The Office of Youth Ministry - Strengthening Youth Ministry

Praise Jesus! AND Help Those Who Proclaim Him!

Fr. Brian Fischer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:49:13 -0500

On Friday evening December 12th, the REAP Team will rock the roof off DeSmet Jesuit High School's theater with Karl Zimmerman and Pete Buncher at the REAP Team Benefit Concert! We hope to see all of you there! What better way to celebrate the feast of day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, right?

For those of you who can't make it to the concert, we'd like to ask you to prayerfully consider showing your support of the REAP Team by sending in a five dollar (or larger) contribution. We're all very aware of the state of the economy and this has had an effect on ministries like the REAP Team - and while financial resources may be strained, ministry needs don't stop. So if you'd like to support the REAP Team and just can't make it to the concert, please consider sending in a donation to our office - no gift is too small, and certainly no gift is too large!

More than anything, please pray for the REAP Team. Thanks in advance for any prayers and other support you can offer to us. We wouldn't exist without you!

WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME!

Fr. Brian Fischer — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:05:26 -0500

The Catholic Youth Apotolate, Office of Youth Ministry welcomes Ron Garcia to our staff! Ron joins us from Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked for ten years as an officer of the law, then decided to change careers a bit - and became the Coordinator of Youth Ministry for the diocese of Madison. When I asked him about the career change - he thought that the two were pretty closely related… ok then… HA!

Seriously though, Ron brings a wealth of gifts, knowledge and experience to the Archdiocese - and we are truly blessed that he is with us. You will all have the opportunity to meet him at our events and programs - or just call him up!

So - from all of us - WELCOME RON!

Your Will Be Done...

Fr. Brian Fischer — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:12:30 -0500

I was a pretty stubborn kid. Well, I never went so far as throwing full out tantrums… but my mom would probably say I often came pretty close. What can I say, I liked getting my way. If I wanted my blankie… that meant I wanted it right away. If hungry/thirsty…. put somethin in my belly! In some ways, my stubbornness has stayed with me through the years.

So…. there I was, getting more and more comfortable speaking Spanish, celebrating Masses, funerals and baptisms in the poorest country in South America…

OK… I guess I should back up a bit. My last assignment was in La Paz, Bolivia, in the parish of Maria Reina, where the Archdiocese of St. Louis has had a mission for the past 52 years. La Paz is nestled in a valley in the middle of the Andes Mountains - the parish rectory sat at about 11,000 feet. Often, I had to walk up and down the mountain roads to get to parishioner's "house" for a funeral or anointing. I had an increasing amount of pain in my leg and back - it soon became apparent that I was in need of some major help.

I came home to get it all checked out - only to find out I needed a few titanium plates and screws put into my back. I had three separate doctors tell me that I would not be able to return to the living conditions in Bolivia… not my will - but Yours Be Done…

After a few months of recovery and prayer, I was getting used to the idea of not going back to Maria Reina… and, honestly, a bit antsy about where I was to work next. I found myself dreaming about what parish I might be sent to. Out of the blue - the bishop asks me to come to the Catholic Youth Apostolate, and the Office of Youth Ministry, to continue the awesome work that Sr. Consolata had been doing for years. Talk about being humbled…

God just reminds me again and again - the need to surrender, the need to trust in His plan and Will for us. We can have the best plans, the best intentions… but they are not always possible, or what is good for us. And, no matter how many tantrums we may want to throw… like a loving parent, He waits… then gently guides us. How awesome is that?

I have to say - although I was sad to leave the missions in Bolivia, I am pumped and excited to be working with the great people of the Catholic Youth Apostolate - and OYM.

Instead of throwing my arms up in a tantrum… it is so much easier to throw them up like a child wanting to get picked up by a parent - in total trust, and total surrender. Not my will, Lord - but Your's be done.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

Rosanne Twellman — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:27:25 -0500

Catholic Youth Apostolate welcomes Fr. Brian Fischer! Fr. Fischer is the new Director for the Office of Youth Ministry. He brings with him years of experience in youth ministry. Before entering the seminary, Fr. Brian helped start LIFE TEEN at Sacred Heart in Valley Park as a volunteer. He served his deaconate at Queen of All Saints where he helped start youth ministry. After his ordination, he worked as the associate pastor at Saint Clare of Assisi in Ellisville. It was hard for St. Clare to say goodbye when he was assigned to work the Archdiocese's Bolivia Missions. After 13 months working for the missions, Fr. Fischer returned to continue the work of Sr. Consolata as the new Director of Youth Ministry. We are very grateful and blessed by his new assignment. We know that he brings new gifts and talents to our office that will continue to bless our Archdiocese. Please join us in welcoming him.

Have you REAPed the benefits of an awesome retreat?

Tom Lancia — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:15:00 -0500

As a youth minister for 7 years, I have seen some of the best to the worst when it comes to retreats. I have also struggled with having the time to do it all, as I'm sure many can relate. I bring this up because St. Louis has an AWESOME resource and opportunity in the REAP Team. The REAP Team is a Catholic Youth Retreat Ministry for the Archdiocese of St. Louis (even though they get calls from other states due to their reputation).

I bring this up because I am new to the OYM and I am not sure how many people out there realize what the REAP Team can do for your youth and even your parents. I have experienced their retreats and even helped with a few of them. What I find are a group of faithful people that are connected with the Holy Spirit and also the youth of this generation. Their retreats have all the elements that bring teens into relationship with Jesus Christ and also empower them to make good choices to be the people God calls them to be (and they have fun at the same time!)

REAP has done all kinds of retreats; so no matter what the topic they can help you out! Even though I planned and ran retreats at my parish, I still used REAP because they not only saved me time to concentrate on other things, but they also brought a completely different perspective that worked really well! My first experience with REAP was a Confirmation retreat, because I always had an outside group come in for this retreat. Groups that were used before did O.K., but not like the REAP Team. Not only did the students studying for confirmation have a good time and became more open to their faith, but they become excited to join our youth group and sign-up for the LUKE 18 I was planning later in the year.

I share this with you because REAP has been doing retreats for a long time, and they continue to make them better and better in order to reach teens and better serve our God.

Also, REAP provides many resources for teens, parents, and anyone wanting to grow in faith on their website at www.reapteam.org . You will also find personal testimonies of teens that have attended their retreats. You can also find more information on their team and how you can contact them for an event or retreat.

Finally, please pray for them as they continue to spread the word and love of Christ to our youth.

You are Loved,

Tom Lancia

p.s. Thank You REAP for all that you have don, are doing, and will do!

Golf for Teens!

Tom Lancia — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:02:23 -0500

On Tuesday, September 30, 2008, will be the 1st Annual Golf Classic for the Catholic Youth Apostolate! This will be an awesome day of fun, which also helps out the youth of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The Catholic Youth Apostolate is made up by the Office of Youth Ministry, Catholic Scouts, and the CYC Sports! Their is almost 200 parishes in our Archdiocese, so think about how many teenagers you will be helping by playing a great (or not so great if you play like me) game of golf!

The cost is only $125.00 person for a 4-Person Scramble, including a Cart, Lunch, Cocktails, Dinner Buffet, Silent Auction, and Contests for Men & Women (Longest Drive, Closes Pin, Longest Putt)!

For more information call George Kerry at 314-792-7568 or go to http://www.cycstl.net/CYA%20Fund%20Raising/2008%20Golf%20Tournament/GOLF%20FACT%20SHEET%207-16-08.pdf

To register go to http://www.cycstl.net/CYA%20Fund%20Raising/2008%20Golf%20Tournament/Golf%20Application.pdf

Hope to see you there!

Thanks and God Bless You!

Sent Forth

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:08:34 -0500

Peace of Christ be with you! As I begin my sixth year at the Catholic Youth Apostolate – Office of Youth Ministry, I turn to the words of Christ who says, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit that will remain.” The Lord called me to serve here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis in July 2003. Now, September 2008, He calls again. He is sending me forth to be the Vocation Director for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. My last day in the office is September 15th and I will move to Alton on September 20th.

There really is no easy way to tell you about this transfer. I vowed obedience and this is part of the life the Lord has called me to live. However, that doesn’t mean this change will be painless. I have been blessed by so many incredible people here – YOU! I have been inspired by young people and youth ministers! I have witnessed countless generous, sacrificial hearts to bring Christ to others. THANK YOU! When one loves and receives love it is hard to say good-bye.

As I look back I wish I could have done more to serve you. Thank you for your patience with me! Thank you for serving young people. Thank you for loving. Thank you for persevering. Thank you for responding to the Lord’s call to follow Him.

My prayer for you is that each of you (yes, if you’re reading this, it means YOU) take the time every day to encounter the Lord. Schedule it in! Spend time with the Father who loves you dearly. Let His love penetrate your heart. Let His love heal your heart. Let His love change your heart. Don’t just open your heart to His love, but receive it and believe in it! Yes, He created you as He designed and loves you. Read Psalm 139.

He has to be your foundation and source of strength in order to be His witness in a world that wants to (in the words of a recent retreat director) “silence the truth and snuff out the light”. Do not be afraid to speak the truth and to be a light in the darkness. Please, spend time with the Lord. He waits for you to come to Him. Just be with Him in His presence in the Eucharist. It is here where I will meet you. So, I will not say good-bye, instead…I’ll meet you in Him. Please pray for me as I will for you.

United in the Heart of Christ,

Sister M. Consolata, FSGM

American Teen Review

Tom Lancia — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:05:47 -0500

Last week I went to watch the movie,American Teen, with some awesome youth ministers and we discussed our thoughts afterwards. I wrote this review to youth ministers and all those people out there that love teenagers. Here is my review of the movie and how you could use it in your youth ministry programs:

American Teen is a documentary on the life of 5 teens (Hannah, Mitch, Megan, Colin, and Jake) in their last year of high school. Before you read on, I would watch this trailer for the movie:

http://www.americanteenthemovie.com/

If you watched the trailer, you saw many of the typical stereotypes in high school (the jock, the geek, the princess "miss perfect", the heart-throb, and the rebel). After watching the movie I think we all could relate to at least one of the characters a little bit. I feel the movie does a really good job showing the struggles and pressures that all teens deal with, especially since this was a movie dealing with real people. The movie doesn't give you any answers on the best way to live your life, but it does show you that everyone has a story and everyone has their problems. Some of the issues you will find in this movie are chastity, family, depression, clicks, real/fake friendships, vandalism, drinking, suicide, money, the need for a boyfriend or girlfriend, loneliness, selfishness in sports and everyday life, hypocrites, and probably more.

One thing that jumped out to all of us that watched this movie was that Christ wasn't active in their lives. The director pointed out at the beginning of this film that this was a predominately Christian community, but you never saw a teen pray or pray for someone else. The whole time I watched this movie I thought how much they needed Jesus, so thank you for bringing Him to our teens!

Another thing that jumped out to me was Hannanh's comment about herself. She felt like she was an "inbetweener", since she didn't fit in with the cool crowd or the geek crowd. The movie called her a rebel because she was so different, but in many ways I felt like Hannah, not because I was a rebel, but because I had friends in both crowds. Having stereotypes (no matter who you are) makes it so hard for you to be yourself and even know yourself in some ways, which was so true to me and I'm sure many of you. I could talk about so many things in this movie, but instead why don't I just jump into how you can use it!

Since this movie is out of theaters now, I will focus on using it when it comes out on video.

1. I would find a time to watch this movie with your core team. You could discuss your teens and how they relate to this movie. You can also look at how you minister and if your reaching all types of teens. Finally, you could drum up many ideas about different issue you all feel needs to be addressed with your teens.

2. This whole movie is about high school life, so you could probably show most of the scenes in this movie for different issues or youth group meetings (LIFE Nights). I felt that I could spend a good amount of time talking about each scene with my youth group and also talking about what Jesus would have said or did if He was there.

3. It would also be a benefit to parents to see because it will help them to remember what high school is like, the pressures teens face, and also how times have changed (ex:internet). The parents in this movie always expressed to their teens what they thought was best for them or what they needed to do, but you didn't hear that they will love them no matter what (and even if they said it, it was hard to believe by how they said it). Nowing you are loved is so important, it changes everything!

4. Be creative and use the gifts God has given you: use your heart and mind and your core team! Discuss what you feel would be the best way to use this movie. Sometimes we don't always utilize our gifts and we miss out on some great opportunities to reach our teens.

5. PRAY for your teens! PRAY for every situation they face! PRAY for all their family and friends! PRAY for their hearts that they may know CHRIST and what He wants to share with them! Every teen in this movie would have dealt with their problems so differently if Jesus was alive in their life!

Finally, thank you for taking time to read this and I hope this is helpful to you all. Know that you all are in my prayers.

You are Loved,

Tom

CORE TEAM TRAINING DAY

Tom Lancia — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:01:45 -0500

I'm excited to announce that our 2nd and all New CORE TEAM TRAINING Day is Saturday, September 13th! This will be an awesome day for core members and youth ministers to come together to GET CONNECTED in new and real ways that will enhance how you minister and grow the kingdom of God! Our world changes all the time and it is a challenge to get connected and stay connected with teens and making Jesus relevent to their lives. We have a whole new day planned for you with speakers like Hector Molina and the REAP TEAM, along with many new topics, techniques, and prayer! I hope you all can make it! You and your teens are in my prayers.

Thanks and God Bless,

Tom Lancia

Coordinator of Youth Ministry

Liz Buncher to move on from OYM

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:44:18 -0500

Come by the OYM at the Cardinal Rigali Center (3rd floor) on July 30th from 1-3pm to say good-bye to Liz!

After more than three years as the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Liz Buncher will be leaving the OYM to be the Campus Minister and to teach sacraments at Notre Dame High School this fall. Liz has brought much joy, creativity, experience and care for youth ministers and young people. Her love for youth and those who serve them as been an asset to the OYM and parishes in the Archdiocese. Thank you Liz for using your gifts to serve and to bring Christ to the people of St. Louis!

Liz's last day at the OYM will be July 30, 2008. We will miss you Liz! We know the staff and students at Notre Dame will be blessed by you. Know you are in our prayers and we are grateful for all you have given through the OYM! God bless you!

Archbishop Burke To Head Apostolic Signatura

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:09:39 -0500

Today Archbishop Burke was appointed as prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Church's highest court. Listen to the Archbishop himself as he addresses us in the Archdiocese of his appointment.

We are grateful for his service and guidance here in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and will accompany him with our prayers as he prepares for the next step in his journey in following Christ.

Thank you Archbishop Burke for your love and support of young people and those who serve them!

Text Messages from Pope Benedict

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:39:58 -0500

World Youth Day is quickly approaching! There will be something new at WYD come this July. Did you know that the Holy Father plans to communicate with the young people directly? How? Well, he is going to text them daily with personal messages. How incredible is that? Please keep all the pilgrims in your prayers as we travel to be His witnesses.

FREE Narnia Resource

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:21:12 -0500

From Interlinc: "You are invited to become a Narnia "Insider" and we'll equip you with all the resources to use this special event in your ministry. As a Narnia "Insider" you will receive a 32 page "Behind The Scenes" Youthworker Guide, Resource DVD, and large Movie Poster. You'll also get the weekly electronic "Narnia Dispatch" with downloadable videos, interviews, youth group materials, and a ton of other "Behind The Scenes" resources - right as they come out! Best of all - it's totally FREE!

The movie is released on May 16th!

How to become on "Insider":

Go to www.interlinc-online.com/princecaspian or call 1.800.725.3300

Happy Easter, E-Man!

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:17:25 -0500

In this season celebrating new life, I humbly offer you a few new links:

It's that time of the year, the beginning of a new season!
Diet sunglasses and the best fortune cookie. ever.
The 10 Plagues - In a kid-friendly animated version.
Father Magnus Wenninger OSB - monk, mathematician, and builder of polyhedrons and polytopes?
Sick figures in peril!
The real meaning of Eucharist: "Thod"?

I hope your Easter is good & Godly!

Thanks, E-Man! (I mean… The-man!)

Upcoming Retreats

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:15:57 -0500

Have you thought about the priesthood or religious life? No matter how old you are, there's something for you! Do you need some time to get away from distractions to pray about it, so you can listen?

Check out these retreats for more information or pass on to someone else! Invite someone you think would make a great priest or religious!

-Camp Mater Dei:

July 18-20, 2008 for young women entering the 6th through 9th grade to learn more about their faith, have fun, and meet others their age. Registration now open.

High school teens can be counselors for the weekend too! Check it out!

-Kenrick-Glennon Days:

June 7-14, 2008 for young men entering 6th through 9th grade to help you think about what God wants to do in your life. Registration now open.

High school teens can be Junior Counselors for the retreats. Check it out!

-Veni Si Amas Retreat:

May 19-22, 2008 for women 17-30 years of age who are discerning the religious life, hosted by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George

-Holiness Retreat: "Magnifcat":

August 14-17, 2008 for women 18-29 years of age, hosted by the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus

Paradise

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:15:11 -0500

Praise of the King.

Nothing for sale or hyped. Jesus will be magnified and souls lifted up.

"PARADISE is a gathering of thousands of college and high school students on May 25 in the center of the nation(Kansas). Called by the Father and empowered by the Spirit, they will assemble before King Jesus to worship Him in all His majesty from sunrise to sunset."

More background information and details on the Paradise website.

Pillars of Prayer - April 22nd

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:13:48 -0500

Mark your calendar for April 22nd!

St. Joseph is the man! And we are inviting you to join him in intercession for us here at the Catholic Youth Apostolate - Scouts, Sports and Youth Ministry! Will you make a commitment to pray for us, young people, and those who serve them in the Archdiocese? Is that a yes, I hear? Great! Thank you! Our ministry needs to be supported by prayer and that's why we have Pillars of Prayer.

What will this entail? All we simply ask is for you to pray the Litany of St. Joseph daily for the intentions of the office, young people, and those who serve them throughout the Archdiocese.

Come join us for our monthly gathering for adoration and Mass at the Cardinal Rigali Center from 5:30pm to 6:30pm every 4th Tuesday of the month.

Questions? Contact Liz Buncher at 314.633.2503, lizbuncher@archstl.org or via the contact form (select 'Pillars of Prayer') to submit a prayer or request a free prayer card. We appreciate your joining the PILLARS OF PRAYER!

Life Teen Training Conference

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:12:29 -0500

Are you in need of some renewal and training? Check out the conference by Life Teen to learn some new methods and approaches for Catholic youth ministry in Carefree, Arizona!

Pope Benedict XVI - Youth Rally Pilgrimage

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:19:11 -0500

Luke Yamnitz, a freshman at DeSmet High School, continues to share his experience of the pilgrimage. Read it and be inspired!

We're back from New York! What a blessed time it was to journey with young people to see our Holy Father. There was much laughter, prayer, and bonding as we spent MANY hours on a bus together…probably more than we all anticipated! It was worth the twists and turns to see Pope Benedict XVI! Check out some photos and blogs. Listening to the stories and experiences of the young people is quite edifying! We thank you for your prayers!

Stay tuned to the message of the Holy Father during his visit here to the United States. Check out the welcome videos from across the country!

Let us listen attentively to the words Pope Benedict XVI will share with us. Let us give thanks that he comes to visit us, the Church in America.

Please pray for the 55 youth pilgrims as we journey to see Pope Benedict at the Youth Rally in New York. We leave on Thursday, April 17th, attend the Youth Rally on April 19th, and will return on April 20th. Some young people will be sharing their experience through blogs, so come back soon to journey with us!

Teaching and Praise Rally

Liz Buncher — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:25:59 -0500

The Charismatic Center of the Archdiocese of St. Louis is hosting a Teaching and Praise Rally on May 3, 2008 at St. Clement of Rome Parish. Teens and adults are invited to come and explore how they can make Pentecost a way of life. There will also be sessions on prayer, holiness, and time for Praise and Worship. The cost is $5 for teens and $10 for adults.
For more information or to register call 314-427-7786 or e-mail Jane at janeguenther@archstl.org.

Schedule Saturday, May 3, 2008

9:00-9:45 AM - Praise & Worship

9:45-10:15 AM - “Pentecost as a Way of Life” - Speaker: Walter Matthews

10:15-10:30 AM - Personal Witness - How Life of Pentecost is Being Lived.

10:30-11:00 AM - Response - Silent reflection, small group sharing

11:00-Noon - Mass - Celebrant Msgr. Ed Griesedieck

Noon-1:00 PM - Lunch (brown bag)

1:00-1:30 PM - Praise & Worship 1:30-2:00 PM - “Prayer” - Speaker: Renee Marazon

2:00-2:15 PM - Response

2:15-2:45 PM - “Holiness to sustain us” - Speaker: Jane Guenther

2:45-3:00 PM - Response/Prayer

3:00-3:30 PM “Proclamation of the Good News”

Holy Father's Message to YOU

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:42:05 -0500

Isn't it amazing that our Holy Father would speak to you, to us? Pope Benedict XVI has released a video message to Catholics and all people of the United States on his upcoming apostolic visit.

Listen to his words to YOU and keep praying for his journey to our country. May your heart be open during this time of grace! Our Holy Father's theme for this visit is "Christ our hope." May the hope of the Risen Lord be with you today!

Relive the experience!

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:02:25 -0500

Our Passion - Thy Will Be Done Youth Minister's Retreat, Romans 8 Diversity Retreat, and Celebrate Youth were certaintly blessed weekends! Whether you were there or not, check out our photos and relive the experience!

EXTREME HOME "SOUL" MAKEOVER

Rosanne Twellman — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:09:40 -0500

I love that show. You have a family in need, people who are living in unsafe homes, raising their family through difficulty and distress. Ty Pennington and his group of Angels comes in with their motor coach and gives the family not only a new home, but new HOPE. A whole community unites to give aid and support to the family.

We can be new HOPE! Steubenville St. Louis Mid America has set up a scholarship fund to help teens who want to attend our weekend conferences. Not knowing the need, we put $1550.00 into the fund to help fund teens. We have been overwehlmed with story after story of teens who could gain so much from the weekend conferences but cannot afford the $155.00 fee. All totalled requests have come in for $4400.00. In praying about how to distribute the funds available I thought, "We need angels like Ty has." We need a community to unite to help deepen the faith life of these teens.

We will be sending out partial scholarships to each of those who requested assistance. Can you help us to give full scholarships? Can you be angel to give new HOPE to young people who desire to attend a Steubenville St. Louis Mid-America Youth Concerence?

If your heart is answering yes, then please send your donation to Scholarship Fund - Rosanne Twellman, Office of Youth Ministry 20 Archbishop May Dr. St. Louis, MO 63119.

If you have questions, please call Rosanne at 314.633.2506.

P.S. After I contacted all the groups about their paritial grants, even more requests came in. We truly need Angels!

"Come, have breakfast."

Rosanne Twellman — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:54:11 -0500

In John 21:12 Jesus said to his disciples, "Come, have breakfast." So please make your plans to attend the monthly youth ministers gathering at the Cardinal Rigali Center. We will gather in the Museum at 10:00am. The museum is located to the right of the front desk as you enter the main entrance. We will have our breakfast and the theme for the meeting is "Praying with Teens". Come to get ideas and come to share ideas! We will finish up the morning by attending Mass together at 11:45. We will see you there!

CELEBRATE YOUTH IS ALMOST HERE!!!

Liz Buncher — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:55:48 -0500

IT’S ALMOST HERE!!! Palm Sunday is about a week away and that means Celebrate Youth is almost here. Explore the Passion like you never have before. Archbishop Burke is going to be there. Brad Hood and his amazing band are going to be there. A glorious gospel choir is going to be there. Youth groups from all over the diocese are going to be there. The question is…Will you???

This event is FREE….did you hear that FREE!!!!! Spread the word to everyone you know, you wouldn’t want to miss this!!!

When: March 16, PALM SUNDAY, 1:00-5:00pm, doors open at 12:30pm

Where: The Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of UMSL

Who: All young people and the young at heart

RSVP: Let us know you’re coming! E-mail Srmconsolata@archstl.org or call 314-633-2500

Project Life Registration Open

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:29:47 -0500

Register online now for Project Life! Mark June 16-21, 2008 in your calendar as we head back to Old Mines, MO for another week of incredible service, fun, and programming!

Questions? Please contact Liz Buncher at 314.633.2503 or lizbuncher@archstl.org

We hope to see you there!

John 21:12 with Hector Molina

Sr. M. Consolata Crews FSGM — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:00:45 -0500

We invite all youth ministers to "Come, Have Breakfast" with Hector Molina at our next John 21:12 meeting on March 5th.

Come be inspired about the New Evangelization and how you can live it out as youth ministers!

When: March 5, 2008

Where: Cardinal Rigali Center in the Museum on the first floor

Time: 10-11:45am with Mass at 11:45am

Questions/RSVP: Contact Sr. M. Consolata at 314.633.2508 or srmconsolata@archstl.org

Thank You and Goodbye!

Sr. M. Dolorosa — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:17:45 -0500

Today is my last day working here at the Office of Youth Ministry. On Saturday, I will return to Alton and begin preparation for my First Profession of Vows, which I will make on August 15th. I ask you to please remember me in your prayers during this time!

I would just like to thank all of you who serve the youth of our archdiocese. It is such a gift to witness the dedication and generosity you have in bringing teens to Christ. Youth Ministry was a very big part of my life in high school and was very instrumental in my vocation and so it will always be near and dear to my heart.

I have enjoyed working with all of you and I hope to see that our paths will cross again. I am looking forward to being able to give myself totally to the Lord. I will pray for all of you that the Lord may always guide you and that you may always be open to His Will in your life. It's when we trust that the Lord clothes us with His peace! Thank you once again. If you are more curious as to what I'll be doing, you can always check out our website.

Spots Still Available for Youth Minister Retreat

Sr. M. Dolorosa — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:57:47 -0500

There are still plenty of spots available for the upcoming Youth Minister's Retreat! This retreat is open to Youth Ministers and their spouses as well as core members and volunteers of youth ministry.

The retreat is being held at The Catholic Camps of America in Dutzow, MO. The retreat begins Friday February 15th with registration at 6pm and concludes on Sunday February 16th with lunch at 12:30pm.

Bob Rice will be leading the retreat. The theme for this year's retreat is Passion. Holy Mass will be celebrated and the Sacrament of Reconcilation will be offered. There will also be an opportunity for spiritual direction.

We hope you'll join us for this time of renewal as Lent is now under way. If you have any questions, contact Sr. M. Consolata at 633-2508 or srmconsolata@archstl.org.

Teen's Zeal for Life is a Source of Hope!

Sr. M. Dolorosa — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:23:15 -0500

Hundreds of teens braved the long bus ride and cold weather and travel to Washington D.C. On the day of the March, thousands of teens from across the U.S. gathered at the Verizon Center for a Youth Rally and Mass. Archbishop Wuerl was the primary celebrant as many Bishops and Priests concelebrated. Music was led by Steve Angrisano and Matt Maher.

As the teens left the Verizon Center, they went out into frigid air. The cold however did not deter the youth of St. Louis from making their voices heard as they attended the 35th annual March for Life. Their zeal for the promoting the sanctity of life is a great source of inspiration and hope for many.

We thank you for your prayers for all those who attended the March!