Director of Faith Formation
(616) 935-8737
Email Tony
We are entering a period of new vitality for the Church, a period in which adult Catholic laity will play a pivotal leadership role in fulfilling the Christian mission of evangelizing and transforming society. For adults to fulfill their roles in this new era of the Church, their faith formation must be lifelong, just as they must continue to keep up in the changing world.
“Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us” statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops
Welcome to Children’s Faith Formation!
As disciples of Christ we have the privilege to pass on the Catholic faith to our children. Here in Children’s Faith Formation we support parents as they help their children strive to become saints.
Each time we gather, our mission is to encounter Christ, grow in faith, and witness as joyful missionary disciples through the following:
Coordinator of Student Discipleship
(616) 935-8739
Email Makenzie
All 9th-12th grade students are invited to the Youth Center on Sundays at 7:00 PM. Please join us as we walk with Jesus and our parish mentors in learning about our faith while sharing spirit-filled discipleship moments with our friends.
Find Your People. Grow in Faith. Live with Purpose.
If you’re a young adult ages 18–35, post high school, and looking for community, you’re in the right place. Lakeshore Catholic Young Adults is a growing ministry made up of several Catholic parishes along the beautiful lakeshore—from Holland to Muskegon.
Whether you’re new to the area, just out of college, starting your career, or somewhere in between, we invite you to connect with others who are also navigating faith and life in this season.
We host a variety of events—from social gatherings and service opportunities to faith-filled nights of prayer, discussion, and worship. No matter where you’re at on your journey, you belong here.
Stay in the loop!
Click the button below to sign up for our email list and get updates on upcoming events and meetups happening throughout the Lakeshore. or reach out to lakeshorecatholicyam@gmail.com. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @catholic_ya_lakeshore
Let’s walk this road together. You’re not alone.
Coordinator of Student Discipleship
(616) 935-8739
Email Makenzie
Middle school faith formation offers opportunities to foster personal relationships with Jesus Christ in ways that best relate to 7th & 8th grade youth. This ministry is relational in nature, as teens are beginning to understand, question, and take ownership of their faith. There are a variety of activities available for participation, including: faith formation, retreats, social events, & First Priority at their school.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Makenzie.
The Parish Book & CD Rack in the Gathering Space has been a popular and useful source for good Catholic literature and teaching. Periodically we are going to recommend some noteworthy works for you.
We also have a free public library on the bookcase in the corner of Gathering Space leading into the Family Center; please help yourself to a selection there.. You may drop off books for review to Tony twice a year.
Now Enrolling – Preschool through 8th Grade
At St. Mary’s Catholic School, we are a welcoming Catholic community—alive in Christ and committed to making present the kingdom of God. We are proud to support the mission of St. Patrick–St. Anthony Parish to Know, Love, and Serve Jesus Christ, and we are blessed to have many parish families as part of our school community.
This shared mission calls us to go forth and make disciples—and at St. Mary’s, that journey begins with our children.
Here, students don’t just learn—they grow in faith, build character, and discover their God-given potential. Rooted in the Gospel and strengthened by prayer, our school is a place where young hearts learn to trust God deeply—and when they do, they soar.
We believe that with Christ at the center, all things are possible. Each day at St. Mary’s is filled with opportunities to encounter Jesus, serve others, and rise to new heights—through academics, spirituality, and personal connections that last a lifetime.
Come see how faith takes flight. Trusting God, we SOAR—together.
stmarysl.org/school
(616) 842-1282
Candice Kilmon, Preschool Director – ext. 230
Maureen Turner, Principal – ext. 201
Your child belongs here.
Welcome to Student Discipleship
Looking for a place where your faith isn’t just talked about but lived out? You’ve come to the right spot. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone who wants to learn more, this is where the journey begins. Here, you’ll find what the Holy Spirit is stirring up among teens just like you—real people discovering how to follow Jesus in today’s world. Dive in and see how you can be part of something bigger.
What is the Holy Spirit Inviting Us to Do in Student Discipleship?
The Holy Spirit wants to raise up a generation who:
- Know Jesus for real, not just in stories
- Are bold enough to share their faith, no matter what
- Live out the Gospel every single day
This isn’t just about church events—it’s about forming young people (grades 7-12) into confident, mission-ready disciples who make a difference.
“Come, follow me.” — Matthew 4:19
Our Inspiration: The Road to Emmaus
Just like the disciples who walked the road to Emmaus, we want to walk with teens personally and spiritually as they discover Jesus in their lives.
What Teens Really Need
To thrive in their faith, teens need:
- Real, personal encounters with Jesus—not just Sunday school lessons
- Families who live what they believe every day
- Opportunities to grow, ask questions, and get involved
To understand the heart of the Gospel (the Kerygma) and see how it fits into their lives
Our Core Values
- Real encounters with Jesus you can’t ignore
- Guidance led by the Holy Spirit toward becoming the saints you’re meant to be
- Living the Gospel every day through prayer and order
- Teaming up with parents and families to grow faith together
Peer-led groups where students help each other follow Jesus
The Culture We’re Building
We want a faith community where:
- Parents are fired up about their own faith and ready to lead
- Traditions aren’t boring—they’re powerful ways to connect with God
- Students lead, mentor, and support each other
- Mentors are trained to walk with you, not preach at you
- Mentors get monthly chances to grow too
- Everyone feels like they belong—no faking it here
- Events fit busy schedules (because life is hectic)
- There’s space to pause, pray, and have real conversations
The Big Question
Student Discipleship isn’t a program—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about real friendships, daily changes, and a mission that lasts a lifetime. Jesus asks every one of us:
“Who do you say that I am?”
How will you answer?