St. Mary’s engage youth (grades 6-12) through Christian education, by offering both Junior and Senior High youth forums on Sunday mornings at 10:15 a.m. during the school year. Forums explore the Christian tradition as well as contemporary issues—everything from newspaper headlines to what happened at school last week.

Youth enjoy a variety of events on Sundays. Senior High youth (grades 9-12) gather the 1st Sunday of the month for lunch & worship. Second Sundays @6 is held every 2nd Sunday of the month at 6 pm for Junior and Senior High Youth, and focuses on Outreach and service learning. Junior High Youth (grades 6-8) gather the 3rd Sunday of the month for lunch. Our Youth Council meets the 4th Sunday of the month at 12:30 for lunch and a meeting.

Small groups for youth (divided by age and gender meet twice a month. (Sr. High Guys Wing Night, Sr. High Girls (SHWEET), Jr High Guys Wing Night, and Jr High Girls) meet mid-week every other week for fun and fellowship (and wings!) In these gatherings, youth have a chance to know one another better, studying the bible or praying together. They also enjoy a lot of fellowship—and often a lot of chocolate, doughnuts, or chicken wings.

We also have great trips, lock-ins, small groups, outreach projects, weekends at Shrine Mont and other fun stuff throughout the year.  

Youth are also invited to periodic special trips. The Diocese of Virginia sponsors weekend retreats for youth throughout the academic year. Summer mission trips have taken youth to the Appalachian mountains, the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Honduras, and elsewhere. In August, St. Mary’s traditionally sponsors Outreach Camp, which explores various ways for students to serve in the local community.

For more information about youth programs, contact Sue Cromer.