Junior High
Get Involved - Shared Ministry Opportunities
Click here for Faith Formation Registration Form
NOTE: 9th Grade teens are included with the LifeTeen and Senior High programs.
Barry Shay, Coordinator 763-425-9801 x235
The Junior High Program offers an opportunity for young people to move beyond their childhood images of God, Church and Faith. They are challenged to build a more mature relationship with God, to become an active member of their Faith Community, and to glorify God in service.
The Junior High Program combines a traditional small group setting with a variety of experiential learning situations. This dynamic process leads to discussion, reflection and prayer. The curriculum incorporates speakers, retreats, small group discussions, social gatherings, and service projects and creates a rich holistic approach to Junior High Faith Formation.
Junior High teens gain a deeper understanding of their role as "Christ to others" through Social Justice projects. Each class will create their own social justice project that will benefit the community and allow the students to understand the power and relevance of their faith in action.
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SEVENTH GRADE
Text: Finding God: Following Jesus
Loyola Press
Our program seeks to integrate the faith of our Junior High students by offering innovative, imaginative, and practical approaches to lifelong faith formation.
In “Following Jesus” each young person will be encouraged to develop a more personal and practical relationship with Jesus in his or her daily life. They will also learn to become more connected with their faith and community through prayer and social justice.
In addition to their individual class projects, 7th Grade Groups will raise funds and awareness for Haiti, through the “Penny Wars” campaign. The funds that are raised by our students will directly aid our sister parish in Bouzy Haiti. Students are also encouraged to grow in their faith and understanding by attending a half-day retreat just for 7th Graders in February (Sat. Feb. 12th).
Small group sessions and large group activities are held at St. Joseph the Worker on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Small groups are selected at random. At registration, teens may request to be assigned to a group of a specific catechist or friend. Special requests will be accommodated as best as possible but are not assured. Groups will change slightly from year to year. If a change is needed, it must be to be approved by the coordinator.
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EIGHTH GRADE
Text: Finding God: Celebrating Church
Loyola Press
Our program seeks to integrate the faith of our Junior High students by offering innovative, imaginative, and practical approaches to lifelong faith formation.
In “Celebrating Church” each young person will be challenged to reflect on the foundations of our faith and their roles and responsibilities in this universal community called church.
Students will explore the nature of morality, its rational foundations, and the new dimensions and relevance that faith gives to those foundations.
In addition to their individual class projects, 8th Grade Groups will experience social justice themes through the Hunger Meal experience as well as participating in raising funds for Souper Bowl of Caring and H20 Project.
Students are also encouraged to attend a half-day Mini-retreat just for 8th Graders. The “In God We Trust” retreat challenges the young people to examine and evaluate what is trustworthy and where to place their trust. The Mini-Retreat is on Sat.
Date to be announced, 12:30-5:00 pm.
Small group sessions and large group activities are held at St. Joseph the Worker on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
Small groups will change slightly from year to year. If a change is needed, it must be to be approved by the coordinator.
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Social Justice and Service Projects
“We are one human family. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Pope John Paul II insists, “We are all really responsible for all.” Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world” ~United States Council of Catholic Bishops
Small Group Projects:
Each 7th and 8th grade small group will choose their own Social Justice project based on one of the seven key themes of Catholic Social Justice teaching. They will work on components of their project throughout the year. At the end of the year each group will make a public presentation on their project.
Click here to read the
principal themes of Catholic Social teaching
Scavenger Hunt for Food:
This annual event is a great way for our students to get connected with the community and is one of the key resources for our parish Holiday Baskets program (Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets given to families in need in our community). Each 7th grade class will venture out into Maple Grove area neighborhoods in search of non-perishable food donations that will be used for holiday food baskets assembled here at St. Joseph the Worker. We collect a wide variety of needed items, from green beans to frozen turkeys. Last year, 70 teens and parents collected over 1200 items in one hour! Everyone participating in the scavenger hunt is also encouraged to bring a donation.
For anyone wishing to contribute to the Holiday Baskets, feel free to drop off your food donation at the church the first 2 weeks of November.
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Retreats
Retreat experiences are a vital component of our program and promote spiritual growth and awareness for Junior High teens allowing them to grow in their faith. We will address topics designed to strengthen the relationships of those around us, and, of course, our relationship with God.
7th Grade: “Who Do You Say I Am?” Mini-Retreat
Our 7th grade mini-retreat is a fun afternoon that is examines the life and teaching of Jesus, and what that means for our life
Open to all 7th Grade students
Saturday in February 12:30-5:00 pm. 2012 date to
be announced.
Hosted at St. Joseph the Worker
Cost - $5
8th Grade: “In God We Trust” Mini-Retreat
The “In God We Trust” retreat challenges the young people to examine and evaluate what is trustworthy and where to place their trust.
Open to all 8th Grade students
Saturday in March , 12:30-5:00 pm. 2012 date to be
announced.
Hosted at St. Joseph the Worker
Cost - $5
2011-2012 Junior High Faith Formation Session Schedule
is soon to be published. Return here for further information.
Below is the link to the OLD Calendar of Events for reference:
Click here to view Faith Formation's - Calendar of Events
(all times are 7:00-8:15 pm unless noted)
The closing Mass for 7th & 8th graders and their families
is held in April – attendance is required.
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