Youth Formation

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 VII 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 on faith and passionate issues, fun, music, games, prayer and relationship building. The "Junior High Core Team" (an adult and teen planning team) works with the Youth Minister to prepare and implement the meetings.
  • Senior High Youth Group (Grades 9-12): Meets on Sundays from 6:30 - 8:00 P.M. SHYG includes relationship building, games, music, discussions on faith and passionate issues, fun and prayer. The "Youth Council" (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 by preparing Candidates to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, giving them the tools necessary to begin the process of taking ownership of their faith and preparing them to live a life of putting their faith into action. Meets monthly on the first Wednesday, requires 5 service learning experiences, and provides the Candidates with two retreats. The Program runs from 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, including an Easter Vigil Retreat which is the youth commemoration and celebration of our Christian Holy Days. Other retreats are offered throughout the year. 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 Council and CoreTeam) and programs, the Christian Leadership Institute (Summer), and the Summer Service Trip.
  • Service Projects (Grades 7-12): Are for all teens of the parish. All Catholic Christians have the call to love others and to serve others. Service Learning opportunities are provided for the Youth Groups and Confirmation Class to act as Christ to others. Service projects are planned throughout the year, and a Summer Mission Trip is held each Summer.
  • Senior High Youth Council (Grades 9-12): 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 for Senior High. The Youth Council members meet once a month with the Junior High Core Team to plan meetings for upcoming month. Youth Council members learn valuable leadership skills, how to lead small groups, and how to speak in front of groups. Youth Council members also have an additional planning retreat each Fall.
  • Junior High Core Team (Grades 7-8) 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 for Junior High. The Core Team members meet once a month with the Youth Council to plan meetings for upcoming month. Core Team members learn valuable leadership skills, how to lead small groups, and how to speak in front of groups. Core Team members also have an additional planning retreat each Fall.

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 Junior High Core Team.) Commitments are based upon the time volunteers can give.
  • 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 hSenior High youth, to serve as enthusiastic leaders, including attending SHYG meetings, leading small group discussions and occasional meetings. (See also Youth Council.) Commitments are based upon the time volunteers can give.
  • "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. Confirmation meets once a month on the first Wednesday of the month and has a Fall and Spring Retreat. It runs September-May. We need adults willing to lead a small group of 8-10 candidates through the Confirmation process. Commitments are based upon the time volunteers can give.
  • Assistants for Youth Service Projects: Service projects and outreach trips are a regular part of EYM. Volunteers are needed to assist with transportation and supervision of a variety of service opportunities. In addition, they are needed to serve as a Christian witness of how to live a life of putting faith into action. Commitments are based upon the time volunteers can give.
  • 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. Commitments are based upon the time volunteers can give
  • Retreat and Prayer Gatherings: There is a cycle of retreats for all youth of the parish, that are held throughout the year. We need adults willing to serve as retreat planners and/ or facilitators, to help with transportation and to plan occasional youth liturgies. Commitments are based upon the time volunteers can give.

Parent Programs

  • Operation Spirit: Operation Spirit is a program for parents of Junior High and Senior High youth. It educates parents about current issues and the lifestyle that adolescents are facing today. Some of the topics include: Four Things Parents Can Do Today to Protect Their Teens, Managing the Internet in Your Home, Using Trust to Build Character, Signs and Symptoms of an Unhealthy Teen, and Why Schools Cannot Raise Our Kids. Junior High Parents will meet on Sundays from 4:45-6:00. Senior High Parents will meet on Sundays from 6:45-8:00.
  • For more information about the program please go to the Operation Spirit Website [Click here] or call Alice Gob at 339-0323.
  • For Calendar of Session Dates [Click here]

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