The Youth Ministry program at St. James is very diverse and alive! There is something for everyone; from intimate Bible studies, to loud and exhilarating retreats. Our Youth Ministry program serves our parish teens by encompassing the three "S's": Spiritual……….Service……...…Social.
"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
Mark 8:34
This aspect of Youth Ministry helps teens to get to know the Lord in a more intimate and REAL way! These are some of the programs offered throughout the year:
Antioch: Antioch is a weekend retreat given by teens for teens, and is run once in the spring and once in the fall. It is an awesome way to grow closer to our Lord. (Click on the Antioch link to learn more)
Sharing: The Sharing program brings small groups of teens together in the homes of adult facilitators to discuss topics important to teens. They come to a deeper understanding of who they are, and how to live out their faith, and most importantly how Jesus can become part of their daily lives. (Click on the Sharing link to learn more)
Bible Studies: We have implemented Bible studies that take place before Christmas and Easter. These discussions are a fun way to prepare for these amazing feasts! "Bible Study has helped me to listen better at Church and helps me to understand how God is speaking to me" Class of 2006
Waves of Mercy and Grace: Waves of Mercy and Grace is a night of reconciliation, where teens are invited to come and listen to a guest speaker and then to participate in the healing Sacrament of Confession.
Freshmen & Sophomore retreat: April 22nd to the 23rd St. James youth ministry will present our first annual spring retreat for freshmen and sophomores only. For more information consult the bulletin or contact Cristina Baez
Teen Mass: Every first Sunday of the month the teens of St. James come together as a community to celebrate Mass. This Mass is geared toward teens with contemporary music lead by our teen choir, and homily's that are also directed to the youth. Immediately following Mass there is time for fellowship with pizza and discussions. (Click on the Teen Mass to learn more)
"Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you did to me."
Matthew 25:40
These words of Jesus inspire us to make service a part of living out our faith. The St. James Youth Ministry runs between six and seven service projects throughout the school year. You can learn about upcoming projects by consulting the parish bulletin or by contacting our youth minister, Christina Baez.
Service Projects: delivering blankets to the homeless in NYC, serving the elderly at Ridge Oak, working at the Morristown Soup Kitchen, buying and delivering Christmas gift for the needy, candlelight vigil for battered women and children
Morristown Soup Kitchen: Come join us on March 26th as we come together to serve those lest fortunate. Cooks, drivers and servers are needed. Please contact Carol Spina at 221-0979 for more information.
"Faithful friends are life-saving medicine: and those who fear the Lord will find them."
Sirach 6:16
It is truly important to have a faith community that comes together in love, prayer and LAUGHTER! Teens who participate in the Youth Ministry programs at St. James have a lot of fun, and totally enjoy each other's company!
Social: Some of the fun things we have done together in past years have been; outings to Great Adventure, bowling, picnics, and hanging out and watching movies together.
For further information regarding the Youth Ministry programs at St. James, contact Christina Baez at 766-0888 or marymagpray4me@aol.com.
Adult volunteers are vital to the continued growth of this ministry at St. James.