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.
Sacrament Prep
St. Mark’s preparation program for the sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is a school year long program with preparation by attending to our PSR sessions, Retreats, Family Nights, and Parent meetings. First Communion is for children in second grade and older.
Parish School of Religion
Parish School of Religion known as PSR is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel message, designed to help families explore and deepen their faith, provide a loving environment for children to learn about God, and get to know our community better. Parents are the primary educators of their children's faith, and our parish community is excited to partner with you in this journey.
Families are encouraged to actively participate in the program and engage with the community through various ways. This includes praying together, crafts, conversations in small groups, reflect on the presence of God together, and spending time as family while learning about our faith. Our programs also help students prepare for their sacraments in a positive, supportive, and safe environment.
Our students in grades K-5, will gather in a classroom on Wednesday’s from 6:00-7:15pm. The drop off and pick up is at the classroom assigned. Please be sure you are on time!
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.
For more information, contact
Veronica
Youth Faith Formation
Youth seeking Baptism, First Reconciliation, and First Communion should contact Veronica Olivarez to set an appointment and guide you in this process.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is an amazing gift through which a Catholic receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit and strengthen our relationship with God.
All Students 6-12 grade can join our program attending bi-weekly Faith Formation nights on Sundays: Middle School 5-6:30pm High School: 6-7:30pm *If you have students in middle school and high school, please send them together from 5-6:30pm
Once a month is required a session with parents or sponsor, we will alternate, please check calendar.
Youth are required to attend to our Confirmation Retreat in late February.
Children's Catechumenate: OCIC
Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC) is a special process for families with older children 7- 17 years old who have NOT been Baptized and desire the Foundation of their Christian Initiation.
Initiation is a “Spiritual Journey” that is varied, gradual, and takes place in the community of the faithful.
For this process child needs to participate in our programs according to their age, Family Nights, retreats, attend to Sunday Mass, and be part of the beautiful Rites that the Initiation involves.
For more information or questions, contact Veronica.