Jr. High Faith Formation

Mission Statement

To use the Church’s philosophical and theological wisdom to uncompromisingly teach the Catholic Faith and prepare youth to live out their baptismal vocation.

JR. HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY

COME TO THE SHORE

Encounter Christ. Build Community. Live the Faith.

At Mary Queen Catholic Church, Jr. High Youth Ministry is a place where young people can ask questions, build authentic friendships, discover their gifts, and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Through Scripture, prayer, the Sacraments, faith formation, service, fellowship, and opportunities to lead, we invite our young people not simply to learn about their Catholic faith, but to live it.

2026–2027

COME TO THE SHORE

16 Sessions • Sea of Galilee

Our destination is the shore.

After His Resurrection, Jesus meets His disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and prepares breakfast for them. There, in an ordinary moment made extraordinary by His presence, the disciples recognize Jesus.

Throughout our year, we'll follow the story that leads us to this encounter—tracing the biblical and Eucharistic story through the Old Testament, the life of Christ, the Last Supper, the Road to Emmaus, and ultimately to the realization:

Jesus has been there all along.

The journey leads us to the Eucharist, where we encounter the same Jesus who called His disciples, fed the crowds, broke bread, and invited His friends to come to the shore.

"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."
— Matthew 4:19

Come to the Shore

to be spiritually fed, prepare for the journey, and build on our mutual love of relational ministry.

MORE THAN A WEEKLY PROGRAM

Jr. High Youth Ministry is about belonging, discipleship, and encounter.

In addition to our twice monthly Wednesday gatherings, students have opportunities to pray, serve, lead, build friendships, and participate in experiences with Catholic youth from around our community.

Come join the C.R.E.W. — JR. HIGH YOUTH COUNCIL

C.R.E.W. — Catholic. Relational. Engaged. Witnesses.

Our Youth Council meets once a month and is open to every middle school student who wants to be involved.

Students can discover their gifts and serve through three committees:

SPIRITUAL — prayer, faith, and helping our community grow closer to Christ.

SERVICE — putting faith into action by serving others.

SOCIAL — building friendship, community, and joyful fellowship.

C.R.E.W. Discernment Night: Friday, October 2

BEYOND MARY QUEEN

Our students also have opportunities to participate in Archdiocesan events throughout the year:

EXTREME CHALLENGE — October
An energetic faith and adventure experience for Jr. High students.

JR. HIGH YOUTH RALLY — February
A day of prayer, music, speakers, Sacraments, fellowship, and celebration with Catholic youth from across the Archdiocese.

EXPEDITION — Summer
A multi-parish summer camp centered on faith, friendship, adventure, and discipleship.

COME AND SEE

Whether your child has been deeply involved in the Church for years, is just beginning to explore their faith, or isn't quite sure where they belong yet—

there is a place for them here.

Come to the Shore.

Come encounter Christ.

Come find your people.

Come discover where Jesus is calling you.

Jesus has been there all along.

MEET OUR COORDINATOR

Sarah Kennepohl

Jr. High Faith Formation Coordinator

Sarah is a lifelong parishioner of Mary Queen Catholic Church with nearly 20 years of ministry experience. She is a certified Catechist, has written curriculum for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and has written as a columnist for the Texas Catholic Herald.

Her passion is helping young people encounter Christ through authentic relationships, the beauty of the Catholic faith, and a community where they know they are seen, known, and loved.

Come join us for the journey.