Life Teen Programs

LIFE NIGHTS (Grade 9 - 12)

LIFE Nights (the program for Grade 9 - 12) take place after the 6:30 youth Mass. They begin with a funny promotional skit after Mass to entice your teens to come and check it out. Then in the Hall we explore various topics and issues that are going on in the lives of our teens. Each month there are two Catechetical nights, One Issue night and one social night. We cover topics that are important to them today such as; Drinking and Drugs, Who am I?, What does it mean to be a Catholic?, Abortion, Homosexuality, Pornography and so much more...

The environment of LIFE Nights are always inviting. It could be your teens first time coming but it will feel as though they have belonged there for years. The other teens in the program know what it is like to step into a strange environment and not really know how they will be received, so we really keep an atmosphere of acceptance and love.

The EDGE (Grade 6 - 8)

The EDGE program is part of LIFE TEENand is geared towardsGrade 6 - 8. Each Friday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm we gather in the parish hall and enjoy skits, games, small group discussions and of course food. It gives students an opportunity to learn about and explore their faith in a fun and safe environment, surrounded by their peers.

The program is similar to LIFE nights but the topics used are more age appropriate. We cover catechetical topics such as "The role of Mary in our lives," "What does it mean to be a person of the Beatitudes" and "How can I be friends with Jesus?". We also cover issue topics such as bullying, gossip and self-esteem. Of course, what would a youth program be without social events such astalent coffee house, video game nights and treasure hunts.

Volunteers

Whether you can spare three hours a week, or an hour a month, your decision to become a youth ministry volunteer can make a big impact in the life of our parish. A volunteer is someone who wants to be of service in our parish's youth ministry efforts. Involvement in the program can be tailored to suit your gifts and the amount of time you would like to commit.

Crew Team (Teens, Adults and Young Adults)

Just about anyone older than grade nine can be a member of the Crew Team for The EDGE. Parents, grandparents, young adults, high school teens are welcome. Crew members are the hands and feet of the ministry to grade 6 - 8 students. They work directly with the students leading small group discussions, giving talks and testimonies and engaging them in games and activities. As a Crew member, you should be a person who values prayer and your faith and are willing to share them both with the students.

No experience in youth ministry is necessary, we will develop new skills together as you work in the areas that you are comfortable in. You would receive on-going training and formation.

Crew Members attend as many Friday evening EDGE Nights as their schedule allows and alsoare involved in planning each night a week in advanced at our planning meetings Sundays at 2:00 pm at the parish.

CORE TEAM (Adults and Young Adults)

Our Core Team is responsible for planning activities for LIFE nights. They execute dramas and skits, give talks and testimonies about their faith, lead teens in small group discussions and have fun with the teens through playing games and simply having conversations with them.

We meet for two hours on Tuesday nights at the parish in order to plan LIFE Nights. We go to the Tuesday 7:00 pm Mass and then use the other hour and a half to brainstorm ideas, combine our talents and practice skits. Then each Sunday evening the Core Team executes all of the planning at the LIFE nights.

Some Common Misconceptions about being a Core Member

I am too old to connect with teens. Core Members are of all ages, from 80 years old to 18 years of age. You are never too old or too young to let a teen know that you care enough about them to spend time with them. In youth ministry we need all sorts of skills and experiences. For instance, perhaps you are 40 years old and feel as though you are too old and the teens will not connect with you. Well there are many teens whose parents are 40 and unfortunately their parents are too busy to spend time with them. The fact that you give of your time to even just be there sends out a huge healing message to them that they are worth the time.
I am not perfect. Neither am I, I guess that is what the teens love most about me. The teens are not perfect either; but they come out to LIFE nights because they desire to grow and become better people. You can walk with them along your own journey as well, and be an example to them of someone who does not give up doing their best to strive for holiness.
I am too busy. I am absolutely positive that this statement is true for most of you. As itisalso true for our current Core volunteers. The best part about volunteering for LIFE Nights by being on the Core Team is that we are a TEAM. There are several members of this team who make up the whole. Some of them are unable to come to planning meetings (so they get the e-mails), while others can only be at LIFE nights once a month. Whether you can spare three hours a week, or an hour a month, your decision to become a volunteer can make a big difference in the life of our teens.

I am not talented / I am too shy. Praise Jesus that we aren't all basketball players because then there would be no one in the stands to watch the game. You do not have to be a star performer or understand all there is to know about youth ministry to be on a Core Team. Whether you are shy, outgoing, an actor or a behind the scenes kind of person, you are suited for this ministry. There are so many roles and jobs in youth ministry that need to be filled by many different people. Can you bake? Can you clean something? Can you lift heavy things? Can you sit and have a one-on-one conversation with a teen? Can you listen? These skills and abilities are just as important as the abilities of those who connect with a crowd. Perhaps you are being called to simply sit in the stands with a teen who is just like youand watch the basketball game together.

CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about LIFE Nights, The EDGE program or Volunteering please feel free to contact the Youth Coordinator:
Robert Halpin at (613) 203-5489