Rooted

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 seven 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.


Please contact Angela Davis adavis@saintjn.org if you have any questions.


2026-2027 Rooted Year Calendar

Rooted youth are registered for ONE of the following sessions. Youth are welcome to "make-up" any missed sessions with another day/time if needed. January 10 and February 27 are retreat days where everyone is expected to attend.

VOLUNTEER TEAM INFORMATION

Signup for our 2026/2027 Rooted Volunteer Team using the link in the image below! If you have any questions or want to get involved sooner with our Branching Out Ministry, please email Angela at adavis@saintjn.org.

Rooted volunteers generally serve in the following roles:

  • Small Group Facilitators - Accompany a small group of youth through the program for the year. Be present with them through lessons and guide them through team building and small group discussions. (All lesson plans and materials are provided for you.)
  • Floaters - Attend Rooted sessions and be ready to help where needed. Usually filling in for Small Group Facilitators who are absent.
  • Station Leaders - Lead a 30 minute lesson (detailed plans and materials are provided for you) to groups of youth. Usually leading the same lesson multiple times during a session.
  • Session Coordinators - Help behind the scenes to keep the program running smoothly.
  • Hall and Snack Monitors - Monitor snack and hallways and transitions for safety. Assist with clean-up and supervision as needed.
  • Set-Up Coordinators - Come to the church on Rooted Sundays 12:30pm-2pm to help prepare rooms and materials for the Rooted sessions. Supervise youth volunteers.


We are looking to add a few new and unique volunteer roles this year. So please consider if you might be called to serve our youth in one or more of the following ways:

  • Photographer / Videographer - Be present during some of the Rooted sessions to take photos.
  • Media Editor - Put together videos and slide shows from the Rooted photos and videos.
  • Fund Raising Team - Work with a team to create and execute a fund raising plan for the year with the goal of funding our efforts to feed and serve those in need.
  • Prayer Team - Coordinate with others to make sure that we have people in place to consistently pray for our young people as they navigate the challenges of growing up in today's world while becoming more deeply rooted in Christ.

Middle School Youth Ministry

6th-8th Grade

There are other events and opportunities available through our Branching Out ministry. All 6th-8th Grade youth at St. John Neumann are welcome and encouraged to join any Branching Out events (guest are often welcome as well). Check out our Branching Out webpage!


Rooted in Service

The Rooted program works to provide 40,000 meals to the hungry each year, and we need your support! Rooted and Branching Out also engage in other service efforts throughout the year, such as making blankets for the elderly, baking cookies for Kairos (SJN’s prison ministry), and other projects that answer our call to be Christ’s hands in the world. Check out our Rooted in Service webpage!