K-5 Liturgy of the Word for Children

DURING the 9:00am and 11:15am Sunday Masses when offered.

This is an informal teaching and allows for children to get more out of the Mass. Liturgy of the Word for Children Ministers (volunteers who have been trained for this ministry) lead the children through the Old Testament reading, Psalm Response, New Testament reading and Gospel. For each Sunday’s readings, a contemporary version is used that has been created just for young people to understand. The Minister of the Word then guides the children in a short, interactive time of reflection on the stories they have just seen and heard. Next, the children profess the Creed and offer their prayer of petition as they prepare to bring their gifts of money, time, and talent for the Lord during the Offertory. They then rejoin their family for the Liturgy of the Eucharist and conclusion of Mass. Any child K-5th grade is encouraged to take advantage of hearing and learning the Word of God in their everyday language. Parents and older siblings are welcome to accompany shy or reluctant children. No registration is required.

Sacrament Preparation

1^st Reconciliation (Confession) & 1^st Holy Communion (Eucharist)

The students in this Sacrament Preparation program are young people in their first and second year* of Faith Formation study at St. Agnes. They will receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation during Advent and then First Holy Communion in the Spring of their second year of study.

*Typically the young people are in 1st and 2nd grade but older students may join us for this TWO year process.  That is why the word “year” rather than “grade” is used.

Confirmation (Grade 8 & older)

The students in this Sacrament Preparation program are young people in eighth grade or older. They have been participating in Faith Formation with their family throughout their younger school years and now will move into a gender specific (male or female) “small mentoring group” model for this sacrament year of study.

For Confirmation year the Faith Formation format used by this parish starts with “Confirmation Boot Camp” in the summer.  Then in the fall the “small mentoring groups” that were formed during summer camp continue meeting biweekly throughout the remainder of the year until Confirmation happens in the Spring. A Confirmation Retreat, numerous service project opportunities and prayerful reflection experiences round out the year of formation for the sacrament of Confirmation.

Family Based Faith Formation Grade 1-7

Option #1

Generations of Faith (GOF): This parent and child-based Faith Formation model brings families together monthly, September thru April, Friday nights 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Format includes student learning time, parent teaching tips, group activity and prayer time all geared toward helping families complete their monthly homework assignments.

View sample videos from 2020-21: Families of Faith Grades 1-3; Families of Faith Grades 4-7; Families of Faith Adult Talk

Option #2

Home Schooling: This parent and child-based Faith Formation model allows your family  the convenience of choosing the date and time each month when you can come together to do your work. Homework is turned in to the director on a monthly basis.

Option #3

Confirmation Mentoring Groups: This Faith Formation model partners 8th grade students (6-8 per group) with 2 adult mentors who share their faith while guiding the students through a course of study meant to strengthen their call to an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Confirmation Mentoring Group Schedules will be agreed upon by all members of each group.

Senior Youth Ministry – Grades 9-12

“412 YOUTH MINISTRY” takes its name from 1Tim. 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity.”  The students come from the three area parishes and they meet Sundays, 6:00-8:00pm @ Queen of Angels Catholic School. Registration is separate for 412 Youth Ministry. Contact the Youth Minister, Jennifer Wilson, at JNWilson@dioceseofgreensburg.org or 412-216-6812 for information.

K – 12th Grade: Bible Drama Camp

June 26-29, 2023 marks our fourth Bible Drama Camp, a four day DRAMAtically different Vacation Bible School for all students in grades K-12!  Please join the Not Quite Ready for Heaven Players as they prepare and perform the musical…

The Genesis Files

Adult volunteers are welcome. The musical will be performed on the last day of camp: Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Saint Agnes Church. 

For more information or to Register click here!

Find out more about the 2022 event and production: Lights! Camera! Re-Creation! Embark on the Ark!
Find out more about the 2021 event and production “Show” God You’re “Abel!”
Find out more about the 2019 event and production: Lights! Camera! Creation!

If you have any questions or need assistance, call Mary Blythe or Kristen Brown at 724-864-5393.

Various other activities and service projects will be offered throughout the year and are open for anyone to participate. Watch for Saint Agnes Flocknotes, check the bulletin online, and Saint Agnes parish website often for all the happenings at Saint Agnes!