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CROSS TRAINING Teen Youth Group, High School Religious Education, Service, Fellowship, Discipleship |
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Related Highschool Ministry Links:
STA Youth Ministry Goals
(from the USCCB document Renewing the Vision)
Cross Training … is that a sports reference?
Yes … and no! It refers to the conditioning that athletes do in preparation for their particular sport by using other sports or training methods. For instance, swimming helps build up the cardio needed for running, hoops, etc. without the extra pounding on (my) bad knees. Now, if only I could swim. With regards to learning the Catholic faith, Cross Training offers a variety of methods: listening to a speaker, small discussion groups, prayer, praise & worship, Bible study, service projects, leadership opportunities, retreats, and of course, the Sacraments. Our teaching is guided by the Magisterial authority of the Catholic Church, leaning heavily on Scripture, the Catechism, Church documents, Church Fathers and the Saints. Realizing that not everyone learns the same way, Cross Training attempts to expose our youth to the breadth of what our faith has to offer in a limited time. In this way, we hope our youth are able to develop personally and spiritually as fully, actively and consciously participating Catholic Christians in our Church and in the world. Thus, Cross Training is also a play on the phrase, “Will you carry your cross?” It is our sincere hope and prayer that our Youth Ministry program at STA will help to enable our youth to answer resoundingly: “Yes, Lord!”
How do I sign my teen up … or, if I’m a teen, how do I sign up?
Contact Gary Guevara, STA Coordinator of Youth Ministry @ 517-927-8101 or gary_guevara@hotmail.com. Name, age/birthday, school/grade, address, phone and e-mail address is all that is needed. Or, just show up for an event in the Youth Room!
Is there a cost?
Suggested donation of $75 for one student, $100 for 2 students and $125 for 3 or more. Additional fees may be required for special events. However, we will not allow a fee to deter a participant in our programs. Please contact Gary if financial hardship would require a scholarship or other payment options.
How do I keep up-to-date with what’s going on for high school teens?
The STA weekly bulletin and fliers at the Church entrances have info for the week and beyond. Our website at www.stachurch.net under High School Youth Ministry Events is also a good source, especially for downloadable permission forms. Due to cost, a limited number of mailings will go out periodically throughout the year. Weekly e-mail reminders are also helping to cut down time/cost. Contact Gary to get on the snail mail or e-mail list!
How does a typical Sunday night go?
Although our start time occurs later than last year, we will still be following the same, basic outline:
7:30-7:45 Teens arrive / pizza & pop / tell us how you’re week has been
/ play some air hockey
7:45-7:55 Saint-of-the-day / Songs of Praise / Opening Prayer & Intentions / Topic intro
7:55-8:25 Topic Presentation
8:25-8:45 Small group discussion
8:45-8:55 Closing remarks / Announcements / Closing PrayerWhat’s with all the service?
St. James tells us, “Show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith by my works” (Jas 2:18) In the Gospels, Jesus says “Whatever you do for the least of my people … that you do unto me” ( Mt 25:40 ). Our good works are essential to growing in faith. Work on your faith by putting your faith to work!
How can adults help?
- Driver for special events - need to be over 21
- Providing hospitality food: water, pop, cookies, cut veggies …
- Spreading the word on our programs!
- Programming ideas
- Prayer!
The following is a short list of immediate needs. Other inquiries can be directed to Gary.
Where is the Youth Room?
Located in the STA Church Basement, in what was formerly the before and after care room. The most direct access is a stairwell towards the front of the rectory. If coming in through the automatic door near the Bell Tower entrance, go down the stairs and take a right in the basement. The official room name is the Fr. Solanus Room.
To Register or for more info, contact
Gary Guevara @ 517-927-8101 or gary_guevara@hotmail.com