CF – Catholic formation is a lifelong journey, a beautiful unfolding of faith that shapes individuals and strengthens communities. It’s more than just learning doctrine; it’s about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God, and allowing that relationship to permeate every aspect of one’s life. Here’s a glimpse into its profound importance:
Nurturing a Living Faith: Catholic formation goes beyond intellectual understanding. It aims to foster a living, vibrant faith that informs how we live, how we interact with others, and how we view the world.
Through prayer, scripture study, and sacramental participation, individuals are invited to encounter Christ in a profound and transformative way.
Building a Foundation for Life: The principles of Catholic faith provide a moral compass, guiding individuals in making ethical decisions and living a life of purpose.
It fosters virtues like compassion, forgiveness, and service, equipping individuals to contribute positively to society.
Strengthening Community: Catholic formation is inherently communal. It connects individuals to a rich tradition and a global community of believers.
Through shared worship, fellowship, and service, individuals experience a sense of belonging and support.
Equipping for Discipleship: Catholic formation empowers individuals to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, witnessing to the Gospel in their daily lives.
It encourages active participation in the Church’s mission of evangelization and service to others.
Lifelong Growth: Catholic formation is not something that is completed, but is a continual process of growth. It is a journey of continual conversion, and deepening of one’s relationship with God.
In essence, Catholic formation is an ongoing process of becoming more fully human, more deeply connected to God, and more effectively equipped to live a life of love and service.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a method of religious formation drawn from the Montessori form of education. This method is rooted in sacred scripture and liturgy of the Catholic Church. The religious values of contemplation, enjoyment of God, and personal relationship are fostered in both the child and the adult in a prepared environment called the Atrium.
- Level I (Ages 3-5): The heart of catechesis for children under six revolves around the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Jesus announces that He is the Good Shepherd who calls each one by name.
- Level II (Ages 6-7): The elementary age child is drawn to the image of the True Vine. This proclamation responds to the deep need of children to ponder their relationship with God, family, friends, and the larger community.
For 2025-2026, we will offer CGS for children preschool age through 2nd grade.
See the attached flyer for more information for CGS at Immaculate Conception Church.
Visit the following website to learn more about this method: https://www.cgsusa.org/
For more information, please contact Kristin Dittman at k.dittman@ic-church.com or 715-246-4652 ext 260.
3Y – 5th Grade Formation
Immaculate Conception: during 9:00 am Sunday Mass
St. Patrick’s: during 11:00 am Sunday Mass
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a wonderful way for young children to receive Scripture on a level to which they can relate. The ministry is designed to introduce preschoolers through 2nd graders to Jesus’ love for them.
We celebrate the liturgy through a child’s point of view by allowing them to celebrate God’s word at their own pace, giving them the opportunity to ask questions, interact and offer their thoughts and reflections, following the pattern of normal congregational liturgy. Learning through prayers, songs, readings, activities, and discussions, children hear one of the Sunday’s reading and the Gospel each week in an age-appropriate format. It is designed to create a sense of belonging.
How can my child participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word?
Simply attend Mass.
The children walk upfront and are dismissed before the Liturgy of the Word. A leader will accompany them downstairs to the Children’s Liturgy room. Parents are always welcome to join with their child. They return to the main assembly in time for the Preparation of the Gifts to sit with their families for the rest of the Mass.We are always looking for volunteers to help with Children’s Liturgy of the Word as leaders or assistants. If you are interested in helping, please feel free to join us downstairs or contact Kristin Dittman at k.dittman@ic-church.com or 715-246-4652 ext 260.
Immaculate Conception: Grades K-5: Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm
For Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, please see the CGS section for the session times.
Catholic Faith Formation is the partnership between the families and the parish. The Catholic Formation department is here to enhance the Catholic formation already happening in the home with each of us providing the talents and information with which we raise our Christian children. Experiencing faith begins within the family, and the parish community nurtures and supports this through Catholic formation.
Grades K,1,3,4,5 use the curriculum from The Sophia Institute series, A Family of Faith. A Family of Faith follows a four-year cycle based on the four pillars of the Catechism (The Creed, The Sacraments, Life in Christ and Christian Prayer). One pillar of the Catechism is covered per year from September through April. It includes age-appropriate readings, games, crafts, and other activities to help the students deepen their love for Christ and His Church. Grade 2 uses the Sadlier curriculum, We Believe: Jesus Shares God’s Life to prepare them for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist for the first time. All grades K-5 also use the supplemental curriculum on the teaching of St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. The goal is to help students understand the profound dignity of the human person, created in God’s image.
For more information, please contact Kristin Dittman at k.dittman@ic-church.com or 715-246-4652 ext 260.
Middle School Formation
Middle School Catholic Formation builds off the solid foundation created in grade school and the initiation into the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Eucharist. At the same time, it helps prepare them for their Confirmation and full initiation into the Catholic Church during high school.
Our curriculum is focused on teaching St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. The goal in middle school is to help students understand the profound dignity of the human person, created in God’s image.
We spend a significant part of each third Wednesday of the month in the Church in adoration of the Eucharist and learning from time spent in quiet prayer and reflection. Then, we further supplement this curriculum with fun and engaging content from EDGE with rotating focuses on prayer, worship, and discipleship.
High School Formation
During 9th grade Catholic formation, which is year one of two for Confirmation, students deepen their faith by studying Theology of the Body, understanding Jesus’ central role, learning about discipleship and Church teachings. This is done with a primary focus on developing their personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, engagement with scripture, and understanding the unifying power of Jesus in the Eucharist. It is an opportunity for students to more fully embrace their baptismal promise and to begin the journey to learn more about what it means to be a confirmed Catholic.
The theme for 9th grade is Identity: Who am I? Who is God? How do I relate to Him? How should I live? These are questions that the students will dive into with their small groups as they engage in discussion, activities, games, Scripture study, retreat, and personal prayer.
The 10th grade formation year is year two of preparation for reception of the sacrament of Confirmation. It centers on identity, calling, discipleship, and the Church’s role, with a strong emphasis on understanding, utilizing, and nurturing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in service to others. This year aims to foster a personal commitment to Christ within the Church community.
Recognizing that Confirmation is not a “graduation” but Christ’s call to lifelong discipleship and mission through the Holy Spirit (John 15:16), the preparation theme is “Mission.” Small groups will explore the Great Mission of Jesus, the Apostles, the Church, and the Saints, empowering students to see their own role as confirmed Catholics. Prayer and the Holy Spirit will guide this journey, which includes discussions, sponsor relationships, a retreat, witness talks, Scripture study, and deep personal prayer.
REIGNITE Men’s Group
Reflect for a moment on a flame. It can be the simple glow in a lantern to light up your path, that of a campfire to give warmth or help prepare a meal, and even a way to rid you of an unsightly brush pile to clean up your space.
Know this, the combined ICSP Catholic Men’s Group in our parish cluster, known as “Reignite”, meets you where you are in your faith journey and offers all four of these attributes to help grow in holiness outside of mass on Sunday.
The 20+ men of all ages who have attended routinely or occasionally all share the same feedback…. There’s something to take away every time that makes it worth it! Reignite Men are enlightened, nourished, fortified, and enabled to better face this world and sort out what is most important in their lives.
Without pressure and in a very casual environment, please consider the invitation to reignite the fire of your spiritual life early on Wednesday mornings for Food, Fellowship, Formation, and Prayer. Don’t pass on this no cost opportunity to be part of an invaluable experience, one sure to offer good conversation and lasting friendships along the way.
Weekly Agenda
5:30 AM Breakfast & Fellowship
5:50 AM Video Content
6:25 AM Group Discussion
6:50 AM Intentions & Closing Prayer
7:00 AM Out the Door!
Meeting Agenda
WHO Open to All Men
WHERE Immaculate Conception Church – Corrigan Hall
WHEN Wednesday Mornings
In Christ Women’s Group
Guided by the Holy Spirit, 50+ women and 30+ children (Friday mornings) have found community in one of our two In Christ Women’s Groups.
Our groups are made up of women of all ages and denominations who are striving to grow closer to God, to read and engage with scripture, to encourage and be encouraged on our faith journey and to consider what we can do to live according to God’s will in our busy and fast-paced world.
We gather for prayer, scripture and community from September-May.
- Every other Monday evening 7:00-8:30p.m.
- Most Friday mornings 9:00-10:30a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Corrigan Hall, Room 1. On Friday mornings, childcare is provided for kids older than age 1, and CGS is available for children 3–5 years old.
What To Expect
30 min: Opening prayer
45 min: Read and discuss Gospel
10 min: Resolution
5 min: Prayer requests, closing prayer
“Life with God is a wonderful adventure!”
– Pope Saint John Paul II
Share your adventure with us! Cost is free and there is no requirement to sign up – please stop in and join us! All are welcome!
Contact Us
inchristwomensgroup@gmail.com
Our Shared Folder: Link
Friday GroupMe Chat Group: Link
Monday GroupMe Chat Group: Link
Maria Helgeson: 651-792-5650
Respect Life Group
The mission of the Respect Life Group is to promote the truth of the teachings of the Catholic Church with the respect to the sanctity of life, love and the dignity from the moment of conception to natural death of all humanity made in the image and likeness of God. Life matters at all levels, and faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty. We are called to cherish, defend and protect those who are the most vulnerable.
As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference.” We provide information relating to disabilities, aging, end of life issues, sanctity and dignity of life, marriage as a sacrament, local family resources, and response to unplanned pregnancies. We promote efforts to support the Moms in Need initiative.
If you would like to be a part of this active ministry, please contact us at catholicformation@icspcatholic.com.
Student Training
Immaculate Conception and St. Patrick’s will be present age-appropriate abuse awareness and resistance training to all children enrolled in Catholic formation. This training session is the parish’s and the Diocese of Superior’s response to the mandates of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth: Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal.
Parents and other responsible adults want to protect children from those who might harm them, but no child can be supervised every moment of the day. This training will help your child recognize unhealthy relationships, appropriate ways to reduce the likelihood of being abused, and how to get help from others. Most importantly, this information will be presented to your child in a manner that reinforces his/her value as a person created in the image and likeness of God, who deserves love and respect.
CMG Connect Training
At Immaculate Conception Church and St. Patrick’s Church, we utilize the program provided by the Diocese of Superior called CMG Connect. The program provides online training to all adult volunteers and employees and maintains the certifications for adult volunteers across the diocese. We also perform a background check prior to any adult volunteer interacting with minors at any level. Both the certification and background check are renewed at least every 5 years.
CMG Connect stems from the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. For more information, please visit the Diocese Website.
If you are a volunteer looking for information or assistance with CMG Connect training for yourself or your high school youth who plans to volunteer, please contact Trevor Swanson at t.swanson@ic-church.com or (715) 246-4652 (x233).
Seasonal series are adult formation series or individual day or evening classes that are structured programs designed to deepen faith and understanding for adults. They can cover a range of topics as well as provide discipleship and discussion opportunities. Any one or all of the four pillars of the Catechism are intertwined as part of the experience and are a key part of our two parishes’ efforts to foster faith development and equip individuals for their roles in the Church and the world.
The parishes’ calendar and upcoming events pages list the currently planned upcoming opportunities. You can also contact the Director of Catholic Formation at a.tenner@ic-church.com for more information.
Catechist Training
Catechist training is built for our volunteer catechists and assistants who teach our youth of all ages. It is a “how to” for forming the hearts of their students. Training not only allows each of us to grow in our personal knowledge of faith, but also to come together in prayer and fellowship with others who serve in the same ministry as we do. It allows us to continue to build our support network. Small group discussion and catechetical certification through Franciscan At Home updates will also be part of training.
The parishes’ calendar lists the currently planned upcoming training. You can also contact the Director of Catholic Formation at a.tenner@ic-church.com for more information.
Extreme Faith Camp
Extreme Faith Camp is an exciting summer camp experience! The week will be filled with a ton of activities, including swimming, canoeing, crafts, rock climbing, high ropes course, mountain biking, games, speakers, and music. Add in small group sessions, service opportunities, daily Mass, participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and you’ll find an EXTREME week long camp. During the week you will build new friendships with other teens as you find yourself drawing closer to Jesus Christ. This is a summer event run by the Diocese of Superior and takes place at CrossWoods Adventure Camp in Mason, WI. This is a once a year opportunity for 6th -12th graders to share with their classmates and friends. Middle schoolers are campers and high schoolers serve as group leaders. Registrations accepted November- December.
High School Discipleship Weekend
Our High School Discipleship Weekends are designed to provide an immersive experience, focusing on these three pillars: Sacramental Encounter, Christian Community, Intimate Prayer. We invite all high school teens across the diocese who are ready to “drop their nets” and follow Jesus with greater intention to “come and see.” This is a Fall event that is run by the Diocese of Superior and takes place at CrossWoods Adventure Camp in Mason, WI. This event is for youth in grades 9th-12th.
March 4 Life
This is a pilgrimage offered to high school students, wherein we are called to stand and march, united, as Catholics. Our parishes join with the rest of the Diocese of Superior and march because we envision a future world where the beauty and dignity of EVERY human life, from conception to natural death, is valued and protected. It is a beautiful way to glorify the sanctity of life. This is a national event that takes place in January in Washington D.C. This event is open to youth in grades 9th-12th.
National Catholic Youth Conference
The National Catholic Youth Conference is a powerfully unique three-day experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers of high school age and their adult chaperones.
NCYC is the premier Catholic youth event on a national scale that gathers people from all across America for a life-changing encounter with Christ. This is an event that takes place in the Fall in multiple locations, depending on the location chosen. This event is for youth in grades 9th-12th.
Pulse
This is a fun and engaging opportunity for youth to connect with each other and grow in their faith through fellowship and fun. We provide opportunities for students to come together on a quarterly basis to build strong friendships and prepare them for a life of evangelization and service in their upcoming years. This event is designed for middle school youth, grades 6th-8th.
High School Ignite
Ignite high school discipleship aims to nurture students’ faith and spiritual growth, often through Bible study, mentoring, and community involvement, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their faith and how to live it out. We strive to instill and reinforce their call to be the hands and feet of Christ. This program is specifically designed for 11th and 12th graders.
Steubenville Youth Conference
At each Steubenville Youth Conference, teens experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ that ignites their faith, strengthens their prayer life, and empowers them to live on mission long after the conference ends. In addition to three days of amazing speakers, teens will have opportunities for worship, adoration, and confession, while enjoying fellowship with hundreds of other teens who share the same Catholic faith. This is a summer event that has multiple locations, depending on the dates our parishes select. This event is specifically for youth in grades 9th-12th.
Totus Tuus
Totally Yours
Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase meaning “totally yours”. It was the motto of St. Pope John Paul II signifying a complete dedication to Jesus Christ through Mary.
Mission
Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship. The methodology, structure, content, and enthusiasm of Totus
Tuus is concerned with not only teaching the faith but also igniting the hearts of the team members and young people. The result has been the formation of young adults who continue to dedicate themselves to the Church’s mission of evangelization.
Details
Our parishes of Immaculate Conception and St. Patrick’s are the hosts for four young adult missionaries who travel to several parishes in our diocese in June and July to share their faith messages with youth of our parishes. We host a week in June where youth from other parishes are also invited to attend. The evenings Sunday – Thursday are spent with incoming grades 7 through high school youth, and days Monday – Friday are dedicated to children in incoming grades K – 6. Registration is required, so watch the parishes’ website in spring to sign up your children. It is a week of fun and faith experiences, and it is free to attend. For more information, contact cfdepartment@gmail.com.
Catholic Heart Work Camp
Mission
Catholic Heart Work Camp, also known as Work Camp or CHWC for short, offers short-term mission trips for Catholic youth groups. We provide everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Catholic HEART Work Camp faithfully and enthusiastically serves the Catholic Church and its teachings and is an excellent opportunity to “love the least of these.”
Our mission is to share the love of Christ as we serve the neglected, brokenhearted, and marginalized in any way needed. Equally, we strive to inspire participants to live as disciples of Christ through serving others as a way of life; and to foster the Catholic faith of each participant through the sacraments, prayer, and involvement in social service. Love. Serve. Connect. Through Work Camp with Christ this summer.
Details
Each July, a group of high school youth and adults from our two parishes of Immaculate Conception and St. Patrick’s travel to a predetermined camp site hosted by the CHWC organization. It is a weeklong journey and experience where we meet youth and adults
from various parts of the country who have all traveled to come together in community to serve others and grow in faith. Mass is celebrated each day, with opportunities also to pray during Adoration and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. We never know
how we will serve during the week through physical work or spending time getting to know someone who needs an ear to listen to their struggles.
Registration takes place in the Fall for the following July. For more information, contact
Arlene Tenner at a.tenner@ic-church.com or 715-246-4652 x 228.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a fun, week-long, interactive summer event we hold in partnership with St. Anne Church in Somerset, WI. The program is held at St. Anne School for children 3 years old through 4th grade to help them learn more about their faith in creative and engaging ways.
Our theme this year is “True North.” We will be taking your kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure and guiding them towards the “True North” – Jesus Christ. Along the way we will build connections to the real experiences of the Alaskan frontier – grizzlies, moose, glaciers, and more – while we learn what it means to trust in Jesus.
Registration is online. There is a $25.00 registration fee that includes an event t-shirt. Visit the St. Anne Website to register.
Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated! Anyone who has completed 5th grade and up is welcome to help and be a part of this wild, True North experience. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the St. Anne Website for more details and to sign up. If you have questions, please contact Kristin Dittman at k.dittman@ic-church.com or call at 715-246-4652 x260.
CF Committee
Jesus Christ always worked in community with His 12 apostles and His disciples. Jesus and His followers never did anything without thought, understanding, and within community. Our advisory committee will work together in this same manner, keeping in accord with Christ’s mission for us. Members serving on this committee need to be open and willing to lay out, research, and review options presented when looking at current programming as well as in the discernment of new opportunities for young and old alike.
This committee always welcomes new members. More information is available at a.tenner@ic-church.com or 715-246-4652, x228.
Dinner Committee
“Food is the way to the heart”. The CF dinner committee puts that into action on Wednesday evenings by preparing and serving a healthy dinner at 5:15-6:20pm at Immaculate Conception. The dinner is served in conjunction with Wednesday’s when there is Catholic Formation in session. Everyone is welcome to enjoy food and fellowship on any Wednesday evening that dinner is being served.
This committee always welcomes new members. More information is available at a.tenner@ic-church.com or 715-246-4652, x228.