St. Philip’s Parish has an active youth ministry program. Since its inception in 2000, our youth have particpated in service activities, social events, spiritual experiences.
What Is Catholic Youth Ministry?
The Catholic bishops of the United States defined Catholic youth ministry in the 1997 document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (RTV). “What is needed today is a church which knows how to respond to the expectations of young people. Jesus wants to enter into dialogue with them and, through his body, which is the church, to propose the possibility of a choice, which will require a commitment of their lives. As Jesus with the disciples of Emmaus, so the church must become the traveling companion of young people…” (Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day 1995, Philippines)
The church must become the traveling companion of young people—and that is what we mean by youth ministry. If, indeed, “it takes an entire village to raise a child,” then it certainly takes an entire church to journey with young people as they grapple with the Good News and respond in discipleship.
Components of Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry … happens comprehensively. Youth ministry is more than programs and events. It is “the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people, and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community.” (A Vision of Youth Ministry, p. 6, quoted in RTV 1). To be most effective, this is a ministry to, with, by, and for young people that involves their families, their parish community, and the larger community. At the heart of ministry with young people is the presence of caring, supportive relationships where youth experience the Good News in the flesh.
A comprehensive approach to youth ministry utilizes the eight components identified in Renewing the Vision as a framework: advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. These components guide our efforts in proclaiming the Good News, connecting young people with the faith community, and calling our young people to the challenge of discipleship, and a varitey of short trips. Over 100 students have been involved over the years. Beginning September 21, 2003, youth will meet at the end of their Sunday night Religious Education class twice a month to plan events, socialize and pray. We are fortunate to have both a Youth Lounge and a Game Room, complete with furniture (donated by members of the parish), ping pong table (donated by Women’s Auxiliary), fooseball tables and air hockey (all donated by parishioners), and a computer system (also donated by a parishioner).
During the summer of the past three years, youth of our parish have participated in a week-long Work Camp. The youth live at the parish for the week and go out each day in teams to do volunteer work in the community. Organizations served to date include: PAI, YWCA, YMCA, Conestoga View, Office of the Aging, Milagro House, Clare House, and various private residences. At night the youth go to Eagle Falls (water slide, mini golf and go carts), Outdoor World and Hershey Park. There is also one night where we hold an Open House for parents, friends and parishioners. More parish involvement and support is a goal for the coming year.
Youth Ministry documents are listed below alphabetically.
| Name | Size |  |
2011 Lock In Event Information | 96 KB | |
Parent Permission Form for Lock In | 20 KB | |
Teen Code Of Conduct For Dances | 32 KB |
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