The formation of our youth communities stems from their homes and parents who through their child's baptism promised to be the first and best teachers of faith to their children. During a baptism as a community we also state our willingness to help parents in the formation of their youth. As members of the Body of Christ, we all have a skill set that was given to us by our Heavenly Father. Each of us has at least one gift that has been bestowed upon us to serve others, especially those who are seeking the Lord. You may be thinking but I can't speak in front of people, or I do not know enough, think back to Peter, a fisherman with no formal education, and he was charged with being the Vicar of Christ here on earth, to continue Christ's ministry in Evangelization and spreading the Good News. Through our Confirmation we are charged just as the Disciples were during Pentecost when the third person of the Trinity, the Spirit descended, to go out and preach, teach but most importantly share our faith. We do not need to be theologians to pass on the faith of our Father's we just need to be willing just as Peter and the first disciples were. So yes, God is calling YOU to help, to share your story and how it relates back to your Catholic faith, because in doing so you will be not only evangelizing, sharing your faith and most importantly sharing Christ with the youth of our Parish but you will yourself experience Christ and your relationship with Him will grow through your service. Therefore serve, give of yourself, share your life, your faith, Christ with others, and most of all pray for our Youth that they may experience Christ through the Catholic Church, the Body of Christ that we are each individually significant members of.
There are many ways to help and below you will find a explanation of various ways in which you can share your gifts with the youth of Our Lady Queen of Peace.
How can I be involved the formation of our Youth?
Faith Coach: A small group discussion leader. MS or HS
Faith Coaches will be assigned a small group of youth (approximately 10 teens) and will act as facilitator for discussions, activities, etc. during the formation sessions. It is the job of faith coaches to foster relationships centered on Christ. To ignite the faith lives of the youth at OLQP. Faith Coaches also encourage their group to stay connected and participate in class sessions, retreats, outreach opportunities, and social events. Faith Coaches partner with another adult (and or youth for MS) and should be able to commit to all or most all sessions.
Middle School Ministry Sunday Mornings 9:30am-10:30am
High School Meets meets Wednesday evenings 6:00pm - 8:00pm
You would make a good faith coach if you:
- Enjoy teens. Enjoy talking with teens.
- Love our faith and are willing to share it.
- Can listen attentively.
- Are a person of prayer.
- Have a positive attitude.
- Are willing to commit to approximatly 30 sessions a year.
- Are flexible and patient, especially when chaos closes in.
- Live your life as a practicing Catholic.
- Trust that you can call on God and know that God will be there.
Retreat Team: Help build meaningful (and fun) faith experiences!
Most of us have a story about how a retreat made a difference in our lives. Whether it was that special speaker, new found friend or just the retreat as a whole, we were moved. If this sounds familiar to you then here is your chance to give back. Come join the retreat team and help to plan and execute retreats for our youth. Give them chances to build those memories which we all hold dear.
You would be a good retreat team member if:
- You like to get away for a weekend to have fun with little sleep
- You are creative
- Love our faith and are willing to share it.
- Are a person of prayer.
- Are a team player.
Confirmation Team: Prepare candidates for Confirmation.
Confirmation is the beginning of a young person's active life in the church as a fully initiated member. These candidates need men and women of good faith who are willing and able to be mentors and guides on the path of faith. Confirmation team will act as "faith coaches" - as small group leaders, and help plan and give the Confirmation retreats. Come and help us prepare them for life in Christ, both on the Confirmation retreat and the follow up sessions.
You would be a good Confirmation team member if you:
- Enjoy working with teens.
- Love our faith and are willing to share it.
- Like to organize and motivate teens.
- Are a person of prayer.
- Are a team player.
- Like to have fun.
Outreach Team: Providing the world with what it needs.
Jesus calls people together so that we can go out and minister. There are many people in this world who need help, love and support. Our youth want to follow in the footsteps of Christ but we need a team to help us coordinate opportunities to do so. OLQP youth would like to begin a monthly service project which they with the outreach team will help plan, coordinate and execute.
You would be a good Outreach team member if you:
- Often feel a need to reach out to those less fortunate.
- Get a kick out of giving without receiving.
- Like to serve people to show that God cares for them.
- Love to use your time, talents, and energy to benefit others and spread the Gospel.
- Would like to lead, inspire, and motivate young people to do God's work.
- Are willing to locate and contact local service agencies that need assistance.
- Can organize groups of youth to do service work.
- Are willing to let Christ use you as a faithful disciple.
- Trust that you can call on God and know that God will be there.
Environment Design: For the Creative types.
You would be a good environment designer if you:
- Are creative and artistic
- Enjoy working behind the scenes and/or at home.
- Like to make banners? upkeep youth bulletin board, etc.
Hospitality: The yummy crew
On occasion we will need help with ice cream socials, kitchen crew for Confirmation retreats and other events throughout the year when food will be served, more than just donuts and pizza!
During Wednesday Youth Nights from 6pm-6:30pm we will share a meal. If you would like to coordinate the weekly meals or provide a meal for the week, this is a great way to be involved in youth ministry.