Religious Education at OLC--High School Youth Ministry

The High School Youth Ministry Program at Our Lady of the Chesapeake focuses on each student's coming to a better understanding of his or her own faith. This includes focusing on what it means to have a relationship with God, and how to encourage and develop that fellowship.

The program is open to students in the 9th-12th grades and meets on Sundays from 6:30-8:30 pm, beginning in September and running through May. Young adults/teens seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation must be enrolled in the Confirmation Program of our High School Youth Ministry.

Sessions: Each year's program is divided into three 6-week sessions with a month-long break between each session. Sessions focus on different topics, but each meeting includes scripture and how it relates personally to the lives of the youth. Most of the evening is spent in smaller community groups and each group is comprised of a mixture of 9th-12th graders. At the end of our meeting, the youth journal with one of the adult leaders and then gather in large group for prayer. Friends are strongly encouraged to attend!

Retreats: We offer two weekend-long retreats each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. Many of the youth would say that the retreats are the best part of our program. We have fun, grow, share, are challenged, and learn on retreats. The transformation and conversion that we experience brings memories, faith, and challenges for a lifetime.

Youth Council: Our Youth Council provides an opportunity for leadership responsibility for the youth by partaking in the overall direction and guidance for our youth ministry. We evaluate our various programs and activities, and plan for future events to ensure our programs are comprehensive and effective.

Outside Activities: Outside activities abound for our high school students during our session breaks and throughout the summer. Lock-ins, movies, midnight bowling, amusement parks, wall climbing, white water rafting, camping, swimming, trips to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Family and friends are encouraged to join us.

Parish Involvement: The youth also have opportunities to participate in many areas of our parish community that don't necessarily gather them together as a youth "group." They can assist during Masses as ushers, lectors, musicians and cantors and may serve on many of the parish's numerous committees. These opportunities assist in initiating the youth into our parish community on a regular basis, not just for special youth functions.

Invitation to All: And let's not forget…..our Youth Ministry is not just for youth! Our adult leaders (catechists) receive some of the best skill building, personal support and spiritual growth formation available. Adults serve because they love kids and love God. They also serve because they realize how much they grow themselves. Some adults assist a couple hours a week, some much more, all depending on the amount of time they can offer. Youth Ministry gives the adult leaders an opportunity to respond to God's calling in concrete ways that really make a difference. It also offers wonderful, life-giving friendships with other adults. Please consider being a part of our team.

In Conclusion: Our students come together often to meet, to pray, to talk, and to have fun. Want to join us? Enrollment forms for HSYM and permission forms for summer get-togethers have been mailed, but you can always call 410-255-3677 (extension 106), e-mail us, or stop by the Pastoral Office Center if you didn't get one or need more. We're looking forward to a great summer and a great year!

Our Youth Ministry program could not survive without the help of our volunteer catechists and peer ministers. There are no specific requirement for these positions other than a desire to work with the youth of our parish and a love of God.

Students meet once a week throughout the school year and are taught through a "team teaching" approach--adult catechists working together to instruct the youth, and peer ministers encouraging their participation.

For those teachers who find continued satisfaction and fulfillment working with the youth of our parish, we encourage participation in the archdiocese's catechist program which offers levels of certification at 30, 60, and 100 hours.

For more information about helping in this ministry, contact Tim Janiszewski at 410-255-3677 (extension 106), or use our Volunteer Form and we will be happy to contact you.

Registering: We prefer that students in the High School Youth Ministry Program be registered in the parish's Religious Education Program, especially if they are members of the parish. However, friends are always welcome and encouraged to join us. Please call Tim Janiszewski at the Youth Ministry Office (410-255-3677, x106) or e-mail him for more information.

Early registration is encouraged, and registration forms are mailed in May for the upcoming school year. If your child is a new student or registering for a Sacramental Program, please send a copy of his/her Baptismal Certificate (unless he/she was baptized here at Our Lady of the Chesapeake) along with the Registration Form.

Payments and Fees: We offer a choice of two methods in paying registration fees:

As always, please do not let finances keep you from registering. If you need financial assistance, please call Carole Dowell at the Religious Education Office (410-255-3677, x104).

September 23	Session 1 -- Week 1 (6:30-8:30 pm)
September 30	Session 1 -- Week 2 (6:30-8:30 pm)
October 7	Session 1 -- Week 3 (6:30-8:30 pm)
October 14	Session 1 -- Week 4 (6:30-8:30 pm)
October 21	Session 1 -- Week 5 (6:30-8:30 pm)
October 28	Session 1 -- Week 6 (6:30-8:30 pm)

November 16-18	Fall Retreat - Hashawha

December 16	HSYM Christmas Party (6-9 pm)
December 24	HSYM Christmas Mass (5:30 pm)

January 6	Session 2 -- Week 1 (6:30-8:30 pm)
January 13	Session 2 -- Week 2 (6:30-8:30 pm)
January 20	Session 2 -- Week 3 (6:30-8:30 pm)
January 27	Session 2 -- Week 4 (6:30-8:30 pm)
February ?	SuperBowl Party at Church
February 10	Rite of Enrollment Mass - 11:00 am Session 2 -- Week 5 (6:30-8:30 pm)
February 17	Session 2 -- Week 6 (6:30-8:30 pm)

March 9	Session 3 -- Week 1 (6:30-8:30 pm)
March 16	Session 3 -- Week 2 (6:30-8:30 pm)
March 23	Easter Sunday: No Meeting
March 30	Session 3 -- Week 3 (6:30-8:30 pm)
April 6	Session 3 -- Week 4 (6:30-8:30 pm)
April 13	Session 3 -- Week 5 (6:30-8:30 pm)
April 20	Session 3 -- Week 6 (6:30-8:30 pm)
May 9 - May 11	Spring Retreat - Camp Letts

May 18	Eve of Reflection/Confirmation Practice (6-9 pm)
May 21 (Wednesday)	Confirmation - 6:30 pm Mass
June 1	HSYM Graduation Mass - 11am