Youth Ministry

The Catholic Bishops of the United States defined Catholic youth ministry in the document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (RTV). Young people have a hunger for connection, to be in relationships, and to belong. Family, peers, school, youth-serving organizations, and Church are primary connections for young people. Some of the ways the Church fulfills this second goal of youth ministry are:

  • Being a “youth-friendly” community that welcomes young people, values their participation, and calls forth their gifts.
  • Integrating young people into the liturgical, pastoral, and ministerial life of the parish community.
  • Creating opportunities for young people to enter into healthy relationships of trust and respect with their peers and adults.
  • Promoting Catholic identity and religious literacy through programs of adolescent catechesis.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Youth Ministry is a dynamic, engaging youth group where Middle School and High School students gather for community and fun, and to grow in their relationships with Jesus Christ. Each gathering follows a structure that introduces a Gospel theme and incorporates youth group activities and outings Christian teens love to do:

  • Service Projects: Nothing clearly teaches “love your neighbor” more than getting out in the community and helping others.
  • Each gathering is designed with a Gospel theme in mind. The Coordinator and Teen Leadership break down and try to explain how Jesus’ message is relevant to modern issues.
  • The goal is to prepare our youth to be responsible disciples and citizens and encourage them to contemplate finding their purpose/belonging.
  • The focus is on the formation and development of Spirit, Mind, and Body with team-building activities, discernment gaming, and models of exemplary leadership qualities.
  • They have trusted people they can rely on to offer advice or even listen.
  • Teach them how to fight stress, anger, revenge, jealousy, lust, and all evil things with prayer.
  • Opportunities for adventure, food, music, games, and dance.