STM Ignite FAQs

IGNITE youth group serves 6^th-12^th grade students. We meet Sunday evenings from 6:30pm-8:00pm, following the 5:30pm Mass from September to April.

The focus of IGNITE is to accompany our youth as they explore and expand their faith, build community, and find their place as valued parts of the parish community.  Our general topics are guided by the lectionary texts and social justice themes, and each of the nights are either a “Gather” or a “Serve” format. Gather nights are centered around small group conversation and activities that use a variety of learning and engagement styles so that every student feels connected and included. Serve nights support the engagement of our youth with other ministries in our parish as they seek new ways to serve others.

FAQ’s

What is an IGNITE: Gather meeting like?
We gather for food, fun, and fellowship at 6:30; we connect as a large group to the topic, theme, and readings that guide the evening at 7pm; we generally break into small groups by 7:15; come together to reconnect, share anything relevant, and close out in prayer at 7:45.

An IGNITE: Serve meeting begins the same, but we go right into the actions of service at 7pm.

Do you have service options for tweens and teens?
Service is built into IGNITE programming. In addition to IGNITE:Serve nights monthly, we have several larger service opportunities and we make sure students and their families are aware of parish service opportunities with our Social Justice Committee and Care for Creation Team.

Will IGNITE prepare me for confirmation?
Yes! In preparation for the sacrament of confirmation, a stident can either attend three semesters of IGNITE (80%+ attendance required) or attend the Confirmation Prep Class their 10^th grade year (or later if preferred). Confirmation is typically offered beginning in 10^th grade, but we want students to feel prepared to receive the sacrament. We are happy to support them on that journey in whatever way they need.

How can you help?
We need adult volunteers to help support small groups. Remember: all lessons are generated for you; volunteers are not expected to have any teaching experience or a degree in theology. The more we listen to young people, get to know them, and respond to them in human ways the better we serve them. Contact Jessica Prince at [email protected].