Youth Ministry

YOUTH MINISTRY
Grades 6-8, and 9-12

Youth Ministry is EVERYBODY'S business!  The young are both the church of today and the church of tomorrow, as well.  How we welcome them, cherish their presence, encourage their involvement and pray for their openness to God's guidance will have much to do with the future success of our church locally and beyond.
Youth Ministry within the Concord-Carlisle Catholic Collaborative is established as the primary means to recognize Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12) youth as distinct groups of parishioners with specific needs and interests.  Every effort undertaken to accompany those within these age brackets will always begin with a safe and welcoming environment where positive opportunities to come together in meaningful and memorable ways with peers and other parishioners, alike, can flourish.  Our primary goals are to help all participants: a) learn about and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, b) draw every young person into responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community, and c) foster total personal and spiritual growth within each young person.
Led by an incredible team of High School Peer Ministers and supported by a fully vetted and caring Youth Ministry Team of adults, regular opportunities will be created to meet all youth 'where they are' and introduce and assist them with the path God desires for them.  All young people who live within our parish jurisdiction are welcome (in addition to any who travel to be with us).  It is hoped any who are Catholic will become registered members of the parish community if they are not already.
Programs will be built upon these proven components as suggested by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, 1997):

  *  Community Life
  *  Evangelization
  *  Prayer and Worship
  *  Advocacy
  *  Catechesis
  *  Justice & Service
  *  Leadership Development
  *  Pastoral Care
We look to provide the following locally, as a minimum:

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY (Grades 6-8):
(much is currently restricted by the Archdiocese due to Covid-19)
- "Flocknote" (monitored / safe) e-newsletters with upcoming news & updates to both youth and parents - issued every 2nd & 4th monthly Sunday of the academic calendar year.
- Monthly social events alternating from on-site and with outings off-site.
- On-going service opportunities.
- Monumental Tuesdays (on select half-day afternoons off from school).
- Special programs during school vacation weeks.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY (Grades 9-12):
(much is currently restricted by the Archdiocese due to Covid-19)
- "Flocknote" (monitored / safe) e-newsletters with upcoming news, polls and updates to both youth and parents issued every 1st and 3rd monthly Sunday of the academic calendar year.
- CCYM Muster - Sunday night, 7pm Livestreams on CC Catholic YouTube - featuring games, trivia, prizes, Ask-A-Priest, interviews, and more!
- Monthly social events on-site and select outings off-site - as often as people wish!
- Monthly spiritual events - often realized through small faith groups.
- Monthly 'dinners with a purpose' providing guest speakers and advocacy discussions.
- Local, on-going service opportunities and at least one significant service trip each year.
- Visitation and support of youth 'where they are' at secular events in the community.
- Accompaniment with youth through all the personal ups and downs of life.
- Opportunities to help lead and assist with parish and liturgical events.
Adults and parents are needed to support all initiatives of Youth Ministry.  See the Youth Ministry Team page for more information.