Youth

Mission Statement:

Our Catholic Community invites all youth to have fun, to Youth Ministry celebrate their identity, to know God, and come together to better the world.
High School (grades 9-12) and Middle School (grades 6-8) Youth Ministry is our Church community's response to meeting the needs of young people and inviting them to participate in the life and work of our community. Youth Ministry focuses on these eight components: Advocacy, Catechesis, Community Life, Evangelization, Guidance, Justice & Service, Enablement, and Prayer & Worship.

PERMISSION FORMS

Summer Gathering

Tunnel Park

Family Hope Ministry

Habitat for Humanity

MS HS Cedar Point Trip

Golf Golf Sundae Sundae

High School Youth Leadership Permission Slip

Middle School Youth Leadership

High School - Habitat for Humanity (May 5, 2007)

Crop Walk (April 29, 2007)

EVANGELIZATION AND RELATIONAL OUTREACH

Weekly, youth and young adults (grades 9-12 and up) gather for activities and catechesis, which promote active growth in personal faith. Classes are held on Sundays and Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:00pm at the Corpus Christi Center. Wednesday night offers the choice of a Closer Look Group for those 10-12th graders wishing to look more deeply into Youth Group Catechesis topics.

Aquinas Youth Rally

An annual gathering of High School students in the Diocese of Grand Rapids sponsored by the students of Aquinas College.

Dymo Camp

A week long summer camp experience focused on the spiritual growth of High School youth. There are opportunities for creative liturgies, leadership development and outdoor activities.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Confirmation

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a one-year program, which offers young people the opportunity to explore their faith and their commitment to the Church community in a deeper way. All tenth - twelfth graders are eligible. Candidates participate in formal classes as well as service work and an overnight retreat experience. The Sacrament of Confirmation is offered each spring to candidates who have completed preparation. Young people desiring to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist or Reconciliation can contact the Parish Office.

FAITH ALIVE

Confirmation candidates are required to complete the Faith Alive Series before receiving Confirmation.

SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Liturgy Participation

Young people are encouraged to take part in all lay ministries - as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Crossbearers, Greeters and Gift Bearers.

Retreat Experiences - Opportunities to participate are offered for Middle School and High School students.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Work Camp

High School students travel as a group out of state for a week of serving the poor by repairing homes. This experience helps to build community among teens as well as to encourage service as a life long obligation. Informational meetings are held in February.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Young people of our community have the genuine need to build community with their peers and adults. Some of the activities sponsored by the Church include:
Cedar Point trip Canoe trip
Skiing Movie Night
30-hour famine Lock-in

Adult Volunteers

Are important to the services of our Youth Ministry Program. Adults are needed to assist teens by working on various activities during the year.

Mary Murphy

Director of Youth Ministry
mmurphy@oll.org
616.399.1062 ext. 113

Cindy Dean

Coordinator
cdean@oll.org
616.399.1062 ext. 123