Youth Ministry

One of the reasons our Parish Family is strong in faith is because of our emphasis on families. Children´s Liturgy is one way we support families and enrich the lives of our parish children.

Children´s Mass

On the third Sunday each month during the school year, the entire parish celebrates a Children´s Mass which includes youth participation in the Mass. Children are invited to the altar steps during for the Homily that is geared to their lives and presented in a special way to assure their understanding of God´s message. The contemporary music ensemble plays music at these Masses. Sunday´s Children and Children´s Liturgy are not held on these dates.

Sunday’s Children

Do you find yourself spending Mass wiping noses, calming fidgeting feet and hands or worrying when they might start whining that they are bored? If so, then you and your Preschool or Kindergarten child may benefit from Sunday´s Children, held in Longinus Hall at 10:15 AM during the school year.

If your child is out of diapers and wants to have some meaningful fun next Sunday, consider Sunday´s Children, where songs of praise, crafts, creatively presented Bible stories, snack and prayer time will leave your children asking to go to Church every Sunday!

You child will find a special place where he can become connected to his faith, and you actually get to listen to the readings during Mass and enjoy the peace of praising God in Church next Sunday!

Children’s Liturgy

Why do we have Holy Water at the back of the Church? When and where to we genuflect in the Church? What are the Psalms? If you find your children could benefit from a greater understanding of these questions and other components of our Mass, then consider their participation in Children´s Liturgy next Sunday. This special Liturgy is for children in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades and is held in the Chapel at 10:15 am during the school year.

After signing songs of praise in a style appealing to kids, an adult instructor leads the Liturgy of the Word through all aspects of the Mass in a way that is interesting, participatory and fun. Children actively participate in the readings, lighting of the candles, a discussion of the Homily, and share how aspects of their experiences relate to that day´s lesson.

Children are then dismissed to join their families in the Church for the rest of the Mass at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Having a special connection to your faith is meaningful - and Children´s Liturgy can be a great experience for your children…and give their adult family members quiet time in Mass to focus on the importance of the message as well!!

Youth Group at St. John the Baptist Parish

Youth Group at St. John the Baptist Parish welcomes anyone 6th through 12th grades. Combining a wide variety of Spiritual, Service, and Social activities, St. John´s Youth Group encourages teens and pre-teens to find a “home” in their church.

The Upper Room is “home base” for our Youth Group. Located on the 2nd floor of the old St. Johns School Building, youth in the community can meet others and have some fun hanging out, playing air hockey, pool, or basketball, watching a favorite movie and enjoying snacks. .

Youth from all faiths are encouraged and welcome. Call the Rectory for more information or visit our web page.

Romans 12

Romans 12 is a local mission trip where you can be a living sacrifice. If your gift is to serve, serve well. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Anyone (Youth - 7th grade through college - and adults) INTERESTED IN ROMANS 12 LOCAL MISSION TRIP, please call Debbie Herb at 544-5646 for additional information.

The 2009 trip is July 19 - 26 and will be at the Christmas Pines Campground in Auburn, PA
The cost is only$50 which includes camping, eals, snacks, entertainment, T-shirt and a group picture!

Children's Prayer Hour

The "Armata Bianca" children´s prayer group will pray EVERY Sunday at 5 pm in St. Patrick´s Perpetual Adoration Chapel. All children of any age are invited to pray with us. Our focus is on life and innocence! Armata Bianca means white army. "White" because white is the color of innocence. "Army" because every child consecrated to Mary who recites the rosary is a new David, and their beads are their sling. As St. Padrees Pio has said many times, "Children will save the world!". For more information, please contact Rachael at rachael3764@yahoo.com. For more information on the origin or the Armata Bianca and St. Pio, visits www.armatabianca.org.