The 2019-2020 offering for Christian formation for our St. Mary's youth is vast. 
 
For children ages 3 to grade 4 we will once again offer Godly Play. Godly Play is a formation approach that helps children explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. It is based on Montessori principles and development using a spiral curriculum that serves children through early, middle and late childhood. Their experience includes listening and watching a 'sacred story' told by a trained storyteller, spending time in thought and wonder and then proceeding to 'work time' within the classroom with access to all the story materials and beyond. The group comes together for feast before dismissal that purposefully mimics the Eucharistic experience in church.   
 
For youth grades 5 though grade 8 we offer a youth group experience. This is a hybrid of the Rite 13 curriculum and purposeful group discussion and team building activities. The class begins with a 'check in' moment where prayers of thanksgiving and need can be offered, the Lord's Prayer is recited and a rundown of the day's activities takes place. The years activities will include participation in the downtown scarecrow contest, a 'warming' service project in the winter, spring clean-ups and beautification. Efforts will be made to see God in nature with field trips to Case Mountain this fall. 
 
Regional Confirmation is also being offered Fall 2020 for youth in Grade 8- Grade 12. Participation will take place in three ways. Mentor Sundays where the group and their parish mentors will visit, chat and have fun together, hopefully building an inter-generational relationship within the church. Class time will be held monthly. And five 'outings' are scheduled highlighting social justice topics. Confirmation is planned for those who would like in the spring.
  
All participating in Godly Play or Rite 13 will process out of the church after communion and will be dismissed from class by 11 AM. 
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If you have any questions, or are looking for additional information regarding Christian Formation, please don't hesitate to contact the church office (860) 649-4583 or email Parish Administrator for additional information.