“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 St. John Paul II, World Youth Day 1995, Philippines
For teens, high school is an intense time in life! School life takes on a complex and always changing character not experienced previously by a teen. Your parents and family life, while your foundation, now share your sense of being as friends grow in importance. Relationships become complicated. Homework can be crazy. Peer pressure builds. In the midst of all these things, our faith community wants to walk with you, the teen, listen to your stories, explore your faith questions, help you set life goals, and provide a place where you can feel at home with peers and adults to learn and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. St. Perpetua walks with our teens in Youth Ministry as you learn to navigate the challenges of the world today through the lens of your faith.
What Is Youth Ministry? Youth Ministry in the Church encourages teens to live as disciples of Jesus and to provide spiritual support and direction to our parish youth. St. Perpetua’s Youth Ministry strives to lead teenagers and their families into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. We believe that young people are not just a “future church” but are a vital part of who we are as a Church today. Come, take your rightful place in our life and mission. In Youth Ministry, high school students find belonging, faith, and fellowship with their peers, and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. We strive to provide an inclusive place for young people that includes opportunities to experience God as well as to serve their parish community. There are four components of our parish Youth Ministry. See the LINKS section for details on each component.
Confirmation Preparation - The Sacrament of Confirmation consists of two years of preparation for those in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. In our community a teen's junior and senior years of High School can be demanding, so we encourage candidates to begin their preparation in 9th grade. This helps to foster and community and faith alongside your peers. However, the two-year journey can begin anytime up until the senior year of High School. Preparation includes classes, events for candidates/sponsors/parents, retreats, and service in the community. There are two parts to Confirmation Preparation: 1. Youth Group Gatherings (also called Year I) 2. Formal Year of Preparation for Confirmation (also called Year II)
Teens explore ways to allow their faith into their everyday life in Youth Group. In the formal (second) year of preparation, we prepare teens to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Easter Season. St. Perpetua follows Canon Law and the Diocese of Oakland requirements in our preparation design.
Peer Leadership - St. Perpetua welcomes confirmed Teens back to help their peers in their Confirmation preparation. See Gary to participate as a peer leader.
Teen/Family Youth Masses and Liturgical Celebrations - Teens gather every other week with each other to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist at the 11:30 Sunday mass. Occasionally we join with all youth in the parish at the Rise and Shine celebrations at 9:30 on Sundays.
Service Opportunities in the Parish and Community - As restrictions related to COVID relax, teens in the parish will once again engage in service projects in the parish and in the community.
Key Dates Coming Up:
+ Registration has started - use the Fall Registration Link in the Links Section + September 7, 8, and 14th - Confirmation Information Evenings (Plan to attend one evening) + Sunday, September 19 - First Confirmation Gathering at 7 pm in the Community Center + Monday, September 20 - First Youth Group Gathering at 7 pm in the Community Center Follow the links for Youth Group and Confirmation for details.
How Do I Start Youth Group and Confirmation? To start this year, look for "Fall Registration" in the LINKS section (on the left side panel) and then choose either HS Youth Group (for first-year teens) or Confirmation (which includes Youth Group). Follow the LINKS section for further information about each component. Once you have registered, look for a confirming email from me and the weekly Teens at St. Perpetua that starts in mid-September communication about upcoming gatherings for teens.
Questions? Send me an email at gguerrero@stperpetua.org and look for a response within a day. Thank you for your interest in Youth Ministry at St. Perpetua.
Gary F. Guerrero Youth Minister Director of High School Youth Ministry