Youth Ministry offers Thanksgiving dinner
By Caroline Rosacker
Globally the COVID-19 pandemic has been very stressful and isolating for many individuals. In the past, family gatherings during the holiday season have offered an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. Unfortunately this holiday season may need to be modified to reduce the spread of the virus in an effort to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe. Ongoing concerns from healthcare professionals, hospitals filled to capacity, and a worsening epidemic have generated a need to scale down holiday plans.
Thanksgiving meal fundraiser
St. Mary's Youth Ministry is planning a Thanksgiving fundraiser in an effort to generate funding for their youth ministry program. The event is set to take place on Thursday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the St. Mary's Church parking lot in Guttenberg. Katey Simon and Erin Schmelzer, youth ministry leaders and event organizers, explained, "Because Thanksgiving may look a little different this year, we are offering Thanksgiving meals for pick-up or delivery." Advance reservations were required.
"Nancy Nuehring, church member, will prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal plus dessert," said Simon. "All proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the youth ministry program and will be used towards retreats, events, service projects, etc."
Catholic Youth Ministry
Three local parishes participate in the Catholic Youth Ministry program — St. Mary's in Guttenberg, Immaculate Conception in North Buena Vista, and St. Joseph in Garnavillo. The youth program is built on 4 pillars: Faith (1 Timothy 4:12), Community (Hebrews 10:24-25), Service (1 John 3:18), and Sign (Matthew 5:14).
The faith-based program is in place for youth congregation members to learn more about the Catholic Church, its teachings, and why, and how it applies to their lives. The ministry's goal is to form disciples of Christ preparing youth to continue their faith beyond high school.
Katey Simon noted, "Youth ministry is a place for young individuals to learn, grow, and be challenged in their faith in a safe and supportive environment. It’s a great place to build friendships, encourage and pray for one another, and have fun. Youth ministry provides opportunities for youth to step outside of their comfort zone and serve their church, community, and others. Participating in youth ministry is a way to show younger kids, peers, parishes, and the greater community that the youth of today are alive and on fire for their faith!"
Youth ministry activities
Currently, there are three to five volunteers assisting with the program, and approximately 15 students actively participating. The youth ministry provides well-balanced, faith-based activities. "Involved youth have a voice in what we talk about and do. Together we pray, learn about our Catholic faith through watching videos and having discussion, and have fun playing games such as kickball," Simon explained. "We’ve had bonfires and gone hiking. We planned prayer services such as leading an Ash Wednesday service. We have also led Stations of the Cross and performed the Living Stations on Good Friday."