"My daughter was a teen leader and asked me to get involved in Rise, the Middle School Youth Group. I love being able to serve our middle school students alongside her. It was a calling for me and it keeps me coming back and staying involved in my faith outside of Mass."
"Being involved has helped me thirst more for a greater relationship with God. It's helped me to put God first in my life and my family's life. I've had better conversations about the topics discussed because I am there. We are called to serve, come join us!"
"I am an engineer and my world is very black and white. Helping in Youth Ministry allows my creative and fun side to come out. The youth challenge me to stand up for what I believe in and not just go through the motions or routine."
"I love being a part of Core Team because of the other small group leaders I get to work with. They increase my faith and I try to help with theirs. We build each other up and have a community. I'm thankful God is able to work through me to touch the young people at our parish."
I joined Core Team to be a part of my children's faith formation. Working with the same group of girls was beautiful to see them develop and grow in their faith. To watch the girls grow and blossom, to see them go through hard situations being carried by their faith is incredible.
I got involved because 20 years ago I was very impacted by youth ministry. It's beautiful to watch the students open up, realize God is real and give their hearts to the Lord. We need good leaders, good Catholics for our kids. I want to leave the world a better place with God as the center of our lives. If we won't teach them, who will?
"I joined Core Team because I saw the impact that Rise and then Encounter had on my other children and I wanted to be involved in helping my youngest have a similar experience. I love seeing how the girls in my small group have grown in their confidence and faith. Our small group is like our own little family where we feel safe to share with each other. It is a special connection that I look forward to sharing with them as we journey to their confirmation together."
"Being a mom of three boys, I really enjoy getting to spend time with my group of teen girls each week. It gives me a whole different perspective on the teenage mind and allows me to share my faith with them. I really enjoy learning along with them as well. God calls us to always continue to learn about our faith so to draw us deeper into communion with Him. This is a really great way to do that!
"I really enjoy working with our Youth and getting to know them on a personal level. I hope that by me sharing my journey encourages them to continue on theirs thought out their life. Being a part of something greater like the Core Team has even help me to continue my journey with our Lord. If you are considering joining the Core Team I say, 'Just do it!!'"
"Life can be hectic and it's easy to forget to stop and take time for the Lord. These are the same struggles our youth have today. As a part of Core Team, I learn from other adults, the girls in my small group, plus our wonderful Youth Ministry team how to better navigate the world. Being on Core Team you get so much more than you give."