The mission of the ST. Francis of Assisi Hispanic Ministry is to develop the Hispanic faith community in areas of religious education, liturgy and community outreach.
The Ministries’ primary focus is the faith formation of Spanish speaking children and adults. The faith formation mission includes sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage and Anointing of the Sick.
The Ministry also offers assistance for traditional and cultural Hispanic observances such as The Presentation and Quinceanera. A Spanish language mass is offered every Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
And the Sacrament of Reconcialition at 7:00 p.m.
Hispanic Ministry Outreach is broad in scope recognizing needs concerning religious, social and temporal needs. Program organization and activities are designed to be responsive to these needs.
The Ministries’ holiday Thanksgiving Baskets and Christmas Adopt-a-Family are just two examples of supportive community outreach efforts.
The Hispanic Ministry Outreach mission is realized by the efforts of St. Francis of Assisi staff, volunteers and the faith community-at-large. Adults volunteers are always needed in the areas of catechesis, liturgical ministers, choir, events and translators.
Contact Vicki Arndt at 303-688-3025 ext. 102 or varndt@stfranciscr.org for volunteer information.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Our mission in the ESL Ministry is committed to provide instruction in the English Language. This mission is a joint effort with New Hope Presbyterian Church. ESL students come from many different countries, diverse cultures and educational backgrounds. They also have many common needs.
ESL students need to learn English, help their children learn to read and write English and interact with Americans on a daily basis. Our ESL students may also have very practical concerns of applying for a driver’s license and passing a citizenship test.
The ESL program’s 8th year (2008-2009) had over 100 enrolled students. The majority of them were Spanish speakers, however, there were also students from Brazil, Russia, Korea, Hungary, Germany, Vietnam, Pakistan, Japan, and Czech.
The ESL Ministry’s goal is to break down barriers and build stronger, integrated communities. The ESL
Ministry is a living example of unification in the Body of Christ.
Mentoring Program 2009-2010
For the school year 2008-2009 the ESL program has 20 tutors and 8 substitutes all of which are volunteers. This year we are offering a mentoring program for ESL Teachers and substitutes at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 18th and Thursday, August 20th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Each session will address a different topic. A retired public school teacher will be the lead instructor for this school year. In 2004, she earned her TEFL certificate and in 2005 moved to Chile and taught EFL. She has worked for Bridge TEFL since December, 2006. She trains people who want to become certified in TEFL as well as writing curriculum for Bridge TEFL, a division of Bridge Linguatec.
ESL PROGRAM 2009-2010
The ESL Program’s academic year is September through April and follows the Douglas County School District schedule for fall, Christmas and Spring Break. Classes are held on Tuesday at New Hope Presbyterian Church and on Thursday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Registration and student placement testing will take place on Tuesday, September 1st and Thursday September 3rd from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A $40 donation is requested to cover the cost of books and materials.
For school year 2009-2010 the ESL program offers two tutors per class and a completion certificate indicating the hours of instruction. Additionally, a winter holiday party and an end of year party are planned for fellowship. An awards ceremony and the presentation of certificates will be held at the end of year party.
CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION LEVEL
Pre-level: Oxford Dictionary textbook and workbook
Level 1: Side by Side textbook and workbook
Level 2: Side by Side textbook and workbook
Level 3: Side by Side textbook and workbook
Level 4: Side by Side textbook and workbook
Level 5: Reading and Writing
If you would like to become an ESL Tutor or an ESL Substitute please contact:
Vicki Arndt
ESL Director
St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
2746 Fifth Street
Castle Rock, CO 80104
303-688-3025 Ext. 102
Email: varndt@stfranciscr.org
Frank Espinoza
ESL Director
New Hope Presbyterian Church
2100 Meadows Parkway
Castle Rock, CO 80109
720-733-9375
Email:
frank.espinoza@wispertel.netAdditional ESL opportunities
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church offers morning ESL classes for adults and children (pre-kindergarten) year round. During summer we offer morning reading and writing classes for adults and children. The ESL summer program also offers reading and writing instruction for adults as well level 1-2.
If you are interested in become an ESL tutor for the morning or summer sessions please contact:
Vicki Arndt at 303-688-3025 ext. 102