Religious Formation
of Youth (Formal Formation)
Early Childhood- Grade 8
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SPARK is formal formation for youth in Grade 2 and up missing formation.
Spark is a blended learning program: Weekly home study lessons and in-person family gatherings. In-person gatherings are for parents and children.
Choose Spark if:
Your child (entering second grade and up) attends public school and missed formation last year.
If your children are coming directly from Catholic school or Catholic homeschool, then choose the FUEL program.
Note: Ongoing participation in formal formation (first grade and up) is required for sacrament celebration.
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While you are working through your weekly Spark lessons at home, you and your child will also attend our Faith on Fire Gatherings on Sundays (4:30-6:00) or Mondays (6:00-7:30 pm).
Here are the 2024-25 Faith on Fire Gathering dates: Sept. 29/30, Oct. 6/7, Oct. 20/21, Nov. 10/11, Nov. 24/25, Dec. 8/9, Dec. 15/16, Jan. 12/13, Feb. 2/3, Feb. 23/24, Mar. 9/10, Mar. 23/24.
Note: We do not always meet bi-weekly... There are a couple gatherings one week apart, a couple three weeks apart, and a longer break at Christmas.
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Faith on Fire Sunday Gatherings are full, but there is still plenty of space on Mondays. Register by August 31 to secure your spot.
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Formal formation for Preschoolers through Grade 8
We offer home study or in-person family gathering options. In-person options are for parent and child.
Fuel is our mainstream formal formation option.
Choose Fuel if:
Your eldest child is entering preschool, kindergarten or first grade .
Last year your family participated in Spark or Fuel at St. Max, another Catholic parish, or you are coming directly from Catholic School/Catholic Homeschool.
Note: Ongoing participation in formal formation (first grade and up) is required for sacrament celebration.
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If you choose in-person formal formation, here are the 2024-25 Faith on Fire Gathering dates: Sept. 29/30, Oct. 6/7, Oct. 20/21, Nov. 10/11, Nov. 24/25, Dec. 8/9, Dec. 15/16, Jan. 12/13, Feb. 2/3, Feb. 23/24, Mar. 9/10, Mar. 23/24.
Note: We do not always meet bi-weekly... There are a couple gatherings one week apart, a couple three weeks apart, and a longer break at Christmas.
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Faith on Fire Sunday Gatherings are full, but there is still plenty of space on Mondays. Register by August 31 to secure your spot.
Enrichment Programs
& Youth Groups
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.
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Ignite offers an opportunity to build a community of brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ, find answers to life’s tough questions, and develop a relationship with Jesus that will help guide them through their teenage years in today’s world. Gatherings will include fun activities, games, group prayer, and small-group discussions on important topics related to faith, prayer, and living in our world as Catholics. There will be other events scattered throughout the year which will include adoration, service projects, and social nights!
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August 25th, 2024
September 8th, 2024
September 22nd, 2024
October 13th, 2024
October 27th, 2024
November 3rd, 2024
November 17th, 2024
December 1st, 2024
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If you have questions about the Ignite Program, please reach out to our Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Kaitlyn Briedis kbriedis@saint-max.org
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When you are in high school, life is challenging. You’re expected to somehow balance school, family, friends, sports, and clubs. With such great responsibilities, where do you find God in this?
Ablaze regularly meets on Sundays. Youth nights consist of fun with friends, a hint of faith formation, and worship to build relationships with your sisters and brothers in-Christ, and with God. We also offer opportunities throughout the year for retreat, and social, and service events.
Through authentic Christian community, one finds belonging and purpose.
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August 25th, 2024
September 8th, 2024
September 15th, 2024
September 22nd, 2024
September 30th, 2024
October 6th, 2024
October 13th, 2024
October 19th, 2024 (Retreat Weekend at Jesuit Spiritual Center)
October 27th, 2024
November 3rd, 2024
November 10th, 2024
November 17th, 2024
December 1st, 2024
December 8th, 2024
December 15th, 2024
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If you have questions about the Ablaze Program, please reach out to our Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Kaitlyn Briedis @kbriedis@saint-max.org
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St. Max has just chartered the newest Dead Theologians Society (DTS) chapter for grades 8 through 12! Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow. Meetings will start with games and snacks and then move into the main part of our meeting where we’ll enter into the candle-lit, catacomb-like environment to pray and be inspired by the heroes of the Church. The saints were normal people, but were able to die to the world and live lives of extraordinary virtue and holiness. Come and be inspired by these men and women and learn how you too can be a hero! Please contact Jo Zink or Debby Kellner at DTS@saint-max.org for more information.
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Second Fridays of the Month
7:00-9:00 PM
Acutis Lounge2024-25 Schedule:
August 23—Kick-off
September 13
September 27
October 11
October 25
November 8
November 22
December 13
January 12: DTS & Ablaze
January 24
February 14
February 28
March 14
March 28
April 11
April 26: Hooding and end of year celebration!
Questions?
Kaitlyn Briedis
Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
513-777-4322 Ext. 118 | kbriedis@saint-max.org
Having trouble finding the right program for you?
QUESTIONS?
Reach out to our Director of Evangelization & Catechesis, Holly Moran at 513-777-4322 Ext. 107 or by emailing her below.
