Holy Family’s approach to youth ministry is based on a comprehensive model.
This means we believe there is not a single program or recipe for ministering with youth.
Participation in the Youth Group is only one of many ways teens can be an active member of their parish. We try to provide ways for integrating ministry with youth and their families into the total life and mission of the Church, recognizing that the whole community is responsible for ministry with adolescents and their families. The Church defines youth ministry as "the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community."
The Goals of Youth Ministry:
- Fostering the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
- Including young people in the call to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community.
- Empowering young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in today’s world.
What Can You Expect?
- You will hear a constant invitation to be who you truly are and to say what you really think in an accepting and affirming environment. By gradually coming out from behind masks, people discover what they have to offer and develop confidence expressing it.
- You will hear people share stories of the way God is present in their lives and how following Jesus’ example opens a Gospel approach to life for us all. Hopefully you will gradually discover Christ as a personal friend who can help you meet your challenges with peace, power, and prayer.
- You will be encouraged to discover your personal strengths and gifts as well as to develop leadership skills. You will be supported in using those skills to build up the Church community. Teens plan events, run meetings, teach younger classes, sing in the choir, to name only a few ways teens are involved in Parish life. You will find that these skills are applicable in other areas of your life!
- You will learn here an approach to making key decisions (about friendships, dating, studies, and jobs) where Christ helps guide you in doing and bringing out your best. You will find yourself well equipped to make the big decisions about college, career, and marriage that lie just ahead.
The Basic Values Underlying Youth Ministry
The challenge of discipleship, of following Jesus, is at the heart of the Church’s mission and therefore at the heart of all ministry with youth. Youth ministry at Holy Family invites you into the Good News of Jesus Christ and challenges you to become his disciple. We strive to do this by embodying the vision and values of the reign of God as proclaimed by Jesus in everything we do—in our relationships and community life, in our programs and activities. Our journey of growth in discipleship together works toward a spiritually challenging and world-shaping environment that meets the hunger to participate with peers in a worthy adventure.
We do these things by:
- Developing a personal relationship with Jesus
- Participating in the Church and sacraments
- Integrating and applying Catholic values and faith to daily life
- Understanding scripture and Catholic doctrine
- Building a personal prayer routine
- Honest communication with peers and adults
- Acceptance and affirmation of all people
- Bonding together as a young faith community
- Building strong friendships
- Laughing and sharing joy
- Teens challenging and supporting teens
- Discovering gifts and discerning vocations
- Serving those in need and fostering social change
- Working for justice and defending human dignity
- Developing strong life and relationship skills
- Having Fun
What about Youth Group?
The youth group, is a vital part of youth ministry at Holy Family. It is a group of high-school aged young people who together build an enjoyable and supportive community based on Gospel values.
There are weekly youth meetings which offer a time to relax with friends, wrestle with teen issues, explore faith, and develop spiritual strength with peers for daily living.
Special events and trips for good times and new experiences and outreach to people in need are frequent occurrences; the planning is done by young people, the coaching by caring adults.
Peer leadership is essential to the youth group. The leadership team schedules, plans, and executes events for the full community. Training is provided and the experiences are priceless.
What We Ask of Parents
Youth ministry focuses on ministering with youth and with what surrounds youth. We ask you to support your teens and encourage their involvement in the Church community. Help make Church activities a priority for your youth and assist them in ways including rides to and from events.
Occasionally we will ask you to come to youth-adult events and to experience the ministry firsthand with your teen. Such occasions are extremely enjoyable and the relationship benefits that result from these events make them well worth attending.
Beyond your young person’s initial decision about participating, there follow many decisions about various leadership opportunities. We always ask the young people to decide with you whether or not a particular leadership role will fit their needs and schedule.
At times you may be asked to chaperone a dance, drive for an event, or cook for a special activity. We need your help!
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