Youth
Grades 6-12
For questions or inquiries about the Tri-Community Youth Ministry program, please contact Rob Plush at (719) 633-8711 ext. 105 or e-mail rplush@tricommunity.org.Monthly Newsletters:
April 2010
February 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
Regular Youth Ministry sessions are held during the school year on Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. in the Parish Center at Sacred Heart. It's not too late to join! Registration forms are available at the Parish Center office, or contact Rob (information above).
Summer Schedule Preview
Comprehensive Ministry to Adolescents: It Takes a Whole Church
The Tri-Community Youth Ministry program, in keeping with the American Catholic Bishops' Renewing the Vision, serves Tri-Community youth in 6th-12th grades. To, with, by, and for youth — 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. It is the Church's mission to reach into the daily lives of its young people, showing them the presence of God and empowering them to become disciples.
YOUTH MINISTRY is …
- Relational in essence—a ministry of compassionate presence;
- Comprehensive and multi-dimensional, fostering youth and adult leadership development and community building;
- Designed to encompass evangelization, catechesis, service, worship, sacramental prep (Confirmation, First Eucharist and Reconciliation for this age group), RCIA for youth, guidance and advocacy;
- Involved in national, diocesan, and regional activities;
- Holistic and developmental.
THE YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM
Youth Ministry is multicultural and intergenerational. All members of our Tri-Community parish, young and old, are responsible for the success of this ministry. The primary focus for Youth Ministry team members is to offer programs, activities and events that empower and foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person, drawing them to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of our Catholic faith and community.There are many opportunities to minister to the youth in our parish. The team includes the following:
Director of Tri-Community Youth Ministry
As the facilitator, servant leader and steward of this ministry, the DYM is responsible for identifying the resources of the faith community, connecting Youth Ministry with the other church ministries and programs, advocating for our young people, and overseeing all facets of the program.
Tri-Community Adult Advisors
Volunteers needed: 35. This group of lay leaders is the core planning team for Youth Ministry. In keeping with the Vision of Youth Ministry, this formation team assists the DYM with planning, development, preparation and execution of overall Youth Ministry programming and organization. Members of this group are the primary catechists for Wednesday evening sessions and chaperones for diocesan, regional and Tri-Community off-site events.
Tri-Community Peer Council
Volunteers needed: 18. Utilizing the gifts and talents of Tri-Community youth, this youth leadership team assists the DYM in developing programs, service projects and social activities. They are called forth as a voice for the Tri-Community youth, and members serve as peer advocates on a variety of diocesan or parish councils and committees. Leadership development is emphasized.
Youth Confirmation Team — First and Second Year
Volunteers needed: 12 (6 for first year and 6 for second year). The two-year Confirmation formation process seeks to develop and strengthen a Confirmation candidate's faith, prayer life and sense of community. Lay leaders in this area assist in Confirmation program development and teach various topics of the Catholic Christian faith.
Youth Sacramental Preparation Team
Volunteers needed: 4-6. This formation process augments and strengthens the prayer, faith and sacramental life of youth. Catechesis for youth who have not yet received First Reconciliation or First Eucharist is offered in ten- to twelve-week blocks. This team assists with program development and implementation.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Youth
Volunteers needed: 6-8. This process is designed for youth seeking to enter the community of the faithful through the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and the catechumenate. The team assisting the DYM with this process develops and implements the classes. Team members serve as companions and journey with these young people through the various periods and liturgical rites.
Tri-Community Youth Ministry Retreat Team
Volunteers needed: 25. The retreat process seeks to deepen and challenge the faith of middle and high school youth while creating a sense of community. This team is focused on assisting the DYM with the development of a retreat plan; choosing the retreat theme, location, activities, schedule, break-out sessions, prayer services, music and liturgy. Team members should also be able to facilitate small group discussion and love the outdoors.
Special Projects Team(s)
Volunteers needed: varied. In order to effectively minister to the youth of our parish, a variety of services are needed—some on-call, some on a regular basis. Teams are needed for: communications, refreshments, outreach, service, summer programs and mission trips, chaperones, drivers, speakers, fundraising, prison ministry and social and sports activities.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADULT TEAMS
- A love of young people and a desire to share your faith with youth, especially at a time when many are exploring, and often questioning, their faith.
- A willingness to initiate and develop trusting relationships with adolescents so that they may be invited to a greater awareness of and commitment to their personal Catholic Christian faith.
- Ability to advocate for youth and work in a collaborative, consensus-building team environment.
- Willingness to attend the various training opportunities and meetings that will provide necessary skills for handling specific volunteer areas.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR YOUTH TEAMS OR PEER MINISTERS
- Youth who are willing to come forward with diverse gifts, talents and abilities to be used for various leadership roles within the diocese, region and parish.
- Ability to attend various meetings and training opportunities that will provide necessary skills for handling service, leadership and project responsibilities.
- For Youth (Grade 6-12)