WHY JOIN YOUTH MINISTRY?
"Christ has no body but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands, with which He blesses the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are His Body."
St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
WHAT IS YOUTH MINISTRY?
What is Youth Ministry versus Youth Group? Youth group is generally a time when teens in a parish meet. They may do so at a defined day/time/place or perhaps engage in a group activity. Youth ministry is more about young people paralleling the various adult ministries within the parish. For example, a young person might not have the time or opportunity to engage in a group meeting on a day/time/place. Nevertheless, they wish to contribute to the parish in a real and meaningful way. There are many ways in which teens in a parish could do this. It is not necessary for a teen to participate in all of these activities. Some of the major categories for activities include: Community Outreach, Spiritual Activities, Liturgy, Volunteer Opportunities, Pro-Life Events, Religious Education, Social Events, Summer Opportunities, Diocesan Sponsored Events.
How do Teens fit into the Life of the Parish?
St. Ann Parish is Welcoming, Accessible, Relevant and Mission Driven. Teens in grades 8-12 are not simply a small part of the parish fulfilling its mission. Teens are a vital part of this parish fulfilling its mission and represent its future. Teens can contribute in a meaningful way to bring people to the Light of Jesus Christ. Our patron Saint is St. Ann, the grandmother of Jesus. Being the mother of the Blessed Mother, provides a unique example for all of us in the multi-generational impact our families have on the life of the Roman Catholic Church.
All teens in grades 8-12 in our parish are fundamentally members of Youth Ministry. Like the adults in our parish who contribute in many different ways, so too do our teens. The most essential way we all come together as a parish community is through the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Even if teens and adults do nothing else other than attend Mass, they have already contributed to the life of the parish in a profound way. Our Church teaches us that we need to do more through Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Teens can do this in a setting that is both meaningful and fun while enjoying the social dynamic with each other that comes with it.
All teens in grades 8-12 are invited to participate in our regular meetings which are held Sundays 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. Here you can learn more about different activities and how you might contribute.
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For more information or to join Youth Ministry, please contact Jim Friend by clicking the button below.