1.    Love         

“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.  We must strive in all moments and circumstances to love others as Christ loved.  This foundation, simple in premise, serves as the basis for our youth ministry.

2.    Spirit of Evangelization   

We are called to speak the truth to our teens, inviting them to know Jesus more deeply.  Driven by a desire for all teenagers to know the mercy and love of our Father, our parish is making a commitment with this ministry to preach the Word of God to our young people in both speech and action.

3.    Joy

This ministry is based on the unwavering belief in the goodness of God, and his desire for our everlasting life, not just our momentary happiness.  In our teen Mass, music ministry, Life Nights and all other occasions, we seek to allow the peace of God to reign in our hearts, regardless of what the world may bring, proclaiming, “God is good . . . . All the time!”

4.    Faithfulness to Our Primary Vocation  

The LIFE TEEN youth ministry promotes openness to the call of God in our lives and a willingness to discern, respond and prioritize our lives according to that call.  Whether called to a religious, married, or single life, all involved in this ministry not only embrace our vocation, but insure that it remains primary, not allowing God’s work in this ministry to overtake His call to holiness.

5.    Affirmation

LIFE TEEN calls upon teens and adult Core members to refuse to be overwhelmed by the culture of negativity pervading society today.  This ministry seeks to build up God’s kingdom on Earth, rather than tear it down, and to allow the Holy Spirit to use our words and actions to bring hope and affirmation to our teens and everyone else we meet in our daily lives.

6.    Authenticity

We are all called to live authentically, not denying our human weakness nor shying away from the need for personal improvement, but always striving for holiness.  This world needs more examples of Catholic men and women who live out their faith in their everyday lives.  The goal of LIFE TEEN is to inspire our young men and women to serve as living examples of what it means to be a disciple of Christ, giving hope that others, too, can follow Jesus.

7.    Eucharist Centered 

LIFE TEEN encourages our teens to frequent the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, when we become one with the living God.  We also promote a devotion to our Blessed Mother, in order to develop a more profound understanding of Jesus Christ.  Through an appreciation of the Scriptures, we grow in sanctity through the Incarnate Word.  By remaining open to the Charisms of the Holy Spirit, we allow God’s love to permeate this world.  And by acknowledging faithful adherence to the Church our Lord established, we encourage obedience and humilty.

 

 

Parishes should be a place
where young people
are welcomed,
grow in Jesus Christ,
and minister side by side
with the adults of the community.
In parishes young people
should feel a sense of belonging
and acceptance as full-fledged
members of the community.

Renewing the Vision - NCCB