Children's Liturgy of the Word CLOW
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
When: 10am Mass, every Sunday except Easter
What: Developmentally appropriate (and fun!) proclamation of, reflection on, and activities around the Sunday readings. For children up to 3rd grade, dismissed with a blessing before the first reading, meets in Reidy Hall downstairs, and returns before communion.
Learn More about Children's Liturgy of the Word
C.L.O.W (Children’s Liturgy of the Word)
What is CLOW?
CLOW is developmentally appropriate (and fun!) proclamation of, reflection on, and activities around the Sunday readings. For children up to 3rd grade, dismissed with a blessing before the first reading of the 10 am Sunday Mass, meets in Reidy Hall and returns before communion.
Who can attend CLOW?
CLOW is most appropriate for younger children. Once children have received their First Communion, it is most appropriate for them to participate in the full liturgy with the rest of the faith community. We do ask that if older children come down, they take on a role of being good role models for the younger children and helpers for the adulte leaders. Parents are welcome to come and assist the younger children if they need help sitting to listen to the story being told.
Who can lead CLOW?
Anyone with an interest in helping to spread the word of the Lord. There must be at least one adult with Virtus training to assure the safety of children. You do not have to be a parent. There will always be someone to help and support you. If you have an interest in helping, please contact the office at 406.542.0321
If you missed CLOW or do not attend the 10:00 AM Mass on Sundays, there will always be extra CLOW handouts at the front and side entrance. These include color/activity sheets for the children and a family activity/newsletter for the parents. We encourage you to take them!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is rooted in scripture, liturgy, and contemplation. Drawing from the Montessori method, CGS takes place in a specially prepared environment at our parish called the Atrium. Extensive program information at www.cgsusa.org
Contact: Michele Dexter mdexter@sfxmissoula.org or Shai La Fleur slafleur@sfxmissoula.org
Atrium Schedule
Our Program begins in late September through Pentecost in 90 minute sessions
Level I 3-6 year olds. (Must be potty trained)
Level II 6-9 year olds.
Level III 9 – 12 year olds
Our atrium schedule
Tuesday 9:30 – 11:30 am Level I only.
Tuesday 4:30 – 6:00 pm Level I, II, & III
Wednesday 4:30 – 6:00 pm Level I, II, & III
Children meet once weekly in the Atrium community (choose one consistent time). Children work with Montessori inspired lessons and materials based on scripture, liturgy and tradition. Emphasizes contemplation and respects the child’s natural capacity and hidden life in Christ. Contact Michele for registration, a tour, or more information.
Registration is limited to 12 children per class. Registration fee is $100. per child. We never want cost to be a deterrent in why a child cannot participate in anything, so please reach out for financial assistance.
To register: use the enterable portal on our website, leave message on phone# 406-541-6040 or email mdexter@sfxmissoula.org
For brand new children the message must include the whole family’s names, ages, birthdates, cellphones numbers and postal address and choice of atrium time and level. For returning children message must include child’s name, age, and choice of atrium time and level.
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Francis Xavier’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
“Help me do it by myself.” – Child in Atrium, age 4
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd? (CGS)
A Montessori based, hands-on approach to the religious formation of children grounded in Sacred Scripture, Catholic Doctrine, Liturgy and Prayer. It takes place in our Atrium, a prepared environment in the parish’s Loyola Center. Call Michele for a personal tour and explore CGS philosophy and practice at www.cgsusa.org
Age Availability:
Level I CGS 3-6 year olds Children must be 3, 4 or 5 years old by Sept. 1st and potty trained.
Level II CGS 6-8 year olds
Level III 9-12 year olds
Times Available:
Classes are limited to 12 students per session. Register soon! Consistent attendance (no more than three absences) is required. We will have a waiting list. Inconsistent attendance may forfeit your place.
- Tuesday: 9:30 – 11:30 am Level I
- Tuesday: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Level I, II, & III
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Wednesday: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Level I, II, & III
Session Schedules:
Sessions meet once per week, begin late September and end at Pentecost.
Cost: Annual fee is $100.00 child. We never want cost to be a deterrent in why a child cannot participate in anything, so please reach out for financial assistance.
Our Parish Team:
Director of the Atrium: Michele Dexter
Catechist: Michele Dexter, Shai LaFleur, Mary Susen, and Nancy Thompson
Assistant Catechists: Maybe you! Reduced fee available to assistant families.
That Sounds Amazing! How Do We Register?
You may use the enterable form below on this webpage or
Call Michele at 406-541-6040 or send her an email at mdexter@sfxmissoula.org with this info:
- Desired Session Day and Time
- Names & Birthdays of Children
- Guardians full names
- Cell phone numbers
- Emails
- Postal Mailing Addresses
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is looking for volunteers to help assist in the Atriums!
We will have three Atria this coming year and we need assistants to help the Catechists. I will need you for about 2 hours on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 4pm to 6pm. Seniors, (like me), Men, Women, College and High school students are welcome to help! You have a choice to work with your favorite ages: Atrium 3-6 yr. olds, 6-9 yr. olds or 9-12 yr. olds.
There will be one or two training meetings. Some tasks include sharpening pencils, reading a book to a child, wetting sponges, refilling supplies, walking a child to restroom, comforting a restless child, etc. These children of God need you to help set an example of our Christian Love passing on through generations.
Prayerfully consider helping us,
Michele Dexter
Sacraments
Baptism
Infant/Child Baptism Preparation
What: Preparation for parents & guardians of children for the Sacrament of Baptism. This is a one time preparation class for first time parents, and need not be repeated for every child. Classes held on selected Sundays after the 10 am Mass. See the registration link for current class availability or reach out to Shai for information. Designed for all parents/guardians to attend and participate in together. Baptisms scheduled at regular weekend liturgies
Pre-Registration Is Required at this link
If you have already taken a baptism class and need to schedule a baptism for a child, contact Shai LaFleur slafleur@sfxmissoula.org or Katy McKinnon kmckinnon@sfxmissoula.org
2026 - 2027 First Reconciliation Calendar
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – Parent information meeting at 6:30pm *One parent must attend, please leave the kiddos at home if possible.
All Classes meet Sundays 9 am to 9:50 am in the Dave Thomas Room of the Loyola Center (1st room to the right as you enter the building on the cornor of Pine Street and Owen) Parents please see handbook for details.
The December 16, 2026 First Reconciliation Service 6:00 – 7:30 pm will be held in the church.
Please arrive early so that we may begin on time. We will hold a short prayer service and then receive instructions on how to proceed. This Reconciliation service is just for the children to receive the sacrament for the first time.
This is a wonderful opportunity to make this a special evening for your child. We invite close friends and family to come support your child by praying for them in a quiet and reverent way during the service. We encourage you to celebrate with your child and any guests afterwards in a way that your family sees fit!
2027 First Holy Communion Calendar
All meetings/classes to take place in the Dave Thomas Room in the Loyola building (white building closest to the hospital)
More information FRFC Handbook Final
Wednesday May 12, 2027 First Communion Rehearsal at 6:30 pm
Sunday, May 16, 2027 1:00 pm – First Communion Mass
Things to know about the First Communion Mass:
Seating:
Please arrive early to find your families designated pew, marked with your child’s name.
Guests:
This is a celebratory milestone for your child! Family and friends welcome to come witness and pray for your child on this special day. Non-Catholic guests welcome to attend and come forward during communion with the their arms crossed to receive a blessing if they wish. We ask that all families and guests remember that this is Mass!
Dress Code:
There is no formal dress code, but children are encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion! Girls are welcome (but not required) to wear the traditional white outfit with a veil, and for boys: dress pants/shirt or a suit, or nice pants and polo. Celebratory and appropriate is the goal!
Photo policy:
Please keep cell phones off or on silent during the Mass. Please refrain from taking photos/videos during Mass. We will have photographer there and will share the photos! There will also be opportunity to take photos before/after Mass and our priests are happy to pose with your child after Mass!
Scheduling:
If you have a schedule conflict for April 27 th or wish for your child to receive First Communion at a different time, please reach out we will work with you.
Allergies:
If your child has a wheat or other food allergy related to the Eucharistic elements, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.
Confirmation
2026-2027 Confirmation Schedule
Contact Shai with questions. slafleur@sfxmissoula.org 406.491.1970
LIFT - Living In Faith Together St. Francis Xavier's new combined middle/high school youth group!
Meets every other Wednesday – building location could vary!
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm
September 9, 2026
September 23, 2026 – ALL parish potluck! Afaria Night
October 7, 2026
October 21, 2026
November 4, 2026
November 18 – ALL parish potluck! Afaria Night
December 2, 2026
December 16, 2026
January 6, 2027
January 20, 2027
February 3, 2027
February 17, 2027
March 3, 2027
March 17, 2027
March 31, 2027
April 14, 2027
April 28, 2027
May 12, 2027
May 26, 2027
June 9, 2027
June 23, 2027
Special events:
Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Junior High Rally
*Diocesan wide youth rally being held in Missoula this year. Contact Shai for more information.
Saturday, February 6, 2027 – High School Rally
*Diocesan wide youth rally, location TBD. Contact Shai for more information.
Shai LaFleur
Director of Faith Formation
slafleur@sfxmissoula.org
Adult Faith Formation
We invite you to continue your faith journey.
At St. Francis Xavier we offer a variety of ways to enter into prayer. From small group gatherings to the Spiritual Exercises to putting your faith in action. Join us!
Becoming Catholic OCIA
Anyone interested in exploring becoming Catholic are encouraged to contact Shai who is happy to anyswer any questions you may have.
This is ideal for those adults never baptized, baptized in another religion or for those who were baptized Catholic and never confirmed.
Schedule:
Becoming Catholic (OCIA) & Adult Confirmation Preparation
When: Monthly Community Gatherings, variable times & activities
What: A facilitated spiritual journey, with individual, small group and large group components, where the whole parish acts as companion and guide to adults who wish to join the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus through the sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Contact: Shai LaFleur slafleur@sfxmissoula.org
Please follow the drop down options on the registration link below!
Women's Spirituality & Scripture Study
Women’s Scripture Study
Sessions offered in the Fall and the Spring
Fall 2026 Led by Fr. Pat Conroy,SJ on the topic: The Book of Kings 1 Kings covered in the Fall with 2 Kings in the Spring
Women’s scripture class starts October 1, 2026 10:00 a – 11:30 am
What: Join an exceptional circle of women, both long-standing members and new participants, for deep exploration of scripture and topics of faith. Presenters rotate, two different topics each year.
Who: Women! Members of the parish and guests, Catholics & non-Catholics, from all backgrounds, with open minds and open hearts for one another.
When: October 1st through October 29th
Where: The Dave Thomas Room in the Loyola Center
Questions /To Register: Contact Shai slafleur@sfxmissoula.org
Challenge
An invitation to join “CHALLENGE” – a commitment of just 10-15 minutes a day to pray and meditate on scripture. Then reflect in prayer, with a small support group based off of the ‘SEEL retreat’ which will meet weekly from Noon to 2:00 pm in the dining room of the Parish office beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026 “Challenge” by Fr. Mark Link, SJ is great if you’re not ready for the ‘SEEL retreat’, or if you have already experienced the SEEL retreat and would like to continue in a small faith sharing group! More information will be given at our first gathering. Facilitators: Beverly Frohlich 406.528.5248 and Dianne Keller 406.239.2995
"Mission" Scripture, Meditation and Reflection
Join us for another Fr. Mark Link, SJ Book!
Beginning Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the St. Francis Xavier office building dinning room. For those who have done the “Challenge Book” & “Vision Book”, we are starting the “Mission” Book which has the same format. Join us for Scripture, meditation and a Reflection – sharing our faith.
Facilitators: Deb Johnson 406.531.9632 and Bev Frohlich 406.258.5248
Men's Prayer Group
Men’s Groups
Catholic Men’s Spirituality Group – every first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm
Meets in the parish office building . Questions: Eric Reiber 406. 370.1777
When: Option #1 Weekly, Friday Morning, 6:30am, Upstairs Meeting Room of Parish Center Option #2 Monthly, First Wednesday of Every Month, 7pm, Come to one or both!
What: An opportunity for Catholic men, and men interested in Catholic faith, to gather and explore faith, masculinity, fatherhood, being a man, husband, servant, leader, and follower of Jesus. Prayer, discussion, learning, fun.