Holy Saints ACC Youth

08/06/2026

Social Media Update:
Over the coming weeks we will be streamlining our new parish’s social media presence. We will use the St. Mary Help of Christians page instead of Holy Saints ACC Youth going forward. Once Bishop Neary has selected our new parish name, we will be able to change from St. Mary Help of Christians to the new name while maintaining our following. So, if you use Facebook, please start following St. Mary Help of Christians now for all important parish updates related to St. Wendelin, Holy Cross and SMHOC.

Please also note: our St. Wendelin Catholic School and Illuminate Youth Ministries pages and websites will continue to be in use for the foreseeable future. Our Holy Saints ACC website (holysaintsmn.org) is being phased out and preliminary work on a new parish website has begun.

Thank you for walking with us through this season. We appreciate your patience as we build what's next!

St. Mary Help of Christians Parish
Illuminate Youth Ministries
St. Wendelin Catholic School

07/31/2026

We want to highlight the two options for faith formation that are within our formerly known Holy Saints Area Catholic Community. (See below)

Holy Cross, St. Wendelin, St. Mary Help of Christians:
https://www.jotform.com/form/261406943799168

Programming begins Wednesday, October 7th!

Our program includes childcare, a hands-on Kindergarten & 1st Grade learning room, elementary rotations in Catechism, Saints & Art, and Scripture, middle school
formation (Grades 6–8), sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation (9th & 10th), and adult faith formation featuring OCIA topics for all adults—including those discerning becoming Catholic.

Whether you're a child, teen, parent, grandparent, lifelong Catholic, or simply exploring the faith, there's a place for you. We look forward to seeing all ages of parishioners growing, learning, praying, and walking together in Christ this year!

Family Faith Formation Volunteers Needed!

As we begin planning for next year's Family Faith Formation program, we are looking for volunteers to help make it a success. Programming meets twice a month at St. Mary Help of Christians.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Childcare: (3-5 helpers needed)

K & 1st Grade Group Teachers

3-4 leaders will lead the group through hands-on learning stations, stories and songs.

Elementary Small Group Leaders (Grades 2–5)
Lead a small group of children as they rotate through activities, Scripture, and faith formation sessions.

Middle School Small Group Leaders (Grades 6–8)
Build relationships with youth, assist during presentations & games, and lead small group discussions.

Adult Table Leaders
Offer a welcoming presence, foster conversation, and support participants. No preparation required.

Meal Sponsors
Sponsor a meal ($200 donation).

Hospitality Meal Servers Assist with meal service, setup, and cleanup from 4:30–6:30 p.m.



St. Anne & St. Nicholas:
https://forms.gle/ahuH4jwzrEWF2xyE6
Faith Formation Faith Formation will begin on September 23 and will be held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Schedule:
5:30 PM - Family meal
6:00-7:00 PM – Faith Formation classes
7:00 PM – Parents and students gather in church for a wrap-up message from Father Don
7:15 PM - Dismissal

We Need Your Help! Faith Formation is a parish-wide ministry, and we are looking for: Teachers and catechists, classroom assistants, kitchen and meal volunteers, general volunteers to help with hospitality and organization.

Please prayerfully consider how you can help support our children and families. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the parish office.

Planning Reminder: Getting your registrations in early helps us ensure we have the right number of catechists and materials ready for day one. Thank you for your prompt response and continued support of our youth ministry!

Please click the link to complete this form.

07/24/2026

Christian Concert alert 🚨 🚨

Tickets: https://celebratemn.org/?fbclid=IwVERDUATPoWhwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4k8ni3hOSGRVeZfTwpoD0V0mLPsH1VbhYhxG21zJPRltKP9vPZGwQ7E5hxnw_aem_7E_xiiwlJIGI1hv8MAY65Q

07/15/2026

Steubenville 2026

What an incredible week! Our teens and chaperones experienced a truly unforgettable encounter with Jesus Christ at the Steubenville Youth Conference.

Our pilgrimage began with fellowship and fun before traveling to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin. At the conference, our teens participated in dynamic talks, separate men's and women's sessions, praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and powerful prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They also enjoyed exploring the Catholic marketplace and, of course, the famous Steubenville mosh pit!

The conference concluded with Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert Barron, followed by an evening at Camp Victory filled with testimonies, affirmation journals, laughter, and friendship.

Throughout the trip, our days were filled with Jesus, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, prayer, small groups, the Liturgy of the Hours, worship, and authentic community. More than anything, they were filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Steubenville is so much more than a conference. It is an opportunity for young people to encounter the living God, experience the beauty of the Catholic Church, build lasting friendships rooted in faith, and discover that they are deeply loved and personally called by Jesus Christ.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us, supported us, and made this trip possible. Please continue to pray for our young church!

07/11/2026

Day Two 🙏🏻

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe ☀️

Start of the Conference!!!

Pray for us!!

07/09/2026

And we’re off!

We are off to Steubenville Rochester! Please keep our group in your prayers this weekend!!

07/07/2026

All moved in! Illuminate Youth Group Kick Off July 19th! 6:30-8:30 St. Mary Help of Christians

Meet our moving crew! Hope to see you July 19th for our kick-off at St Mary Help of Christians!

06/26/2026

Totus Tuus! Classes, Masses, Skits, Songs & Hymns, and lots of friends and fun! Thank you to our wonderful teams, host families, meal providers, HS and adult helpers, priests, and families for making it a great week!

St. Mary Help of Christians Parish
Erik Lundgren

06/23/2026

What an Extreme Week!!
This past week, our Illuminate group experienced Extreme Faith Camp at Trinity Woods Catholic Camp. More than just a summer camp, it was a week-long opportunity for our middle school youth to encounter Christ, grow in their faith, and build lasting friendships. Throughout the week, our campers participated in daily Mass, Adoration, Confession, inspiring talks, small group discussions, recreation, and a variety of outdoor activities.

The camp experience was made possible by many people serving in different roles. Youth Ministers spent the year planning and preparing for camp, then led talks and coordinated the week. A dedicated Prayer Team of 9th and 10th graders spent the entire week interceding for campers, leaders, and all that God desired to do during the week. The Extreme Team, made up of 11th and 12th graders, served as small group leaders and mentors, walking closely with campers throughout the week. College-age young adults on the Dream Team worked behind the scenes to set up activities and keep camp running smoothly. Adult chaperones provided support and care for campers, while the Trinity Woods staff oversaw camp operations, including recreation areas, lifeguarding, zip line activities, and more.

Most importantly, Extreme Faith Camp gave our young people opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ through the sacraments, prayer, friendship, and the witness of faithful peers and leaders. We are incredibly grateful to everyone whose prayers and generosity helped make this transformative week possible for our youth.

Thank you againt to all those who spiritually and financially supported our group!

Want to see some of the fun? View our recap videos here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XVwDPC-LsM&t=1s

06/13/2026

Day #4 🍨 🙏🏻

Erik Lundgren

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