Youth Ministry Print E-mail

HEALTH FORMS 

Our diocese requires that the health history of each participant be updated yearly, in order for middle and high school youth Youth Health History 1 and adults (18 and older) Adult Health History 1 to participate in youth/church events.  It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the church of any changes in health status for the named participant. 

CONFIRMATION

Our Confirmation program is currently a three-year process, beginning with the “it” retreat our youth attend the summer after they have completed their eighth grade year. Our teens make the decision to take a journey through the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus. This commitment involves retreats, Quest, service projects and activities. It culminates with a Confirmation Mass in December of the candidates’ third year. Volunteers are most welcome to help with retreats and service projects.

Record-keeping - We require certain information, not only for our parish records, but for notification to your Baptismal church of your Confirmation.  All sophomores receive the Parish Record form during the Sophomore Retreat and they are due back to the parish office by June 1, 2010.

Sponsors - Your parents probably chose your godparents when you were an infant at Baptism.  "These individuals were chosen to guide you along your journey of faith.  If you have remained close to your godparents, the best person for your Confirmation sponsor will be one of them. The Catechism (#1311) and canon law (#892-893) both tell us that you need a sponsor. Having one of your godparents helps us to see how Baptism and Confirmation are connected. You are looking for someone you can trust, whose faith you admire, and who will be there for you, as you face adult challenges."  View this article by William F. Wegher from Catholic Update in its entirety at: http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0497.asp. Your Confirmation sponsor has the same requirements as your godparents, and we at St. Joseph wish to comply with the requirements of the Rite of Confirmation designated by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Requirements are listed on the SPONSOR RECOMMENDATION FORM 2010. Sponsors receive these forms at the Sophomore Retreat and are due back to the parish office no later than June 1, 2010.

Volunteerism - Each of us is given a certain amount of time, talent, and treasure while we are alive.  As Catholics, our giving to others is the primary way we respond to the gifts we have received from God.  Summer is a great opportunity to donate your time and talent to our community.  Click Organizations for local volunteer organizations currently approved.  Although this is not a complete or limited list, it will give you a starting point.  If you are unsure as to whether or not a project you are involved in is acceptable, please call or email the Youth Ministry office. Completing, documenting, and turning in thirty hours of community service hours Confirmation Service Record before October 1 of your junior year in high school is your responsibility, not your parents', and part of our Confirmation process.  Please turn in your Service Hour sheets as you complete them - waiting until the last minute does not ensure that they will be documented in time for you to be Confirmed.  Our hope is that through these service projects, you will develop/continue a lifelong commitment to your church and community.

High School Youth Group

Our High School Youth Group is under the direction of its elected Youth Council. These teens are excited about social justice, service projects and being Disciples of Christ. This group of vibrant teens meets twice a month on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Join us for pizza and fun as we grow in our faith. Check the bulletin or website for dates.

Catechists for Middle and High School Youth

Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall steeples in a single bound… These are not necessarily qualities of a middle or high school catechist (although they are helpful!) If you have the desire to grow in and share your faith on a different level, this is the place for you! We are a vibrant, energetic group of people who wish to experience their faith with adolescents and teens. We provide training through workshops and group sharing. All volunteers are required to attend the Diocesan Safe Environment Program "Protecting God's Children" and complete a succesful Background Check.  Join our super team today!

Adult Volunteers for Middle and High School Youth Ministry Programs

Our parish is alive with the energy of youth! Trying to tap into all that energy takes lots more energy! We welcome all adults who are willing to share their time and love of Christ with the youth of our parish. We have lock-ins, retreats, and social justice activities; ice skating, bowling and dances, to name a few activities. Patience, laughter and a love of Christ are requirements for this opportunity. We challenge and encourage you to help us experience God’s love with our youth. You never know, you may grow, too! All volunteers are required to attend the Diocesan safe Environment Program "Protecting God's Children" and complete a succesfull Background Check.

Middle School Lock-Ins

Twice a year, our high school youth host a lock-in for our middle school youth. There’s never a dull moment during our lock-ins, which last from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Full of activities, games and fun, our lock-ins get you to think outside the box and grow in your faith and awareness of social teachings.  

Middle School Youth Nites

We invite all youth in grades 6-8 to join us for a fun, faith-filled evening twice a month on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. We have icebreakers, games, Scripture activities and talk about social justice/issues during this lively evening. Check the Calendar  on our website or the bulletin for monthly dates and activities.

 

  

Youth Website Links

  • TEC Springfield
  • Bible online
  • Catholic HEART Workcamp
  • Godstock - Music Festival
  • National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
  • The REAP (Retreat Evangelization And Prayer) Team
  • Ball-Chatham School District
  • Chatham Area Public Library
  • Springfield Diocese homepage
  • National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville
  • Sacred Heart - Griffin
  • Agape Music Festival
  • See You at the Pole
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