Youth Programs

Kindergarten students meet once a month. Lessons from the “Faith First” series are designed to capture their enthusiasm and sense of wonder as they begin to build their identity as Catholics while introducing them to the Bible, basic Catholic beliefs, and the liturgy.

Students in grades 1-5 use the Pflaum Gospel Weeklies which build a comprehensive catechesis according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church around the Sunday liturgy. The Weeklies provide high-interest, contemporary, real-life stories to help students understand the Gospel message for us in our time. Lessons explore the Sacraments, prayer, Commandments, the Bible and social justice teaching.

Our Junior High programs for grades 6-8, enable students to increase their knowledge about key elements of their Catholic faith and begin to personalize their beliefs in order to live out their faith. ”Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts” is used in grades 7 and 8. The program is dedicated to nurturing a lived faith and helps students to recognize the presence of God in their own lives, discern the presence of God in all people and circumstances, recognize the presence of God in their experiences of God’s creation, and live as people for others. “Finding God” intertwines experiences in prayer, scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and liturgy for children and adults as individuals, as families, and as learners on a lifelong faith journey. 

Grade 7 students use “Theology of the Body for Teens” which focuses on human sexuality and helps teens answer some of the following:

• Who am I?
• Are there consequences to my actions?  
• What is the difference between love and lust?
• How do I balance family, friends, school, God, music, TV, internet, texting, etc., in my daily life?
• How can I discern my vocation to marriage, priesthood, or religious life?
• How do I deal with bullying, gossip, peer pressure, etc.?
• How do I live my Catholic faith?

Our high school program for grades 9-11 is facilitated by one or two of our core team of teachers. The Chosen program (grades 9-10) and Decision Point (grade 11) provide a solid mix of videos, reflection time and group discussion to solidify key teachings of our Catholic faith.

Recognizing the special needs of the younger members of our parish family, our Youth Ministry strives to offer opportunities for growth in our Faith through experiences of sharing and of service. Our Youth Group is open to those from grade 6 through 12 and gathers once a month for activities that are fun as well as educational and inspiring.

In addition, we also encourage our young adults to participate in other opportunities for deepening their faith:

1. J5D (Just 5 Days) is an opportunity for youth in 6th through 8th grades to learn about the Church's Social Teachings of our Church and to experience a week long service project.
2. YNIA (Young Neighbors In Action) offers students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to explore the Social Teachings of our Church and to experience a week long service project.
3. Steubenville East is a conference for high school age youth that gives them the opportunity to experience the presence of God in their lives. Begun over 30 years ago, this weekend event is organized by the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio and has grown to now include 18 locations and over 36,000 annual participants.
4. TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) is a weekend retreat for teens, high school age and older, where teens encounter themselves - others - and Jesus Christ. Under the spiritual direction of a Catholic priest and Catholic adult leadership, TEC is a dynamic living experience with a variety of Christian learning activities in sharings, teachings, discussion, song, games, prayer, worship, healing and Sacraments.