Saint Kateri

 Youth Ministry

Mary Jo's Kateri

High School Newsletter 

Spring 2018


Hi Everyone,

To everything there is a season, and a time and purpose under heaven...
Ecclesiastes 3:1
 
Facebook is a wonderful thing. After 25 years in youth ministry it's such a treat to see former students with families of their own. Some who stumbled through Confirmation preparation are now proudly standing next to their children as they make their first communion. Ahh, what goes around, comes around.
I have spent 18 of my 25 professional years here at St. Kateri Parish. What started out as a job became an invitation to become part of the family. Looking around the church at Mass, I realize that I have been privileged to share in the lives and stories of so many. Together we have celebrated births, weddings, those BIG anniversaries and birthdays, job offers and new homes. We have walked with each other through illness and held one another as we said good bye to our loved ones returning home to the Father. I have prayed for every single teen that has come through our doors. I think some learned a few things about their faith while here and I know many times, when I thought I was teaching, I was learning what it means to have faith from my students.
Now I find myself a few months away from a Social Security check. How that's possible still mystifies me. My husband retired two years ago and now it's my turn. Joe and I will be moving to South Carolina where we have already found a wonderful parish, Our Lady Star of the Sea. In this new season of my life I am certain that God has a plan for both of us.
Cheryl Wallace, our DRE will be capably taking over the Confirmation program and Fr. Tom is working to hire someone who will offer service and social opportunities for our young people. I anticipate the youth program at St. Kateri will continue under Fr. Tom and Cheryl's leadership, supported by the many adult volunteers that make this parish such a warm and welcoming place for all. St. Kateri Parish will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest assured of my continued prayers for all in this community.

In Christ's peace,
Phyllis

Confirmation                

Confirmation

 

Bishop Serratelli will be here on May 21st to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with 56 of our young people.  Mass begins at 7:15 and we ask that all Candidates for Confirmation and their sponsors  be in their seats by 7 PM.
Rehearsal for Confirmation is Sunday, May 20th from 7:30-8:30 PM.  We will begin ON TIME!
  
              Help Wanted
  
We are looking for some high school student volunteers to work in the YM office after school or on Sundays.  We will be putting away supplies, taking inventory and cleaning out some closets.  This is a great way to get some service hours for school. Email Phyllis skym@saintkateri.org
   The Spirituality and Leadership Institute for Young Leaders

Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ, is sponsoring a Spirituality and Leadership Institute this summer from July 14-20. 
Guest Speakers are:
Kyle David Bennett Professor of Philosophy at Caldwell University
Christopher Cimorelli, Assistant Professor of Theology at Caldwell University
Benjamin Burton, advocate for environmental sustainability.
Accommodations are in the dorms at Caldwell University.  Resident Assistant college students will help supervise the program and will sleep in the dorms each night.  The program is limited to 50 students.  Best of all the cost has been subsidized by the Lily Foundation and is only $99.00 for the entire week.
For more information you can go to www.caldwell.edu/SLI or stop into the YM office for a flyer. 
The deadline for applying is June 1, 2018.  The slots are filled on a first come, first served basis.  You will need a recommendation from the YM office to accompany your application.   

  

 

 

 

 

Antioch Retreat Team

 

If you enjoyed your Antioch retreat and are going to be a junior or senior in September consider joining us as part of the Antioch Retreat Team. 
We will offer a leadership training day this summer.  To be part of team and to be notified of the date for Leadership Training go to the parish website www.saintkateri.org , click on Youth Ministry and then on the Leadership Training Flyer.  Fill it out and drop it off to the YM office.
Contact Information
Saint Kateri Youth Ministry
Phyllis Phillips, Youth Minister
973-729-4722
  
In This Issue
Personal Message

Saint Kateri Youth Ministry hopes to offer young people a  place to learn about and worship the God who loved us into being.
It is where we become disciples of Jesus Christ and where the gifts of teens are valued, encouraged, and shared with the parish community.
It is a place where ALL are welcome.
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