Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry Mission Statement
The Ascension community supports and serves our parish youth and their families. We value youth by building comprehensive youth ministry that empowers young people to live as disciples of Jesus; draws young people to participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic Church; and fosters personal and spiritual growth. Therefore, we partner with our young people and their families as we all become a praying, teaching, caring, serving sign of God’s presence to each other and the world.
Download our Youth Ministry Handbook
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY
RETREAT MINISTRY
LITURGICAL MINISTRY
ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING
SERVICE AND OUTREACH MINISTRY
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY
The JH Youth Ministry (JHYM) is open to all 6-8th grade parish youth and friends from both Catholic and public schools. JHYM events tap into the creative energy and imagination of the junior high adolescent. With a Catholic Christian perspective we focus on issues for their time. Occasional events are held through the year, including JHYM Socials (typically Friday/Saturday nights) as well as World Youth Day Rally, pool party, caroling, and numerous service and outreach opportunities. A booklet on service projects for the year is available from the RE, School, or Youth Offices. Parents play an active role in facilitating these events. Check E-newsletter, “Ascension YM Updates” or web site for event dates.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY
The HS Youth Ministry is open to all 9-12th grade parish teens and friends from Catholic and public schools. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment rooted in our Catholic heritage; accepting of their world, expressions, questions, feelings, and insights.
Teens are invited to join one of the HSYM small Christian communities, “LIFE Groups.” that meet twice a month (typically 1st/3rd Sundays) September thru May (11:3am, 5:00pm, 7:00pm). Groups are set by age/grade level, meeting in homes and parish facilities. Topics cover issues important to the life-faith experiences of teens. Christian community is formed through faith sharing, creative prayer, active learning experiences, and peer ministry.
A variety of other HSYM events are held during the year as well. 
These include guest speakers, games, outings such as ski trip, scavenger hunts, retreats, service projects, interparish activities, regional rallies, national conferences and more. A booklet on service projects for the year is available from the RE, School, or Youth Offices. Check E-newsletter, “Ascension YM Updates” or web site for event dates.
RETREAT MINISTRY
The Ascension Youth Office offers several annual retreats for parish youth. The purpose of these retreats include:
- To evangelize the youth of our community.
- To build and deepen community in our parish, school and youth ministries.
- To deepen a sense of identity and involvement of young people with the Catholic Church.
- To teach about integration of faith and morals in everyday living.
- To foster a personal relationship with Jesus and an ownership of one’s faith.
Parents are encouraged to support the participation of their children in these retreat experiences. It is strongly suggested that youth active in the Youth Ministries and Religious Education programs participate in the retreats appropriate to their age level. Dates may change according to scheduling needs. Reminders are sent to parents and youth 1-2 months prior to the scheduled retreat date.
• RE 7th Grade - Saturday mid-October
• RE 8th Grade - Fri/Sat mid-November
• School 8th Grade - school day October and March
• HS Winter Retreat - Fri-Sun, President’s Day Weekend, February
LITURGICAL MINISTRY
Youth are encouraged to take an active role in witnessing their faith and serving their parish community. Youth are welcome to serve the Ascension parish family at the liturgies of the Eucharist in the liturgical ministries of Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Usher, Greeter and in the Choir. Training sessions will be arranged several times through the year.
ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING
Part of being a responsible Christian is caring for the earth, God’s creation. Ascension’s youth ministry recycling project is usually held on the weekend of the 1st Sunday of the month after all parish masses. Aluminum beverage cans are to be dropped off at Parish Office Building garage during collection weekend only. Funds raised help to provide scholarships and assistance for teens participating in various retreats, leadership conferences, and regional/archdiocesan rallies.
SERVICE AND OUTREACH MINISTRY
The life and teachings of Jesus call us to reach out and serve those in need. Our Catholic social justice teachings help us to understand our responsibility of Christian witness and service. Ascension total youth ministry is active in the educating and challenging our young people to live out this call within the parish and broader community. Service opportunities include partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, Twin Towers, and ministry with parish seniors, etc. Service opportunities are held at least once a month and open to 7-12th grade teens and parents. A Service Opportunities Booklet with activities for the year is available from the Youth Office or check the E-newsletter, “Ascension YM Updates” or web site for event dates.