Youth Ministry

Senior High Youth Ministry at St. Gabriel the Archangel is a process, not a program, by which our high school youth are led to a deeper relationship with Christ, each other and the world around them. It is not only meant as a ministry to the youth, but also by the youth. We strive to balance all of our efforts on a tripod of prayer, service and fun, yet always centered on the place of God in our lives. We welcome anyone who wishes to join us. Whether you are an adult wanting to volunteer or a teen wanting to get involved, there is always something going on, plenty to do and more fun to be had.

The cornerstones of Youth Ministry at St. Gabriel are our regular weekly meetings. OASIS (Open-minded, Aware, Spiritual, Inspiration, Seekers) meetings are Wednesday evenings. These meetings focus on faith and the issues that affect our lives. Sunday evening Drop-Ins are strictly goofy fun, a last chance to blow off steam before Monday comes. Both meet in the Youth Center from 6:30-8:30 pm. Out of these meetings come the myriad of ministry opportunities that we plan and participate in.

The St. Gabriel Youth Ministry Mission Statement is below. The youth wrote this statement as a "road map" to guide us. These would be beautiful—but very empty—words if we did not continually attempt to breathe new life into them. With these words as our inspiration we constantly search for ways to bring the God's love, hope and mercy into the world.

SAINT GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL YOUTH MINISTRY VISION STATEMENT

United in ministry, we are the Senior High Youth of the Community of Saint Gabriel the Archangel.

We recognize, understand, believe and demonstrate that we are called by the living God to be faithful ministers to each other, our families, our parish, our community and the world beyond.

With solid roots in our Catholic beliefs and sustained by prayer, we strive to:
- continuously build the bonds of friendship, love and trust among everyone;
- discover, celebrate and utilize the gifts and talents of all;
- learn about God, our faith and grow in our personal spirituality and share that
knowledge and growth when called to do so;
- be of service to those in need, while acknowledging the God within them
and affirming their dignity;
- provide opportunities that  help develop leadership skills and build confidence;
- offer social activities in which we can enjoy the company of each other in a
supportive, safe and non-judgmental environment.

Everyone is welcome, and we confidently announce to all: GOD IS HERE!

(Adopted May 2003; Revised October 2008)

For information contact Patrick Lynch, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, at (502) 239-5481, ext. 2011 or email plynch@stgabriel.net.