Middle School Ministry (6th - 8th Grade)

St. Clare Youth Ministry

Our Mission

To cultivate & foster a youth ministry where our teens can Belong, Believe, and Be.

Through hospitality, fun, fellowship, and authentic friendships, we can cultivate a youth ministry, not only as a place where teens feel like they can belong, but as a place where teens know they belong in the love of God our Father who has made us for relationship with Him and each other.

Through the Sacraments, Scripture, and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we can cultivate a youth ministry where teens can learn about the Catholic Faith and believe in the person of Jesus Christ who laid down His life for them.

By proclaiming the call to holiness and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can foster a youth ministry where teens will learn to be who God is calling them to be and live out the Catholic Faith in their everyday lives.

Program Overview

St. Clare Middle School Ministry is open to all 6-8th Graders. Sessions are every two to three weeks on Sunday or Tuesday from 6:30-8pm in Morris Center. (Note: First Communion Year 2 meets only on Tuesdays, Baptism Year 2 meets on Sunday mornings). 

• Youth Ministry
• All 6-8th Grade participants gather as one, regardless of Sacrament preparation. We have 10-12 Sessions per year that are each offered twice, supplemented with additional Social Nights, Adoration Nights, and Community Service opportunities. These sessions are open to all Middle Schoolers and are required for Year 1 of any Sacrament preparation. For youth that are preparing for their Second Year of Sacraments, additional information is provided below.

• Confirmation
• Confirmation is a two-year journey that begins in 8th Grade. Teens can receive their Confirmation as early as 9th Grade and will need to participate in one year of Youth Ministry before moving onto their Second Year of Confirmation. During Year 2, teens must attend all High School Sessions as well as a retreat, a rally, and complete two service projects. Please see our High School page for more information about Confirmation Year 2.

• First Communion
• After participating in one year of Youth Ministry or Family Ministry, Middle School youth can enroll for Year 2 of First Communion preparation. Year 2 First Communion for Middle School meets on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8pm.

• Baptism
• For those seeking Baptism, welcome! Anyone over seven years old is automatically enrolled in our OCIA program. This is a two-year preparation for Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation that will all be received at our Easter Vigil mass along with other youth and adults. During each year, OCIA candidates will attend Youth Ministry with the rest of the Middle School youth. During Year 2, additional sessions with Parents are required on Sunday mornings. Please reach out to Laura Rios for more details.