IHM Summer Academy Returns June 28 in Scotch Plains with Faith, Service, and Community-Focused Programming

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Scotch Plains operates an annual Summer Academy designed to help children and families deepen their faith while strengthening their connection to the parish community.

The Summer Academy is a 10-day faith formation program that brings together young people and their families for spiritual growth and community engagement. The program combines religious education, worship, service opportunities, and fellowship—creating an environment where faith is lived and experienced, not just taught.

Union County Life celebrates the parishes and faith communities that invest in young people's spiritual development. Faith formation programs like Summer Academy offer something increasingly rare in modern life: intentional, sustained space for families to explore questions of meaning, practice faith traditions together, and build relationships grounded in shared values.

The Summer Academy operates at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, located at 1571 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains. The program format includes morning Mass, daily sessions focused on faith topics and activities, and community-building events. Families gather for kickoff celebrations and closing activities that mark the spiritual journey the program invites participants to undertake.

For families in Scotch Plains and surrounding communities interested in Catholic faith formation, the Summer Academy represents an opportunity for children to encounter their faith in an accessible, age-appropriate, and joy-filled way. It also gives families a chance to connect with other Catholic families in the area—an important dimension of parish life often difficult to prioritize in busy family schedules.

Immaculate Heart of Mary invites families who wish to learn more about the Summer Academy and other faith formation opportunities to contact the parish directly.

FAQ

Q: What is the Immaculate Heart of Mary Summer Academy?
A: The Summer Academy is a 10-day annual faith formation program for children and families. It combines religious education, daily Mass, spiritual activities, and community events to help participants deepen their faith and strengthen their connection to the parish.

Q: When does the Summer Academy take place?
A: The program typically runs for 10 days in late June through early July. Specific dates vary each year; families should contact the parish for current year information.

Q: Where is the Summer Academy held?
A: The program is held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, located at 1571 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

Q: Who can participate?
A: The Summer Academy is designed for children and families. The program is open to parish members and families in the Scotch Plains and surrounding communities.

Q: What does a typical day include?
A: Days typically begin with morning Mass at 8:30 a.m., followed by faith formation sessions and community activities, concluding in early afternoon.

Q: What is the cost?
A: Information about program fees and registration should be obtained from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish directly.

Q: How do I register?
A: Families interested in participating should contact Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for registration information, deadlines, and other details.

Q: What other programs does the parish offer?
A: Immaculate Heart of Mary offers a variety of faith formation and community programs throughout the year. Contact the parish to learn more.