Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Community

Senior High Youth Ministry

Welcome to the Senior High Youth Ministry for Grades 9-12

 

Home    Mission    Leadership Team    Confirmation    Service    Retreats    Social Events

 

 

Upcoming Event

Calendar for 2010:

 

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Six Flags Great America Trip

 

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Softball Practice 7-8PM Wetlands Park

 

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Mission Trip Commissioning Mass and Packing 4PM mass

 

Sunday-Saturday, July 18-24, 2010

Mission Trip to Midland, Michigan

 

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Marketday Orders Due

 

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Marketday Pick-Up from 9:30-10:30AM

 

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Softball Practice 7-8PM Wetlands Park

 

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Softball League

 

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Softball Practice 7-8PM Wetlands Park

 

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Softball League

 

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Softball Practice 7-8PM Wetlands Park

 

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Softball League

 

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Peer Ministry Team Mtg. at CiCi’s Restaurant @ 7PM

 

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Marketday Orders Due

 

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Softball Practice 7-8PM Wetlands Park

 

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Marketday Pick-Up from 9:30-10:30AM

 

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Softball League

 

Monday-Wednesday, August 23-25, 2010

R.E. & Confirmation Placement Nights

 

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Teen Tailgate Party & BBQ

 

 

Full Calendar of  Events for the year

 

 

To Contact Us:

 

 

701 S. Eola Road

Aurora IL 60504

Phone: (630) 851-3444 x232 OR 225

Fax: (630) 851-3468

 

Click here for a map to Our Lady of Mercy

 

E-Mail

Dave Miserendino, Director

DaveM@olmercy.com

 

Jean Rehmer, Secretary

JeanR@olmercy.com

 

 

 

WELCOME!!!

 

The Senior High Youth Ministry welcomes you to its website! We hope you enjoy and find it useful! You will find information on our active ministry for and with high school teens (Grades 9-12).

 

There is also information on various leadership and service opportunities for youth, calendar of events, our mission statement and printable PDF permission forms and event information.

 

You can also learn more about being catholic and find other links to cool sites! Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

Parenting Resources:

 

 

Parent Tips: “How to Pass Your Faith to Your Kids”

 

Parent Tips: “Five Reasons why kids want You to set Boundaries for them”

 

Parent Tips: “The 10 building blocks for a happy family”

 

Parent Tips: “10 ways to build relationships with your children”

 

 

Protecting our Children:

 

 

Internet Safety Brochure

 

Parent Guide for Preventing Abuse

 

Pastoral Policy Regarding Sexual Abuse of a Minor

 

Sexuality Brochure

 

Standards of Behavior for those Working with Minors

 

Reporting Sexual Abuse

 

Quick Links:

 

Youth Ministry Facebook Page

 

Religious Education Registration for 2010-2011

 

Sign-Up for Teen Softball League!

 

Confirmation Lvl 2 Ceremony Information

 

Service Reflection Form

 

Order Marketday and Support Our Teens!

 

 

Additional Links:

 

 

v    Worship.Com-Music Ministry

v    Christian Teens.net

v    Group Workcamps

v    Teen Challenge-Help for those on drugs

v    The Way of the Cross

v    Disciples Now-find out about being Catholic!

v    Christianity Today

v    Parenting Teens

 

Send us your cool links so we can let others see it too! Email the Youth Minister at DaveM@olmercy.com

 

You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to view some of the pages on this website!

 

Help Support our Teens!

Did you know Marketday proceeds (10 % of all items ordered) go to our teen mission trip! Please help by placing your order today!

 

Go to www.marketday.com and use our account # 21199

 

Orders need to be placed by Noon on the Wednesday before pick-up! You can order online (www.marketday.com) or get an order form in the church atrium and return to the marketday box (in the atrium) or to the youth ministry office located in the Parish Life Center (PLC).

 

 

 

 


Copyright 2001-2010. All rights reserved

Site Updated 07/13/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MISSION

Home    Mission    Leadership Team    Confirmation    Service    Retreats    Social Events

 

 

 

What We Are About:

 

The primary focus of youth ministry is to draw teens into an everlasting relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We do this through actively living in view of eternity, thus becoming ALIVE! All high school teens are invited to our many ministries. You don’t even have to be catholic for some! Teens use their God-given gifts to grow this ministry. We also have active adults who assist with this ministry Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic parish is concerned with the faith growth of young people and their families! We are guided by 2 all-encompassing principles:

 

 

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). This document, printed in both English and Spanish, provides a structure for the ministry as well as a language, theology, and pastoral approach for responding to the personal and spiritual needs of today's adolescents.

 

“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.

 

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in their 1997 document, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, identified three goals and eight components which provide direction for this ministry. Youth ministry, at its best, is characterized by the following five hallmarks:

 

  • Discipleship
  • Connection
  • Giftedness and growth
  • Comprehensiveness
  • Entire church (parish) involvement

 

 

Goals of Youth Ministry

 
Goal 1
Youth Ministry ... it’s about discipleship

The first goal of youth ministry is “to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.” (RTV 9). Young people are “searching for a noble adventure”, a compelling and challenging vision of life, and a cause worth their commitment. They hunger to hear the Good News that finds response in discipleship. As their companions on this spiritual journey, some of the ways the Church fulfills this first goal of youth ministry is by...

 

  • Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus through witness and word to young people.
  • Enabling young people to live as disciples through their involvement in service, ministry, and leadership opportunities.
  • Providing young people the faith skills for discipleship.
 
Goal 2
Youth Ministry ... it’s about connection

The second goal is “to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.” (RTV 11). Young people have a hunger for connection, to be in relationship, 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 is by...

 

  • 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 with adults.
  • Promoting Catholic identity and religious literacy through programs of adolescent catechesis.
 
Goal 3
Youth Ministry ... it’s about gifts and growth

The third goal of youth ministry is “to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.” (RTV 15). Adolescence is an important time for mental, spiritual, social, and physical growth. Their experiences and relationships greatly influence their healthy and positive development. The Church strives to surround young people with the best possible external scaffolds—networks of caring relationships of family, school, peers, and other adults—while young people are developing their internal psychological and spiritual backbone—their values, life skills, commitments, and moral compass. The Church fulfills this third goal of youth ministry by...

 

  • Enabling young people to develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
  • Actively supporting positive youth development and fostering healthy values and life skills.
  • Supporting families of young people by providing resources, programs, and services.
  • Providing opportunities to experience and express caring, service, and compassion for others.

 

 
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.

 

  • “The Ministry of Advocacy engages the Church to examine its priorities and practices to determine how well young people are integrated into the life, mission, and work of the Catholic community” and within society. (RTV, p. 27) The ministry of advocacy includes protecting the sanctity of human life, speaking with and on behalf of young people, empowering the voice of young people, and developing partnerships in building a healthy community.
  • “The Ministry of Catechesis most effectively promotes the faith development of young and older adolescents when the curriculum is focused on important faith themes of the Church and on the developmental needs and life experiences of adolescents.” (RTV, p. 30) It helps young people enrich and expand their understanding of the Scriptures and the sacred tradition. It provides a healthy future by encouraging youth to live faithfully in providing real life applications so that they may grow as disciples of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.
  • “The Ministry of Community Life builds an environment of love, support, appreciation for diversity, and judicious acceptance that models Catholic principles; develops meaningful relationships; and nurtures Catholic faith.” (RTV, p. 34) This included relationships between youth and caring adults, but not exclusively.
  • “The Ministry of Evangelization shares the good news of the reign of God and invites young people to hear about the Word Made Flesh.” (RTV, p. 36) Drawing from Jesus’ example, evangelization involves the community’s pronouncements and living witnesses of adults and young people that the reign of God is realized in and through Jesus. The ministry of evangelization incorporates several essential elements: witness, outreach, proclamation, invitation, conversion, and discipleship.
  • “The Ministry of Justice and Service nurtures in young people a social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and service rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ, in the Scriptures, and in Catholic social teaching; empowers young people to work for justice by concrete efforts to address the causes of human suffering; and infuses the concepts of justice, peace, and human dignity into all ministry efforts.” (RTV, p. 38)
  • “The Ministry of Leadership Development calls forth, affirms, and empowers the diverse gifts, talents, and abilities of adults and young people in our faith communities.” (RTV, p. 40)
  • “The Ministry of Pastoral Care is a compassionate presence in imitation of Jesus’ care for people, especially those who were hurting and in need.” (RTV, p. 42) It involves promoting positive adolescent and family development through a variety of positive adolescent and family development through a variety of positive (preventive) strategies, caring for adolescents and families in crisis through supports, counseling, and referral to appropriate community agencies; providing guidance as young people face life decisions and make moral choices, and challenging systems that are obstacles to positive development.
  • “The Ministry of Prayer and Worship celebrates and deepens young people’s relationship with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace, communal prayer, and liturgical experiences; it awakens their awareness of the Spirit at work in their lives, it incorporates young people more fully in the sacramental life of the Church, especially Eucharist; it nurtures the personal prayer life of young people, and it fosters family rituals and prayer.” (RTV, p. 44)

 

 

Youth Ministry ... it takes an entire Church

 

“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 his whole 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 the following of the Gospel.”

(Pope John Paul II. 1995 World Day of Prayer for Vocations)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


LEADERSHIP TEAM

Home    Mission    Leadership Team    Confirmation    Service    Retreats    Social Events

 

 

 

Youth Ministry Commission (Y.M.C.)

 

The Youth Ministry Commission ensures that the pastoral care of young people at Our Lady of Mercy Church is rooted in the parish and is integral to the life, work, and mission of the parish community. The Commission consists of adults who provide vision, direction, support, and advocacy for the parish’s ministry to young people.

 

The Youth Ministry Commission has the following critical tasks:

  • Provide support for the coordinator of youth ministry, the Leadership Team, and adult volunteers involved in youth ministry.
  • Develop long-range planning, budgeting, and program assessment, ensuring that the changing needs of young people are being met.
  • Advocate for young people and their responsible participation in the life of the parish.
  • Accountable to the parish Faith Formation Commission, Parish Council, and pastor.

 

Members of the Youth Ministry Commission are responsible for:

  • Attending the quarterly meetings of the Commission.
  • Serving on Commission committees as needed.
  • Being actively involved in the functions of the Commission, such as advocacy, long range planning, budget formation, and support.

 

Members of the Youth Ministry Commission exhibit the following qualities:

  • A commitment and love for young people.
  • A willingness to share their faith in Jesus and their ongoing journey to God with others.
  • A willingness to further their understanding of comprehensive youth ministry and youth culture.

 

Members of the Youth Ministry Commission receive the following benefits:

  • To be a positive influence in the lives of young people.
  • To impact on the quality of parish youth programs.
  • To use their gifts and talents in furthering the mission and ministry of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish.

 

Term: Members of the Youth Ministry Commission serve a two-year term starting June 1 and this term is renewable.

 

Youth Ministry Commission (Y.M.C.) Meetings for 2009-2010

 

September 3

December 3

February 18

May 20

 

Time: 7:00-8:30 pm.

 

Please contact the Youth Ministry Office if you are interested in learning more about this team or if you want to join.

 

 

Peer Ministry Team (PMT)

 

The P.M.T. Team is for high school teens (Freshman through Seniors) who are interested in becoming leaders in the Church, Youth Ministry, School and Community.  Any high school teen may join the team. Our focus will be on leadership event planning and peer ministry training for the youth ministry. Members of P.M.T. help plan and implement the overall youth ministry.

 

The P.M.T. Team Requires the Following

1)     You must be willing to work hard. You must be a Christian who desires to follow Jesus Christ.

 

2)     You must be committed to be at the P.M.T. meetings and be on time.

 

3)     You must be willing to support the high school events through your presence, prayers & hard work.

 

4)     You will have the responsibility of helping plan and participate in at least one event over the course of the year.

 

5)     The length of the commitment will be 1 year with an option to renew.

 

Benefits of being on the P.M.T. Team:

§    You will learn how to be a Peer Minister to your friends at school and in your Church.

§    You will be able to learn more about what it takes to be a leader.

§    You will be able to grow in your own faith by serving and helping others in our Community.

§    You will help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by your actions-Living Out Loud!

 

Members of the Youth Ministry Leadership Team exhibit the following qualities:

  • Leadership
  • Good Ambassador
  • To guide and influence the direction of the program
  • Visible leadership
  • Enthusiastic
  • Be Prepared
  • Fresh Ideas
  • Inclusive
  • In-Charge
  • A good example
  • Energetic
  • Self-Confident

 

Peer Ministry Team Meetings for Summer 2010

June 23 (CiCi’s @ 7PM)

July 7 (Culvers and Bowling @ 7PM)

August 18 (CiCi’s restaurant @ 7PM)

 

 

 

Please contact the Youth Ministry Office if you are interested in learning more about this team or if you want to join.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


CONFIRMATION

Home    Mission    Leadership Team    Confirmation    Service    Retreats    Social Events

 

 

 

Links and Forms for Confirmation:

What is the Confirmation Program?

 

The Our Lady of Mercy Parish Confirmation program is for high school teenagers. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated at the end of the Sophomore year of high school. The program is a 2 year process of formation (Freshman = Level 1; Sophomore = Level 2) and discernment that leads the participant to a richer understanding of the Catholic Church, it’s teachings and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

 

 

Who can participate in the Confirmation Program?

 

Any registered member of the parish who is of high school age may join in the process for Confirmation. Generally, Freshman in high school will enter Level 1 and Sophomores (Level 2) will continue the process started in Level 1

 

 

How to register for the Confirmation Program?

 

Registration is held in the spring and summer of each year. A registration form is required. Contact the Youth Ministry Office for registration information.

 

Registration for the 2009-2010 year is now closed.

 

If you would like to learn more about the Confirmation Ministry at OLM please contact Dave in the youth ministry office at DaveM@olmercy.com

 

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SERVICE

Home    Mission    Leadership Team    Confirmation    Service    Retreats    Social Events

 

 

 

Service Opportunities

 

QUICK LINKS:            Service Project Reflection Form

 

(Confirmation Candidates: Please fill out a Service Reflection form for ALL projects completed.)

 

The Service Ministry focuses on living out the Gospel message of “Love Your Neighbor”. Therefore, we take time out of our busy schedules to provide care for those in need. We participate in service projects, not only as a requirement for being a Christian, but out of love for our fellow humans!

Marketdays

 

Teen are needed to help unload the truck, sort food and fill orders for our monthly marketday fundraisers. All proceeds from marketdays go to our annual teen mission trip.

 

Help is needed from 8:00 to 10:30 AM in the PLC Multi Purpose Room on the following dates:

 

2010

2011

July 24

January 29

August 21

February 26

September 25

March 26

October 23

April 30

November 20

May 28

December 18

June 25

 

Contact Dave in the youth ministry office to sign-up and get additional information.

 

This will count as 1 project towards your Confirmation service requirement.

 

(Please remember to fill out a Service Reflection Form and return it to the youth ministry office to get credit for this service project.)

 

 

Parish Family Feast

TBA

 

Teens Serve in Parish Nursery

TBA

 

Teens Serve as EDGE Co-Leaders

TBA

Teens Serve as Confirmation Co-Mentors

TBA

 

 

 

Help Support our Teens!

Did you know Marketday proceeds (10 % of all items ordered) go to our teen mission trip! Please help by placing your order today!

 

Go to www.marketday.com and use our account # 21199

 

Orders need to be placed by Noon on the Wednesday before pick-up! You can order online (www.marketday.com) or get an order form in the church atrium and return to the marketday box (in the atrium) or to the youth ministry office located in the Parish Life Center (PLC).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


RETREATS

Home    Mission    Leadership Team    Confirmation    Service    Retreats    Social Events

 

 

 

What is the Retreat Ministry?

 

Our retreats are planned for high school teens. Retreats happen yearly to help teens get away from the everyday hassles of life so they can explore a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Some retreats are required, such as the Confirmation retreats, and some are optional, such as the Winter Search Retreat. A team of adults and teen leaders help plan and run our various retreats. If you would like additional information on helping with a retreat or just learning more, please contact us at DaveM@olmercy.com or (630) 851-3444 x225.

 

Upcoming Retreats

 

DATE

RETREAT

TBA

 

 

TBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SOCIAL EVENTS

Home    Mission    Leadership Team    Confirmation    Service    Retreats    Social Events

 

 

 

DATE

EVENT

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Trip Closed

Six Flags Great America Trip

9:00AM until 9:00 PM. Cost is $45 and includes admission ticket and bus transportation.

 

Sundays,

August 1, 8, 15 & 22

Teen Softball League

Sign-up to play on our OLM team this summer. Games are on Sundays on August (times TBA).

 

Practices on Thursday nights, July 15, 29, Aug. 5, 12 & 19 from 7:00-8:00 PM at Wetlands Park (Oakhurst Drive east of Eola Rd.)

 

A permission form and fee is DUE at the first practice on July 15th!

 

Contact Dave to sign-up at DaveM@olmercy.com

 

 

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Tailgate Party & Mission Trip Reunion

6:00 to 9:00 PM

BBQ, games, mission trip pics, social!