To properly minister to the youth, we have asked parents to come in and register one on one. We seek to know all the families we are ministering to. We encourage those who are parishioners to call or make an appointment to get connected with our program.
High School years can be rough. Between pressures to fit in, have the right friends, get good grades, excel in sports, etc., teens today are overwhelmed with expectations and activities and are busier than ever. When schedules get maxed out, there is now a growing trend to drop the one thing that will enrich our souls and give us rest: Going to church and learning about our Catholic faith.
Youth Ministry invites you to join us for our gatherings for junior high and high school on Wednesday evenings. Find rest for your soul with faith, fun, and friendship.
Jesus says to us, “Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30, NRSV).
All high school youth are invited to plug in to Youth Ministry meetings or events. Want to get involved, but don’t know where to start? Contact our Director of Youth Ministry, Jesus Gonzalez youthministry@stmarymtangel.org or 503-845-4279, and she’ll get you started. We love meeting new people!
Every Thursday 6:30-7:30pm
Youth Ministry meetings are a time of connecting with other youth, learning more about our Catholic faith, and discussing current challenges teens face today.
It is a place to ask tough questions, seek support and grow closer to Christ.
Thursday:
Give teens the peace and confidence that comes from a firm foundation in the faith. We live in a broken and hurting world. Teens today see division, anxiety, and tension all around them. Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation brings Christ’s healing message to a world that sorely needs it through the topics that are most important to teens right now. It addresses: God’s Creation and Stewardship, The Dignity of Human Life, Solidarity, Race and Responsibilities, Poverty and the Dignity of Work, Family: The Foundation of Society.
Connected offers a unique presentation that blends glimpses of Catholic organizations at work in the world today, with accessible and attractive explanations of Church teaching, as well as engaging stories of the saints. This combination cuts through the noise to touch the hearts and enlighten the minds of your teens.
Youth Ministry Calendar
Catholic Heart Work Camp: An oppertunity to put our faith into action in an area that needs the presence of Christ. Youth will be involed in a community building activies during the day then spritually exercises in the afternnon. Those that have a strong carisma for justice this is the perfect retreate for you. Want to know more? Visit https://heartworkcamp.com/. Interested in attending? Talk with Jesus Gonzalez in the Parish Office so we can get you connected with fundraising opportunities right away!
Steubenville NW Conference: This awesome conference is open to high school youth entering 9th grade in Fall 2023 through those who have graduated in Spring 2023. Estimated cost is $650 per teen. Due to our cap of 20 teens, this event will be filled using an application process. There is a rolling acceptance date, so the earlier your application is submitted, the earlier chance you will have of finding out whether you are accepted. The last day applications will be accepted is Febuary 24, 2023. Be sure to talk with Jesus Gonzalez in the Parish Office for more information and to get connected with fundraising opportunities.
Application coming in early 2023!
Higher Calling Ropes Camp: Open to incoming 6th grade - outgoing HS grads, Higher Calling Ropes Camp is held at Camp Yamhill each August. Students get to experience both low and high ropes elements, and have the opportunity to grow in friendship as they return each year. This is an experience you won't want to miss! See http://www.hcropescamp.com/ for more information.
Whether facing challenges at home, peer pressure, or transitioning to high school, youth are more likely to stick to their values and continue in their faith tradition when they are supported by like-minded friends and community. Yes, we teach and instruct, but we do it in community because that is how Christ taught his Disciples. We aren’t meant to grow alone. Have questions, suggestions, or want to get involved? Please don’t hesitate to contact Jeus Gonzalez at youthministry@stmarymtangel.org
Questions about Confirmation? Click here