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.
• Taizé Pilgrimage: We will return to Taizé in February during the New Canaan Public School winter break (February 13-23, 2025). For more details and to register, be in touch with Fr. John . The last day to register is October 15.

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

Taizé Youth (9-12^th Grade) Pilgrimage: February 13-23, 2025

We are returning to Taizé! Taizé is an ecumenical Christian monastic community in rural France focused on bringing youth and young adults together for Bible study, prayer, and communal work. Over 100,000 young people from around the world visit each year. This year, we are joining with Christ Church Bronxville who has led high school youth on this pilgrimage for over 20 years. Fr. John will lead our St. Mark’s pilgrims.

Our primary destination is the Taizé Community, where we will spend seven days immersed in its rhythm of life. We’ll begin our journey with a few days in Madrid, exploring the rich culture of this vibrant city, including the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, and Plaza Mayor, while acclimating and fostering friendships.

Registration closes on October 15. The cost of the trip is $2,800. Register or learn more and be in touch with Fr. John (jkennedy@stmarksnewcanaan.org) if you have any questions.

Confirmation Class Registration is Open! 

Registration for the 2024-25 Confirmation Class is now underway. Confirmation Class will be taught by Fr. John and is open to youth in 8th grade or above. Sign up online (or email Fr. John at jkennedy@stmarksnewcanaan.org). Classes will begin Sunday, October 6. A schedule of classes can be found on the signup form. Registration will close at the end of the month.