Formation Ministries

Contact: Kaitlyn Briedis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, kbriedis@saint-max.org

High School Youth Ministry seeks to spread the good news of great joy to teens! Our vision is to form disciples of Jesus Christ, foster personal and spiritual growth, and learn how to serve and evangelize. A committed team of adults and teen peer ministers work toward that vision by gathering as large groups and small groups for fun and formation, doing works of service, going on retreats, meeting for social events, and traveling to youth conferences and service trips. All high school teens are invited! SafeParish approved adults interested in helping with this ministry discern with the coordinator where their gifts and the ministry’s needs overlap.

Contact: Kaitlyn Briedis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, kbriedis@saint-max.org

JrHigh Ignite is a ministry that is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade youth. We gather during the summer for Summer Service Camp and Terrific Tuesdays, monthly during the school year. We utilize videos, games, discussions and speakers when we gather in order to learn, grow, serve and have fun together.

Contact: Ted and Marlene Doughman, 513-703-1061, marriageenrichment@saint-max.org

This ministry strives to lift up married couples throughout the various stages of life through fellowship and formation. Our mission statement embraces our desire to present opportunities and events for married couples to grow in the faith and in their relationship with each other. The Marriage Enrichment team meets monthly to plan these events. This year, we will be using the Banquet of Love by Jim and Mareen Otremba on the following dates: September 15th, October 20th, November 17th, January 12th, February 16th, March 15th, and April 19th. Your ministry team members are: Ted and Marlene Doughman, Dan and Debby Kellner, Esua and Jeanne Borja, and Brian and Maribeth Gieseke. Contact us with your questions and comments. We’d love to hear from you!

Contact: Sarah Lewis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 128, slewis@saint-max.org

Mighty Max is a small group faith formation experience for preschool-aged children. Parents or guardians attend with their child while we build preschool skills, play, sing, create, and learn about our faith. Each class is centered around a theme and features prayer, a lesson, stories, songs, sensory play, a craft, and a snack which parents take turns providing. Each class is an hour long and there are 6 classes per session. Each session is $50 and is limited to 12 students. Classes take place in the Youth Room at St. Max.

Contact: Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

The Religious Formation of Youth (Faith on Fire) Program serves youth in early childhood-grade 8 and offers options for liturgical and traditional approaches to catechesis. Our program focuses on the message of the Sunday Gospels and thorough instruction on Catholic doctrine, sacraments/liturgy, morality, and prayer.

Adults and teens interested in sharing their time and faith are needed as catechists, assistant catechists, and special needs aides in our formal formation program.

Contact: Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

Family Gatherings for 2023-2024 are held on Sundays (4:30-6:00 pm) OR Mondays (6:00-7:30 pm): Family Gathering dates: Sept. 17/18, Oct. 8/9, Oct. 22/23, Nov. 5/6, Nov. 19/20, Dec. 3/4, Dec. 17/18, Jan. 14/15, Feb. 4/5, Feb. 18/19, Mar. 3/4, Mar. 17/18.

More details about our Faith on Fire Family Gathering kick-off will be communicated later this summer.

Contact: Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

The Parable of the Lost Sheep may call to mind your experience of formation here at St. Max. Do you feel hesitant about beginning the formation journey with your family? Are you currently participating in one of our formation programs and have fallen behind on assignments? Have your children missed years of catechesis, but you would like to resume? Parents often feel uncomfortable to reach out to us in these circumstances because they feel embarrassed or guilty. Please don’t let these emotions stir. Take a deep breath and reach out to us if you feel lost in any way!

There is never going to be a formation program that will perfectly fit the needs of our ‘100’ and, even if it did, there are seasons in life when some families will fall behind on formation studies due to many different factors. Life may even present circumstances or hardships that necessitate an extended break. That’s ok! Please know that you can return to the sheepfold if you enrolled and have fallen behind on current assignments or if you haven’t been with us in some years. We are here to support you, to help you to explore formation choices or a catch-up plan that work best for you!

Contact: Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

Spark is blended learning for families who have missed formal religious formation since the first grade. In Spark, you will follow a weekly guide to complete your home study lessons. The Spark page also features short, pre-recorded videos for each lesson from our faith consultant. Spark families also attend our Faith on Fire Family Gatherings. Both child and parent are required to attend. Note: Following registration we will contact you regarding one Spark orientation session to be held this summer... Date TBD.

Contact: Sarah Lewis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 128, slewis@saint-max.org

Kamp Kolbe is a Vacation Bible School experience for preschoolers through upcoming kindergarteners. Kamp Kolbe participants will follow a preschool-appropriate format similar to Totus Tuus in which they will learn about the mysteries of the Rosary and how to pray the Rosary. Children will pray, play games, make crafts, and sing songs while they grow in their faith. A snack is provided each day. Kamp Kolbe is available for children ages 3 to incoming kindergartener. Parents drop off their child with volunteers, and children must be potty-trained. Kamp Kolbe takes place during the week of Totus Tuus, but the program is shorter and only 3 days during the week. SafeParish volunteers are needed.

Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322 Ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Heavenly Heroes is a five day Vacation Bible School experience for Catholic youth in grades 1-8 which blends fun and formation. The youth learn more about the Eucharist, prayer, the rosary, Marian devotions, vocation discernment, and catechesis. There are plenty of games, songs, skits, witnesses, and snacks. Volunteers are always needed!

Contact: Kaitlyn Briedis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, kbriedis@saint-max.org

Our young adult ministry is a newer ministry which offers opportunities for one to find mission and purpose in the Church through authentic faith formation, solid community and communion with God. We provide activities at St. Max as well as partner with other local parishes for social events. Watch for details on social media and in the bulletin. If you are interested in being a part of our planning team, please fill out this interest form.