Junior High Youth Group is the name we give to seventh and eighth grade religious education. The format is different from K-6 RE. We meet in a large group for object lessons and activities and then break into small groups for discussion of the day’s topics. We then conclude each session in church with a prayer service. We also meet only on the SECOND and FOURTH weeks of the month. A fee of $75 per child is separate from the RE fee. The Home Study fee has been reduced to $35.
We meet the SECOND and FOURTH FULL weeks of the month. You can choose to come on Monday,
Tuesday, or Wednesday. The sessions are from 3:45 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. in the Youth Room (downstairs of Church). The Gathering Space doors open for class at 3:30 p.m. Students should enter there and go downstairs to the Youth Room. NEW this year will be “Youth” Mass the FIRST SUNDAY of the month, with music by Dan Ferrari. A social event will follow, organized by grade. Students and at least one parent MUST attend their 3 assigned masses, (or one of the others if they miss their own). It is our hope to encourage everyone to enjoy mass and an of experience church community.
Regular attendance is expected, along with respectful behavior. Please note that, by law, your child cannot be penalized by coaches or teachers for having to attend religious education classes. More than 3 absences from class and any absence from a mass session will result in an incomplete year. Make-up work is available for missed classes. Make-ups for missed Mass sessions can be arranged by contacting the Youth Minister. Junior High Youth Group completion is required for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation in High School.
A Junior High Youth Group volunteer will help lead discussion for the 30-minute small group sections of each class. For each topic there is a section to read together. Group leaders then facilitate discussion on several questions we give you. There is almost no preparation needed! You don’t have to be a scholar to lead discussion – just be a good listener. Volunteers pay no fee for their own children to attend. If you would like to volunteer, please call Jenn Kavanagh in the Youth Ministry Office at 201-802-1771.
Our Lady of Mercy Youth Ministry
Jennifer Kavanagh, Youth Minister
50 Pascack Road
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Phone: 201-802-1771
Web: OLMyouthministry.com
Email: olmyouthminister@gmail.com