St. John Neumann
Middle School Ministry
(6th-8th Graders)
Parent Newsletter
YOUTH NEWSLETTER - Please be aware that, if you reported your youth's email address during registration or we otherwise have an email address on file for them, they will be getting a modified version of this email. You can find that YOUTH NEWSLETTER HERE.
Middle School Faith Formation

Rooted is the Middle School Faith Formation program at St. John Neumann parish. Rooted takes a different approach to Faith Formation and consists of a series of sessions which follow a retreat model focused on providing an engaging and meaningful experience. The Rooted year consists of a series of two-and-a-half-hour sessions and two longer “retreat” days. Through these sessions, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders participate in learning, fellowship, service, prayer, and fun, with a focus on becoming more ROOTED in their Catholic faith.
Middle School Youth Ministry

Branching Out is the Middle School Youth Ministry program at St. John Neumann parish. Branching Out aims to provide a number of opportunities for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to engage in service-oriented, social, and faith-growing experiences to complement the Rooted program. As we become more ROOTED in our faith, we are called to BRANCH OUT as Christ's hands in the world around us.
Adult Volunteers Needed - We still need a few adults to join our Rooted team as Assistants so that we can have each breakout room supervised by two adults while allowing volunteers in other roles to focus more fully on their tasks. Assistants do NOT need to plan or come prepared and they can participate at their comfort level. Contact Angela Davis ([email protected]) to sign up or with any questions you may have.
Rooted Challenge Activity - The youth are asked to complete a "challenge" between sessions. The current challenge (due Nov 8, 9, and 15) is based on the Salesian theme of appreciation. The youth should:
  • Read the verses for "Grateful" in the "when I'm feeling..." section of their Bible (found towards the end).
  • Think about the things in their lives that they are grateful for.
  • Create a Zoom background which symbolizes their appreciation and use the background at their next Rooted session. (If your computer does not allow for backgrounds, they can still create the image and screen share it with their group.)
Thanksgiving Drive - The food drive bins for our annual Thanksgiving Drive are in the Narthex until November 15. We are asking all Faith Formation youth to donate $3 along with a specific food item:
  • 6th Grade Youth: Three cans of fruit
  • 7th Grade Youth: One 24oz bottle of oil (olive or canola)
  • 8th Grade Youth: Two 2lb bags of flour or sugar

If you would prefer to donate financially only, please give online!
Service Opportunity!!!
Trunk or Treat Volunteering - Email Eric Munoz ([email protected]) with any questions.

Service Opportunity!!!
Thanksgiving Baskets - The SJN High School Youth Ministry has invited the 6th-8th graders to participate in their Thanksgiving service event! (Please be aware that there is Rooted scheduled for the Sunday B group during the evening time slot.) Email Eric Munoz ([email protected]) with any questions.

Edge Summer Camp - In the summer of 2021, Branching Out will take a group of rising 6th through 9th graders to Georgia for a week of Catholic summer camp full of fun, faith, mud, adventure, and more fun! Registration will begin sometime in November. Stay tuned for more information and get ready to camp! This camp is run through Life Teen. Check out their camp website or this promotional video!
High School Placement Test (HSPT) - For those planning to attend Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools in the Fall of 2021, it is time to register for the HSPT. You can find more information on the Diocesan website.
Thank you for all you do to make your youth's faith formation a priority and for inviting us to support them along this wonderful journey.

Angela Davis
Coordinator of Middle School Faith Formation
St. John Neumann Church
Reston, VA 20191
[703-390-2345]  [[email protected]]  [www.saintjn.org]