Youth Faith Formation
Our Youth Faith Formation at STM seeks to help children and youth grow in their relationship with Jesus. Creating a space where they are invited into an awareness of God’s action in their lives allows a deeper collaboration with God as they create their paths in life. Our programs run from late August through early May, following the seasons of the Church with lessons drawn from the week’s Sunday Bible readings. We use a cooperative model, involving families in various capacities. Different voices and faith stories (catechists, parents, special guests) help to reimagine faith formation as relationships and spaces of communion. We embrace the sort of person-to-person witness and accompaniment that Pope Francis’ Christus Vivit and Scripture encourage.
It only takes a SPARK for a WILDFIRE to be IGNITEd!
Registration is NOW OPEN!
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (3 to 6 years old)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based catechesis model that respects the dignity of the child. CGS believes there is an innate desire in the child for God, and that they simply need the right environment to discover that. Children in CGS encounter Jesus and the God of salvation history through biblical stories presented with materials in the atrium (the CGS term for the gathering space) and make natural connections with liturgy and sacraments, making Mass relevant and connected to our story in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Register for CGS | 2023-24 CGS Calendar | How Can I Volunteer | Email Andy Otto
To learn more about CGS, watch this short video:
SPARK (PreK to 5th Grade)
– Small group conversations oriented around the Bible story and Gospel message, with special attention to sacramental themes, especially for those preparing to make their First Reconciliation and First Communion (typically in 2nd Grade).
– Prayer practices, imaginative play, and other multimodal activities are extended to meet children where they are.
– Regular gatherings take place by grades (PreK- 5th grade).
– Community building: monthly and bimonthly events geared to the whole family (such as Epiphany Party, Service projects, and others).
– Sundays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am (from late August to the beginning of May)
Register for SPARK | Letter from Fernanda | 2023-24 SPARK Calendar | How Can I Volunteer? | Email Fernanda Mucchiut
WILDFIRE (6th to 7th Grade)
– Wildfire engages youth in a relational faith, centered in community.
– GATHER nights center on small group conversations oriented around the Bible story and Gospel message.
– SERVE nights engage other ministries in the church and community, working in acts of compassion, social justice, and service.
– Prayer practices, group games, and other multimodal activities are extended to meet children where they are.
– Community building: monthly or bimonthly events geared to the whole family.
– Sundays from 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm in the Youth Room.
Register for WILDFIRE | 2023-24 Wildfire Calendar (Calendar Format/Grid Format) | How Can I Volunteer? | Email Gaby Guerrero
IGNITE (8th to 10th Grade)
– Ignite engages youth in a relational faith, centered in community. We begin with a shared meal.
– GATHER nights center on small group conversations oriented around the Bible story and Gospel message.
– SERVE nights engage other ministries in the church and community, working in acts of compassion, social justice, and service.
– Prayer practices, group games, and other multimodal activities are extended to meet children where they are.
– Community building: monthly or bimonthly events geared to the whole family.
– Sundays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Youth Room.
Register for IGNITE | 2023-24 Ignite Calendar (Calendar Format/Grid Format) | How can I volunteer? | Email Gaby Guerrero
Confirmation (10th grade and up)
– Youth are encouraged to complete the 10-week Confirmation program while also participating in IGNITE throughout the year.
– Wednesdays from August through February from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in Mulhern Hall
Register for Confirmation | Confirmation 2023-24 Calendar | Email Gaby Guerrero for more information
JYLT – Jesuit Youth Leadership Team (11th & 12th grades)
Register for JYLT | 2023-24 JYLT Calendar | Email Gaby Guerrero