Middle School Youth Ministry

Branching Out is the Middle School (6th-8th Grade) Youth Ministry program at St. John Neumann parish. Branching Out aims to provide a number of opportunities for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to engage in service-oriented, social, and faith-growing experiences to complement the Rooted program. As we become more ROOTED in our faith, we are called to BRANCH OUT as Christ’s hands in the world around us. (Youth do NOT need to be in Rooted to join Branching Out opportunities.)

Please contact Angela Davis (adavis@saintjn.org) if you have any questions.

 

Related SJN Ministries:

  • Rooted (SJN’s Middle School Faith Formation program for 6th-8th grade youth)
  • Teen Confirmation (Information for teens preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation at SJN)

 


GENERAL INFORMATION:

According to Diocesan policy, cell phones and other “smart” devices (tablets, watches, etc.) are prohibited for youth during events.

During events, Angela Davis can usually be reached by call or text at her work cell at 571-306-3341. This number is NOT checked regularly except during specific events and we do not always get reliable cell service. This is not a good place to leave messages or texts except important information needing to be communicated DURING events.

Full and partial scholarships are available for most events, contact Angela to inquire.

Friends from outside the parish are often welcome, contact Angela to inquire.


ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are in need of adult chaperones and other volunteers for many of our Branching Out events and groups. Please consider volunteering! Email Angela Davis (adavis@saintjn.org) to discuss!

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

We are called to be Christ’s hands to His world! Sometimes, it can be hard to find the right volunteer opportunities for our youth to best serve God and others. However, there are many opportunities both in our SJN parish and in our greater community where youth are needed! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE about how 6th-8th grade youth are needed to make a positive difference for our community.

Highlighted Current Needs of our SJN Parish (CLICK HERE for more information on these and other service opportunities):

  • Rooted Set Up – Come set up classrooms and other spaces for each of our Rooted sessions.
  • CLOW – Teen volunteers are invited to help with our Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) which will occur on specific Sundays at the 9:30am Mass. We are looking for teens who would like to join this ministry. The teens’ role is usually to hold up cue cards so that the adults leading CLOW know what part of the Mass is going on in the Church to ensure children return to their families at the correct part of the Mass. Please contact Jean Lupinacci at Jlupinacci@saintjn.org if you are interested or have any questions.
  • Shelter Meals – Work with your family to provide food and other supplies needed to feed the people at Embry Rucker Shelter
  • Liturgy Office Help – Help the parish by replacing outdated stickers in the hymnals. Contact Amelia at agilfigueroa@saintjn.org to help!
  • Youth Choir – Youth Choir (for youth in grades 6th – 12th) sings at the 5pm Vigil Mass usually on the first and third Saturdays of each month. They meet at 4pm on those days for rehearsals. You can find more information and register HERE!

Calendar at a Glance:

Boys Group: See our Boys Group Winter/Spring 2024 Calendar COMING SOON!

Girls Group: See our Girls Group Winter/Spring 2024 Calendar COMING SOON!

Other Branching Out / Parish Events to Save the Date for!

  • Branching Out WEEK – June 24 – June 28
  • MORE COMING SOON

 


Small Group Communities for 6th-8th Grade Youth!

BOYS GROUP

Boys Group meets regularly (about twice a month) to grow in faith and friendship. Boys meet on-site and do various outings throughout the year. Boys with busy schedules who may need to miss frequently are strongly encouraged to still join us when able!

  • Registration Period: On-going. Youth can join at any time! New members are always welcome!
  • Dates / Times: Dates and times vary, see the CALENDAR FOR CURRENT MEMBERS (COMING SOON) for more information.
  • Commitment: We understand that youth and families are busy. We, of course, would prefer that every member makes it to every meeting/event we schedule, but we know that this is not realistic for everyone. Youth with an otherwise busy schedule are encouraged to join the group and show up when possible. We will be better because you are here!
  • Location: Location varies. Most meetings are held at SJN in the Treehouse Room (B6) but we also do frequent outings.
  • Cost: Free (Some outings require a fee but scholarships are usually available.)
  • Who: All 6th-8th graders (Friends from outside the parish are welcome but must have a permission slip completed by a legal guardian.)

Click Here to Register!!!

Current Members: SEE OUR WINTER/SPRING 2024 CALENDAR – COMING SOON!!!

GIRLS GROUP

 

Girls Group meets regularly (about weekly) to grow in faith and friendship. Girls with busy schedules who may need to miss frequently are strongly encouraged to still join us when able!

  • Registration Period: On-going. Youth can join at any time! New members are always welcome!
  • Dates / Times: We have two groups. One who meets most Tuesdays 5:00pm-6:30pm and one who meets most Sundays 10:30am-12:00pm. Additional events / outings are scheduled at various days and time. See the CALENDAR FOR CURRENT MEMBERS (COMING SOON) for more information.
  • Commitment: We understand that youth and families are busy. We, of course, would prefer that every member makes it to every meeting/event we schedule, but we know that this is not realistic for everyone. Youth with an otherwise busy schedule are encouraged to join the group and show up when possible. We will be better because you are here!
  • Location: Most meetings are held at SJN in the Treehouse Room (B6).
  • Cost: Free (Some outings require a fee but scholarships are usually available.)
  • Who: All 6th-8th graders (Friends from outside the parish are welcome but must have a permission slip completed by a legal guardian.)

Click Here to Register!!!

Current Members: SEE OUR WINTER/SPRING 2024 CALENDAR – COMING SOON!!!

 


Upcoming Branching Out Events:

 

 

 



Other Opportunities for Youth / Families at SJN: (UPDATE COMING SOON)

 

 


Family Resource: Exploring Racism

This is an at-home family lesson plan to explore the issue of racism together. It is intended for families with youth 5th-12th grade and can be used by anyone at our parish.

CLICK HERE to access this resource for your family.

 

 


Check out these photos and videos from past Branching Out events:


 

EDGE Camp – August 2022

Branching Out WEEK – June 2022

EDGE Camp – August 2021

Upper Room Zoom – April/May 2021

Branching Out WEEK – July 2021