Youth Ministry
There’s always something going on at Ascension Youth Ministry! Make sure you check out the YM Events page so you don’t miss a thing!
ASCENSION YOUTH MINISTRY AT FLOCKNOTE
flocknote.com allows you to receive info from Ascension Youth Ministry however you like it - email, text, or through facebook. 
To subscribe to Ascension’s Youth Ministry feed at flocknote, click this link:
ASCENSION YOUTH MINISTRY ON FACEBOOK
Check out Ascension Youth Ministry on Facebook! Click on the “Become a Fan” button and get all the latest updates about what’s going on next! Here’s a preview of the page:
You can also visit the page now by clicking the following link!
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
HomeLIFE Prayer Partners
Nothing beats the power of prayer for uniting the Christian community! Our High School HomeLIFE groups have embarked on a brand new initiative to bring the parish together in prayer for one another by establishing Prayer Partner relationships in the parish. Become a HomeLIFE Prayer Partner and one of our HomeLIFE groups will pray for you and your needs every time they gather. All we ask in return is that you pray for that HomeLIFE group during their meeting time. You’ll be given your adopted group’s roster and so you can pray for each person individually, and your adopted group will be given your name as well. You’ll also be given the contact information for your group’s leaders so you can contact them as prayers are answered or new needs arise. You’ll also be included in our email updates and our end-of-the-year picnic in May. If you’d like to be a part of this life-changing ministry, contact Joe Ollier at 253-5171 or jollier@ascensionkettering.org
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY
The JH YouthMinistry (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 (11:45-1:00pm, 6:30-8:30pm, 7:00-9:00pm). 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. To receive the monthly newsletter via email, contact Joe Ollier at jollier@ascensionkettering.org
The ALTERNATE
In October, 2008, we kicked off “The Alternate” - Youth Ministry for the Meeting Impaired. Designed to complement and supplement our HomeLIFE groups, The ALTERNATE meets in the Youth Room on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays from 7:00 to 9:00. Open to all 9th-12th graders, The ALTERNATE offers you another chance to come as you are, come when you can and be welcomed for who you are. See the Ym Events page or the Youth News for more details
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.
- Confirmation Spirit Day I - (7th Grade) October, 2010
- Confirmation Spirit Day II - (8th Grade) November, 2010
- Family Ski Trip with Overnight Retreat Option - January 23-24, 2010 Gamble-Nippert YMCA and Perfect North Slopes Ski Trip ‘10 Registration/Info Packet
- HS Winter Retreat - Fri-Sun February 26-28, 2010 Camp Kirkwood 2010 Winter Retreat Flyer and Registration
- Food Fast to benefit Catholic Relief Services March 13-14, 2010
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 Re Office, the Youth Office or right here on the Youth Min. Forms-n-Flyers page!
During the summer, we really concentrate on service. See the SOAR Summer service link at the upper left of this page for all the details!