Welcome to Child Ministry! St. Mary’s Visitation Parish has teamed up with St. Joseph Parish, in Wauwatosa, to provide you and your family with many great ways to encounter Christ through study, prayer, Sacraments, and community. On this page, you will find information on the following ministry activities and events:

• Catholic Formation Classes
• Mini Retreats for Kids
• First Reconciliation & First Communion
• Family Holy Hour
• Volunteer Opportunities

Contact: Stacy Mangione • 414-771-4626 x107 • mangiones@archmil.org



Bring your whole family to learn about God, the Church, and living in relationship with Christ.

Catholic formation for kids, parents and toddlers:

• kids (K5 - 5th grade): Classes are offered in a traditional classroom setting. We teach kids about God and His Church and help them to know Jesus in a more personal way through prayer, study, and example.
• parents: Sessions are held on-site at the same time as the kids’ sessions. Come for large group presentations and discussions. This year’s focus: “Explaining Your Faith.” Please contact Peter Andrastek (Director of Adult Formation 414-771-4626 x110) for more info and for other ministry opportunities for adults.
• toddlers (1 - 4yrs): Toddler ministry is open to families whose parents are attending the parent sessions. Your little ones will experience the love and joy of Christ in our parish community.

Day, time, and location:
Note: You may sign up for class at either location

• Sunday mornings (9:15 - 10:15 at St. Joseph’s School)
• Wednesday evenings (6:30 - 7:30 at St. Mary’s School)

First class and mandatory parent meeting:

• Wednesday, Sep. 23, 6:30 – 7:30pm, St. Mary’s School (Parent meeting in the Senior Center at the same time)
• Sunday, Sep. 27, 9:15 – 10:15am, St. Joseph School (Parent meeting in the School Hall at the same time)

Sign-up is necessary for Catholic Formation Classes. Please contact the Catholic Formation Office or Stacy Mangione for a registration form.



Child ministry is offering half-day mini retreats for kids. Mini retreats provide the time and place for kids to open their hearts and minds to God. Kids are invited to go deeper in their relationship with Christ through fun faith-filled activities, prayer, and community.

All children from St. Mary’s and St. Joseph are welcome! Kids from Catholic schools, Catholic Formation, home-school families, and anyone else who wants to come, are invited.

Mini retreat schedule:
Retreats are grade specific and held at one of the two parish locations.

• 5th grade retreat - Sat. Oct. 24, St. Mary’s Visitation, Atrium, details TBA
• 4th grade retreat - Sat. Feb. 6, St. Joseph Congregation, School Hall, details TBA
• 3rd grade retreat - Sat. Mar. 13, St. Mary’s Visitation, Atrium, details TBA

Sign-up is necessary. Registration forms will be sent out prior to each retreat. We are still looking for volunteers to help plan and lead retreats. Contact Stacy Mangione with questions or to volunteer.



Preparation programs:
Children 7yrs. & older are invited to join our preparation programs.

• for children in 2nd grade – Preparation for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion is offered through the Catholic grade schools and/or the Catholic Formation Program (see above). Additional meetings and events are required, such as parent meetings, rehearsals, and a special event in March. Registration forms will be sent in fall to all 2nd grade children in the parish.
• for children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade - Special preparation for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Communion is offered on a need-to-need basis. Preparation usually takes place in a small group that meets a few times throughout the year. Please contact Stacy Mangione for details.

Mandatory parent meeting:
If you would like your child to receive Reconciliation and Communion this year, you must attend one of the following meetings (you may attend either session)

• (option 1) Sep. 29 - 1st Reconciliation parent meeting, 6:30 - 7:45pm, at St. Mary’s, Atrium
• (option 2) Oct. 8 - 1st Reconciliation parent meeting, 6:30 - 7:45pm, at St. Joseph, Parish Center

Sign-up is necessary for Sacramental preparation programs. Please contact Stacy Mangione with questions.

Experience the joy and benefits of a Family Holy Hour, where parents and kids pray together and deepen their love for Jesus in the Eucharist. A Family Holy Hour is held once a month at St. Joseph church and is followed by a play-time and social in the parish hall (or outside if weather permits).

A Holy Hour is one hour of Eucharistic Adoration that incorporates singing, guided meditation, vocal prayer, and silence. Eucharistic Adoration is prayer in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

The play-time and social is after the Holy Hour and is a great way to meet other families in the community. Please bring a snack or goodies to share!

• Dates:  (2009-2010) Sep. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, Apr. 9, May 7, Jun. 4
• Time:  Holy Hour: 6:30 - 7:30pm; Play-time/social: following Holy Hour
• Location:  St. Joseph’s church and hall

Contact Stacy Mangione for more info.

Adults and teens are invited to join our ministry team. We are always looking for faithful and committed volunteers who enjoy working with kids.

We need a lot of hands and generous hearts to serve as:

• Catechists (teachers for Catholic Formation classes)
• Classroom assistants (during Catholic Formation classes)
• Hall monitors (during Catholic Formation classes)
• Toddler ministry volunteers (during Catholic Formation classes)
• Small group leaders (on kid retreats)
• Set-up crew (for special events)
• Arts and crafts volunteers (as needed)
• Child ministry assistant (assist the director, Stacy Mangione)
• Leaders for Children’s Liturgy of the Word (at 10:30 Mass, St. Joseph)

Contact Stacy Mangione to get involved. Training and support is provided for all volunteers.

A one-time training session, called Safeguarding All God’s Family, is required for all adult volunteers in our parish. Contact Stacy Mangione for details.