Youth Ministry for High School Commission
Persons who work in any area of youth ministry as volunteers or who have previously volunteered in youth ministry may serve on the Youth Ministry Commission. They provide direction for youth ministry in the parish. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month in Room 106, St. Jerome Room/School Library, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Please check the calendar for changes. Visitors are welcome. For agenda items, please contact the Youth Ministry Commission Chair.
Youth Ministry Director: Barry O’Donnell, 355-4545 x124
Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant: Susan Sullivan , 355-4545 x143
Youth Ministry Commission Chair: Mark Palenik
Pastoral Council Youth Ministry Representative: Jay Duffy
Pastoral Council Youth Ministry Teen Representative: Denise DerOther Youth Ministry Commission Members: Pat McDonough, Anne Doheny, John Andersen, Lisa O'Connell, Bonnie Pappalardo, Sue Shanahan, Colleen Huck, Matt Shelton, John Doheny, Katie O'Hara, Maggie O'Malley, Alli Schlumpf, Mandy Schlumpf, Zach Mikus.
St. Raphael Youth Ministry is a multifaceted approach at enabling and encouraging the youth of the parish and community to be involved with the local church, to help facilitate their personal growth and development and support their movement into the adult Christian community. As the document issued by the Catholic Bishops, Renewing the Vision states, “to make ministry with adolescents a concern for the entire church community” is of primary importance. In recognition of the many needs young people have, St. Raphael Youth Ministry commits itself to:
- Provide opportunities for young people to experience Christian community and enable them to develop and sustain their own faith community among their peers.
- Provide opportunities for young people to reflect on the gift of faith and their own spiritual life through prayer, retreats, informal and formal teaching, liturgy and spiritual direction.
- Provide opportunities that create an awareness of and sharing in the church’s active concern for those who suffer from poverty, handicaps, and injustice.
- Provide youth with counsel as they face personal, spiritual, and vocational decisions.
- Provide opportunities for young people to experience social and recreational involvement within the church community.
- Advocate the needs of youth to the parish and the community.
BOARD POLICIES FOR YOUTH MINISTRY
Small Christian Community Groups
Size
There shall be a maximum of fifteen (15) registered participants in a group due to the nature and purpose of the program.Attendance
In order for the goals of the group to be met, attendance at all meetings is crucial. If there is a need to miss a particular meeting, advance notification to the facilitator by the youth/parent is expected. No more than six absences can be permitted for the Youth Ministry Small Christian Communities. If excessive absences occur the facilitator will inform the Youth Ministry Director, who in turn will contact the youth/parent involved to discuss a possible solution. Credit for Confirmation is contingent on attendance at the Small Christian Communities. One make-up packet of material will need to be completed for every absence over six in order to complete the requirement for Small Christian Communities (YMSCC). Due to the limited number of sessions for the Catholic Schools Small Christian Communities (CSSCC), make-ups in service hours will be required for every session missed.Behavior
If a person is disruptive in their group (extreme disrespectful behavior to the leader, group member, or property through actions, language or attitude) then the following procedures will be followed:1) Facilitator reminds group of the general behavior norms that are expected and agreed to.
2) If the behavior continues, a personal reprimand by the facilitator to the individual outside of the group is given.
3) If, after a personal reprimand, the behavior continues, the facilitator will contact the parent to come up with a solution.
4) If, after parent notification, the youth continues the behavior, the Director will be contacted to initiate a discussion about the behavior with the parent and youth.
5) After all steps have been taken to modify the problem, then the youth will be dismissed from the group.
Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Weapons
Drugs (other than prescribed) and alcohol use or weapons of any kind will not be allowed at any YM function. This includes all activities sponsored or coordinated by the St. Raphael YM office. Any infraction will necessitate a call to parents and dismissal from the activity.No smoking will be allowed at any YM function. This includes all activities sponsored or coordinated by the St. Raphael YM office. Any infraction will necessitate a reprimand and possible dismissal from the activity.
Retreat
Retreat participants are required to attend the entire retreat. In case of emergency, the youth director or retreat director may deem it necessary to modify this requirement. Any discipline problem will follow Small Christian Community policy under “Behavior”.
More developed Faith Formation for Teens and Young Adults at the 12:15 pm Mass by making it more attractive to them.
With Junior High Ministry have shared experiences between Junior and Senior High teens to enrich both group's faith lives.
Provide opportunities for Service and Mission work for teens and young adults.
If you have any questions, please contact the YM Office via phone 630-355-4545 X-143 or via email to Susan or Barry.