Frequently Asked Questions

Question on Joining St.Francis
Questions on Religious Education for Children and Youth
Question on Child Protection
Questions on Volunteering
Questions on Prayer Requests, Mass Intentions and Funerals
Questions on Giving
Miscellaneous Questions

Learn more about joining St. Francis

How do I join the Parish?
Fill out a parish Contact Form online and submit it. You can also pick up a registration form at the parish office or call 301- 840-1407. Please see our Join Us or Come Home page for more information.

Questions & Answers about Religious Education at St. Francis

How do I register my child for Religious Education Classes?
Families register each spring and summer for the fall religious education program. Registration forms can be accessed on the parish website from the Grow in Faith menu. They can also be requested from the Religious Education or Parish Office. 

At what ages can children participate in the parish Religious Education program? 
Religious Education is offered for children and youth from Kindergarten through high school.  

Are there program fees required for Religious Education classes?
Yes, program fees for Religious Education cover the cost of textbooks and materials and are reviewed each year. Contact the Religious Education office for more information. 

Fees need not be paid before the start of the fall program and can be accepted in installments throughout the year. If payment of fees poses a financial hardship, alternate arrangements can be made by talking with the Director of Religious Education. A materials fee for Sacramental Preparation programs is in addition to the Religious Education Program Registration Fee and will be discussed at parent meetings in the fall. 

If my child is unable to attend their regular class due to illness or other schedule conflict, can they attend on a different day?
We ask that children attend only their assigned class day and time. For occasional absences, we can provide make-up work that can be completed at home.

My child has seasonal sports commitments. Is it possible to change session times mid-year?
This is determined on an individual basis upon consultation with the Director of Religious Education.

Due to our family’s busy schedule, my child cannot attend classes at any of the times available. Are there other options?
Yes, there is the option to teach your child at home. Please direct questions about a homeschool option to the Director of Religious Education. Families will be asked to register with the Religious Education program and will be provided with resources and training.

My child has special needs. What opportunities are available for his or her Religious Education?
We welcome the opportunity to work together with families to provide catechesis in a way that will best meet their child’s needs and offer catechetical sessions specifically designed for children and young people with special needs and their families. If you would like to learn more about these sessions, or if you are interested in serving as a catechist or aide for children with special needs, please call the Director of Religious Education.

Do we have to be parishioners at St. Francis to participate in the Religious Education program?
Our Religious Education program is open to non-parishioners as space permits and with permission of your home parish. Questions about this can be directed to our Director of Religious Education.

What is the class Cancellation Policy for Religious Education and the Youth Group?
If Montgomery County Public Schools are closed or if they are dismissed early, Religious Education program activities and Youth Group are cancelled. This applies to weekend activities if Montgomery County Public schools announces the cancellation of weekend school activities.

Cancellation announcements are recorded on the Religious Education Office phone 301-258-9193 and posted on the St. Francis Facebook page (“St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church”). They will also be posted on the home page of this website under 'Announcements.'

Questions & Answers on Child Protection

What steps are being taken to ensure my child’s safety while participating in Religious Education classes? What Archdiocesan requirements must be met to serve as a volunteer with the Religious Education program?

All adults (parish employees and volunteers) who have substantial contact with children are expected to comply with the Child Protection Policy of the Archdiocese of Washington. Read the policy (PDF). 

Questions about this policy and arrangements for completing these requirements can be made with our parish Child Protection Compliance Coordinator, Marie Purdy, 301-258-9193.

Questions & Answers on Volunteering

How do I become Lector?
Please access the Serve Worship Ministries page of this website to see information and the contact information for the coordinator of Lectors.
 
How do I become an Extraordinary Ministry of Holy Eucharist?
Please access the Serve Worship Ministries page of this website to see information and the contact information for the coordinator for Eucharistic Ministers.

How do I become a Joyful Greeter?
Please access the Serve Worship Ministries page of this website to see information and the contact information for the coordinator for Joyful Greeters.
 
How do I become an Altar Server?
Please access the Serve Worship Ministries page of this website to see information and the contact information for the coordinator for Altar Servers.
 
How to I become an Information Desk Minister?
Please access the Serve Community Building page of this website to see information and the contact information for the coordinator for Information Desk Ministers.

What other Volunteer Opportunities are there at St. Francis?
There are many opportunities for volunteering locally and globally at St. Francis. Please access the Serve menu of this website to review the various ministries and contacts.
 
How can Youth be involved in Liturgy?
Youth have an opportunity to become lectors, ushers, altar servers, joyful greeters, as well as members of the Youth Band.  To learn more, contact the Parish Office at 301-840-1407.

Questions about Prayer Intentions or Funerals

How do I arrange for a Funeral?
Families should start by contacting a local funeral home. Once they have gone to the funeral home and expressed their requests, the funeral home will contact the pastor to confirm church availability. The funeral home will also let the family know that they need to contact the Parish Office to meet with the pastor. 
During the meeting with the pastor, families will receive a funeral booklet along with the music selections appropriate for funerals. The Director of Music will also meet with the family and will review the music and confirm that the family would like a program (for which there is no charge.) Please see the Worship Funerals section of this website for more information. 
 
How do I have a Mass said for someone?  
Stop by the office or call the Parish Office to ask for the date in which you are interested. The normal Mass stipend is $10. We also have some beautiful Mass cards for both deceased and living.
 
How do I have someone mentioned in the Prayers of the Faithful?  
Complete the Prayers of the Faithful Request or contact the Parish Office and tell them you have someone for the Prayers of the Faithful for the weekend. Please provide names of the deceased and the sick.

Questions & Answers about Giving

I lost my statement – how can I get another copy?
Call the Parish Office 301-840-1407.
 
How can I make my offertory contributions?
OFFERTORY ENVELOPES - If you would like to receive envelopes, please contact the Parish Office.  It takes 4-6 weeks for the envelopes to start, just put your name and address along with your contribution amount and put in the collection until you received your envelopes. 
ONLINE GIVING – Our parish uses Faith Direct –  Please review the Online Giving menu of this website for detailed information.  Our parish number for Faith Direct is MD110.
 
Why are there multiple envelopes in the Envelope Packet?
There are multiple types of contributions parishioners can make through the envelopes or through Faith Direct
Offertory - Supports parish operations
Maintenance - Supports the maintenance of the parish
Haiti - Supports our efforts with our Sister Parish in Haiti
Parish Outreach - Support Humble Service (Social Concerns) ministry
Special Collections - Collections for special intentions such as missions and retired priests

Miscellaneous FAQs

Where is the lost and found located?
The lost and found is found in the usher’s room, the first room on the left as you enter the Sanctuary. The lost and found is on the right as you enter the room. Also, check with the Parish Office.
 
How can I have my house, car, religious item blessed?
St. Francis of Assisi clergy are happy to bless your house, car, or religious item. A car or religious item can be blessed usually immediately after Mass once most parishioners have left the Gathering Space. Simply ask the priest or deacon and they will bless your car, religious item or something else you have with you. A house blessing can be arranged by simply contacting a clergy member (priest or deacon) and scheduling a mutually agreeable time.
 
What are the hours for Christmas Tree sales?
The Christmas Trees are sold
9:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday and Sunday
3:00 pm to 9:00 pm Weekdays
Please check the current Bulletin during the holiday season in case there are changes.