Who can be part of Youth Ministry?
The ministry is open to all high school teens ~ those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation and those who have already received their Confirmation.
How will I be informed of the events?
How will I be contacted?
Please note that email is our primary means of communication. It is important that you list an active email address on the registration form. However, if at any time you would like to speak with our Youth Ministry team, please contact the parish office.
What should I be doing if I want to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Those who wish to prepare for Confirmation have the desire to grow closer to God through prayer and the sacraments. As an active participant in youth ministry they should:
- Be faithful to attending Sunday Eucharist (mass).
- Make a Statement of Commitment after registering for Youth Ministry.
- Attend the required number of faith formation sessions.
- Perform a minimum of 10 hours serving in St. Joseph parish and 10 hours serving in the wider community. This service must include at least one session of helping with bingo at Milford Manor.
- Participate in two retreats during the first year of youth ministry.
- Attend an overnight, Antioch retreat. (Teens must be in at least 10th grade).
- Attend 2 special events during the first year of youth ministry and 2 during the second year of youth ministry.
After your teen has been an active participant in youth ministry by completing the above prerequisites, immediate preparation for the sacrament of confirmation is offered as a choice to all who come forward. This occurs usually around the middle of sophomore year.
What is immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation and what are it’s objectives?
The preparation sessions are scheduled immediately before the sacrament is celebrated.
The objectives of these sessions are;
- To have an understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Roman Catholic tradition
- To know the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Catholic
- To be aware of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and to appreciate and use them in our daily life
- To know what happens during the Rite of Confirmation
- To understand the effects of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation
- To understand the role of the sponsor
What are Faith Formation Sessions?
- Each young person who is presently attending Generations of Faith (GOF) with their family must continue their life long learning by attending GOF. Please note, for those entering youth ministry in the 2011-2012 school year, we will no longer offer Sunday evening sessions as an option for faith formation.
- Attending the faith formation learning sessions is required before teens can begin the immediate preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. (See section - What should I be doing if I want to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation?)
What are Special Events?
Teens are asked to attend special events to foster living as a disciple of Christ in our world today. Special events include but are not limited to additional learning, prayer and worship and justice and service opportunities. For a complete list of special events offered, please click here.
What About Prayer and Worship ?
- Faithful attendance at Sunday Eucharist (mass) is expected. There is a youth mass each month at 12 noon in the church.
- Retreats – The retreats offered are a unique experience of prayer, reflection, community building, sacraments, games, activities, personal growth and fun!
- Prayer - Prayer nourishes our relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christians give service by taking time each day to pray for the intentions of others. People to pray for:
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· armed service persons
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· parents & family members
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· Pope Benedict XVI
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· Bishop Arthur
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· young people facing difficulties
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· people who work with the homeless
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· our pastor, Fr. Steven Shadwell
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· our parish family
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· teachers
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· world leaders
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Those who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation must participate in two retreats during the first year of youth ministry. In addition, teens must attend an overnight, Antioch retreat. (Teens must be in at least 10th grade).
Service is given by practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. “I was hungry, you fed me; I was thirsty, you gave me a drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; I was naked, you clothed me; when I was sick, you took care of me; when in prison, you visited me. God said ‘Whatever you do for the least important of my followers, you did it for me.’” Matthew 25: 35-40
- Food Pantry –Work in the food pantry or perhaps organize a food drive. A teen must call to be placed on the schedule to work at the food pantry; they cannot just show up. The pantry is open on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. There is room for 2 teens at each food pantry session. Contact – Pat Mattera 973.697.1020 chapmat@optonline.net
- Generations of Faith – Help with meals, watch young children or serve as a catechist assistant. Contact – Sr. Geraldine 973.208.0636uildings and Grounds – Assist in small projects around parish grounds. Contact the parish office – 973.697.6100
- Area ‘Walks’ –
- Crop Walk in October
- Hope House – visit www.hopehousenj.org for details and other volunteer opportunities.
- Diabetes Walk etc.
- Bingo at Milford Manor - Contact: Sr. Janet 973.697.2846
- Eva’s Kitchen – Serve food at soup kitchen located in Paterson (as groups form).
Alternate Ideas:
- Volunteer at the monthly blood drive in town.
- Volunteer at the township animal shelter.
- Serve as a hospital volunteer.
- Tutor a child.
- Visit a homebound person.
- Help the elderly with shopping.
- Collect clothing or food for the needy.
- Organize to send “goodies” to our local servicepersons stationed overseas.
How can I be a good steward?
Many groups depend on our support so they can reach out to others. Consider giving the cost of a movie or your earnings from an evening of childcare or part-time job.
Please think about contributing to one of these groups.
- The Rice Bowl collection during Lent
- Walks-for-Causes (CROP Walk etc.).
- St. Joseph’s Food Pantry can always use food items and paper products. Check the bulletin for specific needs. Buy and donate some of them.
Peer ministers plan and lead special events for the middle school and high school youth of the parish. Some examples are: leading a reflection and reconciliation service for the 7&8 grade youth, leading orientation for teens and parents entering youth ministry, leading Sunday night youth group meetings and leading the Antioch retreat.
Peer Ministry begins planning events for the next school year in the spring. Teens may request to become a peer minister after they have been an active participant in youth ministry, have decided that they would like to receive their confirmation and have participated in the immediate preparation for the sacrament with the intention to be confirmed in the fall.
Activities are planned throughout the year. They are listed in the Weekend Bulletin as they are offered.
As parents, what are our responsibilities?
Parents are encouraged to take an active role as their teen participates in youth ministry and prepares for the sacrament of Confirmation. Parental participation includes:
- Faithful attendance at Sunday Eucharist with your teen. Make the effort to attend Youth Mass each month
- Discussing with your teen the material presented at each session
- Making sure that your teen is current with all assignments
- Providing transportationto all meetings and youth ministry activities
- Being a faith- filled role model to your teen, and all other young people in our parish community
- Attending any parent meetings and offering help whenever possible
- Praying for your teen and all of youth in our parish
What about Behavior Standards?
We are very proud of the behavior of the children and teens who are members of our parish. They are expected to be respectful of each other, the staff and the volunteers who serve them. They are expected to care for any property – including facilities – provided for their use.
Who is there to help us?
Youth Ministry is staffed by our Youth Minister and Coordinator of Adolescent Faith Formation under the leadership of our Pastor. We welcome you to contact us regarding youth ministry or the faith formation of your teen.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
St. Joseph Church
454 Germantown Road
West Milford NJ 07480
Faith Formation Office: 973-208-0636
Pastor: Fr. Steven Shadwell: 973-697-6100
Youth Minister: Camille Kluge 973-492-0521 ckluge@verizon.net
Coordinator–Adolescent Faith Formation: Pat Mattera 973-697-1020 chapmat@optonline.net
