Youth Ministry

Saint Philomena Parish's Youth Ministry is a multi-faceted program that includes spiritual formation, education, mission, service and fun. It incorporates adolescent catechesis into a comprehensive ministry to, with, by and for young people. This ministry is for young people from 6th-12th grade. This includes High School sessions every Saturday from 3pm concluding with the 5pm Mass and monthy activities (Days of prayer/retreats, fundraising activities). Middle School teens join us on the last Saturday of the month.

More than a Saturday afternoon time to gather, it is a great way of life for teenagers to grow in their faith. We share experiences of the week with each other. We share problems, and joyful times of school, sports, and friends. There are times we just hang loose and watch a movie, jam, run the courts. What we always learn is the importance of prayer, for each week we join in our circle of Christ and pray for the needs each of us has, for family, and for friends. We learn that faith is nothing unless it is lived, and we discuss how to live it. 

Our program calendar is designed to cover the Components of Comprehensive Youth Ministry that describe specific areas of the mission of the Church that work together to provide ministry with adolescents. These components provide a framework for the Catholic community to respond to the needs of young people in sharing their unique gifts with the larger community.

1. Advocacy- Interpreting the neds of young people, standing up for young people, both as individuals and as a youth community.

2. Catechesis- Deepening the faith of young people through teaching and reflection--working toward transformation.

3. Community Life- Building community, not just between young people, but with their families and engaging youth in the broader parish community.

4. Evangelization-Proclaiming the Good news and inviting youth into relationship with Jesus Christ through ongoing witness.

5. Justice and Service- Engaging young people in helping and serving other people and understanding the Gospel call to justice through education and reflection.

6. Leadership Development- Inviting, training, and supporting adults and young people into leadership for youth ministry and with the broader parish community.

7. Pastoral Care- Providing prevention programs for youth and families, caring for those in crisis, and providing guidance during times of decisions and moral choices.

8. Prayer and Worship- Helping youth to develop an individual prayer life, experience a variety of communal prayers, and involving youth in the Sacramental Life of the Church.