Children and Youth
The Goal
Why Ministry to Children and Youth Matters
The goal of the St. Mark Youth Ministry is to help youth grow in their relationships with God and the Church. This is accomplished through a Total Youth Ministry approach which includes activities that build relationships through community, help youth explore their questions of faith, and give the opportunity to put their Christian values to work in service to others. Almost every week, including the summer, Middle School and High School youth have activities that make this goal real. The Middle School and High School youth are independent of each other in some activities (such as Faith Formation Nights) while some activities are held in common (such as most service projects).
Sacrament Prep
FIRST SACRAMENTS: Preparation for First Reconciliation/First Eucharist Meets Wednesday 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Second – Fifth grade:
St. Mark’s preparation program for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is a year long program – with preparation and reception of First Reconciliation in the first semester and First Eucharist preparation and reception in the second semester. For more information, email Janice.
Youth:
Youth seeking Baptism, First Reconciliation, and First Communion should contact Deacon Ken to investigate the way to prepare for these sacraments.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is an amazing gift through which a Catholic receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit. All Unconfirmed 10th-12th graders may register for Confirmation Preparation in the fall.
The process includes attending bi-weekly Faith Formation Nights on Sundays, 7:00-9:00, Sponsor Nights the first Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00, and a weekend retreat in late February.
Register for Confirmation Preparation by contacting Deacon Ken in the Youth Office at 816-373-2600 x 361, or by email.
Parish School of Religion
Parish School of Religion (PSR) is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel message; foster Christian community; provide opportunities for prayer and service to the poor. PSR serves families with children three year old through grade five through weekly religion classes. We strive to lay the foundation for a lifelong relationship with God by helping families discover their own sacredness – the presence of God in themselves, each other, the world around them; by teaching the truths of the Catholic faith and the richness of our Catholic heritage and tradition.
Classes meet:
Grades K-5 - Wednesdays, 6:00-7:15
For more information, contact Janice.
Youth Faith Formation
Your high school friends are always welcome to everything we do! The more the merrier!!! If it’s an “away” event, be sure your friend brings a permission form or a parent/guardian to sign one!
For all away events, we’ll leave from the Prayer Garden and return to the Prayer Garden. If cost is EVER an issue, just let Deacon Ken know upon arrival and we’ll get ya covered!!!
Children's Catechumenate
The Children's Catechumenate is a special parish process for families with older children, third grade through fifth grade, who have not been baptized or celebrated First Eucharist. This one or two year process of gradual formation and preparation for initiation into the church community will involve the whole family. Class meets on Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.
Text:
Our Catholic Faith, Sadlier;
Reconciliation & Eucharist Resource for Christian Living
For more information, contact Janice.
Leading Learners
Each Wednesday night, while the children are in class, we invite you to stay for our Leading Learners class. It is a great opportunity made available to families in our parish.
For more information, contact Janice.