YOUTH MINISTRY OVERVIEW

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is committed to its youth. Chris Epplett serves as our full-time Youth Ministry Director. Under the guidance of the Pastor, the Youth Ministry Director implements the vision for the parish youth ministry. He does this with the help and support of volunteers.

Parents play an essential role in the formation of their children, and serve as a support for the Youth Ministry Director in a variety of capacities. It's never too early for parents to get involved. Parents of younger children are encouraged to get involved in youth ministry even before their child enters youth ministry programming. To volunteer in youth ministry, please contact Chris at 241-4477 Ext. 103.

YOUTH MINISTRY VISION STATEMENT

Empowering the community of Catholic youth as the church today, IHM youth ministry encourages youth to grow in relationship with God both personally and in community through building Christ-centered relationships, catechizing, and fostering necessary life skills in context of the Catholic faith.

More on the vision of youth ministry

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY

LIFE NIGHT is 7:30-9 p.m. Sundays in the deMazenod Room. Nights includes prayer, talks, discussion, social time, praise and worship, and variety of other activities from week to week.

FREEDOM TEAM is for 10-12th graders and young adults who want to serve middle school youth as peer ministers. This team helps plan and lead monthly Junior High Nights and middle school retreats. The team shares testimonies, leads small groups, performs skits and dramas, and builds relationships with 6-8th grade youth. As leaders, Freedom Team members must have an active faith, consistent prayer life, attend Mass every Sunday, frequent Reconciliation, and live a Catholic life committed to moral choices guided by faith. Those interested in being a member of the team, may fill out this application.

A schedule of events is issued each fall. Our website calendar also reflects all youth events at the parish.

Additionally, Chris is busy meeting with youth in their own setting. Look for Chris at school lunches, sporting events and other extracurricular activities. Contact him any time to meet with you and a group of your friends.

The STEUBENVILLE YOUTH CONFERENCE is open for registration each fall for the following summer. Click here for the 2012 conference, which is June 29-July 1.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY

Edge is a Catholic middle school youth ministry for early adolescents in grades 6-8. It is designed to meet the catechetical, educational, spiritual, emotional and social needs of young adolescents. Middle school high youth are removed from behind classroom desks and brought into a large-group environment for gathering activities, teachings and prayer. In small groups, they break open the teachings and build solid, Christ-centered relationships that allow them to comfortably explore their Catholic faith and make it relevant to their everyday lives. This helps build safe relationships during some of the most formative years of a teen's life. This creative and experiential approach engages youth to understand Catholic teaching and form their Catholic identity.

Overview of the program:

• Edge Nights occur every week during the school year. Edge also offers social, service and recreational activities designed to create a greater sense of community among middle school youth.
• Edge offers junior high youth occasions to put their faith into action, through a variety of service projects.
• The parent component is designed to assist parents in raising their junior high youth. The program offers educational classes and sessions on middle school spirituality, psychology, personality development and physical development.

YEA (Youth Eucharistic Adoration) begins each Advent and continues through Lent. Seventh and Eighth grade youth commit to one half hour each in the Adoration chapel during exposition of the Eucharist 5-9 p.m. Sundays. Youth are prepped with an understanding of Adoration and how to simply be in the Lord's presence through this celebrated devotion. The program ends in early May with a celebration, including Benediction and a social for the entire parish.

RETREATS for 7th/8th grade youth is once each year. These are usually overnight or weekend retreats. 

Shine Rally | Annually each spring. March 24, 2012 at Immaculate Heart Parish Center

LOCK-INS | TBA

A schedule of events is issued each semester. Our Web site calendar also reflects all youth events at the parish.

Additionally, Chris is busy meeting with youth in their setting. You can see him at your school during lunches. Look for Chris at sporting events and other extracurricular activities. Contact him any time to meet with you and a group of your friends.

CHRIS EPPLETT | YOUTH MINISTRY DIRECTOR

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*MEDICAL RELEASE FORM*

Parents may download and use this form for various youth events throughout the school year. Medical Forms must be updated each school year, and are valid Sept. to August each year.

Click for Medical Release Form

Parents may download a blank field trip participation form below, It may be used for any parish-sponsored youth event.

Click for Permission Slip