Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church has a vision for junior high and high school faith formation. This is our mission statement first drafted in 2003, and still being worked toward today through Catechesis and Youth Ministry.
"This is what is needed: a Church for young people, which will know how to speak to their heart and enkindle, comfort, and inspire enthusiasm in it with the joy of the Gospel and the strength of the Eucharist; a Church which will know how to invite and welcome the person who seeks a purpose for which to commit their whole entire existence; a Church which is not afraid to require much, after having given much; which does not fear asking from young people the effort of a noble and authentic adventure, such as that of following the Gospel."
- Pope John Paul II at the 1995 World day of Prayer for Vocations
We will welcome and include Youth In The Life of Our Parish by…
- Getting to know the youth of our parish and welcoming new members
- Working towards the formation of a Youth Advisory Board
- Working in conjunction with other ministries within St. Mary’s Parish Family
- Encouraging our young people’s involvement in liturgical and service ministries
- Offering young people a safe place to call their own
We will support families of youth by…
- Sponsoring family based activities (socially, spiritually, and service oriented)
- Mentoring young people and providing good role models of living out our Catholic Faith
- Sponsoring parish activities
We will connect and collaborate with others in our community by…
- Sponsoring outreach programs to those in need
- Participating in parish, diocesan, and community events
- Networking with the public schools within our community
- Working with youth ministers of all faiths within our community
We will place youth in service, ministry, and leadership roles by…
- Bringing Christ’s young people closer to Him by involving them in all aspects of our parish ministry
- Involving youth and adults in leadership and ministry training
- Building a database of service opportunities
We will provide responsive youth programs and strategies by…
- Providing a variety of activities that include social, spiritual, and service aspects
- Evaluate current and past programs so as to have a concentrated, goal focused program
- Participation in ongoing ministry training
We will build leadership for youth ministry by…
- Appealing to parishioners for greater volunteer involvement.
- Training volunteers
- Placing people based on their talents
- Recognizing excellence
- Extending personal invitations
- Teaching parents how to get involved
