Saint Mary's Catholic Church

We are pleased to share the following important information concerning religious formation and sacrament preparation for Middle and High School Youth at Saint Mary's Parish. Please review the following information about Confirmation preparation, as well as religious formation session for Middle and High School students and their families. We look forward to seeing you!

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Coordinated by Michael School - [email protected]

Candidates for Confirmation are asked to participate in the following preparation activities. Candidates should ALSO plan to participate in Sunday evening group formation events offered for Middle & High School students (the calendar of those events can be found beneath the Confirmation Preparation Schedule.)

Confirmation Preparation Schedule

• October 29 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Orientation for parents and candidates
• January 8 thru 11 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Candidate Interviews
• January 14 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Candidate Interviews
• January 27 | 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Confirmation Retreat
• February 4 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Prep Session 1
• February 25 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Prep Session 2
• March 3 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Prep Session 3
• March 24 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Prep Session 4
• April 14 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Prep Session 5
• April 21 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Prep Session 6

Celebration of the Sacrament - TBD by diocese

RELIGIOUS FORMATION FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

This year, families have a variety of options for religious formation opportunities for Middle and High School students.  Some families with Middle School students may prefer a "classroom" formation option for youth in grades 6-8, and this is offered after each Mass on Sunday morning, as well as on Wednesday afternoons. Families with Middle and High School youth are invited to participate in Sunday evening religious formation group gatherings, which will include dinner, prayer, and formation presentations. Middle and High school youth also have an opportunity to gather on numerous Sunday evenings for dinner and Scripture-based religious formation led by Anne-Marie Condlin. Our youth are also invited to participate in the Diocesan Youth Conference (February 9-12, 2024) and the Catholic Hearth Work Camp (June 22-28) in Nashville, TN. A variety of service opportunities will be available throughout the year as well. Please review the following offering and plan to participate in the events that work well with your schedule!

HOME STUDY FORMATION OPTIONS (MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL)

• Contact Laura Stapleton for information - [email protected]

MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM FORMATION

• Coordinated by Laura Stapleton - [email protected]
• Offered on Sundays after the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses, as well as Wednesday afternoons at 4:15 p.m.
• Open to students in grades 6-8

SUNDAY EVENING SCRIPTURE-BASED FORMATION GATHERINGS

• Coordinated by Anne-Marie Condlin - [email protected]
• At the home of Anne-Marie & Andy Condlin, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
• Includes dinner for all participants, followed by Scripture-based catechesis
• For students in grades 8-12
• Led by a team of adults, compliant with VIRTUS Child Protection policies
• Parents are always welcome to attend
• For a schedule of session and additional information, contact Anne-Marie Condlin - [email protected]

GROUP RELIGIOUS FORMATION ACTIVITIES FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

SUNDAYS, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• November 5 - Dinner and "Teaching Mass." This Mass has been moved to a new date.
• November 19 - Dinner and "Teaching Mass" For MS/HS students and parents. Fr. Renninger will preside at a "teaching Mass," giving us the opportunity to explore the history and meaning of each part of the Mass. Dinner will follow in the Commons.
• December 3 - Dinner and Eucharistic Adoration. For MS/HS students and parents. A great opportunity to spend some quiet, prayerful time together at the beginning of Advent.
• January 21 - Dinner and Presentation. For MS/HS youth.
• February 18 - Dinner and Presentation. For MS/HS youth.
• March 17 - Dinner and Adoration. For MS/HS youth and parents.
• April 28 - Youth Mass and Dinner
• May 19 - Dinner and Presentation. For MS/HS youth.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

• November 4 - "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" - delivery of beds to families
• January 20 - "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" - build beds for families who need them.
• June 15 & 16 - Help set up for the Catholic Heart Work Camp in Richmond.

DIOCESAN YOUTH CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 9-11, 2024

Coordinated by: Jen Joss - [email protected]

A weekend celebration of faith for students in grades 8-12, hosted by the Diocese of Richmond at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Youth (and adult chaperones) gather from all over the diocese to spend the weekend in an energetic setting where participants learn more about our faith, meet Catholics from all over the Commonwealth, and pray together. Open to current 8th - 12th graders.

CATHOLIC HEART WORK CAMP
JUNE 22, 2024 | NASHVILLE, TN

Coordinated by: Anne-Marie Condlin - [email protected]

This year, Saint Mary's Church invites teens and adults to take part in a year-long program to grow in faith, service, and community. The program will culminate in a one-week work camp from June 22 - June 28 in Nashville, TN. Campers will work with other teens and adults around the country to serve those in need through a variety of service projects. In the evening, CHWC provides high energy faith enriching programs which include Adoration, reflection experiences, and nightly talks from a nationally known keynote speaker.

To learn more, visit our Catholic Heart Work Camp Page.