Youth Ministry

 
Introduction
 
As part of the development of the parish’s Long Term Strategic Plan, the formation of Youth Ministries has been identified as a high priority component for the Pastoral Council to undertake. It is our belief that this significant aspect of parish life, can be enhanced to  provide additional vibrancy to our existing youth based programs, both spiritual  and socially. This is a tremendous opportunity to help our youth get closer to Christ.
 
Youth Ministry Mission Statement
 
The Divine Mercy Parish Youth Ministry is committed to the reality that young people are an important and integral part of our parish community. The Youth Ministry Program seeks to foster maturing in faith of the youth of our parish and the surrounding community.
 
We affirm the gifts of our youth and we foster opportunities for young people to share their gifts with the larger community. The spiritual and social needs of the youth are to be met with the committed leadership, guidance and support of our parish adults. The adults and youth of our parish are therefore provided with the opportunity to grow together in Christian faith.
 
Through a variety of programs, events and outreach, we seek to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, work and mission of the parish community. We believe this ministry is to, with, by, and for young people and is a blessing for the entire community.
 
Goals
 

• To Empower our young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our challenging world today.
• To Draw our 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 Events: Examples

• Youth liturgies and prayer experiences
• Youth newsletter
• Diocesan events(Youth Day, National Catholic Youth Conference)
• Special topics night
• Sports programs
• Retreats
• Service projects
• Social events

  
Faith Topics: Examples

• Discovering what it means to belong to the Church.
• Developing a personal prayer life.
• Exploring the Christian response of the social problems and injustices in the world.
• Developing a more personal relationship with Jesus.
• Exploring the Bible (Old & New Testament).
• Developing skills for making and keeping relationships.
• Discovering what is unique about me.
• Understanding parents and the importance of family.
• Making good decisions.

 
Organizational Structure
 
Ministries:

•    Community Service
•       Assisting organizations that need special projects done.
•    Outreach
•       Visiting those who are less mobile and fortunate.
•    Liturgy
•       Youth Mass-altar servers, greeters, readers, sacristans, ushers, music.
•    Faith Development
•       Learning about or faith, and developing a personal relationship with Jesus.
•    Fun-Social
•       Special group events