Youth Ministry    -    "God Asks Us to Give Rather than Receive".

Youth Minister

Vicky Rispoli
(860) 533-1855, ext.106
Youth Ministry Email

2007 Youth Group Mission Trip

Parish youth gave a presentation about their New Mexico Mission Trip in September. If you didn't make it to the presentation, you can read about their activities in the Rio Rancho Observer.

Junior Youth Group

is for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Our main focus is to help these young adults establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to develop an understanding of what it means and how to live life as a disciple. This is done through fun, community building activities such as icebreakers, skits, group discussions and socializing with their peers. Also planned are community service projects, fundraisers, day trips to Six Flags, the beach, mini golf, etc. We welcome all students in these grades and their friends (Catholic or not)!

Meetings are once a month. Schedules are available in the Office of Youth Ministry.

High School Youth Group

is a group of High School age youth seeking to explore and deepen their faith through experiences of faith community. We strive to create a Christian environment of sharing, support, compassion and understanding, charity and service. Our goal is to create an environment and programs that will give our youth the opportunity to recognize God's presence in their lives and in the world.

Meetings and Gatherings

We meet mostly on Sunday evenings during the year and through out the summer. Our structure is flexible and we always welcome new members.

High School Youth Group Meeting Schedule - 6:30-8:30 PM

October 28, 2007
November 18, 2007
December 16, 2007
January 13, 2008
February 24, 2008
March 16, 2008
April 20, 2008
May 18, 2008

June 1, 2008 - 10:15 Senior Mass

Programs and Events

Confirmation

Peer Ministry Training

Youth Group once or twice a month 6:00-8:30

Service for our Community and Parish

Soup kitchen, Christmas in April, Blood Drives, Habitat for Humanity

Retreats

Basketball team for the Interfaith League

Social events: Ski trips, Loon Mountain Christian Festival, Youth Parties, Laser Tag, Six Flags, Trip to Canada, Whirly Ball, Grand Slam Lock-In, Semi Formal Dinner Dance

Faith Events & Gatherings

Catholic Youth Conferences on a National, Regional & Diocesan Level

Pilgrimage Trips such as Canada (2002) with the Pope

Week Long Mission Trips

Fund-raising events

Parish Support and Needs

As our youth and their needs are ever changing, so must our ministry. So we invite anyone of any age with special talents and gifts to become involved in this rewarding, fun and faith filled ministry. We are always looking to expand our adult volunteer team; involvement would be gladly received on a one-time basis or at weekly meetings. We always need help in the following areas: Fundraisers, publicity, workshops, chaperones for social events, retreats, youth group meetings, day trips, drivers, and any new ideas and suggestions you may be able to offer.

Youth Ministry Theology

In a world that often models conflicting values, morals, and ways of living, it is important to participate in programs that foster healthy living and passes on the life-giving message of Jesus.

We try to create an environment and programs that will give our youth the opportunity to recognize God's presence in their lives and in the world. Our parish family encourages our youth to nourish their minds and hearts with the word of God and to grow as active Christians.

Come be a part of this very "special faith community." All who enter will experience God's love and presence.

Components of Youth Ministry

Out reach/ evangelization	Welcoming environment, parent programs, teen issues, Peer outreach
Word & Catechesis	Confirmation, Peer Ministry, Religious Education Teachers, Teaching God's Word Through Prayer Experience
Community Building	Retreats, youth group,social activities, trips
Prayer & Worship	Lector, Cantor, Youth Choir, Special Youth Liturgies, Interfaith Programs, Group Prayer Experiences
Justice & Service	Service Projects, Peace & Non-Violence Programs, Youth Rallies
Guidance & Healing	Ministering to those in Need, Support Groups, Prayer, Sharing Sessions
Enablement	Peer Leadership, Parish-wide Youth Involvement, Youth on Parish Ministry Team