Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry at Holy Spirit is based on “Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry.”

Our Comprehensive Youth Ministry includes eight key components of Youth Ministry as outlined in this document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Total Youth Ministry – Renewing the Vision

  • Advocacy
  • Catechesis
  • Community Life
  • Evangelization
  • Justice and Service
  • Leadership Development
  • Pastoral Care
  • Prayer and Worship

Senior High Youth Group

Sunday night – 7 – 9

At least one Youth Group Meeting per month (on the off night from class)

At least one other activity per month; often two

  • Outreach
  • Spiritual
  • Social
  • Educational

Relational – building relationships with self, others and God

Strong emphasis on creative prayer

Reflects parish commitment to Social Justice

Youth Advisory Team – 6 adults and 12 teens – plan and run all youth group activities

Youth Group themes chosen by teens

This year’s theme is: “Searching for God Through the Movies”

Sampling of Senior High Youth Group Themes

  • Jesus Rocks
  • Teens With Faith
  • It’s Cool to Be Catholic
  • The Miracles of Jesus
  • Jesus is My Superhero
  • Join in the (God) Games
  • The Inspiration of God
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Peace and Justice

Retreats – One day retreat, two overnight retreats and one weekend retreat offered

Youth Trips for 2011

21 teens and adults will attend Catholic Heart Work Camp – July 9-17, 2011

30 teens and adults will attend the National Catholic Youth Conference – November 17-19, 2011

Teens from Holy Spirit also attend the Diocesan Youth Conference – July 29-31, 2011

Junior High Youth Group

At least one Youth Group Meeting per month (on off night from class)

At least one other activity per month; often two

  • Outreach
  • Spiritual
  • Social
  • Educational

Relational – building relationships with self, others and God
Strong emphasis on creative prayer
Reflects parish commitment to Social Justice
Strong emphasis on active learning model

Junior High Team – adults assisted by selected 8th graders

Youth Group themes based on the Gospel of the Sunday before

Sampling of Junior High Youth Group Themes

  • With the Eyes of Faith – Mark 10: 46-53
  • Jesus, King and Kingdom – John 18: 33-37
  • God loves us no matter what – Luke 4: 21-30
  • You Can Always Come Home – Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32
  • Cast Your Nets; Feed My Lambs – John 21: 1-19
  • Make Ready for the Lord – Luke 3: 10-18
  • The Word and the Spirit – John 14: 23-29

Teens from Holy Spirit also attend the Diocesan Middle School Rally each Spring.

For more information on any youth ministry program, contact Maryann Hakowski at 468-3600, ex. 114 or e-mail HolySpiritteens@aol.com