Contact:
Craig Johnson – cjohnson@churchofpresentation.org 201-327-1313 ext. 819
ANTIOCH 42 RETREAT WEEKEND (March 7-9, 2025). CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Registration closes at noon on Feb. 28.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE 2024-2025 CONFIRMATION & YOUTH MINISTRY HANDBOOK.
CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: Youth Ministry at Presentation is blossoming with many great events in the works. There are many ways to get involved here, and many fun opportunities to learn and grow, no matter how much time you have to give. Here at Presentation, you will find a dynamic community in which you can discover more about yourself, God, and those around you. There are so many different young people involved here, and you are bound to build friendships that will last a lifetime. If you are new to Youth Ministry, no matter what grade you are in, we hope you will consider joining us for some of our programs this year! And if you are a Youth Ministry “veteran”, we hope you continue to join us, and that you bring some new friends with you for some of our great programs. Please watch the bulletin for updates and added programs or outings. And check out our Facebook page for the latest updates and messages! Also, please let us know your email address so we can send you our newsletter emails! We look forward to seeing you soon! In Him, Craig Johnson
OUR YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS:
Sunday Community Gatherings – The high school youth of the parish gather on a regular basis together to socialize, talk about current issues, and support each other in prayer. These gatherings are not only component of Confirmation Preparation but designed to be a place of connection for our parish’s youth all throughout high school – some come to meet new people or see old friends, and others come for a spiritual boost at the beginning of their week. Most come for both! We discuss many different topics, and spend time getting to know one another. All are welcome to these uplifting gatherings which meet approximately15 times during the catechetical year.
Peer Ministry Leadership Team – Our Leadership Team of Juniors and Seniors are the voice of the young people of the Parish. They have been trained as Peer Leaders and help us stay true to our Vision and Mission. They help us run the most effective and relevant program possible! FOR MORE INFO &/OR TO APPLY, SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
Spiritual Explorers – This is a special program designed build on the experiences of the weekend retreats that we offer. The program is tailored to upperclassmen who in the “off season” journey with adult mentors through faith dialogues and outings.
Confirmation Preparation for Teens – Confirmation Preparation is an engaging and dynamic two year program, and most teenagers begin the process in their Freshmen Year. Teens can begin in their Sophomore or Junior Year as well. The majority of the preparation happens in Year 2 of the program. For more information, please contact us or see the parish website.
Camp Acorn Service Day – Camp Acorn’s mission is to provide a supportive environment through enrichment programs that address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Teens will be assisting the campers with various activities at their Allendale facility.
Hope for the Homeless: Oct. 26-27, 2024 -This is one of our most popular service experiences! Come and see what you can do to help raise awareness of hunger, homelessness, and poverty as you serve the homeless and experience a little bit of homelessness yourself. This is a very moving and life-changing overnight service experience! CLICK HERE FOR THE BROCHURE
Discipleship Weekend Retreat – All high school teens in grades 9-12 are welcome to attend. The retreat is held at the parish center (teens sleep at home). This peer-led retreat is usually attended by over 150 teens and young adult chaperones and is full of inspiring witness talks, great discussions, games, music, prayer and much more! We hope you can come to this memorable weekend retreat experience! Our next retreat will be in Fall 2025.
Youth Ministry Walk & Pray – Hiking Trips and other outings connected with our spiritual explorers’ program but open to all high schoolers during the spring & summer seasons.
Antioch Retreat – This weekend retreat is a high energy and spiritually rewarding experience that is led by our Young Adult Ministry. It is an extremely popular retreat weekend held right here at Presentation. For the time being participants will spend the night at home and share meals together here at Church. Join us as we spend a weekend celebrating our relationships with God and each other!
Living Stations of the Cross – Relive the final hours of Jesus’ life as the Youth Ministry re-enacts the Stations of the Cross with acting, singing, and contemporary, personal prayers. Each year on Good Friday our Youth gather for a day of reflection. In the evening we offer a special reflection production where hundreds of people come to experience this Presentation tradition led by our high school youth. No acting or singing experience necessary. Come and be a part of this life-giving and rewarding experience during the holiest time of the Church’s liturgical year!
Plant Sales – A few times a year, our Youth Ministry hosts plant and flower sales in order to raise money for our Youth Ministry Outreach programs such as our summer mission trip. We need as many volunteers as we can get (after all of the Masses) for set up, selling, and clean up.
Summer Service Missions – Those young people entering Sophomore year through Freshman year of college are invited to apply for this week-long summer immersion experiences. We offer service opportunities that serve both domestically and abroad. Participants will greatly benefit from the multi-faceted service experience! Join us as we learn how our faith calls us to service, to participation in ecumenism and to the joys and challenges of living in solidarity with others. Details and applications will be available for upcoming summer service trips in October.