"Ask and you shall receive."
We brainstormed about some common questions we thought you might have, so please take a look and feel free to contact us at any time about anything!
Q: Who is this group for?
A: All high school girls in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Whether you're at a public, private or home school, you are welcome here! Non-Catholics are also welcome to join us as we learn about the Catholic Faith and develop our relationship with Christ. Q: What do you do at events? A: Events will always consist of some form of prayer or reception of the Sacraments with different activities that call us all to deeper communion with Christ and his Church and challenge us to live our Faith passionately with one another as members of the Maria Goretti Society. We might be getting together for praise and worship and adoration, making dinner and cookies at someone's house, watching a movie, going on a hike, the possibilities are endless! We have so many things in mind that we'll reveal throughout the year! Q: How often do you meet? A: MGS hosts monthly events and there will also be spontaneous things that the leaders will offer throughout the month for a little extra time to enjoy each others' friendship with coffee or hot chocolate or a hike outside. We are allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to offer ways for all of us to enjoy each other and our great Faith. Q: What do you have to do to be a member? A: Show up! There is no fee to be a member. However, there will be fees that we will try to not have exceed $15 for different events to cover costs for food, transportation, and/or supplies. Q: Are the leaders and volunteers VIRTUS certified? A: Yes! We take the safety and care of all of the members very seriously. Therefore, all leaders and volunteers will be verified for VIRTUS certification and criminal background checks. Q: Are the leaders CPR/First Aid certified? A: Yes! Q: Who might I/my daughter be driving with? A: If we are going to need to travel for any events, the leaders will use their vehicles and any volunteers who offer. All leaders and volunteers will be asked for disclosure of driving history to ensure that all members are riding with responsible and safe drivers. All drivers will be at least 21 years of age. Q: Do parents/guardians need to sign consent forms? A: There will be consent forms available for parents/guardians to complete at any event that would require it. They will be available at the event and also online in the "Events" section of this website for you to complete ahead of time. This consent forms will also include medical and photo releases. Complete confidentiality will be upheld at all times. |
Q: How many leaders/chaperones will there be for the group?
A: There will always be one adult leader/chaperone for every eight high school women. Q: Is this group connected to a specific parish in Kalamazoo? A: Nope! The Maria Goretti Society is a ministry that is part of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, but is not connected with any one parish. Our hope is that any high school young woman from the Kalamazoo area will come and find MGS to be a place of fellowship, safety, and fun. Q: Do you have to be Catholic? A: MGS is completely devoted to living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ by following the teachings of the Catholic Church in every way. Non-Catholics are welcome to join as we all strive to become who we were created to be and look for ways to live out the call to "love at all times" (Proverbs 17:17). Q: Can parents or community members be involved? A: Yes! Please go to this link to learn about helping out. /volunteers.html Q: Why is it called the "Maria Goretti Society"? A: Great question! Find the tab on the upper right titled "Our Patroness" and read on sista! |