High School Youth
In everything we do with the youth – programming, games, and activities – we seek to introduce them to Jesus and encourage them to live as His disciple.
Weekly Sessions
Sacred Heart’s High School Youth Group is currently being restructured. The model we’ve used for many years no longer meets the needs of the teens and so we are actively looking for a new way forward. We welcome the input of teens and their parents as we seek to ministry to this important group. Please contact Fr. Kevin with your thoughts (frkevinyarnell@gmail.com).
Trips & Big Events
We know that “big” trips and events can make a significant impact in the lives of the youth.
Covecrest – LifeTeen Summer Camp, Summer
Covecrest is incredible! The camp, located in Tiger, GA, is run by LifeTeen Ministries who are experts in leading teens closer to Christ. Each week they bring in a highly talented musician and an experienced speaker to present a powerful and challenging program. Add to this a high and low ropes, white water rafting, “messy games,” and the obstacle course and you have the makings of a tremendous, life changing, week!
Teens interested in experiencing Covecrest need to contact the office. We can easily hook you up with a parish that is sponsoring a trip (and can help with the expenses!)
Good Samaritan Project
This is a week of service sponsored by our diocese. The teens “live” at Bishop McLaughlin High School in Pasco County, then, each day, join up with other youth groups to perform service for individuals and organizations. The days are all different and the evenings feature music, games, Mass and programming. We could not fit this into our summer schedule this year but let us know if you are interested. We might be able to connect you with a youth group that is going.
What can you do?
Are you a high school youth? Let us know what we can do to help you grow in your Christian faith. While we reorganize this ministry, consider serving in some way at the weekend Masses. We have nearly a dozen teens serving as Lectors and would welcome teen help with ushering. And don’t forget the Second Saturday of Service. You’re always welcome to help improve the landscaping of the parish.
Are you a parent? Encourage (beg, bribe…) them to go Mass each Sunday. We honestly think this is more important than many other things the youth do and should be a priority. Then, encourage them to get involved in some way with the parish.
Are you an adult who has a heart for youth? The key to youth ministry is relationships. Maybe you told your parents everything that happened in your life, but most youth don’t. Mentors can be the adults with whom the youth share their joys and struggles and, since the youth have a wide range of interests and personalities, we need an equally diverse leadership team. It is a crazy important role. Let us know if you’d like to explore this. Contact Fr. Kevin (frkevinyarnell@gmail.com) to start a conversation.