Our journey, running from September to May, aligns with the school calendar and the Catholic liturgical seasons. Serving grades 6-8 in middle school, it’s vital for parents to attend the worship and workshops. This program engages youth, fosters family participation, and integrates our young members into parish life. We understand the importance of accommodating busy schedules, which is why we offer both evening and morning sessions for your convenience. Please refer to the calendar below for scheduling, times, and themes for the upcoming year. What are you aiming for in your faith journey?
Monthly Structure
Worship & Workshops (Sunday evening):
Praise and Worship: Engage in worship with contemporary music.
Dinner & Social Time: Build community through shared meals and social interaction.
Tailored Workshops: Participate in faith-based learning for middle schoolers and parents.
Recap & Feedback: Reflect and share insights.
Social Mingling: Enjoy casual interaction and relationship-building.
Small Groups (Sunday morning):
Interactive Sessions: Join small groups for deeper discussion and personal growth.
Community Days (Sunday morning):
Parish Activities: Engage in monthly parish activities, service projects, or physical activities for youth and families.
Middle School Annual Retreat (March 23, 2025):
Spiritual Development: Attend this middle school retreat for a fun and spiritually powerful experience.
Our Goals
Unify the Parish: Create a strong sense of community through shared themes and activities.
Engage Families: Deepen family involvement in faith-based experiences.
Prepare for Confirmation: Equip youth with a solid faith foundation by 10th grade.
Develop Youth Leaders: Train 11th and 12th graders to become disciple leaders.
Integrate into Parish Life: Encourage active participation in parish ministries.
Promote Spiritual Growth: Provide comprehensive faith education rooted in scripture and tradition.
Foster a Supportive Community: Ensure youth feel valued and connected.
Encourage Service: Instill a commitment to service and social justice.
Develop Young Adult Ministry: Establish mentorship and leadership opportunities for young adults.
Enhance Worship: Use contemporary worship experiences to engage youth.
Support Personal Faith Journeys: Link faith concepts to daily life and personal experiences.
Empower Peer Teaching and Mentorship: Foster leadership, deepen faith, and guide high schoolers as role models for middle schoolers.
Why Parental Involvement is Key
Your engagement is crucial for the success of this journey. By participating, you:
Strengthen Family Bonds: Activities are designed to bring faith into your home.
Support Your Child's Growth: Be the primary faith educator and role model.
Build Community: Connect with other families and strengthen our parish family.
Why This Matters
At St. Ambrose, we believe our youth are the future leaders of our Church and society. Our "50 to Forever" journey nurtures their spiritual growth, deepens their understanding of the Catholic faith, and strengthens family bonds through encounters with Jesus.
Partnering in Faith
We need parents to join us in this transformative journey because faith formation and sacraments like Confirmation are not just checkboxes; they are lifelong journeys we want to share with you. We also invite volunteers of all ages, including young adults, to mentor and support our youth, build a vibrant community, and grow in their own faith. What are you aiming for in your faith life?
Call to Action
Join us in transforming our youth ministry. Together, we can create a vibrant, faith-filled community where our youth grow into committed disciples and future leaders. Your participation is essential to making this vision a reality. Let’s embark on this journey of faith, growth, and service!
50 to forever: a three-year faith journey
Transforming Lives, Building Faith, Strengthening Families Fall 2024 - Spring 2027
Let's face it, spiritual lives are journeys, click on your corresponding high school graduation year to sign up for our regular Flocknote communications as you grow through youth ministry!