Elementary Faith Formation
Elementary Faith Formation
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Ages 3 - 1st Grade
Children ages 3 years old through 1st grade are dismissed from the main Mass to hear the same Scripture readings explained at an age-appropriate level. During this separate session, children engage with the Gospel through discussion, song, and simple activities before rejoining their families for the Eucharist. The goal is to help children understand and live out the Gospel message in a way that resonates with their experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and a deeper connection to their faith. There is no need to register - all are welcome to attend!
Faith Builders Grades K-5
Faith Builders is our parish family faith formation program for all children in grades K-5. Each week, children gather to learn, pray, and grow in their relationship with Christ and His Church. This year, we are especially excited to include time for Adoration, Saint stories, Virtues of the Week, and family connection activities. Faith Builders is more than just a class - it is a community. Our goal is to support parents in forming children who know, love, and live their Catholic Faith. We are excited to journey together this year and can't wait to welcome your family!
Each week, children will:
* Learn the foundations of our Catholic Faith in an age-appropriate way.
* Pray together in large and small groups, including time before the Blessed Sacrament.
* Discover the lives of the saints and how they can inspire us to live as disciples of Jesus.
Dates: We offer Faith Builders in three trimesters on Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00pm
* Session 1: September 10 - November 26
* Session 2: December 3 - March 11
* Session 3: March 18 - May 20
Cost: $30/session. You may sign up for one, two, or all three sessions. We recommend at least two sessions but would love to see your child for all three! Registration fee can be paid at attendance of first class or by going online to bit.ly/StBFaithBuilders
Registration Link: Bit.ly/StBFaithBuildersRegistration
Contact: tevia.strand@stbernardstrf.com
Middle School Faith Formation
IGNITE Grades 6-8
IGNITE is more than a class; it is a movement designed to spark a deeper love for Jesus Christ and His Church in the hearts of our 6th-8th graders. This is a unique and important season of life. Our young people are asking big questions: Who am I? Why am I here? Does God care about me? IGNITE will give them space to wrestle with those questions while being grounded in the truth of the Catholic faith. Using the YOUCAT (Youth Catechism) as our guide, students will not only learn what the Church teaches, but also why it matters in their lives today. Our hope is that IGNITE is a life-changing experience where our they encounter Jesus, grow in their Catholic faith and discover that they are called to live with purpose, joy and mission.
Each weekly session will include:
* Fellowship & Community - teens building real friendships rooted in faith.
* Engaging Teaching - thought-provoking lessons that challenge them to think deeply about their Catholic identity.
* Adoration & Prayer - time spent with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, learning to hear His voice.
* Small Groups - a safe space to discuss, question, and apply what they've learned.
* Mission Sending - challenges that inspire them to live their faith outside the parish walls.
Dates: We offer IGNITE in three trimesters on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm
* Session 1: September 10 - November 26
* Session 2: December 3 - March 11
* Session 3: March 18 - May 20
Cost: $30/session. You may sign up for one, two, or all three sessions. We recommend at least two sessions but would love to see your child for all three! Registration fee can be paid at attendance of first class or by going online to bit.ly/StBernardsIGNITE
Registration Link: bit.ly/StBIGNITERegistration
Contact:
tevia.strand@stbernardstrf.com
EXALT Grades 6-12
We begin supper at 5:45 pm, followed with small group activities and an opportunity to spend time with Jesus in praise and worship, guided adoration and reconciliation. All are welcome!
* October 1
* November 5
* December 3
* January 7
* February 11
* March 4
High School Faith Formation
High School Small Group Faith Formation
Grades 9-12
This year, all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will be participating in Alpha Youth, a small-group faith experience designed to equip young people to explore and share their faith in a welcoming and engaging way. It's an invitation to experience the Holy Spirit and discover the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Each small group and leader will determine their meeting schedule, choosing times and dates that work best for their members.
Registration: registration link coming soon
Cost: $40
Contact:
misty.mehrkens@stbernardstrf.com
EXALT Grades 6-12
We begin supper at 5:45 pm, followed with small group activities and an opportunity to spend time with Jesus in praise and worship, guided adoration and reconciliation. All are welcome!
* October 1
* November 5
* December 3
* January 7
* February 11
* March 4
SACRAMENTAL PREP
We are thrilled to walk alongside your child as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This year, preparation will look a little different - and a lot more family -centered! Parents and children will attend together after Sunday Mass learning, praying and growing in faith side by side. Our hope is that this journey will not only prepare your child for these sacraments but also deepen your family's faith life.
1st Reconciliation (2nd Grade & older)
Families attend together each week. Sessions include prayer, teaching, and at-home activities to help your child prepare for their First Reconciliation ion December 20th.
7 Sunday Sessions after Mass from 10:45-12:15
* October 26
* November 2
* November 9
* November 16
* November 23
* December 7
* December 14
1st Holy Communion (2nd Grade & older)
Families attend together each week. Sessions focus on understanding the Eucharist, preparing for the celebration, and strengthening faith at home. First Communion Mass will be on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
7 Sunday Sessions after Mass from 10:45-12:15
* March 1
* March 8
* March 15
* March 22
* March 29
* April 5
* April 12
Cost: $40/child (includes materials and family resources for both sacraments.
https://bit.ly/StBSacramentalPrep
Contact:
tevia.strand@stbernardstrf.com
Confirmation (Sophomores & Juniors Opt-in)
Bishop Andrew Cozzens has approved parishes in the Diocese of Crookston to offer the Sacrament of Confirmation beginning in the 8th grade (or younger with approval of the pastor). Although St. Bernard's will not be offering the sacrament of Confirmation this year to the 8th grade and freshman students, we are introducing an Opt-in Confirmation Program for all sophomore and junior students.
What does Opt-in mean?
* Bishop Cozzens emphasizes that Confirmation should be received when a young person is truly prepared and committed to living out this sacrament.
* When a student (with their parents) discerns that they are ready to receive Confirmation, they may choose to opt-in Please see
Discerning Readiness for Confirmation.
*If a student or family feels they are not ready to be confirmed, there is no pressure - they may wait until the following year.
Confirmation Preparation includes:
* Two Discernment Retreats for youth and parents
* Three 2-hour sessions focusing on specific studies of Confirmation
* Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, May 2, 2026
Registration: link coming soon
Contact:
Misty.mehrkens@stbernardstrf.com
DIVING DEEPER IN FAITH
Diocese of Crookston Youth Conference (DCYC) Grades 6-12
This year's them is
On Purpose – reminding us that we were all made with purpose, and for a purpose.
Sunday, October 12, 2025
6th – 12th Grade
Lincoln High School
10 AM – 5 PM (Doors open at 9:30 for registration.)
$50 per person (Includes lunch and supper) - Youth Accounts can be used to cover your expenses if applicable!
Registration: Please no later than Sunday, October 5th by filling out the liability and medical forms and sending them back to me at misty.mehrkens@stbernardstrf.com
Youth Liability Waiver: https://drive.google.com/.../1aE4jzv8cRmocZA3R0Hl.../view...
Youth Medical Matters Form: https://drive.google.com/.../140zqLOw9NxbvukdGJpj.../view...
PraySing Youth Mass Grades K-12
Share your gift of music and all the ministries of Mass lead by the youth!
Directed by Cindy Dallmann & Beth Zerr.
Registration:
https://bit.ly/SBYouthMass
Contact:
beth.zerr@stbernardstrf.com or
cindy.dallmann@stbernardstrf.com
See the flyer for more details
Cherub Voce Traveling Choir Grades K-6
A traveling choir for youth in grades K–6.
Directed by Tevia Strand & Darcy Reese.
Registration: https://Bit.ly/StBTravelingChoir
Contact: tevia.strand@stbernardstrf.com