Program

Goals and Components

Youth Faith Formation

Youth Gatherings

Contacts

Registration Info

Website and Social Media

Purpose: To foster in the young people an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ to be missionary disciples.

Vision: For youth to be heard and accepted in the faith community as parishioners while learning to be respectful and have a strong foundation in their Catholic Faith through prayer and worship and justice and service opportunities.

"Jesus called his first disciples, as he calls you now. His call has always demanded a choice between the two voices competing for your hearts..., the choice between good and evil, between life and death. Which voice will the young people of the twenty-first century choose to follow?

To put your faith in Jesus means choosing to believe what he says, no matter how strange it may seem, and choosing to reject the claims of evil, no matter how sensible or attractive they may seem.

But Jesus does not stand by and leave you alone to face this challenge. He is always with you to transform your weakness into strength. Trust him when he says: “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9)!

Young people of the world: answer the Lord with a heart that is willing and open! Willing and open, like the heart of Mary: “I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).
Saint John Paul II, March 2000, Mount of Beatitudes - Israel.

GOALS OF COMPREHENSIVE MINISTRY WITH ADOLESCENTS

Goal 1: “To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.”

Goal 2: “To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.”

Goal 3: “To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.”

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops “Renewing the Vision”

COMPONENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE MINISTRY WITH ADOLESCENTS

The Ministry of Advocacy

The Ministry of Catechesis

The Ministry of Community Life

The Ministry of Evangelization

The Ministry of Justice and Service

The Ministry of Leadership Development

The Ministry of Pastoral Care

The Ministry of Prayer and Worship

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops “Renewing the Vision”

Component of youth ministry—Catechesis Goal 2

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION
Grades 7-12
Sundays:  6:00pm-7:30pm (Spiritual Learning Center)

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

3 years of preparation
-     1st and 2nd year sacramental prep, traditionally taking place in the 9th and 10th grade
-     3rd year—immediate prep with reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation at end of their third year

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION
Grades 7 & 8

EARLY ADOLESCENCE
Characteristics of Early Adolescents

In the area of decision making, early adolescents often may question traditional rules and struggle to make personal decisions even though they lack the experiences that would help them anticipate the possible consequences of their decisions. At this stage of their spiritual development, early adolescents seek a more personal relationship with God. This relationship is often nourished by the faith and family and the sacraments of the Church. Involvement of young adolescents in the life or formal religious activities of the Church depends to a large measure on parental encouragement and support as well as peer participation. They tend to become active participants in church life and ministry if their parents are involved and if encouraged by personal or peer group invitation.

Catechetical Framework For Lifelong Faith Formation – Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston   pg. 289
Human Sexuality: A Catholic Perspective for Education and Lifelong Learning, USCC, 1991, p104-105.

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION
Grades 9th through 12th

ADOLESCENCE
Characteristics of Adolescents

Adolescents, too, are becoming more capable of abstract thought, challenging argumentation, and private spirituality. Searching for an authentic spirituality, adolescents are increasingly aware of their inner life and are becoming aware of universal moral principles. In short, adolescents are building the necessary components of their future adult life. As such, their thinking, choices, and actions about sex and sexuality become a more complex process. Added to this is their increased awareness of fairness, justice, and equality. They are awakening to the transcendent.

Catechetical Framework For Lifelong Faith Formation – Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston   pg. 331
Human Sexuality: A Catholic Perspective for Education and Lifelong Learning, USCC, 1991, p109.

Juan Serros
Phone: (979) 299-3508
E-mail: juan@smlj.org

Janet Gipson
Phone: (979) 299-3507
D-mail: janet@smlj.org

Go to our Religious Education Registration page for information about registering your teen.