Youth Ministry News at St. Mary's - Teens Grade 9-12
5 Reasons Teens should attend Youth Group:
1. Why do it? Time? When a teen encounters Christ it changes EVERYTHING!
2. Fellowship
3. Support
4. Prayer
5. Joy
If we believe the living GOD is in US through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist then
you cannot underestimate the power of that force!
5 Reasons to Support a Teen Centered Youth Ministry
Surprise!!! Jesus called together a group of teenagers to help him on his journey and to carry his
message on after he was gone! That should be the only reason needed.
1. Youth Group is vital to help teens integrate into the community of church.
2. Youth Group helps the church stay revenant in a changing culture.
3. Youth Group focuses on inviting those who are not already part of the church into the deeper
narrative of God's plan for us. In other words, the teens in the pews begin to participate instead of
being lifeless.
4. It reminds the church that teens are not marginalized members, but on equal footing as an adult
as part of the "Body of Christ" and are necessary in the divine work of the church - keeping it alive
for the next generation.
5. Youth Group/Ministry helps the church focus on the Way of Jesus - Forgiveness.
Pope John Paul II now Saint John Paul II believed so much in Youth and Youth Ministry that he
began the World Youth Days. Youth Ministry is so important in the life of our church. Without it our
faith will die. Youth ministry/Group allows our Teens to OWN their faith, to be a vibrant part of our
rituals and this experience will carry them through college, marriage and beyond. Youth
Ministry/Group works with the family - not against- and allows a safe environment where the teens
can ask their questions without prejudice or judgment and allows them the tools to research what
we believe and why.
Hello, my name is Dianne Longo and I am excited about the opportunity to work, learn and grow
with your teens! I have been a Youth Group leader in Oklahoma and an assistant in Virginia. I have
attended World Youth Day in Koln Germany and National Catholic Youth Conference in Columbus
OH. My three goals are very simple: 1. Fun Environment. 2. Spirituality 3.Service
Thank you for the opportunity to work with your teens and to better serve St Mary of the
Assumption.
SAVE THE DATE - Youth Ministry event
November 15 the Diocese of Salt Lake is putting on a Youth Retreat here at St Mary's for churches
in our area. The Retreat will be upbeat, high energy, and fun for all 9th - 12th grade youth. The
time is 11am till 630 pm and the cost is $20.00 (some scholarships available). Reply to
dlongo@parishmail.com for more information or to register.