"Helping the faithful experience
a fulfilling Catholic life
at every age."
Welcome to The Office of Faith Formation
Faith Formation is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church. Through Faith Formation, the church seeks to prepare its members, old and young, to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action.
In Order to help parishes, respond to the Gospel call, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19), the Office of Faith Formation will provide, vision, support, resources and guidelines as well as initial and ongoing formation for Catechetical Leaders, Pastors and Catechists, so that effective faith formation may occur at all levels in every parish of the culturally rich Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Passing on the Faith
Adult Faith Formation
Parishes within the Archdiocese of San Francisco offer family-centered catechetical programs with their catechetical plan. All these forms are connected directly to the parish and work with the specific needs of each family.
For more information on programs in your parish contact your parish Director of Faith Formation or The Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Faith Formation, 415-614-5650.
Entrenamiento para Catequistas en Español
Parishes within the Archdiocese of San Francisco offer family-centered catechetical programs with their catechetical plan. All these forms are connected directly to the parish and work with the specific needs of each family.
For more information on programs in your parish contact your parish Director of Faith Formation or The Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Faith Formation, 415-614-5650.
Children Catechesis
No children can be turned away from religious education because of limited space, timing, or the disposition of the parents. It is the responsibility of the Christian community by seeking dialogue with the families and propose appropriate forms of education.
Every parish has a responsibility to provide faith formation for the children and youth of their parish. This should be done by qualified adults, well trained and within the Safe Environment Guidelines of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. These programs can be shared between parishes and have a professional parish catechetical leader.
For more information on programs in your parish contact your Director of Faith Formation – Religious Education – or the Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Faith Formation at 415-614-5650.
Adolescent Catechesis
It is the entire Church community that is called upon to minister to adolescents. A team/companion approach for various ages, experiences, and gifts is vital. Together the formation of adolescents affirms them as full, active participants of the Church. The components of such programs need to be built around comprehensive youth ministry in every parish that sees itself as building disciples for Jesus Christ. Parishes must strive to provide Youth Ministry for all adolescents in their parishes.
In 1997 the United States Catholic Bishops developed a plan called “Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry.” The document spells out eight components:
- Evangelization
- Prayer and Worship
- Service and Justice
- Community Life
- Leadership
- Advocates for Catholic Values
- Pastoral Care
Two offices within the Archdiocese work with Youth Ministry and you may contact them for help:
- Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
- (415) 614-5595
- Office of Faith Formation
- (415) 614-5650
Special Needs Faith Formation
“All persons with disabilities have the capacity to proclaim the Gospel and to be living witnesses to its truth within the community of faith and offer valuable gifts. Their involvement enriches every aspect of Church life. They are not just the recipients of catechesis—they are also its agents. All persons with disabilities or special needs should be welcomed in the Church. Every person, however limited, is capable of growth in holiness.
Some persons with disabilities live in isolating conditions that make it difficult for them to participate in catechetical experiences. Since the provision of access to religious functions is a pastoral duty, parishes should make that much more effort to include those who may feel excluded.
The Church’s pastoral response in such situations is to learn about the disability, offer support to the family, and welcome the child.”
St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired at St. Francis Xavier Church welcomes all persons and their families. Every Sunday at 10:30 AM in ASL, with voice interpretation in English. All age groups are welcome to faith formation programs.
- St. Benedict Parish for the Deaf
- 1801 Octavia St. San Francisco, California 94109
- (415) 567-9855
For more information on programs in your parish contact your Director of Faith Formation – Religious Education – or the Archdiocese of San Francisco Office of Faith Formation at 415-614-5650.
For more information on programs for SPECIAL NEEDS contact:
- Lorna Feria
- Office of Faith Formation
- (415) 614-5654
- Ferial@sfarch.org
Contact Us
The Office of Faith Formation offers vision, guidance, resources, and ongoing support for catechetical leaders, pastors, and catechists. Our goal is to foster effective faith formation at all levels in every parish across the culturally rich Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Need assistance or have questions?
Please reach out to our team—we’re here to help.
- Office of Faith Formation
-
One Peter Yorke Way,
San Francisco, CA 94109 -
(415) 614‑5650
General inquiries and sacramental information
Sr. Celeste Arbuckle, SSS
☎️ +1 (415) 614-5652
📧 arbucklec@sfarch.org
Anelita Reyes
☎️ +1 (415) 614-5651
📧 reyesa@sfarch.org
Claudia Atilano
☎️ +1 (415) 614-5650
📧 atilanoc@sfarch.org
Lorna Feria
☎️ +1 (415) 614-5654
📧 ferial@sfarch.org
Raúl Lara
☎️ +1 (415) 614-5650
📧 larar@sfarch.org
The Office of Faith Formation offers vision, guidance, resources, and ongoing support for catechetical leaders, pastors, and catechists. Our goal is to foster effective faith formation at all levels in every parish across the culturally rich Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Need assistance or have questions? Please reach out to our team—we’re here to help.
- Ethnic Ministries
- One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco, CA 94109
-
(415) 614‑5650
General inquiries and sacramental information
