Youth Faith Formation

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Welcome Families!

The Paulist Center Family Ministry is a collection of programs, events, activities and opportunities that support and encourage families as they live, pray, and grow in the relationship to Jesus Christ.  The children and teens at the Paulist Center are very curious about their faith and God.  Our goal is to support their faith formation of the Catholic Christian as a spiritual, moral, and discerning person. The ultimate goal of catechesis is not simply to confirm children in 9th or 10th grade; it is to form adults who are fully prepared to lead a life of discipleship in Christ. Religious education is a way of developing conscious and active participation in the worship, service, and mission of the church.

We provide programs, events, activities and opportunities to all families of the Paulist Center community. Our goal is to support and encourage families as they live, pray and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our religious education program caters to four age groups:

  • Preschoolers and kindergarteners (Liturgy of the Word)
  • Children in Grades 1-6 (Finding God)
  • Middle school students in Grades 7-8
  • High school students in Grade 9 and above.

See the full calendar for meeting dates.

Registration is required for these programs. View this year’s brochure or sign up now.

 

For questions, or to learn more about our youth programs, contact Susan Rutkowski.

 

Opportunities for All Ages!

  • Liturgy of the Word for Children

    Between September and May, children at the 10am Sunday Liturgy have the opportunity to hear the Word of God in language they can understand and reflect on in their own words. Adult leaders proclaim the readings from the Lectionary for Masses with Children, a translation that is more comprehensible to young children and approved by the US Catholic Conference of Bishops.

    There are two groups – one for ages 0 to 5 and the other for ages 6-10. A parent must accompany a child in the younger group. The presider calls forth the children following the Opening Prayer, and we send them along with the adult leaders. Once dismissed, the children break into two separate groups for age appropriate activities based on the Sunday Scriptures. The children then return to the chapel at the time of the Offertory to continue to celebrate the Eucharist with the entire assembly.

    There are no gatherings on holiday weekends or weekends with youth liturgical ministry involvement (which means there are approximately two Sundays per month when Liturgy of the Word for Children takes place.)

    This ministry is always in search of adults willing to assist in leading these sessions. Having a love for sharing faith with our younger members of the community is vital. New adult leaders receive training, access to materials, and mentoring by others with experience.

    To get involved, contact Joanne Williams (for ages 0-5) or Bill Soper (for ages 6-10).

  • Religious Education (Grades 1-6)

    Graded class groups (1st-6th grade) gather most Sunday mornings following the 10am Liturgy (11:15-12:15 pm). Adult volunteers teach or assist using Loyola Press’ Finding God series. Parents provide snack and are encouraged to volunteer. Consistent attendance is very important for a fulfilling classroom experience.

    For more information or to get involved, contact Susan Rutkowski. 

  • Junior High Youth Group

    The 7th & 8th grade program meets roughly twice a month following the 10am liturgy (11:15-12:15 pm). Participants will explore topics of faith and everyday living. Social and service opportunities are also available over the course of the year. More information here.

  • Senior High Youth Group

    The Senior High Youth generally gathers twice per month  after 10am Mass (11:15-12:15 pm). The group’s goal is to provide our teens with a forum for conversation on spiritual topics, life, and high school. Participants enjoy a mix of discussions, fun activities, service projects, movies and other events throughout the year.

    More information here.