, and do whatever else they need from us! This is a great opportunity to serve an organization that benefits our community! An extra parent driver/chaperone would be appreciated—let me know if you can help! 289-2427
Maximum of 10 youth—get your spot today!
.

Wednesday, April 1: Photo Safari! Noon-5 pm Activity Room
Community Education Photography Instructor, Karen Davis, will guide us through a session of better picture taking! Karen has many years of experience taking photos and teaching photography classes. Part of our day will include a walk downtown to practice our photo skills. Cost: Bring cash to buy a snack downtown. (Lunch will not be provided.) Participants should bring their own cameras—digital, film, disposable, really old or brand new---bring any camera you can find! If you cannot bring a camera, just let us know and we can provide a camera for you! Parents can pick up their kids at 5 pm from the Activity Room. Maximum of 10 youth—get your spot today! *Weather permitting, we will do Photo Safari on Wednesday. If not, we will schedule Photo Safari for Thursday during the day and have the Gym Jam on Wednesday evening.


Thursday, April 2: Gym Jam 6-8:30 pm St. Francis of Assisi School Gym
Join us in the school gym for music, sports, games and snacks. We will have some organized games but also allow for “free time” at the end. This is a great way to get some exercise after a week of relaxation! Make sure to wear gym appropriate shoes and clothing. No limit for this activity—so bring your friends! *Weather permitting, we will do Photo Safari on Wednesday. If not, we will schedule Photo Safari for Thursday during the day and have the Gym Jam on Wednesday evening.


Friday, April 3: Movie Night 6-9:00 pm Activity Room
Join us in the activity Room with a fun night to end the week! We’ll have food, games, watch a movie and discuss how our Catholic faith influences our view of music, movies, and TV. Bring a sleeping bag/blanket for watching the movie. Maximum of 15 students—get your spot today!


Sign Up Deadline for all Boredom Buster Week events is Sunday, March 29th.
There is one permission form for all activities. Students need to fill out a permission form if they attend only one event or all 5 events. See the kiosk in the church Gathering Space to pick up a permission form. Forms can also be picked up at the Parish Office Center. Parents can sign up online, call or email Carol Crawford to reserve a spot for their child for a certain event. However, registration is not complete until a signed permission form is turned in.
All forms are due Sunday, March 29th.

*There will be a waiting list for all activities that have a maximum number of participants. If a spot becomes available, youth on the waiting list will be notified.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Spring Break Activities

Spring Break!

Photography lessons, cooking class, games, a movie, service project---sounds like fun!

What are you doing for spring break? Join the St. Francis of Assisi youth group with a different activity each day!

Watch for more info!
Have an idea for a service project? Or maybe a suggestion for a youth group activity? Feel free to leave a comment on this post or simply email Carol at
youthminister@stfrancis-church.org. Feedback from students and parents is always welcome!

March Bible Study--New Schedule



March Bible Study
New meeting schedule! Spots available!

Time moves so quickly. Slow down this Lent and take time to reflect on God's word. Journey with us! You may be surprised at what you find!

Join us through March as we follow the Lectionary and look ahead to each Sunday’s readings. Our group is open to any 6-8th grade student interested in learning more about the Bible, making new friends, enjoying a snack, and having a good time!

This is a great group for either Catholic School or public school students. We meet on Thursdays throughout March from 6pm-7:15 pm in the church Social Room. The last 15 minutes of our meeting is dedicated to enjoying snack and socializing!

Can’t make it to every session? No problem! Just contact Carol and let her know which sessions you’ll be able to attend! Friends are welcome, too!

March 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th from 6-7:15 pm in the Social Room (next to McCarthy Hall) in church basement.

Contact Carol today! 289-2427 or youthminister@stfrancis-church.org



OR Sign up online! Click Here.

Help Needed: Church Cleaning!



Your Church Needs YOU!
Our Annual Church Cleaning is scheduled for
Saturday, March 21 ~ 9 A.M. to Noon
Many people are needed . . .



Carol Crawford will be available to help and be responsible for any young people (ages 10+) who would like to help clean! We will work till noon, then head over to the Activity Room for lunch and games till 2 pm. Parents can pick up students from the Activity Room by 2 pm.

Sign up online! Click here.

Sign Up Deadline: Wednesday, March 18th.