Catechetical Night Support

 
At Sacred Heart Youth Ministry, we don't just want to place our teens in a class with a greater chance of retaning boredom than information.  We want to engage our teens in a way that will stimulate them and excite them about their faith.  In order to make this happen however, there are a number of people needed to help out in various ways.  Below are descriptions of those volunteer opportunities for those who would like to help out with our youth nights.

Food/Snacks Team:  Take turns providing snacks and food for our hungry teens, both in Life Teen and Edge.  It is true that one of the most effective ways to reach the heart of a teen is through their stomach, and this ministry is about helping us to bring fulfillment to that area of our teens’ lives.  If we feed them, they will come, and thus essentially this is a group dedicated to outreach.  It is a silent and often humble ministry, but absolutely vital to the success of the program and the evangelization of our parish community.  This team would take turns providing (and possibly serving) snacks for our youth during their catechetical nights.  So often a young person’s journey into the faith begins not with an awesome sign, or bulletin message, or even an invigorating talk they decided to attend.  It began with a free meal which lured them into an environment of Christ.  Be part of nourishing our teens, in BODY and SPIRIT.  After all, even Christ’s first question when He appeared to the apostles was “Have you anything to eat?” Lk 24:41

 Hospitality Team:  Greet and welcome our teens to various ministry events and programs.  Possibly take on some minor service roles during the programs as well (i.e. attendance, parking lot duty, youth patrol and other small duties related to greeting and send-off).  It is amazing how powerful an impact an adult can have on teen just by remembering their name and showing excitement to see them.  Recent studies have shown that the #1 reason young people chose to attend or not attend churches and religious programs was the level of hospitality and welcoming they received when they arrived.  This is more than a nicety or superfluous space filler.  This is a fundamental ministry, especially when working with the youth.  Come and help show God’s welcoming love to our youth.  “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb 13:2

Speakers:  This is not a set team, but always a welcom aid.  Our teens benefit from the experiences of everyone in the parish, so if you think you have something in particular that you could share with our youth, pray about it, and then talk to Ryan Janise about the possiblity of speaking with our youth.  All talks would need to be screened and approved in advance by the Youth Minister and possibly the Pastor.  "Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!" 1 Cor 9:16

If you think of some other way you believe you can help with our youth nights, please contact Ryan Janise to see how we can incorporate your ideas into our ministry.  God Bless!