High School Youth Group

Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings following the 5:00 pm service, from 5:45–6:45 pm in the Youth Room. These relaxed, come-as-you-are gatherings include check-ins (highs and lows), prayer, food, and discussion sparked by something shared by a group member or leader, such as a book passage, poem, or film clip. When time allows, we also play games like foosball or cards. At least once a month, we’ll replace the regular meeting with a special activity, such as offsite outings or movie nights. See our full meeting schedule for the fall HERE.

Other Youth Group offerings and activities include:

• Monthly Outings: We will have monthly offsite social outings, such as mini-golf, hiking, and bowling. Upcoming outings include mini golf at Norwalk Cove Marina on September 15th, hiking at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on October 5th, and bowling at Pinstripes in Norwalk on November 17th.
• Sunday Movie Nights: Held quarterly in the Youth Room, featuring films relevant to youth, our world, and faith. Our first movie night of the year is on Sunday, October 6th.
• Laundry Love: On the first Wednesday of each month, join us for a hands-on outreach opportunity at Laundry Love in East Norwalk from 5:00–7:00 pm.
• Service Opportunities: Additional outreach opportunities will be announced soon.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, Fr. John would love to hear from you! You can also stay connected by following us on Instagram: @stmarksncyouth.

Coming Up

Youth Group Bowling Night • March 2
After a great night of bowling in November, we’re heading back for round two! St. Mark’s high school youth are invited to Bowling Night at Bowlero in Norwalk on Sunday, March 2, from 6-7:30PM. We’ll meet directly at Bowlero at 6PM and wrap up by 7:30PM. Sign up in advance and help us plan for lanes. Don’t miss out on another awesome night together!

St. Mark’s Youth Summer Service Trip to South Carolina
July 22 – July 27, 2025
For High School Youth (9th-12th Grade)
Join us for a week of service and community in St. Helena Island, SC! Partnering with the St. Helena Gullah Housing Project, we’ll help repair homes for those in need while learning about the rich Gullah culture. We’ll stay on scenic Spring Island, providing space for rest and reflection. Cost will be finalized soon, but last year’s trip was under $300. Interested? Contact Fr. John  to reserve your spot. Incoming 9th graders and graduating seniors are welcome!

Lenten Youth Group (9-12th Grade) Gatherings
Sundays in Lent • 6-7PM
Join us on Sunday evenings in Lent for a time of prayer, scripture, reflection, and communion, followed by food and fellowship. We will gather in the chapel as we explore what it means to walk with Christ through the season of Lent. Communion will be shared with real bread as we reflect on scripture and open ourselves to God’s presence.

Led by Fr. John, these gatherings offer a space for quiet reflection and conversation, followed by time to relax and connect in the youth room.

Schedule & Themes

March 9 – 1st Sunday of Lent
📖 Luke 4:1-13
Theme: “Strength in the Struggle”
Temptation is part of life, but Jesus shows us how to stand firm. How do we find strength in moments of struggle? What spiritual practices help us when we feel tested?

March 16 – 2nd Sunday of Lent
📖 Philippians 3:17-4:1
Theme: “Imitating Christ”
Paul calls the Philippians to follow his example and live as citizens of heaven. Who do we look up to in faith? How do we live as examples to others?

March 23 – 3rd Sunday of Lent
📖 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Theme: “Faith in the Fire”
Trials and temptations come to all of us, but Paul reminds us that God is faithful and will provide a way through. How do we lean on God when we feel tested?

March 30 – 4th Sunday of Lent
📖 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Theme: “Lost and Found”
The parable of the Prodigal Son is a story of wandering, regret, and grace. Where do we find ourselves in this story? How does God call us home?

April 6 – 5th Sunday of Lent
📖 John 12:1-8
Theme: “The Cost of Love”
Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume, an act of extravagant love. What does it mean to give our best to God, even when others don’t understand?

Format
6-6:30 PM • Worship & Reflection (in the chapel)

• Prayer & scripture reading
• Reflection & conversation
• Communion with real bread

6:30-7PM • Food & Fellowship (in the youth room)

• Time to relax, eat, and connect

Lent is a season of reflection and renewal.
Come and be part of this journey together.