Summer Faith Formation Opportunities for Everyone

I know it seems like a stretch to be thinking about summer when we are still trying to get spring established. But we know summer eventually is coming our way after the long Wisconsin winter and it will be packed with blessings and opportunities.

Here are some of the wonderful things the Faith Formation department is planning and working on for this coming summer! 

We will kick off the summer with a Baccalaureate Mass, May 31, at 9 am to honor, celebrate, bless, and pray for the graduating high school seniors who come to our parish from several schools. Join us as we recognize and congratulate them!

Our  Summer Bible Camp is a long standing and joyful tradition that brings several generations together. It will be held, June 15-19. Our theme this year is All Aboard the Peace Express. 

The children currently in 3K through 5^th grade will learn many things about the Bible and discover how to become peacemakers. Grades 4 and 5 will enjoy a special track of activities. Once again, we will offer wrap-around care. Middle school, high school teens, parents and grandparents help the staff to create a warm happy experience so our children can to grow in faith. Camp will run 9 am to 12 pm, and wrap around care will begin at 8 am and is available until 5:30 pm. 

Our 6th through 8th graders will participate in a district-wide  Middle School Summer Outreach Camp, Mission in Mercy, being held at  St. Dominic’s July 5-9 This will be a week of service, spiritual growth, and summer fun! Our middle schoolers will serve alongside students from surrounding local parishes, having the opportunity to meet some new Catholic friends in the area.

Our 9th – 12th grade students will share a summer mission trip opportunity through  Catholic Heart Work Camp. They will be serving in Waterloo Iowa. While families cover the majority of the cost of this trip, we invite parishioners to share their support of our teens by becoming a “Shareholder.” Shares to support this trip will be sold on April 25 and 26 or through the Faith Formation office. All Shareholders will be invited to a “Shareholder Gathering.” July 19, after 9 am Mass.

Adults will have several summer faith formation opportunities with two saint presentations and a summer book read!

Devotions of Mercy – Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His Divine Mercy are inseparable. Who are the visionaries graced with these apparitions, what messages do they have for us, and how are these devotions connected? This will be,  Tuesday, June 9 at  11 am or 6 pm. 

St. Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles  - Mary Magdalene is arguably the most misunderstood of all Saints. For centuries, she has been portrayed as a repentant prostitute, which diminishes her role as the first evangelist of Jesus’ Resurrection. Let’s rehabilitate her reputation! This will be held,  Tuesday, June 23, at 11 am or 6 pm.

Our Summer Book Read will be Tuesdays with Morrie  by Mitch Albom. After buying the book on your own (some copies are available at the parish) and reading it over the summer, we will gather to discuss it as a group. Tuesday, August 18 at 6 pm.  Watch for

Summer is such a special gift from God! And we in Wisconsin know and appreciate the long warm days, the vacations, the time with family and friends. We also hope this beautiful season is a way you can grow closer to God by learning, serving and worshipping our good and gracious God and we hope some of these opportunities will help you do just that! Summer blessings to each of you!