Youth Ministry at Presentation continues to grow each year with many great programs and events in the works. There are numerous ways to get involved here, and fun opportunities to learn and grow, no matter how much time you have to give. Here at Presentation, you will find a dynamic community in which you can discover more about yourself, God, and those around you. There are so many different young people involved here, and you are bound to build friendships that will last a lifetime.
If you are new to Youth Ministry, no matter what grade you are in, we hope you will consider joining us for some of our programs this year! And if you are a Youth Ministry “veteran”, we hope you continue to join us, and that you bring some new friends with you for some of our great programs. Please watch the bulletin for updates and added programs or outings. And check out our Facebook page for the latest updates and messages! Also, please let us know your email address so we can send you our newsletter emails! We look forward to seeing you soon!
In Him, Craig Johnson
Contact:
Craig Johnson – cjohnson@churchofpresentation.org 201-327-1313 ext. 819
Shelby Hawks – shawks@churchofpresentation.org 201-327-1313 ext. 843
Teens who have completed grades 1-8 of Faith Formation (or who have attended Catholic School) are welcome and encouraged to register for Youth Ministry/ Year 1 of our Confirmation Preparation Program. You are also welcome if you are in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and have not yet registered or ever been part of our program. If you have already received Confirmation or are not ready to prepare for the Sacrament, you can still be a part of Youth Ministry.
When you register for Year 1, you can expect to experience Sunday night gatherings that help you meet new people, learn about the Lord and about our Catholic Faith. We focus on building community and encouraging our young people grow in their understanding of being a part of the body of Christ on earth and being a part of our parish community.
If you are registering for Year 1 of Confirmation preparation (you will see a check box and separate section on the form), you are required to attend four Youth Ministry Gatherings (Sunday nights) as well as attend a retreat. More information can be found on the Confirmation page.
Click here to register for Year 1.
OUR YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS:
Sunday Night Gatherings – The high school youth of the parish gather on a regular basis together to socialize, talk about current issues, and support each other in prayer. These gatherings are not only component of Confirmation Preparation but designed to be a place of connection for our parish’s youth all throughout high school – some come to meet new people or see old friends, and others come for a spiritual boost at the beginning of their week. Most come for both! We discuss many different topics, spend time getting to know one another, and always end with community prayer. All are welcome to these uplifting gatherings which meet during the catechetical year.
Ignite Youth Group – This program is for all high school students who are looking for a deeper dive into their faith life and to really grow in their relationship with Jesus. See Shelby for more information. Ignite meets weekly at 6-8pm on Thursday evenings in the Antioch Room in the ministry center.
Peer Ministry Leadership Team – Peer Ministers are the best of the best here at Presentation! Your role is to set aside time for your own relationship with Jesus, to be present at PM meetings, the PM overnight retreat, Freshman Sophomore Retreat, and Sunday nights. To engage the underclassmen in relationship and conversation with one another. To be exactly what your title is: a PEER minister! That means you meet the teens, welcome them, plan fun games and activities for them, and figure out how to help them desire a relationship with Jesus! Interested in being a part of our Peer Ministry Team? Applications due 8/15! Click here to complete our online application for the 2023-24 year!
Need some more information? Click here to read all about what it means to be in Peer Ministry!
Young Roots – This is a special program designed build on the experiences of the weekend retreats that we offer. An offshoot of our adults ROOTS Small Christian Community Ministry, this program is tailored to upperclassmen who in the “off season” journey with adult mentors through relationships, faith dialogues, and sharing.
Confirmation Preparation for Teens – Confirmation Preparation is an engaging and dynamic two year program, and most teenagers begin the process in their Freshmen Year. Teens can begin in their Sophomore or Junior Year as well. The majority of the preparation happens in Year 2 of the program.
Youth Ministry Walk & Pray – Hiking Trips and other outings connected with our spiritual explorers’ program but open to all high schoolers during the spring & summer seasons.
OUR YOUTH MINISTRY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
Camp Acorn Service Day – Camp Acorn’s mission is to provide a supportive environment through enrichment programs that address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Teens will be assisting the campers with various activities at their Allendale facility.
Hope for the Homeless – This is one of our most popular service experiences! Come and see what you can do to help raise awareness of hunger, homelessness, and poverty as you serve the homeless and experience a little bit of homelessness yourself. This is a very moving and life-changing overnight service experience! Register here.
Plant Sales – A few times during the year, we host plant & flower sales in order to raise money for our Youth Ministry Outreach programs such as our summer mission trips. We need as many volunteers as we can get (after the weekend Masses) for set up, selling, & clean up.
Summer Service Missions – Any teenager enrolled in high school (as of September 2023) is invited to apply for this week-long summer immersion experience. We offer service opportunities that serve both domestically and abroad. Participants will greatly benefit from the multi-faceted service experience! Join us as we learn how our faith calls us to service, to participation in ecumenism and to the joys and challenges of living in solidarity with others.
OUR YOUTH MINISTRY RETREATS:
Antioch Retreat:
This weekend retreat is a high energy and spiritually rewarding experience that is led by our Young Adult Ministry. It is an extremely popular retreat weekend held right here at Presentation. For the time being participants will spend the night at home and share meals together here at Church. Join us as we spend a weekend celebrating our relationships with God and each other!
Antioch 2024 will be taking place during the weekend of March 1-3, 2024! Registrations are NOW OPEN and you can REGISTER VIA THIS LINK. Registration will close on Thursday, February 29. Find more information and details about the Antioch Retreat weekend here. Contact: Youth Minister, Craig Johnson, ext. 819, cjohnson@churchofpresentation.org
Freshman & Sophomore Retreat:
Our Freshman & Sophomore Retreat is offered in the Fall each year and is run by a Trained Team of Peer leaders who are Juniors and Seniors in High School. This peer-led retreat is usually attended by over 150 teens and young adult chaperones and is full of inspiring witness talks, great discussions, games, music, prayer and much more! It is held at the Archdiocesan Youth Center in Kearny, and is a wonderful weekend away, “retreating” from the stresses of everyday life. All freshmen and sophomores are welcome to attend as Candidates. Juniors and Seniors who have made a retreat before can apply to be a part of the Peer Ministry Team. Contact Craig Johnson, ext. 819, cjohnson@churchofpresentation.org