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Philosophy of Youth Ministry

As is stated in the Renewing the Vision, the three goals of youth ministry are to:

  1. Empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
  2. Draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
  3. Foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
The Church is provided with eight fundamental ways to minister effectively with youth. These eight ways or components provide a framework for the Catholic community to respond to the needs of young people and to involve young people in sharing their unique gifts with the large community. A comprehensive ministry with youth provides balance among all eight components.

  • Advocacy—To interpret the needs of youth and to advocate their concerns to the Church and community.
  • Catechesis—To guide the young person’s growth in faith and spirituality through formal and informal catechesis.
  • Community Life—To provide opportunities for young people to share the questions, joys and struggles of their lives with other youth, their families, and adults, in the context of Christian community.
  • Evangelization—To reach out to young people who are uninvolved in the life of the community and invite them into a relationship with Jesus and the Christian community.
  • Justice & Service—To witness the Church’s active concern for those who suffer from poverty, handicaps, and injustice, and to sponsor programs for youth that involve service, reflection, and education for justice.
  • Leadership Development—To develop support and utilize the leadership abilities and personal gifts of youth and adults, encouraging their active participation in the responsibilities of ministry to other youth and adults.
  • Pastoral Care—To provide youth with sources of support and counsel as they face personal, spiritual and vocational decisions, and to foster healing and reconciliation in their lives and relationships.
  • Prayer & Worship—To promote liturgies and prayer experiences for young people and to encourage the participation of youth in liturgical ministries.

    Youth ministry is a collaborative, team effort that blends the giftedness of our teens with adult leadership. A Youth Ministry Team of adults and youth at STA meets monthly to provide the direction for youth ministry for middle school and high school at STA.

    • High School Youth Group Upcoming Events

    July

    • Sunday, July th - Friday, July th: C Leadership Institute (CLI)
    August
    September October
    • 5th (Sunday): Hay Ride and Bonfire
      • Please arrive at STA prior to departure at: Sunday, 6:15pm
      • Departing: Sunday, 6:30pm
      • Returning: Sunday, 9:30pm
      • Offsite Permission Form - Fill this out and return to Vanessa.
    • 15th (Wednesday): High School Meal before RE with John Donaghy - 6:30pm (11th and 12th also)
    • 19th (Sunday): Whole Parish Catechesis - The Mass - 11:45am-1:45pm
    • 22nd (Wednesday): Whole Parish Catechesis - The Mass - 6-8pm
    November
    • 2nd (Sunday): Teen Mass at St. Cecilia's - 7pm
    • 2nd (Sunday): 9th Grade 1-day Retreat - 11:30-8pm
    • 9th (Sunday): OBEY YOUR THIRST!! Archdiocese Youth Rally in Waterloo - All Day
    • 19th (Wednesday): High School Meal before RE - 6:30pm (11th and 12th also)
    • Happy Thanksgiving!
    December
    • 7th (Sunday): Teen Mass at St. Cecilia's - 7pm
    • 14th (Sunday): Shopping for Beloit - 1-4pm
    • 17th (Wednesday): RE Pageant "The Jesse Tree" - 7pm
    • Merry Christmas!
    Facebook Group: STA High School Students

    Team Members:
    • Vanessa Pawlovich, Youth Minister (vanessa@staparish.net or (515) 292-3810 ext. 30)
    • Roxanne Medley
    • Pat Stahr
    • Jack Espeset (9th)
    • Shannon Friederich (9th)
    • Kelly Houghton (9th)
    • Sheleena Mayberry (10th)
    • Mary Beth Schliesman (10th)
    • Kevin Stasko (10th)
    • Chrissy Jones (11th)
    • James Kohler (11th)
    • Caitlin O'Loughlin (11th)
    • Annette White (12th)
    Middle School Youth Group Upcoming Events

    September

    October
    • 8th (Wednesday): John Donaghy Visits and Speaks
    • 19th (Sunday): Whole Parish Catechesis - The Mass - 11:45am-1:45pm
    • 22nd (Wednesday): Whole Parish Catechesis - The Mass - 6-8pm
    • 26th (Sunday): Digital Scavenger Hunt - 3-5:30pm
    November
    • 1st: Lock-in at St. Cecilia's - 6pm-midnight (meet at STA at 5:30pm)
    • 10th Middle School Rally at St. Cecilia's - 6-8pm (meet at STA at 5:30pm)
    • Happy Thanksgiving!
    December
    • 10th (Wednesday): Middle School Christmas Party around the World - 6pm-7:15
    • 17th (Wednesday): RE Pagaent "The Jesse Tree" - 7pm
    • Merry Christmas!
    Team Members:
    • Vanessa Pawlovich, Youth Minister (vanessa@staparish.net or (515) 292-3810 ext. 30)
    • Tom Brumm
    • Erin Evans
    • Annette Mann
    • Robert Sill
    • Megan Sisler
    • Susan Wohlsdorf
    For More Information

    Youth Minister:

    • Vanessa Pawlovich
    • vanessa@staparish.net
    • (515) 292-3810 ext. 30
    • Working hours (at STA):
      • Sunday, 6:00pm-10:00pm
      • Tuesday, 5:00pm-10:00pm
      • Wednesday, 5:00pm-10:00pm (plus 2 hours for weekly staff meeting)
      • Friday, 8:00am-12noon
    • Outside these hours, I check email frequently.