Youth and RE Information

Link to St. Bernadette's Religious Education Section Below

 Background checks are required every five years.  Everyone is responsible for creating a safe environment for our children; that is why St. John the Apostle parish is participating in the For the Sake of God’s Children program.   We will support this program to ensure the safety and protection of our children and youth.  We want to remind you that all who work with the youth in any capacity are required to have a background check.  Call the church office for more information.

WE NOW HAVE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM which you can download and fill out.  The RE office does not mail registration forms unless asked to.  You can register for all RE grades on Sunday, October 4th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and for Teen Challenge courses during the September retreat.  To get the registration forms click the links:  English and Spanish).  Please also ensure you complete the second half of the form available here.

Please Note:  The RE office is closed on Mondays. Thank you.

Please pick up a calendar for the 2010-2011 RE year.  You can also view the program on this website and on Google calendar.

CATECHIST NEEDED: Catechists are needed for the coming RE year.  Please call the RE office for more information.

SNAPSHOT THURSDAY NEWSLETTER  will resume this coming fall.  Please watch for your monthly newsletter via email to our registered RE families.  If you would like to get a coipy of the monthly issues, please contact the RE office.

ADULTS IN MINISTRY WITH YOUTH Catholic Youth Ministry will be offering training for adults in ministry with youth or those who might be interested in this ministry.  This is a certificate program and is scheduled for 2010 and 2011.  Dates, location, price and detailed information available by calling the Catholic Youth Ministry office at 302-658-3800.

DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON YOUTH: Birthdays are special days for both the individual and his or her family.  Memories are shared and stories are told. On your child’s next birthday, why not start a new tradition and have family members finish the statement; “I thank God for you, especially because….” You could also have everyone finish this statement on a piece of paper and store them in a jar with your child’s name on it.  It can serve as a wonderful reminder of how special both you and God made them feel throughout the years

 Our policy states that parents or person designated to pick up the student, must enter the building to pick up their children, grades Pre K-8 at the end of any R.E. or Youth Ministry program (in case of class cancellations in program, absence of a catechist).  

YOUTH MINISTRY   As we continue to put together a youth band/choir we need your support.  We are in need of a  stand for our Yamaha keyboard.  If you have a stand or would like to donate one please contact  Maritza in the Religious Education office.  

RE OFFICE will be closed from August 18 until August 23^rd.

 RE CLASSES begin on September 12^th for 6^th grade and 2^nd grade only.

 TEEN CHALLENGE RETREAT Teen challenge retreat will be held at St. Bernadette’s on Saturday, September 18^th   From 12-4 PM.  This retreat is for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders and their parents.  Retreat will be held from 12 TO 4 PM

 CONFIRMATION CLASS  There will be a pool / prayer party on Sunday, August 29th at St. John's.  We will gather at 10:30 AM in the downstairs hall and proceed to the 11:00 AM Mass and then to the pool

YOUTH MINISTRY  Brief Snapshot on five Characteristics of a healthy youth ministry:  Programs need to put relationships first. All Ministry is relational.  That is where it all starts.  If we are unable to create genuine connections with the young people that we serve, then our ministry will not thrive.  All programs that we create should focus on relationships (to be continued in the following weeks).

 IF YOUR CHILDREN HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF DATING,  you are no doubt wondering if you have given them enough guidance to date responsibility and in good Christian practice.  Talking with your teen about dating expectations (yours, theirs and God’s) is a good starting point, however here are a few suggestions to keep them more faith-minded while they date.  Encourage them to pray for their future spouse, that they might also be given the strength and grace to date in a Christian manner.  You should also encourage your teenager to compile a list of qualities and characteristics that they are looking for in a significant other.

CHAOS Lookout Elkton, Here Comes CHAOS  To allow for young people interested in attending St. Elizabeth and Padua High Schools, we have moved CHAOS back one day. The new date is Saturday, October 23, 2010 (time remains 10:30 am to 4 pm), at Immaculate Conception in Elkton. The new location is Immaculate Conception in Elkton.

BIKE-A-THON  The youth have planned a 5 mile bike a thon to raise money for St. Vincent de Paul.  The date is September 25th and we will gather in the church parking lot at 9:30 AM.  More details to come.  You can download the form by clicking the highlighted link.

 HOSPITALITY TENT A sincere thanks from our youth to all those who stopped by our tent and  shared a cup of cold lemonade with us.  We hope to continue serving our parish community throughout the year

ADULTS IN MINISTRY WITH YOUTH 

Catholic Youth Ministry will be offering training for adults in ministry with youth or those who might be interested in this ministry.  This is a certificate program and is scheduled for 2010 and 2011.  Dates, location, price and detailed information available by calling the Catholic Youth Ministry office at 302-658-3800

Check out pictures of St. John youth in action by clicking this link Youth Pictures

The St. Ambrose Homeschoolers will now meet on the 2nd Friday of each month following the 9 a.m. Mass.  The next scheduled meeting is September 14.  For more information on our group, call Debby Miller at 359-9583.  

Check out the Homeschoolers activities by clicking this link St. Ambrose Homeschoolers Picture Page

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

An electronic newsletter of Religious Education articles and updates named Two For Tuesday is emailed weekly to registered families. If you would like to be included on the email listing please email Dawn Curtiss @ dcurtisscre@aol.com and she will see that you receive the newsletter.  

MAKE A DIFFERENCE  The RE Program is collecting much needed school supplies for Lake South Elementary School . See the bulletin board in the Church for the supplies needed. (Not on the list are underwear and shoes. Donations of or toward these items will also be appreciated.) You may place your donations in the box at the back of the Church.

FAMILY RETREAT DAY  Come celebrate your Sacrament of Marriage as a family, Saturday, August 21^st, 1:00 – 5:30 pm in St. Bernadette’s Hall. Discover, as a family, how your married life is a life-giving sign to the Church and to the world. For more information or to RSVP call Dawn at 222-8114 or email her at dcurtisscre@aol.com. Please RSVP by August 16^th.

 Tip 47: Sacraments are major milestones in a young person’s life. While they probably do not remember their Baptism they will certainly remember their First Eucharist and Confirmation. Help make these important milestones in their faith development by remembering the anniversaries and discussing what impact the sacraments have had on their life and how they will shape them in the future.

Summer 2010 Youth Ministry Calendar

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