tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55539177501176525372011-07-30T21:29:04.679-07:00teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.comBlogger451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-51502033070348520792009-11-11T12:34:00.001-08:002009-11-11T12:37:53.560-08:00

You are invited to the Youth Ministry Christmas Party on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:30 pm in Burnett Hall. We are dreaming of a White Christmas so wear your white.The peer ministers are cooking up a fun evening of games, movies, music, and food. This is sure to be a party not to be missed. Feel free to bring a friend or two.

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-58536100794481813862009-11-04T11:57:00.000-08:002009-11-04T12:03:23.627-08:00

When I as in High School I had the opportunity to serve at a shelter down the street from St. Peter the Apostle Church in Philadelphia. I had never seen a Saint in real life before. The lady whith whom I was working said that there was a real Saint in the church and you could see him but I didn't believe her. So, I went to check it out for myself before leaving for home.As I stood before the

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-21736110417522501492009-09-16T07:09:00.000-07:002009-09-16T07:17:00.472-07:00

This year it has been hands off for the adult leaders when it comes to the Kick-off this year. Our Peer Ministers have been working hard since August to make this an amazing start to the year. We all hope that you will join us immediately following the 6:00 pm Mass this Sunday in Burnett Hall and we'll conclude around 8:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you there and bring a friend.

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-73199420900988930742009-09-09T07:22:00.000-07:002009-09-09T07:30:19.181-07:00

So, teens please forward this to your parents. Thanks.You are invited to a networking opportunity for parents of teenagers this Friday, September 11. We begin with potluck dinner and conversation at 6:00 pm followed by guest speaker Bill Johnson at 7:00 pm with additional networking time at 8:30 pm.Please bring a side dish, dessert or salad to share. We will take care of the main dish.Bill

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-12157977264380661382009-09-02T08:08:00.000-07:002009-09-02T08:10:07.508-07:00

Next Sunday, September 13 we will host a training day for all Liturgical Ministry positions. So if you have ever thought "how does one become a Eucharistic Minister?" This is the event to attend.We are looking for teens who are interested in the areas of:Eucharistic Ministry (must be confirmed)Lector (reader)Usher/GreeterAltar Server/SacristinTeen ChoirAll teens are invited to add to the energy

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-85637575499444949412009-08-12T07:24:00.000-07:002009-08-12T08:21:13.247-07:00

The National Catholic Youth Conference is a national gathering of High School age Catholics. This dynamic gathering is difficult to describe and even harder to forget. When I attended as a high school student in 1994 there were about 7,000 teens who gathered in Philadelphia this year there is an expected 20,000 teens to gather in Kansas City. We will be going with the Diocese of Joliet. Details

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-90966910608489500492009-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:002009-08-05T08:40:47.295-07:00

Okay, so this past weekend we held an awesome retreat day for our new Peer Ministry team. They are so awesome! Keep an eye out for the great events that they are creating and planning. You're not gonna wanna miss a thing.Anyway, at this meeting we were talking about the Parish Picnic that is to be held on August 30 in the park next to St. Mary after the noon mass and what would make this fun for

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-22118210797975063302009-07-24T11:45:00.000-07:002009-07-24T11:53:07.019-07:00

We receintly returned from our Summer Mission trip to Appleton, WI. It was an amazing experience of service, learning about Catholic Social Teaching, Reconcilliation, Eucharistic Adoration, and whole bunch of fun. Thank you for your prayers while we were gone. Be joyful in knowing that your prayers were answered.

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-7045016632790630972009-07-08T07:40:00.000-07:002009-07-08T09:31:01.905-07:00

The passing of pop icon Michael Jackson has truly effected me in a very personal and spiritual way. It comes at a time when I am also preparing for our summer Mission Trip and refreshing my mind of our lessons of Catholic Social Teaching. I am and always have been a Michael Jackson fan. I don't always understand his actions, reactions, or choices but have always given him the benefit of the doubt

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-14528678815461521602009-06-30T11:25:00.000-07:002009-06-30T11:29:14.769-07:00

We were truly "Empowered by the Spirit" at the 2009 Youth Leadership Conference. Participants feel free to post your comments and experiences. We would love to hear how the Holy Spirit has set you on fire.

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-34631561893429133142009-06-24T09:45:00.000-07:002009-06-24T10:59:33.380-07:00

This weekends Gospel reading is Mark 25-34. It is the story of the woman who was so sick with hemorrhages for 12 years of her life. No one could help and gave her no hope. She saw Jesus walking by with the crowds around him. Knowing that He could heal her she touched the end of his robe. She was healed. Jesus feeling the healing powers leave Him, He asked who touched him. When the woman came

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-57633887241549625202009-06-24T09:13:00.000-07:002009-06-24T09:16:16.197-07:00

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-83840369788911159392009-06-10T12:49:00.001-07:002009-06-10T12:49:37.935-07:00

Confession 101 - part one | Busted HaloShared via AddThis

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-91232235523107976592009-04-16T08:57:00.001-07:002009-04-16T08:59:45.175-07:00

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-52543214633048176302009-02-24T08:59:00.000-08:002009-02-24T09:05:59.121-08:00

There are auction items all over my office, in storage, in my car. It is awesome. People from all over the parish and all over Mokena, Frankfort, and New Lenox have donated items and services to this auction. Check it out! We are on the web with our auction.http://stmarymokena.cmarket.comGet your bids in now. People are bidding like crazy. Sr. Dolores is a little depressed though because the

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-50087698517069579162009-02-09T08:01:00.001-08:002009-02-09T08:05:29.597-08:00

NDVI is a conference for HIgh School Students at the University of Notre Dame. St. Mary will be attending as a group June 15 - 19, 2009. There is additional information about this at: http://stmarymokena.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/aa_Website_info_-_NDVI_2009.27134217.pdfAll students who will be in high school in the fall of 2009 are invited. That means current 8th graders. Peace,Sarah j

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-74215353013699243572008-12-18T07:57:00.001-08:002008-12-18T08:00:45.937-08:00

ohmygoodness!Where has the time gone? I can't believe it has been seven months since I have last updated this blog. My appologies to any of the two of you who might find this blog interesting and missed the updates.:-)This weekend is our annual Christmas Party. All are welcome to join us following the 6:00 pm Mass in Burnett Hall for food, fun, music, and dancing. The cost is only $5.00 and all

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-31172632345479684102008-05-12T12:32:00.000-07:002008-05-12T12:37:01.463-07:00

I am so excited about next year's Youth Ministry. I have been working on scheduling, programming, special events, Peer Ministry, Liturgical Ministry, Service and Social Justice Ministry, the list is endless. I can't wait to get this all underway. The Lord is sending us such amazing volunteers (are you one?) with wonderful gifts that are so beneficial to our Ministry.Keep your eyes open to your

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-80314607951165205992008-04-30T07:29:00.001-07:002008-04-30T07:30:38.339-07:00

PASS (Pregnancy Aid South Suburb) network of life-affirming care reclaims life through prevention, intervention, housing, and restoration ministries. Our desire is to see the men and women in our communities restored to a right relationship with Jesus Christ and placed on the path with a firm foundation.Join us in our mission to "Reclaim Life" by participating int he PASS network of

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-1060669755183412902008-04-24T13:15:00.000-07:002008-04-24T13:22:59.482-07:00

Ohmygosh!I have been bombarded by e-mail and phone messages telling me how amazing the Smith Crossing Seniors Prom went last week. Congratulations to all who helped maket this event possible. Andrew G. for bringing the music. The seniors loved all the music you played even the modern music they appreciated.One of the messages I received was from the Volunteer Coordinator at Smith Crossing who was

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-63904502763043701462008-04-10T13:10:00.000-07:002008-04-24T13:15:08.156-07:00

This was such an awesome weekend. A special thank you to each one of you for making it so special and spirit filled.There has been a lot of comments happening through the Facebook network. If you have Facebook check out St. Mary's Youth Ministry page and the Discovery 2008 group.Our next Discovery Weekend will take place on November 7-9. Hope you will be able to join us for the first time or the

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-63971021325322382762008-03-31T09:47:00.000-07:002008-04-03T09:50:22.980-07:00

This weekend we will Discover our burried treasure.Our team has been working very hard on this retreat for three months. And it is going to be AWESOME! I am so excited! I have never been on a Discovery Retreat before.Keep us in your prayers.Sarah j

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-83840377138180355432008-02-18T11:20:00.000-08:002008-02-18T11:24:57.871-08:00

Tickets can be picked up at the office Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. All active youth ministry participants are expected to sell 5 tickets to fulfill one of their fundraising commitments.There will be dancing and music by Ryan Myrda and friends. The auction always has awesome items from local stores, restaurants, and professional offices. Our local friendly leprauchan is also looking

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-22029893244849519272008-02-18T11:16:00.001-08:002008-02-18T11:19:43.086-08:00

This annual amazing retreat will take place April 4-6, 2008. This retreat is totally run by a teen leadership team. AMAZING! It's a great place to meet new friends and to get involved. This is an awesome opportunity to get involved and meet others who are active in youth ministry. So, join us for a weekend of digging up our burried treasure.More information and registration forms can be

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-60648601780138468562008-02-18T11:10:00.000-08:002008-02-18T11:11:08.153-08:00

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner: March 8, 2008 at 6:00 pm in Burnett Hall. This annual youth ministry fundraiser includes great traditional Irish Corned Beef dinner with an optional meal for children, a silent auction, Hughes Academy of Irish Dancers, and a time for fellowship. The youth need your help and support to participate in our “Summer Construction Series” which includes a mission trip to

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-47315752139042551132008-02-18T09:25:00.000-08:002008-02-18T12:08:07.520-08:00

Check it out...There are new pictures on Snapfish. Check it out athttp://stmarymokena.snapfish.com/comcastTrivia:Sarah's favorite food is Popcorn. She could eat it for every meal. I think that she actually did once...

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-58427977701185383742008-02-04T11:27:00.000-08:002008-02-18T11:10:04.115-08:00

Yeah, failure! Thank you Lord. I can’t spell very well, I’m slightly over weight, and I cry when celebrities are in serious trouble and when they die. Thank you Lord for my short temper, passionate emotions, and my ignorance. Thank you Lord for my imperfect yet significant life. Thank you Lord for reminding me today, through these readings and through these amazing imperfections, that I am

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-57468418237466520112008-01-20T09:02:00.000-08:002008-02-18T11:08:47.542-08:00

Everybody needs a good cheerleader, even Jesus Himself, and boy was His cheerleader awesome. If Jesus was having a bad day John the Baptist could raise His spirits real quick. John the Baptist warms up the crowds for Jesus in today’s Gospel. Right here and right now we are witness to the beginning of a great political rally. The Savior of mankind is here. It is our charge to open our hearts and

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-24133216295512134832008-01-14T11:06:00.000-08:002008-02-18T11:07:35.323-08:00

Have you ever gotten an invitation to a gathering, party, group that made you feel important? You smiled as soon as you received the invitation? This week you are being given the ultimate invitation. This is an invitation that if you accept it you will have to ‘step up’. It’s kinda scary but exciting at the same time. In the first reading you are invited to be a hero. God has given you all you

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-28392090405511179232007-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:002007-12-10T12:09:13.102-08:00

This Sunday from 7:00 to 9:30 pm join the Youth Ministry in a Winter Wonderland Christmas Party. The evening is only a $3 admission plus the cost of food. There is a DJ and everything. Dress code is anything from prom dresses to pj's.Special thanks goes out to the Teen Advisory for planning and implementing this fun evening. Chicago DJ Services and Chuck Vosberg for supplying the great music (not

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-20107290378800306602007-12-06T12:09:00.000-08:002007-12-10T12:10:55.463-08:00

JUST A THOUGHT: Well did you do it? Did you re-commit yourself to being the body of Christ in the world today? Yeah, I know it’s tough and you’ve got those people who think you are just “being good” because its two weeks before Christmas and Santa is watching. But you know. You know in the depth of your heat whether you are doing it because Santa might be watching or if you are doing it because

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-88838595847886580522007-11-26T08:04:00.000-08:002007-11-26T08:11:58.014-08:00

Bill Johnson is one of those amazing people that you just want to hear talk... talk about anything.... just keep talking. I have heard Deacon Bill talk on many occasions and I will frequently search him out at a conference just to absorb some of his energy to keep me going.This Sunday after the 6 pm Teen-Sponsored Mass Deacon Bill Johnson will join us as our next guest speaker in our series. He

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-73794590918635786172007-11-19T08:21:00.000-08:002007-11-19T08:37:44.011-08:00

"Wow" I think is an understatement. I don't really think that there are words to describe the energy and electricity that flies around a sold out 20,000 seat arena. Okay, so maybe you have been at a sold out arena but have you ever attended a Liturgy in a 20,000 seat arena, 90% high school teens and 10% their crazy chaperones? Definitely a surreal experience. Hopefully you will join me in Kansas

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-18646626866223306662007-10-23T11:24:00.000-07:002007-10-23T11:39:04.664-07:00

Yes, this is truly a prayer of thanksgiving in my household. Why? Well you will just have to come to the the Large Group gathering on November 4th to find out. That night we will hear guest speaker Paul Jarzembowski, Director for Young Adult Ministry for those in their 20's and 30's for the Diocese of Joliet. He is the author of the Spiritual Popcorn Blog and has been heard on the Busted Halo

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-20594278336372769342007-10-01T12:28:00.000-07:002007-10-01T12:49:06.479-07:00

Last night at our Large Group gathering we broke out into Small Groups to plan four service projects to be planned and implimented throughout this year. There were many great ideas that you will soon be seeing on the calendar including a dance/party for senior citizens, helping give women an alternative to the options given to them at planned parenthood, and a Halloween Candy/Costume drive as

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-65369846798339022892007-09-18T10:54:00.001-07:002007-09-18T11:07:46.432-07:00

Maybe you can help me out on this one....Last night I (along with Kristen P. and Rob K.) had the opportunity to join all other leaders in the parish to learn kinda what each other does. That way we are all not doing the same thing and maybe we could help each other out. One of the questions we were asked at the end of the night was...Why does Youth Ministry even exist? (There are many text book

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-6219253573745442962007-09-04T10:07:00.001-07:002007-09-04T10:18:23.434-07:00

Okay, so I really did think that I was kinda cool until a game of musical chairs collided with my IOPD. Then I realized that I haven't downloaded any songs of youthful relevance.So, here's your opportunity to put together a mix that will be used at the next Large Group gathering. What songs should no IPOD be without?I look forward to your comments...I had so much fun at the Kick-Off and I hope

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-59865914026535171902007-08-20T12:02:00.001-07:002007-08-20T12:43:31.529-07:00

September 2nd marks the Youth Ministry annual Kick-off.This evening begins with our Parishes Teen Sponsored Mass and followed by food, fun and frivolity. Definitely a goofy night not to be missed!Haven't registered yet? No worries. There will be registration/medical release forms for parents to complete. Signing up for a small group is not required to attend our Large Group gatherings, just a

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-72603953036934495892007-08-14T09:07:00.000-07:002007-08-14T09:27:10.428-07:00

You had something to say and boy did you say it!Last night was our first of many Teen Advisory Meetings. This was a great opportunity for me to learn a little more about the teen culture in the Mokena/Frankfort/New Lenox areas. It brings me comfort to know that there have been so many wonderful and profound experiences in your lives that have brought you a stronger faith.We took some time to

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-22220569762481606342007-08-06T08:42:00.001-07:002007-08-09T12:41:56.927-07:00

Youth Ministry Registration packets should have been in the mail today.Should, is the opperative word here. Unfortunately, their was a miscommunication with the printer. So, I should have the correct fomat this afternoon and they should be in the mail no later than Wednesday.This means that there will be a rather quick turn around with returning Youth Ministry registration and permission forms.

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-9349263606400032032007-07-30T08:26:00.000-07:002007-08-09T12:40:59.967-07:00

National Catholic Youth Conference 2007November 8-11, 2007Columbus, Ohio.This is your opportunity to join thousands of other Catholic teens in learning more about their faith and how to act upon it. When I say thousands of teens, I mean last NCYC there were 25,000 teens in one space. It was incredible!So, we are going to join other parishes around the Diocese of Joliet on this inspiring trip.

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-42007255568418150892007-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:002007-08-06T08:32:10.193-07:00

I'm gathering any St. Mary teen with an opinion and an interest in making things happen in our youth ministry on Monday, August 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Franciscan room. This is your opportunity to help shape this years youth ministry programs and events.We will be having a monthly guest speaker; what do you want to hear about? Who do you want to talk? What are you and your friends talking about?

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-90821138833821226912007-07-24T12:26:00.000-07:002007-08-06T08:34:43.097-07:00

I have the "I like bananas (bananas!) but papayas are sweet" song stuck in my head. I guess if that's the worst of it then things are pretty good. Yeah, things are pretty good!It is always in invigorating experience being in a space with over 650 teens hopping, dancing, and singing. The Holy Spirit is soooo energizing! You could feel the difference in the space.How awesome was it that we got a

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-50738239567961156462007-07-18T09:30:00.000-07:002007-07-18T09:37:26.521-07:00

Teehee! :)Week number two and we are off and running!It was great to meet some of you this weekend after Mass. I had so much fun just hanging out and hearing some of your great experiences and some of your, um ... "learning" experiences?Tonight I have the opportunity to meet with some of the Adult Volunteers. I am really looking forward to seeing the St. Mary Youth Ministry picture through the

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553917750117652537.post-19836196109059757912007-07-13T13:03:00.000-07:002007-08-06T08:38:15.606-07:00

Excitement!That is the word to describe St. Mary Church. Whenever I ask someone about St. Mary Church, eyes light up, a smile creeps across their face, then they bubble with excitement about; how big the church is getting, the building, the Koup Center, the new state of the art computers in the Computer Lab; the Mission Trip, Notre Dame Retreat, or YLC 2007. I can't help but smile and laugh. How

teens@stmarymokenanoreply@blogger.com0