Saint Raphael
Middle School Ministry
What is MSM?
What? A New Ministry for Grades 6-8
When? Sundays at 5pm starting Sept. 8, 2024
Where? Saint Raphael Church
Why? Faith Formation should meet people where they are. We want to seize the opportunity to engage our 6th-8th graders and their Parents in a setting more like Youth Ministry than a classroom, where faith formation and community will come together to encounter God through prayer, service, and discussion. It is a refuge where middle schoolers can explore who it is God made them to be. Although this ministry will replace PSR for 6th-8th graders, we encourage and welcome all Saint Raphael 6th-8th graders to join in the fun!
How? The Middle School Ministry program is supported by 3 pillars of sessions: Unite, Ignite, and Invite. Together they allow us to share the great adventure of the faith, to grow in community together, and to help prepare our young teens for a lifelong friendship with Christ.
MSM Pillars:
UNITE: Once a month, all 6th-8th graders and their parents will UNITE with Christ and each other as we share dinner and discussion. Topics will vary each month to help initiate discussion and spiritual growth within your family. This is an excellent opportunity to come together to share your own experiences and join together in the great adventure of faith.
IGNITE: Once a month, 8th graders only will meet to be formed for the Sacrament of Confirmation and IGNITE the light of Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit in their hearts.
INVITE: Once or twice per month, we INVITE all 6th-8th graders to join us in the Community Room to continue our adventure together, exploring our faith, and encouraging them to evaluate their lives and choices in the light of the Gospel. We’ll seek to always answer “why does this matter to me?” and to draw the connection that faith isn’t one subject or facet of life, but is integral to our identity and how we occupy our place in the world. This is also an opportunity to invite friends from other areas of our lives to join us in a mixture of fun and faith!
For More Info, Check out this Website!
2024-25
Projected Schedule
MSM Schedule 2024-25.pdfvolunteer oportunites
If you love Jesus and can brave the adventures of middle schoolers, WE NEED YOU!
Studies show that being active in a church community strengthens heart health, lowers stress, and increases overall happiness. Not to mention, it gives a sense of meaning and purpose, helping to discern a decisive direction for our lives.
And yet the average age that young people decide to leave the Church is just 13 years old. It’s not just that we need chaperones, OUR YOUNG PEOPLE NEED YOU!
Research confirms that one of the best ways to keep them engaged in their faith is to have five adults who know, recognize, and connect with them at their parish. They care less about what you know, until they know that you care. You could be the difference for a young person right here at Saint Raphael!
This Fall we’re evolving our ministry to Middle Schoolers. We need all kinds of volunteers, but our largest need is for adult leaders of small groups of middle schoolers, engaging them in discussion, taking interest in their lives, and being a model of the faith during our Sunday evening MSM programs. I hope that you will come and join us!
Please Pray for Us!
Jesus, Son of God,
in whom the fullness of the Divinity dwells,
You call all the baptized to ” put out into the deep”,
taking the path that leads to holiness.
Waken in the hearts of young people the desire
to be witnesses in the world of today
to the power of your love.
Fill them with your Spirit of fortitude and prudence,
so that they may be able to discover the full truth
about themselves and their own vocation.
Our Saviour,
sent by the Father to reveal His merciful love,
give to your Church the gift
of young people who are ready to put out into the deep,
to be the sign among their brothers
of Your presence which renews and saves.
Holy Virgin, Mother of the Redeemer,
sure guide on the way towards God and towards neighbour,
You who pondered his word in the depth of your heart,
sustain with your motherly intercession
our families and our ecclesial communities,
so that they may help adolescents and young people
to answer generously the call of the Lord.
Amen.
Pope Saint John Paul II's Prayer for Young People
CONTACT US
If you have questions, please contact:
Cheryl McBride
Middle School Youth Minister
Email: cmcbride@saintraphaelparish.com
Phone: (440) 871-1100 ext. 2774