RE Closing Liturgy and Celebration - Saint Louis University

Welcome Father
Dan White, S.J.
Fr. Douglas Marcouiller,
S.J., Provincial of the Missouri
Province of the Society
of Jesus has assigned
Fr. Daniel White, S.J., as
Pastor of St. Francis Xavier
College Church. Fr.
White will officially become
our Pastor at the
end of September.
Fr. White has a strong
pastoral background that
he will bring as our pastor.
He was an associate pastor
at St. Francis Xavier’s
Parish in Kansas City and
was pastor of St. Martin
de Porres’ Parish in Belize
City, Belize Central America.
He will be a great
blessing for all of us.
Please remember him in
your prayers.
Fr. Richard Buhler, S.J.
Echoing Gods Word | Spring 2011-12
Saint Francis Xavier College Church • Religious Education
RE Closing Liturgy and Celebration
This year’s RE Closing Mass
and Slide Show was the
culmination of a great year!!!
Students from all grade
levels participated in the
Mass as lectors, musicians
and ushers; leading our
songs, presenting the
Offertory Gifts and ending
with our Seventh Graders
crowning Mary. Duncan
Frazier, an Eighth Grade
student gave the reflection
on Mary. After Mass we
viewed a Slide Show put
together by Eighth Grade
student, Andrew Johnson,
which highlighted each of
our classes, atria and
programs. The Slide Show
was a new idea that
originated with his mom,
Hope Johnson.
We are so thankful to the many parents, parishioners and SLU students who served as
our teachers, catechists and leaders this year. All of the love, energy and time they
shared made a huge difference to all of us. We can’t thank them enough!! Have a wonderful
and safe summer. It is a pleasure to journey with you in faith!!!
Angie

First Communion Celebration
On Sunday, May 6th, twenty-five of our Religious Education students received their
First Communion. With open hearts and prayerful anticipation, they approached
the altar with their parents knowing that Jesus loves us and wants to be with us so
much in this special way.
Congratulations to Marina Casaregola, Ida Casmier, Elizabeth Cassani, Zoe Clark,
Lucas Dean, Elisabeth de Foy, Bogdan Hamilton, Nina Hamilton, Serena House,
Jordan Ireland, Shane La Gesse, Sophie Matiszik, Tavin Matiszik, Jack Mitchell,
Brynn Morrow, Nevin Ndonwi, Owen Piskorowski, Lily Rapp, Trevor Robinette,
Dorothy Romer, Margaret Salarano, Mia Schowengerdt, Margaret Tisell, Ellie Tychonievich
and Lancelot Williams
A special thank you goes to their catechists, Amanda Drapac-Novotny, Julie Kilian,
Katie Jost, Heather Piskorowski, Jeanne Weber and Carolyn Wright who so lovingly
prepared them.
Student’s Reflection on his First Communion
Tavin Matiszik adding the
yeast to flour as he studied
the parables of the
Kingdom of God
I am eleven years old and my parents decided that this spring I would be having my First Holy
Communion with my sister, who is in second grade. I had almost never gone to church except on
holidays and when I was with my grandparents. I knew very little about what goes on in church. So,
to prepare me for communion, I started taking classes after school with Ms. Angie once a week. It
was fun going to the lessons every week with the two other older students. I learned a lot of great
things that helped me move along towards receiving Communion. Some things that I learned about
were the liturgical year and that the holidays were really about more than just presents and candy.
My favorite part of classes was taking the tour of the church and seeing the old choir area and
monk’s walk. Over the weeks I started to grow into a better person who knew more about God. I
am happy that my family are now members of St. Francis Xavier and can continue being part of a
great church community. - Tavin Matiszik is in the Sixth Grade at Wydown Middle School in Clayton.

RE Class Student Surveys
Our RE program had a great year! Besides meeting for classes on Sunday, our students
also had an opportunity to pray together at Class Masses, serve together at
service projects and play together at potluck meals. At our last class, we gave a
survey to each student in RE grades 2nd through 8th asking them to tell us what
was the highlight of their year. Their answers are below.
Kindergarten/ First Grade
Natalie Otto and Emma Dwyer
My Favorite part of RE….We grew closer to God through song, prayer, reading the
Bible, presentations and working with Catechesis materials, writing, drawing, listening,
observing and even doing math! We had a great year!!!
Second Grade
Amanda Drapac-Novotny, Katie Jost and Heather Piskorowski
Second Graders
My First Communion was…..awesome...brought me closer to Jesus….it was the best—
finally receiving Jesus….I felt Jesus’ light like the song....getting to go up to Communion
was fun….the day finally came….better than I thought.
My Favorite part of RE….meeting new friends….all of it….First Communion...Krispy
Kreme donuts...making crafts...nice teachers….liked the tour of the Church. It’s very
pretty….had fun.
Favorite Activities outside of School….reading and swimming...playing with friends…
watching TV...looking for butterflies...Girl Scouts...going to Church...gymnastics...
sports– tennis, soccer.
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
PROGRAMS AT A
GLANCE
Total Number of Religious Education
Programs
7
Total Number of Students Participating
in all RE
Programs this Year
200+
Number of Students Registered
in RE Classes
120
Number of Students Registered
in CGS Atrium Program
35
Number of RE Students in
Christian Initiation Class
3
Number of Youth Group Members
who attended the
Annual Overnight Retreat
18
Total Number of Volunteers
63
Number of Parent Teacher
Volunteers
13
Number of SLU Student
Volunteers
25

RE Class Student Surveys
Third Grade
Kristin Wright Sobol and Erin Twiehaus
Third Graders participate in their Class Mass
Fourth Grade
Diane Kovac and Rachel Smith
One important thing I learned this year...the Beatitudes, I like “the meek”…-
Ten commandments...do not kill...do not lie...be faithful to God...Saint Teresa
of Avila is a doctor of the Church.
My Favorite part of RE….when we learned about the Saints….studied the
Beatitudes….when we made posters for the Ten Commandments and
Saints….Sandwich Sunday…. Our Class Mass….snacks during class.
Suggestions for nest year’s class….write our own Beatitudes...more snacks...if
we could teach the little kids.
Favorite Activities outside of School….fishing and hockey….computer
time...chess….sports—any kind….swimming...being with friends….reading….
shopping.
Fifth Grade
Sr. Marciana Dinh and Sr. Theresa Ha
Fifth Graders celebrate the end of year
I will follow Jesus by...praying before bed every night, be nice to
people, cleaning the liter box… helping my mom...going to
Church….being nicer to my friends.
My Favorite part of RE….making ourselves….making sandwiches
for the poor….Class Mass with Fr. Peter….doing art
work….having food….games at end of class.
Suggestions for nest year’s class….no suggestions...more arts
and crafts
Favorite Activities outside of School….being with
friends….making sculptures out of recycled stuff...playing baseball...playing
sports...swimming...video games.
Fourth Graders prepare sandwiches
for Social Ministry
I would describe the Kingdom of God as….peaceful….in every person, everywhere,
no matter what they do...everyone works together...the Mass...the
Church….our parish community...heaven...a mustard seed...very precious.
My Favorite part of RE...learning more about God, the Saints and Sacraments...learning
more about the Church...Church calendar...learning about
Anointing of the Sick and Holy Orders...class videos….Class Mass...class party.
Suggestions for nest year’s class….if more of my friends were in class...I liked
everything...invite a priest to talk about his vocation.
Favorite Activities outside of School….baseball...swimming….reading….any
sports….gymnastics...art….friends.

Sixth Grade
Richard Baugh, Tony Dipre and Bobby Hoock
Sixth Graders sing for the retired priests
at Jesuit Hall
Seventh Grade
Ann Nobs and Caitlin Laverdure
My favorite Old Testament person is….Moses because he is epic...Job because
he sticks with God after what happened...Job because he is loyal to
God….Noah because he helped animals, God because He is awesome...Jonah
because he changed his ways...Joseph because his story is interesting...Rachel
and Delilah...Samson’s dad, he is a good thinker and has common sense.
My Favorite part of RE...doing skits….when we acted out skits...going outside
for class...eating and having parties...when we did “our own Mass”...learning
about Scripture.
Suggestions for nest year’s class….nothing, it was great...more skits...more
activities...more snacks and parties...working at a food pantry.
Favorite Activities outside of School….speed skating and playing my ukulele...volleyball...drawing...listening
to music...play on my iPad...horseback riding...friends….reading….playing
on computer...bike riding...dancing, singing
and acting...sports….math...basketball.
After studying Morality this year, one way I will follow Jesus better is….I will think
before making decisions...be more careful in difficult situations...go to Church
more. ...consider consequences before I act...love others more than I love myself...do
what Jesus would do and go to Church...think about what Jesus would
want me to do.
My Favorite part of RE....being there….the class discussions….wrapping Christmas
presents for Loyola Academy...making breakfast at Ronald McDonald house...being
outside...class with Easter egg activity.
Suggestions for nest year’s class….more outside classes….more snacks….if we
could have given out the gifts ourselves at Loyola Academy.
Favorite Activities outside of School… playing piano….volleyball...friends….video
games...soccer...basketball...baseball….fishing….running….going to Forest Park.
Eighth Grade
Lisa Burks and Kevin Kilian
Anna Powers at the Ronald McDonald house
and Students having a class discussion
The Holy Spirit is to me… a special part of my soul that connects me with God and helps me to live out my faith….my
best friend who I can talk to about anything...the Spirit of God in everything and everyone...keeps us going and who we
pray to for others that we love...will ensure me to stay with my faith...is very important and a big part of my faith...part of
God, the hand of God...God’s spirit in me...the gift given to us by God.
My Favorite part of RE....was going deeper into what being Catholic means and learning about the Saints…service projects….picking
our Saint names and talking about our experiences...the retreats...the retreats…..group discussions during
the retreats and other activities...class speakers…Fr. O’Brien….getting ready to be confirmed...Hot stuff...baking cookies
for the poor.
Suggestions for nest year’s class….no suggestions….good experience overall...RE class was a good experience this
year….more retreats...more activities...more field trips...more service projects.
Favorite Activities outside of School… Irish dancing….hang out with friends...lacrosse...shopping...drawing...sports
...sleeping…music...plays and acting….violin...being outdoors...retreats in the Ballroom overnight.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Surveys
Level I Atrium
Susan Stuhlsatz-Reese, Mary Tychonievich and Annemarie Meagher
Level I Atrium children
Level II Atrium
Julie Kilian, Jeanne Weber and Carolyn
Preparing Communal Prayer is a favorite work
among Level II students
Level III Atrium
Ann Garrido, Hope Johnson and Grace Kempf
My Favorite part of Atrium….making the Plan of
God...the story of Creation...the City of Jerusalem...studying
Salvation history of 2,000 years...Noah
and the Ark...leading the music at the prayer table...the
plays.
Suggestions for nest year’s Atrium….it was perfect...nothing
would change...if we met more often...if
there were more activities...do more plays...can’t get
better.
Favorite Activities outside of School… Theatre
….boating...Legos...playing with friends….taking apart
electronics...reading….being in musicals.
My Favorite part of Atrium….From the first day
when we read the words of Jesus from the Bible,
"I am the light of the world" through Easter and
the sharing of this light at Baptism, we have had
a peaceful year. We have enjoyed our time together
listening to God, working, singing, and
praying.
My Favorite part of Atrium… Preparing prayer and praying together, writing
in our prayer journals, writing a new verse to one of our favorite song,
Be Light for Our Eyes and working with our timelines. We also enjoyed
learning more about the Bible: how it is organized and how to find things
in it. The parables continued to be a source of new insights for all of us; as
one child said of the True Vine parable, “Now we understand our lives."
Several children prepared and received First Reconciliation and First Communion
this year which was something we all celebrated! A number of
children added reflections to our First Communion album. Our time together
passed too quickly!
Two Atrium students working on the Plan of God timeline
and Students preparing a play at the end of the year

Confirmation Celebration
Samantha Felling being confirmed by Bishop
Hermann with the support of her sponsor,
Joan Felling.
Teen’s Reflection on Confirmation
On Sunday, May 27th, the Feast of Pentecost, nineteen students were
confirmed by Bishop Robert J. Hermann, thus completing their full ini-
tiation into the Church. Congratulations to Billy Balossi, Francesca
Caiazzo, Maya Chiara Li Xuan Casaregola, Catarina Davies, Gabe
Dean, Josh Dean, Samantha Felling, Samuel Fite, Duncan Frazier, Madi-
son Fuller, Skylar Howe, Andrew Johnson, John Kilian, Kristin Man-
chenton, Ian McClellan, Sophia Moak, Alan Pineda, Jacob Prickett and
Sarah Widder. Special thanks to our teachers who so lovingly pre-
pared them: Lisa Burks and Kevin Kilian.
When I was in middle school, I was fairly involved with my church’s Religious Education program and was
a regular usher volunteer for Sunday Mass. However, when I moved to St. Louis in 2009, there were sev-
eral years in which I wasn’t really part of a church community. Sometime during my sophomore year, I
begin to feel as if something was missing: I asked my mom if we could find a way for me to receive my
Confirmation. Seeing as this was something that happened at sixteen in my prior church, we were, for a time, at a loss. At
the beginning of my junior year, I joined St. Francis Xavier Youth Group, a decision which has helped to shape my faith in the
past year. It was the first time that I felt I could be open about my faith, as well as worries and fears that I had. The retreat in
January was an utterly fulfilling experience, which helped me to realize my desire to commit myself to my faith in God. Given
that I am a part of a group of peers at school which is largely not religious, the Youth Group environment allowed me to feel
safe in my beliefs and comfortable sharing my thoughts, which has in turn allowed me to feel closer to God. Belief in Christ,
for me, means trying as well as I can to live my life like Him. I know that sometimes I won’t succeed, but it is all part of the
journey that I look forward to beginning when I receive my Confirmation. Francesca Caiazzo attends John Burroughs School
where she is a senior. Her favorite subjects are English and Biology. In her free time, she enjoys making pottery and playing the harp.

Youth Group Update
Colleen O’Connell, Youth Minister
Youth Group Teens host a Valentine’s Day Party
for the L’Arche Community
Youth Group Teens take the Lead
This was a quite an eventful year for teens in St. Francis Xavier College
Church Youth Group! We kicked off in September with our first Youth
Mass and had a whirlwind of activities in the fall. These included volunteering
with home rehab at North Grand Neighborhood Services, helping out at
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, organizing activities for children at the
Christmas Bazaar, and taking kids from Karen House to see the Christmas
lights at the Zoo. Along with volunteering, we had a number of Youth Masses
where teens participated in everything from playing music to reading petitions.
Youth Group fellowship included shared prayer and reflections, Saint
bingo, a trip to City Museum, and more!!
In January, we had a great time together on the Youth Group Overnight
Magis Retreat. SLU student team leaders helped us explore how we were being
called to be more in the lives that God
gave us. Following this, we had a teen lock-in where we attended a SLU student
9:00 p.m. Mass, played dodge ball at the Simon Rec Center and spent the night in the
Ballroom with games and s’mores. Other activities included hosting a Valentine’s
Dave party for the L’Arche community and creating a Lenten prayer book for teens.
We are looking forward to upcoming events, like the “Breaking Bread Potluck”
hosted by Youth Group parents. Other events consist of a night of Jazz at the Missouri
Botanical Gardens, music jam sessions and an opportunity to serve at our Social
Justice Camp in July. We want to thank all those who support us!!! We feel
blessed to be part of such a vibrant, faith filled community!!!!
This year many of our Youth Group teens volunteered in our RE programs, serving as
Children’s Liturgy of the Word leaders, Class Teaching Assistants, Atrium Catechists,
Musicians and Nursery sitters. They shared their gifts of faith and love with our
younger students!! Next year through a collaboration with the Liturgy Commission
we plan to offer more opportunities for our teens to get involved in Sunday Masses.
Special thanks to this year’s teens: Peter Baugh, Madeleine Buckley, Michael Buse,
Michelle Buse, Brendan Butler, Leah Efken, Micah Garrido, Bobby Hoock, Allison
Hubbard, Grace Kempf, Megan Kilian, Maggie Mikel, Tom Rubio and Olivia Weber.
First Communion Celebration
On April 4th, the day before Holy Thursday, Owen Gelzer returned to St. Louis to
receive his First Communion, surrounded by his family and friends. Owen and his parents,
Randall and Maureen Gelzer, and siblings, Mary Kate and George, are a former
RE family, and his mom, Maureen is our former Second Grade RE teacher. Last summer
they were transferred to Washington, D. C. Special thanks to Fr. Len Kraus, S.J.
who presided at the Mass. It was a wonderful celebration!!!
Scavenger Hunt during the Magis Retreat
Olivia Weber with
Level I Atrium students

Youth Faith Formation Commission
Invitation to serve—
We need your help!
God calls us to share the gift of our
faith with others. What a special gift it
is to nurture God’s love in a child.
This is the spirit of the Youth Faith
Formation Commission.
As part of the Pastoral Council, we
seek the prayer, guidance and participation
of the members of our Parish
community. We invite you to consider
sharing your time and talent with
the work of this Commission. In January
we offer an open meeting for interested
perspective members. More
information is forthcoming or to learn
more contact Ann Nobs at nobsfamily@sbcglobal.net
or Angie at
adoerr3@slu.edu.
Commission Members (from the left) Jill Quinlan Briceno, Jim Byrne, Lisa Burks, Margaret
Donnelly, Simone Cummings, Susan Reese, Fr. Peter Saengthien, S.J., and Ann Nobs,
Chair. Missing are Liz Babusis, John Hartung and Jeanne Weber.
Pancakes, Anyone??? In February the Youth Faith Formation Commission along with the RE parents and Youth
Group will host a Pancake Breakfast for our Parish Community. It will be held on a Sunday morning immediately following
the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses. Commission member, Jim Byrne , father of Hannah Byrne, grade 7, Samuel Byrne,
grade 6 and Henry Byrne, grade 2, has agreed to head up this event. More information is forthcoming.
Bella Notte A Beautiful Night
The Parish Celebration, Bella Notte A Beautiful Night Italian Dinner and Sing
along was a huge success!!! Over 250 parishioners attended. Bill Romer, RE
parent of John Romer, grade 8, Alice Romer, grade 7, and Dorothy Romer,
grade 3, led the sing along and did an excellent job of entertaining the audience.
Pat McGonigle from KSDK news was the MC for the evening. Susan
Reese, our CGS atrium coordinator, won the large Italian basket raffle prize,
and Simone Cummings, RE parent of Nina Lawrence, grade 7, and Madison
Lawrence, grade 5, won the pearl necklace. It was a lovely night for all!!!
Many thanks to Fr. Buhler, S.J. and the planning committee for such a beautiful
night!!!!
Above Bill Romer on the piano. Left Fr. Jim Costello, S.J. with
Pat McGonigle and Susan Reese with her Italian Basket.

Easter Celebration 2012
Parish Children wave ribbons during the
Gloria at the 10:30 Easter Mass
Parent Discussion Series
The Youth Faith Formation Parent Discussion Series exists to help parents to build
strong, faith filled children and families. This spring we offered three speakers who
discussed a wide range of topics. In January, Dr. Susan Randich, PhD opened the series
with a discussion on Challenging Children and Situations: Using Collaborative Problem
Solving to Help Your Child Grow. Presented in the Lower Adult Faith Room, her talk
offered parents an opportunity to discuss difficult situations with other parents in an
informal setting. In February, Sara McGinnis Lee, long time parishioner and parent of
Patrick Lee, 9, and Dominic Lee, 6, in our CGS Atria program, gathered with parents
to share their College Church experience of how they are finding God in the parish
community. This was extremely well received by parents and we are planning to follow
up on this topic in the future. In March, Fr. Jim Goeke, S.J. talked about his experience
as a hospital chaplain on Praying through Illness; Strength for the Journey, and how
Youth Group member, Peter Baugh, prepares
to release balloons at the Easter
Mass
Dr. Susan Randich (in white sweater)
leads a discussion with RE parents
faith and prayer provide spiritual strength when family members face serious illness or situations. All of the talks were excellent
and well attended by parents.
We plan to continue this series next year and are looking for suggestions for speakers that are of interest to parents and
family life. If you have a suggestion or are interested in helping with this program, please contact Angie. We would love to
set up a parent advisory committee for this program.
Parents we are honored to partner with you in the faith formation
of your children!! Blessings for a safe and wonderful summer!!!

Calendar for Next Year—Important Dates
Saturday, August 25th In Service Day for Catechist and Teachers 9:00—2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 26th Come and See Sunday, Orientation and Parent Meetings
for all RE Grades —9:30—10:30 a.m.
Sunday, September 9th First Day of RE Classes and CGS Atria
Sunday, September 16th Opening Day for Youth Group Program
9:30—10:15 a.m. Parents’ Meeting
10:30—11:30 a.m. Youth Group Mass
11:30—12:15 p.m. Youth Group Lunch and Meeting
October 26th-28th Xavier Days - Three of special scheduled events for the
College Church community
Sunday, April 28th First Communion Celebration 10:30 a.m. Liturgy
Sunday, May 5th Closing RE Mass in Ballroom 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, May 19th Confirmation Celebration 10:30 a.m. Liturgy
Volunteers Needed in our RE Programs
Are you interested in teaching in our RE classes or children’s Liturgy of the Word program? We are currently looking
for leaders in both programs. The commitment in both programs is two/ three Sundays a month. Leaders work
in teams of two or more. Curriculum material and training are available. Please consider volunteering. It is a great
way to grow in your own faith and it makes a huge difference to our children and parish! For more information contact
Angie at adoerr3@slu.edu or 314-977-7302.
Registration Forms
Registration Forms for next year’s Religious Education classes have now
been mailed to all current RE families (Our CGS Atria Program registrations
will be mailed in early August). Please complete and return them
to us by July 22nd. If for some reason your child(ren) is not returning
next year please let us know. Also if you have any questions contact
Angie at adoerr3@slu.edu or 314-977-7302. Early receipt of your registration
ensures that we will have books and supplies in place in September.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Level I Atrium children prepare for
the opening procession at the
RE Closing Mass
Hezekiah Renick Buse leads
prayer at his Class Mass

Come and See Sunday
Share the Good News — Great things are happening here at College Church!!!
On Sunday, August 26th, we will have an orientation
Sunday to begin our new Religious Education
year. It will be an opportunity to welcome new
students and families to our program and to meet
and talk with your child’s teachers/ catechists.
We are so proud of our programs and the work
we are doing here that we would like to ask each
family to consider bringing a new friend or family
that may be interested in joining our program and
parish.
St. Francis Xavier College Church
3628 Lindell Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri 63108
ECHO is published by St. Francis
Xavier College Church to provide
information about our Religious
Education programs and activities for
children and families.
For more information contact:
Angie Doerr
Director of Religious Education
314-977-7302
adoerr3@slu.edu
Or visit our website at
www.collegechurch.slu.edu
WHAT: RE Parent Orientation
Meeting
WHEN: 9:30— 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Church Ballroom