“Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Welcome to the Youth Ministry at St. John Paul 2 Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Cumming! Our Youth Ministry is a vibrant and dynamic community where young people are invited to deepen their faith, build lasting friendships, and serve others in the name of Christ. Whether you’re in high school or early college years, our Youth Ministry provides opportunities to grow spiritually, explore your Catholic faith, and live out the mission of the Church in the world today.
We invite all youth (ages 13-18) to join our ministry and become active participants in a community that encourages spiritual growth, leadership, and service to others. Through our engaging programs, retreats, and service activities, we aim to help our youth become confident, compassionate disciples of Christ who carry the teachings of the Church into the world.
Our Mission
The mission of the Youth Ministry at St. John Paul 2 Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Cumming is to:
- Deepen the faith of our young people by fostering a strong relationship with Christ through prayer, liturgy, and Scripture.
- Encourage leadership and service within the Church and the wider community, developing young people who are ready to make a difference in the world.
- Provide opportunities for growth in faith, fellowship, and understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church, with a special focus on the Syro-Malabar Rite and its rich liturgical and cultural traditions.
- Support young people as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, offering a safe, welcoming space for them to explore their faith and life’s big questions.
- Build community by creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every young person is valued and encouraged to grow in their faith.
Youth Ministry Programs and Activities
Our Youth Ministry offers a variety of programs and activities designed to nurture the spiritual, emotional, and social well-being of young people. Below are some of the key components of our ministry:
Youth Mass & Liturgy
- We invite our youth to actively participate in the Syro-Malabar liturgy by serving as Altar Servers, reading the Word of God, and leading the community in prayer.
- Monthly Youth Masses offer a special time for young people to gather together for worship, reflection, and community building.
Bible Study and Faith Formation
- Bible Study sessions and faith formation classes are held regularly for our youth. These sessions focus on Scripture, Church teachings, and how to apply the Gospel in today’s world.
- We also explore the Syro-Malabar traditions and learn about the saints, the sacraments, and Catholic doctrine to deepen our understanding of the faith.
Retreats and Pilgrimages
- Spiritual retreats are held annually, providing our youth with an opportunity for deep reflection, prayer, and personal growth. These retreats focus on themes of discipleship, leadership, and service.
- Pilgrimages to Catholic sites or special Syro-Malabar shrines offer an enriching experience to grow spiritually while deepening their connection to the Church’s heritage and history.
Community Service and Outreach
- Service is at the heart of our ministry. The youth participate in community service projects, such as helping local shelters, organizing food drives, or supporting the needs of the underprivileged.
- Mission trips are also organized, both locally and internationally, providing opportunities for the youth to live out their faith by serving others and spreading the love of Christ.
Social and Fellowship Events
- We host social events such as game nights, youth movie nights, sports tournaments, and more, where the youth can enjoy fellowship, build lasting friendships, and simply have fun in a safe, faith-filled environment.
- Annual Youth Conference and other diocesan events offer opportunities for our youth to meet with other Catholic youth, share their experiences, and grow in their faith.
Leadership Development
- Our Youth Leadership program provides training for young people to take on leadership roles within the Church and beyond. Whether through peer mentoring, planning events, or leading small groups, we empower our youth to be active participants in the mission of the Church.
- We also encourage our youth to get involved in ministry roles like youth coordinator, community outreach, or helping with parish events.
Syro-Malabar Traditions in Youth Ministry
At St. John Paul 2 Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Cumming, our Youth Ministry places a special emphasis on the rich liturgical, spiritual, and cultural traditions of the Syro-Malabar Church. Youth are introduced to the Syro-Malabar Rite through:
- Learning about Syro-Malabar saints and their lives as models of faith and service.
- Engaging in Syro-Malabar liturgy, where youth participate in the vibrant worship traditions that are central to our faith.
- Celebrating our feast days, church festivals, and cultural events that highlight the beauty of our heritage.
We believe that understanding our Syro-Malabar identity helps youth build a sense of belonging and pride in their faith and heritage, while also connecting them to the global Catholic Church.
Safe Environment Policy
The safety and well-being of all our young people are paramount. Our Safe Environment Policy is strictly enforced in accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s guidelines. This includes:
- Background Checks for all leaders, volunteers, and staff working with youth.
- Child Protection Training: All youth leaders and volunteers are required to complete Protecting God’s Children training and are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all youth participants.
- Supervised Activities: All youth events and gatherings are monitored by at least two adults to ensure the safety of every participant.
- Zero Tolerance for Abuse: We have a strict policy regarding the prevention of abuse. Any concerns are taken seriously and addressed immediately.
Who Can Join Youth Ministry?
Our Youth Ministry is open to all young people between the ages of 13 and 18. Whether you are looking for a deeper connection to God, seeking a supportive community, or simply want to serve others, our ministry has something for everyone. We invite all youth to come and experience the love and joy of living as a disciple of Christ.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved in Youth Ministry is easy! Here’s how to join:
- Register: Fill out the registration form available online or at the parish office.
- Attend an Information Session: Parents and youth are invited to attend an informational session where we discuss the ministry’s goals, activities, and how you can get involved.
- Participate: Join us for weekly meetings, service projects, youth Masses, or any of the upcoming events listed on the parish calendar.
- Stay Connected: Follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events, retreats, and volunteer opportunities.
Contact Us
For more information about the Youth Ministry at St. John Paul 2 Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Cumming, please contact:
- Youth Ministry Coordinator: [Name]
- Email: [Email Address]
- Phone: [Phone Number]
We look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant community of young people committed to living out their faith in Christ. Together, let’s build a strong, passionate, and loving Youth Ministry that will serve the Church, our community, and the world.