Youth

To transmit Christ's message of salvation through the use of contemporary methods and language as well as Scripture and Church documents. The Faith Formation Program continues the mission of Jesus as Son of God, Servant and Savior of all; provides the opportunity to hear His message; and encourages active growth in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.

Faith Formation PREP Grades K-6

Purpose: To provide a structure wherein the basics of the Catholic faith can be studied and shared in a systematic way with children in Grades K to 5. The Sunday School Faith Formation classes are taught by generous volunteer catechists who strive to help students grow in their Catholic faith. The curriculum for each grade is based on "Call to Faith" Lifelong Catechisis, which is completely compatible with the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A special take-home magazine, "Gospel Weekly", encourages faith development for all members of the child's family.

Sunday School Faith Formation Will...
1. Help children grow in their faith as Catholics.
2. Assist parents in preparing for the sacramental life of their children.
3. Encourage parents to model their faith by growing actively with their children in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.

Volunteers are Needed to...
1. Act as helpers for various duties within the program.
2. Assist in the preparation of youth-oriented liturgical or sacramental services.
3. Become trained as catechists.
4. Assist with classroom celebrations and activities.

Meeting Time: Sunday mornings, during the school year. Four Parish Faith Formation Sunday mornings for parents and youth (see Parish Calendar for time and place)

Faith Formation Grades 7-8

Purpose: To provide a contemporary structure wherein Christianity in the Catholic tradition can be communicated to second and third year middle school students. The program is facilitated by a group of catechists who are trained in youth ministry. The sessions employ lesson plans based on the Sunday lectionary readings using the "Spirit" weekly magazine and Call to Faith Lifelong Catechesis. The Gospel message is applied to life situations which are relevant to the early adolescent experience. Participants are challenged and encouraged to share their faith in a seminar format. Members also participate in outreach and community activities.

Goals of the Program

1. To share the faith through liturgy, helping early adolescents to experience Jesus Christ in the
Word of God and the Eucharist.
2. Create a positive experience of church to help youth understand what the Catholic Church
believes and teaches.
3. Instill a value system which incorporates the church’s vision of social justice into their daily lives
4. Develop a sense of presence for adolescents in the ministries of the parish.

Volunteers are needed to:
1. Plan and facilitate weekly sessions as catechists.
2. Help with outreach and social activities.
3. Assist with hospitality at family sessions.

Meeting time: Sunday mornings during the school year. Four Parish Faith Formation Sunday mornings for parents and youth. (see Parish Calendar for time and place).

Faith Formation HIGH Grades 9-11

Purpose: To engage high school students in the study of Christianity in the Catholic tradition and to prepare them to enter sacramental formation for Confirmation. HIGH (Here In God’s Honor) is a seminar series based on the Sunday lectionary readings. The Gospel message is applied to life situations which are relevant to the adolescent experience. The weekly meetings are facilitated by a team of catechists who are trained in youth ministry. Participants are challenged to responsibly study their faith and to express it as active members of the Church in a worshiping community. They continue to participate in outreach and community activities.

Goals of HIGH

1. Share the faith through liturgy, challenging adolescents to commit to Jesus Christ by living the word of God and regular reception of the Eucharist.

2. Begin the transition to a mature faith by taking ownership for learning what the Church believes and teaches.

3. Instill a sense of stewardship to support the church proactively in its vision of evangelization and social justice.

4. Increase adolescent participation in the catechetical and liturgical ministries in the parish.

Volunteers are needed to:

1. Plan and present weekly sessions as catchists.

2. Hlep with outreach and social activities.

3. Assist with hospitality at family sessions.

Meeting time: Sunday mornings during the school year. Four Parish Faith Formation Sunday mornings for parents and youth. (see Parish Calendar for time and place).