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Dear Parents:
In a study by the Search Institute, an independent non-profit organization, researchers listed 40 different positive experiences and qualities that young people need to grow up healthy and happy. Among these assets are Parental Involvement in School, Positive Adult Role Models, Self Esteem, and a Sense of Purpose. Several of the assets have to do directly with faith and parish life: Children who perform service for the community, who have positive peer influence, who are involved in youth programs, and who value equality and social justice are far less likely than children without these traits to engage in drinking, smoking, sex, and other risk behaviors we find in our society today (Tapping the Potential: Discovering Congregation's Role in Building Assets in Youth, 1995).
Now, I could not guarantee any person that attendance at Church and in youth ministry will prevent young people from making mistakes. But I can tell you that at St. Leo's Parish, we have some of the best trained and most dedicated staff and volunteers for youth ministry, and we will do everything we can to help you in your role as parent of a high school student. In one year at Connections (our Sunday night program for High School Students) your young person will meet lots of people his or her age, will pray every Sunday evening, and will learn about the Catholic faith in an exciting and empowering way. Not to mention getting a good meal each Sunday night.
Our youth ministry is for all high school students, in public and Catholic schools. It is not Religious Education (although in some ways everything we do is religious education), at least not in the formal sense. Our goal is to build the community of youth at St. Leo parish, and about St. Leo parish valuing and honoring its youth. We are in the business of growing disciples, and helping them take ownership of their parish. Connections meet on almost every Sunday of the school year (with exceptions of Holidays and Christmas break) from 6:30 to 8:30pm at St. Leo's.
Dates are listed on page 3 of the bulletin and can be found on the 'Calendar' link above.
It is always difficult for a young person to enter a new situation, and high school students are sometimes reluctant to participate in something they perceive to be uncool. Parents ask me from time to time if they should force their child to come to Connections. I don't think so, but you can certainly encourage them to try it, at least for a few weeks. It has been my experience that people who come to Connections for a year almost always want to return for the rest of high school. They make friends, have fun, and find their place in our parish. One way to make the transition easier is to come to Connections with a friend. Even if Connections isn't for your child, we encourage involvement in other ways in the parish: as Religious Education teachers and aides, babysitters, Sunday school teachers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Choir members, and many others.
Cost for the Connections year is $40, which helps defray the costs of materials and food. If your high school student is interested in attending please fill out the registration form and return it to the parish office.
And if you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me at 397-0407.
God's blessings on you and your family.
John Gencarelli
Coordinator, Youth and Young Adult Ministries
(Click here to Contact John).
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