Religious Formation of Youth

Formal Formation | Early Childhood

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Faith on Fire Sunday Gatherings are full, but there is still plenty of space on Mondays. Register by August 31 to secure your spot.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Faith on Fire Sunday Gatherings are full, but there is still plenty of space on Mondays. Register by August 31 to secure your spot.

Mary Lou Baker

Questions?

Mary Lou Baker

Coordinator of Religious Formation of Youth

513-777-4322 ext. 120

mbaker@saint-max.org

Pre-Schoolers

Mighty Max Logo

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.

Questions?

Sarah Lewis

Sarah Lewis

Mighty Max Director

513-777-4322 Ext. 128

slewis@saint-max.org

Youth Group | Grades 6 - 12

  • Ignite Logo

    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 be from 4:30-6pm. unless otherwise noted. They 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!

  • Ablaze Logo

    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 from 7-9pm, unless otherwise noted. 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.

  • Dead Theologians Society Logo

    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. 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!

Questions?

Kaitlyn Briedis

Kaitlyn Briedis

Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

513-777-4322 Ext. 118

kbriedis@saint-max.org

Sheep

Having trouble finding the right program for you?