Press Release

Join the sisters in viewing this movie that is based on a play written by Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), who as a student of literature, then priest and bishop, acted, directed and wrote plays.  Love is "one of the greatest dramas of human existence", wrote John Paul II.  In this drama, he explores the relationships between men and women, the theme of fidelity, and the joys and pain of love, and marriage.  This movie reveals the integrated understanding behind the late Pope's teaching on Matrimony.  The film will be followed with a Faith discusion and refreshments.

Everyone has a vocation.  Fostering and promoting voactional awareness is the responsibility of every Catholic.  Join us for an evening with the Vocation Director for the Archdiocese Fr. Michael Butler.   Learn what you can do to help cultivate the vocations of young people today and in particular how to encourage those who may be called to the ordained or consecrated life. 

On August 1, the REAP Team 's podcast was listed as "Catholic Podcast of the Day" by Isidore's Corner

Congratulations REAP Team!

Check out their podcast…

Changes in Staff and Services to Take Effect July 1, 2004.

ST. LOUIS, MO - Responding to funding cuts and increased costs, the Office of Youth Ministry will restructure by reducing expenses and some services. The reduction in expenses will come primarily through the elimination of 5 full-time staff positions. The Office of Youth Ministry will continue several core services, including the REAP Team, parish consultation and youth ministry development, Steubenville St. Louis, the web site, E-man, and others. The OYM is proceeding with its plans for a new support program for parish youth ministry called VITAL. The OYM will also offer two junior high camps this summer. Plans to offer new retreats, other camps, and other projects such as a new teen spirituality program will need to be reevaluated in light of reduced staffing. The OYM will eliminate some services, including the annual Life Matters trip, which brought 1100 young people to D.C. this past January for the pro-life march. The OYM’s magazine, which went to over 5,000 people quarterly, will be eliminated as well. There are many other less high pro-file activities, such as days of prayer, speaking engagements, and networking and collaboration with other organizations, that will be dropped as the OYM narrows its focus to only the programs and services it retains.

While funding forced the OYM re-structuring, several priorities guided the decisions regarding what to cut and what to retain. Supporting youth ministry at the parish level was the first priority. Another priority was to advocate for youth and young adult ministry to a broad audience that includes parents, grandparents, clergy, religious, educators, youth ministers and donors. Fr. Robert Smoot, Director of the Office of Youth Ministry, reflected that “It is sad that finances have forced these changes, yet I am hopeful that with the resources we have and the grace of God we will continue to serve youth and young adults effectively. More than ever we need the support of our donors and we need Catholics to strongly support the Archdiocesan Development Appeal. We still have great things to offer and I hope for the sake of our Church and the spiritual good of young people that we are able to continue.” Fr. Smoot went on, “I am so grateful to our dedicated staff. They have been a blessing to me and to the Archdiocese. I know they will continue to serve the Church either through their employment or in other ways.” Beginning July 1, 2004 the positions held by Rosanne Twellman, Elliott Krejci, Mary Roach, Sr. M. Consolata Crews, Greg Barker and Stacey Chik will be eliminated. Rosanne Twellman will continue to coordinate Steubenville St. Louis and Greg Barker will work for Catholic Camps of America in Dutzow, Missouri, which the OYM will work with closely. Fr. Bob Smoot is continuing as Director of the OYM. Brian Niebrugge will continue as Business Manager/Development Director, as well as serve as a youth ministry consultant to parishes. Keith Deisner will continue to coordinate some of the programs of the OYM as well as serve as a youth ministry consultant. Joel Stein serves as the OYM web developer, will take on sound production for OYM events, and will assist with other projects and needs. Paul Masek, Heather Gallagher, and Brian Altenhoeffen will continue their roles in the REAP Team, who provide retreats and days of prayer to 12,000 young people annually.

ST. LOUIS, MO - The Archdiocese of St. Louis Office of Youth Ministry is currently seeking pilot parishes that wish to be “Vital” parishes. Youth ministry that is “Vital” has VISION rooted in Jesus Christ, is INCLUSIVE, has the necessary TOOLS, uses an ACCOUNTABILITY structure, and is LIFE GIVING for the whole parish. “Vital” is designed to support and help any parish, starting a new program or with one already in place, such as Life Teen. It is not a “youth ministry” program, but a strategy to provide the most comprehensive and effective youth ministry possible with definable and measurable outcomes. The OYM will help achieve this goal in cooperating parishes through a two year training program, consultation for the development of a two year strategic youth ministry plan, tools for monitoring progress, an accountability structure, and youth ministry resources.

Teams from parishes including at least the present youth minister or youth ministry volunteer and pastor, plus any other parish leaders are invited to attend a 3 hour seminar on creating more effective youth ministry in parishes. Part of the seminar will include a presentation on Vital and how a parish can utilize this program. The seminars will be offered twice on April 28, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. held at Blessed John XXIII Center at 8300 Morganford Rd.

Please go to our web site to read more about the Vital program or call 314-633-2500 if you have any questions.

ST. LOUIS, MO - From June 21 to June 26, 2004 area teens will come together in prayer and fellowship to give of themselves in service to those in the local community who are in need. “Project Life” is an intensive, weeklong summer service retreat for high school teens organized by the Office of Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese of St. Louis that gathers teens to be transformed by the Gospel call to love one another through service to neighbors in the local community. Throughout the course of the week, teens (aka “Feet Washers”) come to know and recognize Jesus Christ in themselves and in the people they serve. In addition to spiritual programming, great music and loads of hard work, Project Life is designed for teens to have fun! Through ridiculous games, outrageous skits, “hang” time and surprises galore, teens bond with one another and laugh… a lot!!

This year’s Project Life is another urban experience. Teens will work with Catholic Charities and other non-denominational organizations in St. Louis City. Nearly 100 teens will work to paint homes, do home repair, assist elderly individuals, children, and the homeless. Returning teens take leadership roles during the week in order to facilitate small group discussion, skits, presentations and work groups.

Cost for the week is $180.00. Registration is available online by visiting www.stlyouth.org.

The Office of Youth Ministry assists parishes to provide youth and young adult ministry at the parish level, as well as offering faith events and programs to thousands of young people annually. People can donate online at www.stlyouth.org or they can send their donations in the mail to 8300 Morganford Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. Individuals can contact the Office of Youth Ministry at 314-633-2500 for more information.

ST. LOUIS, MO - Registration is now open for the Steubenville St. Louis High School Youth Conference. Since registration opened a month ago over 1100 have already signed up. Fr. Bob Smoot noted, “The conference so effectively communicates the Gospel to young people that we sell out every year. Franciscan University of Steubenville keeps adding more conference sites around the country to meet the demand. Until the St. Louis conference finds a larger venue to hold the conference, we have to close registration at 2000 participants. I wish everyone could experience the level of faith expressed by the young people who attend our conference – it really is extraordinary and uplifting.” Held on the campus of Southwestern Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, the Office of Youth Ministry will offer the conference July 9-11, 2004. The conference fee of $145 covers the full cost of the conference, along with all meals and housing. See www.stlyouth.org for complete details about registration and the conference or call 314-633-2500.

This year’s conference theme is “Rise Up: A Catholic Revolution.” The 2004 Steubenville St. Louis Conference Team includes: Brad and Gene of Apex, Mr. Adam Bitter, Ms. Heather Gallagher, Mr. Paul George, Fr. Dave Pivonka, Mr. Ralph Poyo, Ms. Karen Reynolds, and Fr. Bob Smoot. Over 20,000 teens across the U.S. participate in Steubenville High School Youth Conferences in cities from coast to coast. Young people leave the conference knowing they are loved by God and the Church and challenged to live authentic lives of faith. Some leave renewed in faith and some leave truly believing for the first time. Steubenville St. Louis Youth Conferences are moments of grace that truly bless our young people.

ST. LOUIS, MO - The Office of Youth Ministry is now registering youth from the Archdiocese of St. Louis to participate in the 2005 World Youth Day to be held in Cologne Germany. St. Louis teens will depart for Germany August 10th and return August 22, 2005. Cost for the event is $2075.00. Groups and individuals can register online by visiting www.stlyouth.org. You may request a brochure from the Office of Youth Ministry with complete details.

World Youth Day was first begun by Pope John Paul II in 1985 to promote catechesis, fellowship, worship, and renewal amongst youth. Millions have participated since that time.

As in the past, the Office of Youth Ministry is planning to bring youth and young adults from the Archdiocese of St. Louis to Cologne in 2005. Teens will live with host families prior to the World Youth Day celebrations and have opportunities to visit Germany’s holy sites.

The theme for the 2005 World Youth Day is, “We have come to worship Him” taken from Matthew’s Gospel. During the World Youth Day celebrations, teens will hear from Bishops around the world as they reflect on the catechesis of the Church. Time for reconciliation, a re-enactment of the stations of the cross through the city streets of Cologne, concerts and youth festivals will also mark the week. The highlight for most teens comes at the Saturday evening Vigil with the Holy Father himself. This outdoor overnight experience includes music, prayer, worship and fun followed by the Sunday liturgy with the Pope the next morning!

The Office of Youth Ministry assists parishes to provide youth and young adult ministry at the parish level, as well as offering faith events and programs to thousands of young people annually. People can donate online at www.stlyouth.org or they can send their donations in the mail to 8300 Morganford Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. Individuals can contact the Office of Youth Ministry at 314-633-2500 for more information.

ST. LOUIS, MO - The Office of Youth Ministry in collaboration with 44 parish groups and Catholic schools will bring nearly 1100 teens and their chaperones to Washington, D.C. for Life Matters - a pro-life youth program that educates high school teens on life issues and legislative advocacy and culminates in the annual March for Life. The youth of the Archdiocese will join tens of thousands of pro-life citizens in the March for Life to protest the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in the U.S.

Life Matters participation has increased each of its four years, up from 860 last year. A recent Gallup Poll taken this past August indicates that most teens (ages 13 to 17) do not consider abortion a morally acceptable choice. More than 7 in 10 teens said that abortion is morally wrong.

Life Matters begins with a “send off” program and Mass held at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UM St. Louis. A special collection of baby items will be taken and donated to area pro-life charities. The night’s program will include presentations by Office of Youth Ministry REAP Team staff Paul Masek and Heather Gallagher. Jill Stanek, a former nurse at a hospital where partial birth abortions were performed, will be the keynote speaker. Stanek speaks often about the abortion issue, has testified before Congress and has been quoted in the national media on television, on radio, in print, and by local and national legislators. Programming includes education on fetal development as they are taken through an actual live ultrasound. Throughout the evening teens will sign large posters thanking pro-life Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent, as well as U.S. Representatives Todd Akin, Kenny Hulshof, and Jo Ann Emerson for their pro-life stance on the abortion issue. Bishop Joseph Naumann, Archdiocesan Administrator and recently announced Coadjutor Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, will celebrate Mass at the end of the evening. Bishop Naumann is nationally known for his pro-life leadership.

Events organized by the Office of Youth Ministry in D.C. include times for praise and worship, the celebration of the Eucharist, a candle light vigil on the National Mall, a penance service held in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and presentations by Burke Balch of the National Right to Life Committee, well known youth presenter Steve Angrisano, and Tim Goelgein, Special Assistant to President George W. Bush. While in DC some youth will take part in a special service project preparing meals for those in need. The whole group will join a pro-life youth rally organized by the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., expected to draw several thousand youth. Life Matters culminates in joining the Missouri-Illinois Caravan to walk in the March for Life to the U.S. Supreme Court.

St. Louis, MO - The Office of Youth Ministry is bringing teens to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)

St. Louis, MO, October 30, 2003 - The Office of Youth Ministry is heading south with a group of young people for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). NCYC is a bi-annual national event taking place in Houston, TX this year. Thousands of catholic youth will gather from around the nation from November 13-16, 2003. The theme for this year’s conference is “River of Life.” We will journey from “The River Wild” through the “Cleansing River,” to be “Fishers of All” and to “Unite the Tributaries.” The four-day experience will include prayer, music, workshops, recreation, and keynote speakers, such as Bud Welch and Craig Kielburger. Bud Welch’s daughter was killed in the Okalahoma City bombing in 1995. He will share his story of conversion of how he came to oppose the death penalty. Craig Kielburger is a spokesperson for children’s rights and founded the organization (Kids Can) Free the Children and co-founded Leaders Today.

Two young people from our group will participate in a special track called Youth Congress on Social Justice, where they will interact with U.S. bishops and lay Church leaders.

Shortly after its formation as an office, the Office of Youth Ministry hosted NCYC in St. Louis in 1999 for 20,000 young people. The OYM helped coordinate 1200 volunteers for the event. For more information about NCYC and this current year’s theme, schedule, speakers, musicians, venues, etc., visit www.nfcym.org/ncyc.

Please contact Sister M. Consolata, FSGM at 314-633-2500, Ron Reiter, youth minister, at 636-937-5008 ext.7, or Andrea Lupien, youth congress participant, at 636-937-6198.