About the youth group

The Epiphany Youth Ministry program strives to accompany young people through a process of life formation. Rooted in the values and vision of the Gospel, with the support of community and through the deepening of relationships, EYM seeks to challenge and nurture the development of Catholic youth.

EYM offers a rounded program that affords a variety of opportunities and challenges to meet the diversity of parish youth - their needs, experiences, and interests. This approach is integrative, working in full collaboration with existing ministries and structures within the Epiphany community, Region IX Churches and the Archdiocese. The operative attitudes for EYM are "mentorship," "accompaniment," "advocacy," and "empowerment / challenge."

This youth ministry program offers the following: a welcoming atmosphere for teens of all backgrounds and interests, diverse social events, opportunities for Christian service, a variety of prayer experiences, formation programs and sacramental preparation.

Youth Programs

• Junior high youth group (Grades 7-8): Meets on Sundays from 4:30 - 6:00 P.M. The JHYG includes discussions, fun, music, games, prayer and relationship building.


• Senior high youth group (Grades 9-12): Meets on Sundays from 6:30 - 8:00 P.M. SHYG includes relationship building, games, music, discussions, fun and prayer. The "Youth Group TEAM" (an adult and teen planning team) works with the Youth Minister to prepare and implement the meetings.

• "Called by name" Confirmation program (Grade 9): Confirmation is a one-year process beginning in the fall of the 9th Grade and ending in the spring of the 9th Grade. It employs small group interaction, service projects, retreats, and discussion. Meets twice monthly on weekday evenings, September-May.


• Social activities (Grades 7-12): Are open to all teens of the parish. They include such day activities as parties, skiing, bowling, concerts, and trips to amusement parks; overnights, such as lock-ins, camping, canoeing or rafting trips, and other events planned occasionally throughout the year.


• Retreats and prayer gatherings (Grades 7-12): There is a cycle of retreats for all youth of the parish. The fall retreat emphasizes relationship and community building. The Easter Vigil Retreat is the youth commemoration and celebration of our Christian Holy Days. In the summer a retreat is offered which fosters cross-cultural sensitivity. Youth liturgies are a regular feature of EYM.

Youth Stewardship Opportunities

• Leadership development (Grades 7-12): Is an ongoing process in EYM. Some elements include youth planning teams for youth groups (See also Youth Group TEAM) and programs, the Christian Leadership Institute (Summer), the Summer Service Trip, and Youth Council for high school teens.


• Service projects (Grades 7-12): Are for all teens of the parish. The best way to learn about ourselves and to make friends is to be part of helping others. TeenServe is a monthly activity that takes trips to places like soup kitchens or shelters. Other projects include occasional trips.


• Youth group team: is an enthusiastic group of Adult Leaders and Teen Leaders that works together with the youth minister to plan and lead the Sunday Youth Groups; Junior High and Senior High. The Adult leaders pair off with teen leaders to plan one youth group meeting every four to six weeks. Six-month to one-year commitment.

Adult Stewardship Opportunities

• Junior high adult volunteers (Grades 7-8): JHYG meets on Sundays from 4:30 - 6:00 P.M. We need adults interested in the needs of Junior High youth, to serve as enthusiastic leaders, including attending JHYG meetings, leading small group discussions and occasional meetings. (See also Youth Group TEAM) Six-month to one-year commitment.


• Senior high adult volunteers (Grades 9-12): SHYG meets on Sundays from 6:30-8:30 P.M. We need adults interested in the needs of high school youth, to serve as enthusiastic leaders, including attending SHYG meetings, leading small group discussions and occasional meetings. (See also Youth Group TEAM) Six-month to one-year commitment.


• "Called by Name" Confirmation program leaders: Confirmation is a one-year process beginning in the fall of the 9th Grade and ending in the spring of the 9th Grade. It employs small group interaction, service projects, retreats, and discussion. Meets twice monthly on weekday evenings, September- May. We need adults willing to lead a small group of 8-10 candidates through the Confirmation process. One to two-year commitment.


• Assistants for youth service projects: Service projects and outreach trips are a regular part of EYM. Volunteers are needed to assist with our monthly TeenServe program, transportation and supervision of a variety of service opportunities. One to two-year commitment.


• Social activities resource people: These activities include events like parties, day trips (amusement parks), and overnights like camping and lock-ins. Adults needed to serve as chaperones, drivers, and resource people.


• Parents' support group: Parents of teens who gather for information on youth issues, to get updates on youth activities and programs, and to share ideas and concerns. Adults needed to help plan and coordinate regular meetings.


• Retreat and prayer gatherings: There is a cycle of retreats for all youth of the parish, and they are as follows: Junior High Fall Retreat; Senior High Fall Retreat; Easter Vigil Retreat; Senior's Retreat; and Summer Retreat. Youth led Liturgies are a regular feature of EYM. We need adults willing to serve as retreat planners and/ or facilitators, to help with transportation and to plan occasional youth liturgies.

For Questions, or to help with any of the above, contact the Parish Office, 502-245-9733.