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“A Year in Review” !
+ By John Vizza Challenging. Youth Ministry has been challenging. Yet, as many of us who work in Youth Ministry know, the challenging things are sometimes the most rewarding. Almost a year ago I was planning to head to Edmonton to pursue my Masters degree, but was subsequently asked to take the newly created position of city-wide Youth Minister here in Lethbridge. A year later, life has come full-circle and I’m off to Edmonton (for real this time) on June 24th. Looking back on my year as one of the Youth Ministers, I can honestly say that it has given me a new appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to advancing the cause of evangelizing the Youth. I marvelled at the unfolding of the Little Saints program. Every week was a little miracle to see the kids gather in such an excited way. Though I was not a part of the team, I could see the change and effectiveness of that program. We as Catholics are finally on the right path in regard to Youth Ministry. We are making faith a very important part of the life of our young Youth. Our junior high youth group “Pulse” has probably been the most rewarding for me. I have seen a real change and growth not only in our Youth but in our Leadership Team. We are a very close group and have grown closer to Christ together. Our numbers have dropped a bit from the Fall, but we have retained a core group of 12-15 kids who constantly show up every week. I really believe the kids have learned and grown in their faith and their relationships with one another. They have been challenged and they have challenged us in return! Arise is our high school group, and that has been a hard ministry. Of course, dealing with high school kids is always tough because they go through so much in their young lives. I think today, more than ever, our young people are experiencing things older generations never had to go through. The history of Arise in southern Alberta, and the years of work with past leadership, have afforded us an opportunity to remain vibrant. Search is also undergoing future changes in respect to the age range of those who can attend a Search, and that will bear much fruit. All in all, a blessed year indeed. Where do we go from here & what do we concentrate on? Catechesis. I’m a firm believer in that as a necessary foundation to bear fruit. It is a challenge on the best of days & a burden on the worst of days. The departure of our extraordinary NET team has yielded a decline in attendance at youth group events. Why? Because the youth associate more with the leaders then with Christ & his teachings. Now, it’s not bad to have those relationships, in fact it is very positive for discipleship. Yet, if that’s it, then we’ve failed. Going forward, the thing that will bear the most fruit is teaching the kids what the Faith is about as we live it rooted in a relationship of love and mentoring. Lethbridge has been a blessing for me these past three years. I am grateful to God and to all of you for welcoming me with open arms. As my wife Rebecca and I depart for Edmonton, I realize that I am forever changed, forever grateful, forever in your debt. Oremus pro invicem, let us pray for each other! |
Youth Ministry Wrap up
by Sarah De Coste Thursdays were extra special, not just because that was the day we had Little Saints but also because there was a “Girls group” that took place at St Martha’s school. I was initially invited to come and give a talk about being a woman of God which is one of my absolute favorite topics to talk about, one because I love God and two because I love being a woman! I modified my usual go-to talk about being satisfied in Christ, about modesty, and about boys, so it would be suitable for Grade 4 girls. The girls were so cute; some were really shy, others were really loud; they were all silly and fun. I talked to them about their image, about how God made them perfect. I did a fun activity where I got a volunteer to come up, close their eyes and draw a picture on a piece of paper I was holding. While they drew I moved the paper so their drawing became a scribbly mess. Then I pretended to be their mom receiving this picture. I acted all excited saying it was the best picture ever and put it on the fridge. Then we did the ending differently; this time ‘mom’ made fun of the picture and ripped it up. (Take heart none of the girls left traumatized…) The point of the exercise was to show how God made us by hand, every freckle, every mole and every “character flaw”. So when we wish to look a different way, we are effectively telling God he didn't do a good enough job. We are ripping up the picture that God made of us. After I did the talk I continued to go to the girls group as often as I could. I was consistently greeted with an army of hugs. Talk about feeling loved! One day the girls were sent outside and invited me along, so I taught them how to line dance and do cartwheels. I got some playground cred by doing a cartwheel myself...not too bad for a 22 year old! During the girls group we would make bracelets and dance, and sing, and talk. They also had guest speakers e.g. a former model who is now a working mom and nutritionist. The girls were always such a blessing to my day. I got a thank you card for coming in and giving my talk. In it one girl wrote “thank you for coming you inspired me!” That comment still brings tears in my eyes. As Christians we are called to bring everyone we meet to Christ, whether it’s by what we say, or what we do, or how we live for Christ. We should be such a witness that people feel stirred spiritually when they meet us. This was my first year involved in Little Saints. One of my favorite moments of Little Saints was our Eucharist night. The group of grade 1-2 kids that day were particularly distracted. To end the lesson we took a trip to the chapel. We knelt before the tabernacle and I lead the kids in a prayer. Most of the kids left as soon as I got up, but there were 4 kids that stayed; kneeling with their hands folded and their heads down. God calls us to have a childlike faith and in that moment of watching those kids kneel before Him with such piety, I just teared up. I’m doing it again just remembering it! All the frustration I felt was gone. Jesus said let the children come to me and there they were. That is why I’m here. |
2013/14 Youth Ministry Summary
by Val Wynder
This past year in youth ministry has been quite an adventure.
It isn't easy coming into a ministry without knowing your co-worker, most of the youth, nor many of your volunteers. Under those circumstances it was challenging to pull a program together that worked for everyone. Pressure was added when I found out early in the summer that I was pregnant. I knew there wouldn't be much time to build relationships and the ministry.
Some of my favourite times this past year were planning and executing our grade 7 retreat with St. Francis Jr High. I was really nervous about it, but John and I were happily surprised that it went off without a hitch, and the students really seemed to enjoy themselves and learn more about the gifts of Holy Spirit! Not only was the retreat fun, but it broke the ice for my lunch time visits to the school.
Armed with a sack of cookies from Klassy's Bakery, another of my favourite times each week was heading to both St. Francis and FLVT junior high schools. We have been so welcome in the schools. As I became more recognisable, I found I was able to meet with students who attended Pulse, as well as develop some great relationships with other students.
At CCH we found time for bible study and prayer at flex time. Some students participated in the Religious Studies retreats which opened up time for deep and encouraging conversations. And baking cookies with Arise, and the other Arise events, were such a highlight.
While I could number off so many great experiences with both Pulse and Arise, maybe my biggest joy was working with the volunteers. The core volunteers are so dedicated to the youth that they give up huge amounts of their time, energy and talent coming to planning meetings, writing talks, playing games, building relationships, prepping snacks, writing skits, and pouring love out on our youth. Youth ministry is nothing without the volunteers. Thank you all for the privilege I experienced working with you. You are true servant leaders - an image of Christ to us all!
by Val Wynder
This past year in youth ministry has been quite an adventure.
It isn't easy coming into a ministry without knowing your co-worker, most of the youth, nor many of your volunteers. Under those circumstances it was challenging to pull a program together that worked for everyone. Pressure was added when I found out early in the summer that I was pregnant. I knew there wouldn't be much time to build relationships and the ministry.
Some of my favourite times this past year were planning and executing our grade 7 retreat with St. Francis Jr High. I was really nervous about it, but John and I were happily surprised that it went off without a hitch, and the students really seemed to enjoy themselves and learn more about the gifts of Holy Spirit! Not only was the retreat fun, but it broke the ice for my lunch time visits to the school.
Armed with a sack of cookies from Klassy's Bakery, another of my favourite times each week was heading to both St. Francis and FLVT junior high schools. We have been so welcome in the schools. As I became more recognisable, I found I was able to meet with students who attended Pulse, as well as develop some great relationships with other students.
At CCH we found time for bible study and prayer at flex time. Some students participated in the Religious Studies retreats which opened up time for deep and encouraging conversations. And baking cookies with Arise, and the other Arise events, were such a highlight.
While I could number off so many great experiences with both Pulse and Arise, maybe my biggest joy was working with the volunteers. The core volunteers are so dedicated to the youth that they give up huge amounts of their time, energy and talent coming to planning meetings, writing talks, playing games, building relationships, prepping snacks, writing skits, and pouring love out on our youth. Youth ministry is nothing without the volunteers. Thank you all for the privilege I experienced working with you. You are true servant leaders - an image of Christ to us all!