The HighSchool Sharing Program
"The thing I like most about Sharing is there is a lot of love. I love being with the O'Gwen's babies too." - Class of 2005
What is it?
The Sharing Program affords the high school students of our Parish the opportunity to meet with friends in a relaxed home environment to discuss topics of mutual concern, encouraging their personal and spiritual growth. Sessions are held in the private homes of volunteer facilitators on Sunday evenings for approximately an hour and a half. The Program begins with the Alpha Day Mass in October, ends with our Omega Day Mass and social in May, and includes an average of 10-12 sessions in between.
Themes of discussion vary, but concentrate on positive self-image and developing healthy relationships with friends, family, and most importantly, Jesus and the Church. Following is an overview of topics discussed at specific grade levels:
9th-positive self-image, growth of relationships with friends, family, and Jesus and the Church
10th-maturity, sexuality, dating and moral decision making, who are we and what are we called to be
11th-ethics, conflict resolution, career inclinations, stress management; focusing on where God is in all of this
12th-communication as the key to any relationship; Marriage
"I come to Sharing because we discuss topics relevant to our lives." - Class of 2005
2008/2009 Calendar
| September 28 | Alpha Day Mass 12pm followed by brunch in school gym | |
| October 5 | Sharing Meeting | |
| October 12 | Sharing Meeting | |
| NO TEEN MASS IN OCTOBER | ||
| November 2 | Sharing Meeting | |
|
November 16 |
Teen Mass, 6PM in the Chapel | |
| November 23 | Share Meeting | |
| December 7 | Share Meeting | |
| December 14 | Sharing Meeting | |
| December 21 | Teen Mass, 6PM in the Chapel | |
| January 4 | Sharing Meeting | |
| January 11 | Sharing Meeting | |
| January 18 | Teen Mass, 6PM in the Chapel | |
| January 25 | Share Meeting | |
| February 8 | Share Meeting | |
| February 15 | Teen Mass, 6PM in the Chapel | |
| February 22 | Share Meeting | |
| March 1 | Share Meeting | |
| March 15 | Sharing Meeting | |
| March 22 | Omega Day Mass 6:00pm in the Chapel followed by pizza and volleyball in the school gym (replaces the monthly Teen Mass) | |
| (Dates may vary for different Sharing facilitators) | ||
"Sharing is an uplifting way to begin the week." - Class of 2005
How Do I Join?
Registration forms are mailed home to all high school students of the Parish in June. They are also available in the Narthex, and the Rectory office. (Please note: If you were not confirmed at St. James Church, we may not have your name in our files. Please contact us.) There is a small registration fee, which is used to cover costs for mailings, events, service projects, and general class costs. Registering by August 1st allows us time to prepare the correct number of facilitators needed to form optimal class sizes of 12-15 teens. Students can request to be placed in a class with a friend. In the event of late registrations, we may not be able to honor specific class requests depending on class sizes.
How Can Adults Get Involved?
We are always looking for Sharing Facilitators! It is a terrific opportunity to learn what our teens are thinking and doing, and to share your Catholic Faith with them. We do not need theologians! We need people who care about the youth of our Parish and want to see them stay connected to their Catholic Faith throughout their challenging high school years. There are many resources available to our Sharing facilitators including workshops, program books, videos, and of course our wonderful Youth Minister.
There are also many opportunities for adult volunteers to help with Masses, service projects, and social events.
Contacts:
| Youth Minister | Cristina Baez | 766-1183 | marymagpray4me@aol.com |
| Sharing Coordinators | Laura Williams | 766-3616 | lifeswork@optonline.net |
| Beth Altonji | 766-4784 | bethan24@msn.com |
Quotes from Sharing Students:
" I come to Sharing because I have grown to love our parents (teachers). They're like cool older siblings. If any of us need anything, we wouldn't hesitate to ask." - Katey, Class of 2005
"Sharing has encouraged me to be more connected to my Church while I'm in High School." - Class of 2008
"Sharing is a comfortable environment to learn important life lessons." - Class of 2005
"The O"Gwens are our second family." - Class of 2005
"Sharing is really fun because I get to talk about things that are happening in my life, and share time with my friends." - Class of 2008