Welcome to the online component for your faith formation! After each class, you will have a month to visit the Student Page to listen, watch, and read materials based on what you learned. These mini-sessions are meant to build upon what you learned in class, and give you tools to continue to grow deeper in your faith.
In each section, you will find:
- LEARN MORE: This section summarizes what we learned, and gives you additional information that builds upon what we learned, either through a video or an article.
- SAINT PROFILES: In this section, you will explore the lives of different saints and learn how they followed Christ through their words and actions. As you read each saint profile, consider the virtues they practiced, the challenges they faced, and what lessons their lives can teach us today. The goal is to discover role models of faith and reflect on how their example can inspire your own life.
- HOMEWORK: In this section you will find the homework that touches on the topics covered in class along with the information shared here. Please complete your homework assignments in the Google Form at the bottom of each section. If you have any trouble, have your parents email me at
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→ LEARN MORE: This month, we learned that prayer is engaging in a conversation and relationship with God. Like a friend, God wants us to share with Him all of the things that we are experiencing in our lives. He wants to hear about our fears, successes, sorrows, and even our anger and disappointments. God understands all of these emotions because He experienced them through His Son, Jesus Christ. We spoke about a way to pray to God (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication), which follows from the prayer that Jesus taught us, the Our Father.
Have you ever wondered why we should pray? Why should we talk to and have a relationship with God? Watch this video from Fr. Mike Schmitz on how prayer transforms us:
Saint Profiles: Saint Mark
For 8th graders, Saint Mark becomes much more relatable when we see him not just as a historical figure, but as a teenager or young adult who said "yes" to God, learned from mistakes, and used his talents to make a difference. Here are some connections we can make:
1. Everyone Has a Story to Tell
Mark is known as the author of the Gospel of Mark. He shared the story of Jesus so others could know Him.
Middle school connection:
- Students tell stories every day through conversations, social media, photos, videos, or sports.
- Challenge: "What story does my life tell about who I am?"
- Just as Mark shared the Good News, you can share kindness, encouragement, and faith through your actions.
2. You Don't Have to Be Perfect
Early Christian tradition suggests Mark left Paul and Barnabas during one missionary journey (Acts 13:13), but later became a trusted coworker.
Middle school connection:
- Everyone makes mistakes.
- Friendships have ups and downs.
- Bad grades, losing games, or making poor choices don't define a person.
Lesson: God can still use us after we've failed.
3. Courage Isn't the Absence of Fear
Mark lived during a time when following Jesus was dangerous.
Middle school connection:
Students face challenges like:
- Standing up for someone being left out.
- Refusing to gossip.
- Being honest when it's easier to lie.
- Living their faith even when it's not "popular."
Small acts of courage matter.
