Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry is 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. This statement comes from the A Vision of Youth Ministry (1976). According to Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (1997), the goals for young people are as follows:
To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
Youth Ministry Programs
Basic Beliefs
Christian Morality
Confirmation
Peer Ministry
Youth Workcamp
CYM Sports
Youth Ministry Committee
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Judith A. Deysach
Director of Youth Ministry
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A Letter from the Director
In Matthew, chapter 13 Jesus tells many parables that are likened to the mystery of the reign of God. The treasure and the pearl are two in which the man and the merchant recognize the value of the treasure and the pearl to the point that they will sell everything they have to purchase them. It is the same way with the Kingdom of Heaven for one who recognizes the ultimate treasure it is. One is willing to give everything to attain it.
It is the responsibility of the adult community of Holy Apostles to nurture and assist our youth in their faith to recognize the valuable treasure of the Kingdom of God both here and now, and in the hereafter. Time is set aside to allow the youth to question, explore and learn with one another what God is asking of us. It can be a time to reflect upon Scripture and Tradition in relationship to the daily lives of the youth who sometimes are so busy that they find themselves hassled and fragmented beyond their own control.
To point the young people in the direction of what is really valuable and important, to teach them to bring about the Kingdom through service themselves, to encourage them to grow in their discipleship now, not only in the future, we need to emphasize the necessity of taking time to do so. What are we willing to “sell” to bring about the Kingdom and show our youth that they, too, need to recognize what is really valuable in Christian life?
On the following pages you will find various opportunities for you to become invested in their faith. Parents, encourage and support your child to learn to recognize what is really valuable now and in the future! Adult Parishioners, you are needed to guide and assist the youth as catechists and youth workers in all the programs. We want to invite all teens to discover, grow and strengthen their faith.
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