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!
 

Programs
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (3 to 6 years old)
SPARK (PreK to 5th Grade)
WILDFIRE (6th to 7th Grades)
IGNITE (8th to 10th Grades)

Sacraments
First Reconciliation and First Communion (typically in 2nd Grade)
Confirmation (typically in 10th Grade)

 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
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. 
Learn more about the CGS Program | Register for CGS | 2023-2023 CGS Calendar | Email Ann Garrido

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 grade (PreK - 5th grade).

• Community building: monthly and bimonthly events geared to the whole family (such as Epiphany Party, Service Projects, and others).

• First Reconciliation and First Communion typically happen in the 2nd Grade. If you are currently enrolled in SPARK or are registered at St. Thomas More School and are preparing to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion in the Spring, please click here for the Mass sign-up.  

• Sundays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am (from late August to the beginning of May)

WILDFIRE (6th to 7th Grades)

• Wildfire engages youth in 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 | Wildfire Calendar 2023-24 (Calendar Format / Grid Format) | How can I volunteer? | Email Gaby Guerrero




STM IGNITE (8th to 10th Grades)

• Ignite engages youth in relational faith, centered on 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

Confirmation (10th Grade and up)

Confirmation preparation is for 10th graders and begins on August 30th, with 11 sessions held on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 pm in Mulhern Hall. As a Jesuit parish, our Confirmation preparation is distinctly informed by Ignatian spirituality, and the sessions will use the Loyola Press curriculum Confirmed in the Spirit. Confirmation candidates are encouraged but not required to attend STM’s IGNITE youth group on Sunday nights for further social and spiritual enrichment. An info session for Confirmation prep will be held in the youth room on Monday, August 21st at 7:30 pm.
 
Register for Confirmation | Confirmation Schedule | Confirmed in the Spirit  | Email Gaby Guerrero