KidSpot
Classes are offered for children ages 3 (by September 1st) through kindergarten during the 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass times. KidSpot gives children a multi-sensory approach to the weekly Gospel story and a keen sense of belonging to this community.
Contact: Becky Skibo, KidSpot Coordinator, 662-7361, ext. 22
Religious Education Grades 1-5
The R.E. Program for grades 1-5 aims to aide parents in their efforts to teach their children the Catholic faith by developing and nurturing our faith and Christian values. Children meet weekly to share their faith through a provided curriculum, prayer, music, activities, service projects and Sacrament preparation which are lead by a catechist and aide. Recognizing parents as the primary teachers of our faith in the home, we encourage their involvement through weekly home activities that enhance each lesson and participation in celebrating the Mass with our church community. Class times: Tuesday, 5-6 p.m., Wednesday, 5-6 p.m. or Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Contact: Bobbi Hassel, RE Coordinator Grades 1-5, 662-7361, ext. 25
Religious Education Teachers & Aides
The Religious Education Program is always in need of an army of dedicated, spirit-filled individuals whose calling is to teach the Gospel and Catholic doctrine/tradition to the youngest of our parishioners (preschool through grade 5).
♥ Touch a child’s heart ~ Reach Religious Education ♥
KidSpot Contact: Becky Skibo, 662-7361, ext. 22
Grades 1-5 Contact: Bobbi Hassel, 662-7361, ext. 25
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Most Sundays during the 9:00 a.m. liturgy, children are invited to participate in a special liturgy of the Word celebration where the Sunday readings are proclaimed and received in keeping with their age level. Trained adults and teen volunteers accompany the children to another space where the leader proclaims the readings, guides the children’s reflection and leads them in intercessions. Training for those interested in this ministry will be provided.
Contact: Jennifer Gibson, 661-0537
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is offered every summer for children 4 years of age through entering 6th grade. This is a one week program which provides an opportunity for learning about Jesus’ love for us. VBS is held in the evening. Volunteer opportunities are endless for all ages and talents (or no talent!). A leadership team begins meeting in the winter to plan for this spirit-filled event.
Contact: Jana Schopp, Family Life Coordinator, 662-7361, ext. 17
Youth Ministries
Our Youth Ministry invites all teen in grades 6th-12th of the parish, in both public and parochial schools, as well as their parents to share in our programs for students.
Mission:
To disciple students to become mature Catholics who “love the Lord your God with all [their] heart, with all your soul and with all [their] mind, and to love [there] neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).” This will be accomplished through experiential faith formation, participation in the liturgy and the Sacraments, as well as service to those in need. We hope to promote a mature Catholic faith in our teens and in our parish which will foster a closer devotion to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
Grades 6-8
Students in Grades 6-8 will meet every Sunday evening from 4:30-5:45pm. The goal of the junior high program is to provide the students further understanding of their faith through physical, emotional and cognitive methods.
9th Confirmation Preparation Program
Confirmation classes are held every year beginning in September and ending in May from 7:30-9pm. This program is open to any high school student who has not yet been confirmed. Students must be registered YM members to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Liturgy Program.
Grades 9-12
High School students have the opportunity to meet every Sunday evening from 7:00 to 9:00pm. It consists of two types of nights:
► DEAD THEOLOGIANS SOCIETY- Meets First and Last Sunday of each month at 7pm. The Dead Theologians Society is a Catholic apostolate for high school age teens. Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow. Its motto is, “Dead to the World, alive in Christ!” This is inspired by Romans 6:11 where St. Paul tells us to be dead to sin but alive in Christ Jesus. http://www.deadtheologianssociety.com/
► VINCENTIAN MARIAN YOUTH BIBLE STUDY Meets Second and Third Sunday from 7-9pm. The course focuses on the Sunday Gospel reading and encourages our teens to live the Gospel and become aware of the needs of others here at St. Patrick Church of Merna and within our community.
Events Offered for all grades
One Homeless Night
Reverse Collection
Reverse Collection Delivery Day & Poinsettia Delivery
Teens Encounter Christ Boys Weekend
Dead Theologians Society
VMY Bible Study
Capture the Flag
Teens Encounter Christ Girls Weekend
30 Hour Famine
Contact: Paul Larson, YM Coordinator, paul@stpatrickmerna.org or 662-7361, ext. 23
R.C.I.A.
RCIA is a process designed to assist men and women inquirers on a faith journey leading to full communion with the Catholic Church. Team members and sponsors accompany the adults on this journey.
Contact: Sr. Rita Ann, 662-7361, ext. 14
Refuel Your Faith
Refuel Your Faith is a support group for ALL ages!! Families and individuals come together to encourage each other to slow down, regain a healthy balance in our lives and prepare for Mass by reading and discussing the Gospel. Refuel Your Faith meets on the second Sunday of the month in Shamrock Hall. Babysitting and snacks are always available.
Contact: Becky Skibo or Bobbi Hassel, 662-7361
Prayer Network
This ministry is a network of willing “pray-ers” contacted once a prayer request is made.
Contact: Sharon Jones, 662-1816 or prayerintention@gmail.com
Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is an ancient form of prayer, presented in an updated manner. It involves opening the mind and heart to God and is an exercise in letting go. There are three different Centering Prayer opportunities on a weekly basis in the chapel.
Monday: 11:25 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Monday: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Florrie Dammers, 662-5921
Adult Bible Study
The Great Adventure—A Journey Through the Bible. Developed by Jeff Cavins, this is for adults of any age. The study groups meet each week on Thursday night during the school year from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Contact: Deacon Mike Pool, 662-4625