Odyssey is St. John’s adventure-filled faith formation experience for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade and their families. Every gathering invites young explorers to discover God’s love through exciting games, creative challenges, hands-on activities, music, storytelling, and unforgettable experiences. Along the journey, children build friendships, grow in their Catholic faith, and learn that following Jesus is the greatest adventure they will ever embark on—one their whole family is invited to share.
We meet most Sundays in the Portico
at 10:30am -11:45am
Registration will begin on August 1st! Our first session is Sunday, September 27th!
What is an Odyssey Session Like?
Many people are familiar with faith formation sessions for children looking very much like a classroom: kids are issued workbooks and a teacher lectures them. While that method has it’s merits, education studies have confirmed the best way children learn is through hands on learning.
We strive to have children be as active as they can through worship music, interactive story telling and interactive activities. Instead of having a class, children are grouped into a small group of similar ages to help them facilitate age appropriate discussions
Should I enroll my kids in Odyssey if my kids go to a Catholic school or we home school?
Yes!
We have carefully designed Odyssey to be an experience that supplements these forms of Catholic education. Odyssey is also more than information about the Catholic faith as we hope our activities allow children to apply and live their out their faith in experiences that translate over to their lives outside of our Odyssey sessions
26-27 Calendar
Click on “See Details” Button to being your registration
Children's Liturgy of the Word
1st Sunday of Every Month: Children’s Homily, 9am and 11am Mass
3rd Sunday of Every Month: Children’s Liturgy of the Word in the Portico, 9am Mass
Mass Resources for Children and Families
Catholic Family Crate (Use SJWEST @ check out to receive 20% off your purchase!)
Other Children's Ministries
Boy Scouts
St. John parish sponsors a Boy Scout Troop. Boy Scout Troop #420 – For boys aged 10/12 to 18 years of age. The Troop meets at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in the cafeteria of St. John School. For more information contact Chris Joneckis 410-795-0069 / joneckis@comcast.net
Cub Scouts
St. John sponsors a Cub Scout Pack #420 – For boys in grades 1-5. Pack meetings are held on the 4th Monday of the month, from September through May at 6:30 p.m. Den meetings are held each Monday at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Mike Myers.
CYO Basketball
CYO Boys & Girls Travel Basketball
Parish-sponsored league for players in grades 4 through 8 interested in representing the St. John School Eagles throughout the Baltimore Archdiocese. Tryouts are held in the St. John School gymnasium in September. Adult volunteers, please call the CYO League coordinator. Contact the Parish Center at 410-848-4744.
Intramural Boys Basketball
Boys’ Intramural
St. John sponsors the program in conjunction with the Carroll County Dept. of Recreation and Parks. Teams are composed of students in kindergarten, 1st-2nd grade, 3rd-4th grade, 5th-6th grades, and 7th-9th grades. Registration is in September, with games scheduled from December through March. For more information, visit SJWestBasketball.com.