|
|
Youth ministry began with Mrs. Helen Denton gathering teenagers together in her home for a short period of time in 1973.
In the fall of 1974, the first Youth Group was formed at St. Pius X Parish by Father Charles Mulvihill, Ethra Tutt and Mrs. Muriel Bostick. The aim of the youth group leaders was to instill in our youth the positives of their religion and to let them know that Christ in their lives was a BIG PLUS for them in a world filled with many negative peer-pressures. It was an informal gathering each week offering sports and social activities, and occasionally Celebration of the Mass at which the youth read the lessons, ushered and sang in the choir. A parent's youth supper was held each year, so that parents and youth could meet in a social environment and get to know each other. A retreat was offered each year to those who wished to participate. In the years immediately following, Mrs. Donna Seli, Sister Kathleen Crowley and Susan Bowman also participated as leaders of the Youth Group.
Four years later, Lauri and Bob Turik took over the leadership for a year, again offering an informal program where catholic youth could come and meet and form a support group for each other.
In the fall of 1979, Mrs. Linda Verna and Ray Shoemaker accepted the role of leadership and the weekly preparation of an organized program, including spiritual, social and community activities. The youth group took on a more visibly active role in the Church. Once a month, they were ushers, readers and choir singers at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. They decorated the church for Christmas, with hand-made decorations on the trees and paintings on the glass windows of the Fr. Martin room depicting the various Christmas scenes. The youth went out to the various seniors homes, visiting and doing odd jobs for the elderly of the parish. The youth were very involved with development and peace, tyring hard and succeeding at raising money for this project. They also worked at Parish breakfasts - doing a great job.
During the summer of 1981 and 1982, the parish offered a full week of study in Seattle. Armand and Doreen George attended these study sessions and learned many ways of helping youth realize their potential.
In 1983, Ray Proulx joined our youth team. Shortly afterwards, Lori Shoemaker and Donna Leskosek joined as well. All three graduated from the Youth Group, felt they had benefited as youth Group members and came back as leaders to pass on their views and feelings on youth participation in our Diocese.
Our parish activities continue to vary around our youth. As their needs change our program must change, but basically, the youth group will continue to let the youth know that they are O.K. and have a lot to offer to the rest of the parish.
Reference: Doreen George, Our History, 1986
Youth Committee
This is a brand new committee and we NEED MORE YOUTH to make it work! Do you want your voice heard? To be more a part of the parish? Let's hear from you! We hope to eventually work at organizing youth activities and Youth Groups, but we need you! Find out how YOU can make your parish better than ever while at the same time doing something great for yourself by calling the office.
Youth Gathering at ICC Auditorium
Youth Mass
On the last Sunday of every month at the 11:00 a.m. Mass, we have our very own youth mass!! Do you know how to play a musical instrument? Are you good at singing? Do you read well? Want to try being a greeter or usher? Get involved in a Mass that celebrates youth! Call Ann Matthews at 250-763-7126.
|
Click for recent Youth Activities |
WORLD
YOUTH DAY CROSS DEANERY EVENT:
On behalf of the organizing committee we would like to thank all who
participated in this day of grace for our youth, our church and our city. We see
more clearly now that as we begin to prepare to spend time with our Holy Father
next year, it will truly be a pilgrimage. The cross has given all who have had
the encounter the desire to pray more fervently for world youth day and for the
faith of all youth. A particular thanks to all members of the CWL and Knights of
Columbus for their witness of commitment to the church.
