Middle and High School Faith Formation - December Newsletter

Teens help decorate Good Shepherd for Christmas

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
December 3
Formation in Christian Chastity (MS 2nd Year) 
December 7
Formation in Christian Chastity (MS 2nd Year) 
December 21 - 31
No class - Christmas Holiday
January 4
Thursday classes resume
January 7
Sunday classes resume

ALL STUDENTS
Celebrate Advent Through Service!
There are many ways teens can celebrate Advent by serving the parish and community. Visit the Teen Volunteer Opportunities page for December opportunities. Highlights include:
Journey to the Manger  

• Thursday, December 7  -- Baking Night for Saturday's Journey to the Manger (adults needed, too)
• ​Saturday, December 9 -- Bring Bethlehem to life at this fun event for parish children.
• Details, times, and sign-up for both events HERE

"Wrap-It-Up" Gift Wrapping and Babysitting - Saturday, December 16, 12 - 4pm

• Wrap presents to benefit Alice's Kids or babysit to benefit Good Shepherd High School WorkCamp.
• Sign up for wrapping HERE. Contact Miguel, m.deangel@gs-cc.org to sign up for babysitting.

Decorate the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception - Monday, December 18

• Join teens from other parishes at this fun event in D.C. Meet at GS at 4:45pm, return between 9 - 10pm​. Sign-Up and Permission Form HERE 

Decorate Good Shepherd for Christmas - December 23 and 24​

• ​Help make our parish beautiful and welcoming for Christmas.
• Contact Anne Shingler, a.shingler@gs-cc.org

Knights of Columbus "Keep Christ in Christmas" Poster Contest
Students in Pre-K to 8th grade are invited to participate in the annual "Keep Christ in Christmas" poster contest.  All participants receive a certificate.  Local 1st and 2nd place winners receive cash prizes, and their posters may advance to District competition and beyond! Participation is easy:

• Create a poster, approximately 11x17 inches, with partcipant's name on the back.
• Complete Part 1 of the Contest Entrance Form, available HERE and on the MSHS Bulletin Board
• Turn in posters at Good Shepherd by December 17, 2017

Contest rules and more information are found on the form.
Questions? Contact Steve Higgins, higginsssmh8@gmail.com or 703-360-7376.  

​​FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
​Service to Parish Project
First Year students complete a service project of a minimum of 6 hours of service at Good Shepherd.

• The project assignment is available HERE
• Visit the Teen Volunteer Opportunities Page for ways to serve.

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS
​Reminder About Weekly Homework
​All 2nd Year students are given 2 homework assignments each week:
1. Challenge of the Week: Students are asked to choose one among three weekly challenges to live their faith, and to write a few sentences reflecting on their experience.
2. Hero of the Week: Students are asked to read a one-page biography of a saint as part of their preparation to choose a Confirmation name.
Parents: Please check in with your children to encourage them to do their weekly homework and come prepared to class to talk about it in their small groups.

​YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
Visit the Youth Ministry Pages for details on upcoming events for Middle and High Schoolers!

​Middle School Youth Group
Thursdays 6:15-7:15pm (when MSHS classes meet)

​High School Youth Group
Sundays 7:30 - 9:00pm