Catholic Youth Formation involves guiding young people to develop a personal relationship with Christ and mature as disciples. Our programs partner with parents to provide age-appropriate catechesis, sacramental preparation, and community services.
Catholic Youth Formation is centered around the sacramental life of the Church.
- Living out the baptismal promises by striving to reject Satan, sin, and the allurement of evil. Parents and those within our community have the responsibility of raising children and protecting their souls from the traps of the world.
- Centering our lives around the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith by making and keeping Holy the Lord’s day.
- Keeping the Mass the Center of Sunday.
- Preparing children to participate spiritually at Mass by bringing their gifts to the altar along with the sacrifice of their parents.
- Learning the forgiveness of Christ by returning regularly to the Sacrament of Confession.
- While it is a precept that every Catholic above the age of reason go to Confession once a year, teaching children to humbly seek and trust Christ’s mercy is where we allow Christ to restore our hearts and minds and to be the judge who rules our lives with His love.
At St. Cecilia, we strive to form both the head and the heart of our youth. When you teach the faith as information, students forget it. When you teach the faith as the answer to their deepest longings, students treasure it.
Our Parish School
At St. Cecilia Catholic Church, we are committed to nurturing the minds, hearts, and souls of our children through an education grounded in Catholic faith, academic excellence, and discipline. Our parish school is a place where students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ while developing the knowledge, character, and compassion to serve others and succeed in an everchanging world.
Guided by the Gospel and inspired by the example of St. Cecilia, we partner with families to create a loving, faith filled environment where every child is known, valued, and challenged to reach their God-given potential. Through daily prayer, strong academics, service to others and a vibrant community life, our students learn not only how to achieve, but also how to live as faithful disciples of Christ.
We invite you to discover the difference a Catholic education can make and to become part of the St. Cecilia school family, where faith and learning grow together.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” –Mathew 19:14
Parish School of Religion (PSR)
Our Parish School of Religion (PSR) is here to assist parents in educating children in Catholic faith, scripture, and tradition. PSR provides Catholic faith formation, typically for grades K-8, for children not enrolled in Catholic schools. Focused sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and First Communion happens in second grade and preparation for Confirmation in 6th grade. Classes are held in our parish school on Sunday mornings from 9:00-9:50am and run from September through April. Registration takes place during the month of August each year. To register your child(ren), please click the link below.
High School
Our Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) invites high school youth to grow in responsible fellowship, active participation, and leadership within the life, mission, and work of the Catholic Church.
Open to all St. Cecilia parish youth in grades 9–12, C.Y.M. offers a welcoming community through social gatherings, prayer experiences, and service opportunities. Activities provide opportunities for faith, fun, and friendship. All high school youth are encouraged to join and participate.
St. Cecilia high school youth also have the opportunity to attend various retreats and conferences throughout the year, such as Prayer and Action, March for Life, Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), Steubenville Conferences and Totus Tuus retreats.
Altar Servers
It is both an honor and privilege to serve at the altar, assisting the priest in his responsibilities of leading the people in prayer and the celebration of the Mass. An Altar Server is a part of the Christ’s own body, the church, and work in harmony to glorify God through their service.
Here is what Pope Saint John Paul II said to a group of Altar Servers in 2001:
”The altar server occupies a privileged place in the liturgical celebration. The altar server presents himself to a community and experiences firsthand that Jesus Christ is present and active in every liturgical act. Jesus is present when the community comes together to pray and render praise to God.
Jesus is present in the Word of sacred Scripture. Jesus is present above all in the Eucharist under the signs and bread and wine. He acts through the priest who, in the person of Christ, celebrates the holy Mass and administers the sacraments.
Therefore, in the liturgy, you are much more than simple 'helpers of the parish priest'. Above all, you are servers of Jesus Christ, of the eternal High Priest. Thus, you, altar servers, are called in particular to be young friends of Jesus. Be determined to go deeper and to cultivate this friendship with Him. You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life."
At St. Cecilia’s, children who have completed at least the 4th grade and required training are eligible to serve on the altar at Mass. Training typically takes place throughout the school year for the parish school students and at the beginning of the summer for children who are do not attend the parish school. For questions regarding eligibility, training and scheduling, please call the Parish office.
Totus Tuus
Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic Youth program. The program’s name is Latin for “Totally Yours”, the personal Marian motto of Pope Saint John Paull II. It is designed to inspire a deep love for Jesus Christ through Mary, fostering an authentic sacramental life, catechetical learning, and openness to religious vocations among youth.
The parish program is for one week each summer. The elementary track, for grades 1-6, runs during the day Monday through Friday and features skits, songs, recess, and structured classes on sacraments, scripture, and the Catechism.
The Teen Track, grades 7-12, meets in the evening Sunday through Thursday and is focused on deeper discussion, fellowship and prayer.
Camp Totus Tuus is a week-long overnight summer camp for youth entering grades 5 through 12. It blends outdoor recreation with daily Mass, Adoration, and spiritual reflection. Registration for the overnight camp is through the diocesan office and opens in January of each year. Contact the parish office for tuition assistance.
