Youth Ministry

Who should attend Middle School Youth Group?
Students in grades 6-8 are invited to participate in middle school youth group.

When does Middle School Youth Group meet?
Middle school youth group meets Sundays from 9:30 am-10:45 am in-between the morning Masses.

Where does Middle School Youth Group meet?
Middle school youth group meets in Kaplan Parish Hall. 

What happens at Middle School Youth Group?
Youth group is a combination of large group and small group gatherings. Each session includes a variety of activities including games, talks, discussion, crafts, and prayer. Middle school youth group explores topics about our Catholic faith and how we live as disciples of Christ. Middle school group is facilitated by adult catechists (CORE Team), including parishioners and William & Mary students, and high school teen leaders.

See the calendar for monthly Youth Ministry Social activities that foster fun and community.

SEARCH Retreat
Ever been on a church retreat before? Maybe you thought they would be boring and not any fun. Take a leap of faith and join us for our SEARCH retreat which is open to all middle school students. We are all searching for something in our lives, have you ever thought that God may be searching for you? Spend the weekend at Triple R Rance in Chesapeake, VA. Have fun playing games, canoeing, hay rides and camp fires as we explore how God would like to work in our lives. Dates: April 26-28, 2024

Camp Hidden Lake
A week-long camp in the mountains of Georgia. Enjoy all the fun things of a summer camp and the wonderful activities of a Catholic Retreat all combined in one week. Join middle school youth from across the country as we gather to explore our faith, receive Christ in the Sacraments, and create fun summertime memories that will last a lifetime. #bestcampever
 
Please stay tuned for other Middle School retreats, conferences, and trips!

Who should attend High School Youth Group?
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in high school youth group.

When does High School Youth Group meet?
Youth Group meets Sunday evening from 3:15-4:45 pm before the 5pm Sunday Mass during the academic year. 

Where does High School Youth Group meet?
Youth Group begins by meeting in Kaplan Parish Hall.

What happens at High School Youth Group?
Youth group is a combination of large group and small group gatherings. At each session, we discuss topics about our Catholic faith and explore how to live out and share our faith in our daily lives. Meetings consist of a variety of activities, including games, talks, small group discussions, different types of prayer, and more!

See the calendar for monthly Youth Ministry Social activities that foster fun and community.

Upper Room is an evening with Eucharistic Adoration accompanied by praise & worship music along with an inspirational talk. This takes place normally on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7 pm. This event is open to the entire parish community. 

For dates, please see our Youth Ministry Calendar

Retreats
9th Grade Lock-In Retreat
The 9the grade lock-in is open to all 9th grade students and takes place at the beginning of the academic year. This is a memorable way to meet friends and start-off the high school years!

Spring Retreat
Spring retreat is open to all high school students and takes place one weekend in April. This retreat is a meaningful way to grow in relationship with God and deepen friendships in the parish community. 

Confirmation Retreat
The Confirmation Retreat is open to all teens preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation and is scheduled for January 25, 2025.

Conferences
Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) Save the Date for 2025! 
Hosted by the Diocesan Office for Evangelization, DYC is a weekend event (February 7-9, 2025) to gather high school youth from all 145 parishes located in the Diocese to one central location. The Conference is a highly energetic, engaging, and awesome opportunity for our high school teenagers to gather as a larger Church community and celebrate the amazing richness of our Catholic Christian faith.  

Steubenville Conference
Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences provide a unique opportunity to gather with teenagers from across the nation in Catholic community. The conference combines awesome talks, incredible music, praise and worship, time for prayer and fellowship, entertainment and liturgies. 

At what age is the Sacrament of Confirmation conferred?
In the Diocese of Richmond, the Sacrament of Confirmation is typically conferred at the age of 15 and in 10th grade.  Teens who are in 11th and 12th grade may also receive the Sacrament. 

What are the components of Confirmation preparation?

• Confirmation Interview with Brittney Kinstetter - Interview sign up link will be sent out after the orientation.
• Confirmation Preparation Orientation Meeting - September 16 @ 7 pm
• Confirmation Classes - 10/14, 11/11, 12/2, 1/6, 2/3, 3/3 - All classes run from 7-8:30 pm in Kaplan Parish Hall
• Participation in regular Faith Formation (i.e. Youth Group) Sundays from 3:15-4:45 pm 
• Confirmation Retreat: January 24-25 at Jamestown 4-H Center
• Confirmation Liturgy: Spring 2025 TBD

What forms need to be turned in?

• Baptismal Certificate
• Sponsor Attestation Form (English or Spanish)
• Medical Release Form for the Retreat