Summer Academy

Experience a whole year of Faith Formation in one fun-filled week of learning and experiencing the Catholic faith.

Education, fellowship, service projects, MUSIC!, Adoration, Mass and more.

How do I register?
Registration begins January 8, 2025.
Visit this page again between January 8 and April 30 to register for either of the Summer Academy camps.

What is it?   
It is an immersion experience of Faith Formation. It is one full week of learning about and experiencing our Catholic faith. It replaces the traditional model of weekly Wednesday Faith Formation.

Who is it for?
Children ages 4 – entering the 8^th grade who are ready to learn more about their Catholic faith.

When is it? 

• June 23-27 OR August 4 – 8, 2025

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM for grades 1-8

8:30 – 11:30 AM for preschool – Kindergarten

Where will it take place?
At the Parish Life Center of St. Mary of the Lake Church, home to Frassati Catholic Academy.

How much does it cost?

$150 per child entering grades 1-8 (fall of 2025), $100 for ages 4 – entering Kindergarten, with a $350 family maximum. Scholarships are available.

For families who choose not to or cannot participate in the 2025 Summer Academy, you will have the choice of registering for the once-a-month Family Faith Formation or Home Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

Why does it cost more than the traditional program during the school year?
First, we hire professional teachers and support staff to teach the children as opposed to operating strictly with volunteers. Second, the number of instructional hours is greater for Summer Academy at 32.5 hours than it is in the traditional Wednesday afternoon program of 26.25 hours. Third, we are able to do more with the children like daily art, service projects and music that we just do not have time for during the traditional program year.

Will the children prepare to receive their Sacraments during Summer Academy?
No, but this does fill a prerequisite for those who intend to enroll in the parish Sacramental preparation program in the fall (Confirmation preparation) or springtime (First Reconciliation & First Eucharist) at St. Mary of the Lake.

What are some of the benefits of experiencing Faith Formation in this format?
Have you ever been to camp? Participating in a program that focuses on one specific topic, all day, with the same group of children, produces a greater amount of learning, community building and relationship building that will stick with them for years to come.

What about the rest of the year?
In addition to weekly Mass, the Summer Academy children are expected to live out their baptismal call by attending events and opportunities throughout the rest of the year. It will enable them to see the friends they made and enhance the learning they developed. Follow the email and bulletin announcements to find these “Passport of Faith” events. It is up to the parents/families to take advantage of these faith-building events. Participating will show your children that faith community involvement is important to building a good relationship with God.

Is anyone else using this type of model?
Yes, St. Joseph parish in Tom’s River, New Jersey has been using this model for ten years and they LOVE IT! To read an overview of their program, visit their website: https://stjosephtomsriver.org or for their overview video – view here.

One lunch and occasional snacks are included. Volunteers and licensed (or previously licensed) teachers are needed.

For more information contact Karlene Feidt, the Director of Faith Formation at [email protected] , 651-429-7771, option 1

For families who choose not to or cannot participate in Summer Academy, registration for the 2024-2025 fall Faith Formation will take place in April. Program choices are, the once-a-month Sunday Family Formation, or the Home Program. You may also choose to attend a formation program at a neighboring parish.