EMPOWER YOUTH
A Place for Young People to belong,
to be encouraged,
to develop a deeper relationship with Christ,
to serve and to lead.
Empower Youth ministries invites all youth, grades 6 through 12, to become
involved with our parish and community life through several opportunities:
Empower Youth Wednesday night gatherings- - Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30
p.m.**
The night begins with middle school and high school gathering together for music
worship and prayer. Youths then part into middle school and high school groups
and participate in activities, large and small group discussions, prayer and
worship. The evening is spent on a topic that relates to the youth’s life, in
which they can apply Scripture and the Catholic faith to.
We end the evening with food, drink and fellowship in the Parish Hall.
**There is no middle school Empower Youth the last Wednesday of the month.
Empower Youth Dinner / Movie night – the last Wednesday of the month is
reserved for fun fellowship of dinner and a movie for 9th through 12th grade. A
current movie is viewed and then discussion is held on how the movie can be
related to faith topics.
Bible Study groups – This will be a new program for St. Leo’s coming this
winter. Youths will meet in an informal setting once a week to explore and
understand issues in the bible and discuss how to apply scripture to our lives.
Young Neighbors in Action (Y.N.I.A.) – an exciting, integrated, service
experience for parish teams of older youth and adults. This is a week long
service experience, to serve people in need, available in over seventeen sites
in the United States on the U.S./Mexico border, and in Canada. Join other youths
from around the country in a program that features a creative approach to
learning about justice, cross-cultural sharing, prayer and recreation. The
program balances Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, direct service and acts of
justice. For more information, go to
http://www.youngneighbors.org/ .
Young Neighbors in Advocacy (Y.N.I.Advocacy) – Spend a week in our
nation’s capital and be a, “Voice for the Voiceless.” This program is designed
to empower older youth and young adults who have prior experience of direct
service to take action on behalf of those who are marginalized, treated
unjustly, or neglected. Youth and young adults will spend the first part of
their week in Washington, D.C. providing direct service. Participants will then
engage in political activities, listen to justice mentors and reflect on the
advocacy mission and how the Gospel calls us to action. The week will end with a
presentation to our Congressional representatives on a faith-based position on
issues before the congress. For more information, go to http://www.youngneighbors.org/
.
Make A Difference Camp (M.A.D. camp)-This is a fun three day service
opportunity for middle school (grades 6th to 8th). Youth will provide direct
service to several Grand Island agencies that serves those in need. The youth
will build community, learn the aspects of Catholic Social Teaching and reflect
on their ability and need to answer God’s call to service. The program will
finish with an afternoon at Island Oasis.
Confirmation – Confirmation preparation begins after January 1st of the
Junior year of high school and ends with the Confirmation celebration in the
fall of the candidates’ Senior year of high school. Confirmation candidates are
required to attend preparation sessions, participate in one of the service or
retreat programs designated by the director and provide service hours inside and
outside of the parish life.
Higher Ground - Higher Ground is a five-day Catholic youth program for
those who will be juniors or seniors in high school. This program is sponsored
by the Diocese of Grand Island Youth Office and directed by Fr. Jim Golka. The
purpose of Higher Ground is to create an environment where Christian community
may be experienced. The activities provide an enjoyable opportunity for the
young people to develop a better sense of self, to build positive relationships
with others and to grow closer to God. Find more information at
www.gidiocese.org/youth.
Higher Ground II and Higher Ground College Retreat – Both excellent
programs for older youth and college age young adults. Find more information at
www.gidiocese.org/youth.
Teens Encounter Christ (T.E.C.) - Juniors and Seniors-looking for a place
to reflect on your ideals, hopes, dreams and problems? Want to discover a God
you can believe in? Does a Christ you can encounter as risen and alive in your
midst sound AWEsome? Join other young people in experiencing a T.E.C. weekend.
Offered in several areas within the Grand Island Diocese. Find more information
at www.gidiocese.org/youth.
Youth link – For a teenagers view of our faith go to,
http://www.disciplesnow.com. This site
is interactive and made for young people. There is music, chats, question and
answer section and much more. Check it out.
