YOUTH MINISTRY

As spring arrives, especially after a rough winter, it is always meaningful to take stock of what we have, how God has blessed us, and where we are going in our lives. It puts me in mind of Matthew’s gospel, the parable of the talents or silver pieces (Matt. 25:14-30). A man leaving on a trip, “called in his servants and handed his funds over to them according to each man’s abilities.” We know that each servant did not receive the same amount of talents, yet they each acted as they thought their master would have wanted them to act with his funds. Two servants invested the talents they were given, while the last one dug a hole and buried his in the ground.

As parents and Holy Apostles adult community help our youth to nurture and tend to the gifts and talents God has given each, it is best to keep in mind that the youth themselves must realize that using what God has given them will indeed give them great return. However, if youth are not encouraged and supported to use and share their gifts, it is likely they could become lazy, never appreciating how God has blessed them and lose those very gifts.

Faith is a gift. To learn about it and exercise it helps it to grow, just as all other gifts and talents. To worship, to study the word of God, to serve and to build up the community are investments in the gift of faith. Also, they are the result of faith. Are we guiding our young people to participate fully with their talents, thus being able to share in our Master’s joy? Are they invested in their faith using it, growing in it and strengthening it?

On the following pages you will find various opportunities for youth to become invested in their faith. Parents, encourage and support your child to be a clever, industrious and reliable servant. All Adult Parishioners, you are needed to guide and assist the youth as catechists and youth workers in all the programs. We do not want any of our youth to lose the “talents” God has given them!

Peace, 
Judy Deysach  

Judy Deysach  
Director  
Youth Ministry

Click to open the
2008-2009 Christian Formation Catalog
in a new window. (pdf, 400kb)

Archbishop Dolan's letter on Policies for Safe Environment
(pdf, 84kb)

Archdiocese of Milw. Home-based Catechetical Program Standards
(pdf, 50kb)