Guardian Angels Youth Ministry Handbook

Transcription

1 Guardian Angels Youth Ministry Handbook

2 1 Last Updated 8/16/16 Reviewed by Father Thomas King This material is intended for the use of Guardian Angels Parish and its ministries. If you would like to alter this material for your own use, please contact the Guardian Angels Youth Ministry Office prior to usage.

3 2 Table of Contents Guardian Angels Church... 3 Parish Prayer... 3 Parish Vision Statement... 4 Guardian Angels Youth Ministry... 5 YOUTH MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT...5 GOALS OF COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH MINISTRY...5 YOUTH MINISTRY COMMUNICATIONS...6 Youth Ministry Opportunities... 7 FAMILY MINISTRY...7 MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY...7 HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY...8 YOUTH RETREATS AND RALLIES...8 CAMP GAUDEO...9 Additional Parish Youth Opportunities CONFIRMATION ALTAR SERVERS LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCOUTS ATHLETICS Youth Ministry Policies and Procedures ACTIVITY PERMISSION/RELEASE FORMS FULL PARTICIPATION TRANSPORTATION & YOUTH DRIVERS SEARCH & SEIZURE LOST & STOLEN ITEMS FEES VISITORS PARENT-YOUTH MINISTER COMMUNICATION ADULT VOLUNTEERS VIRTUS CHILD PROTECTION AMENDMENT POLICY Youth Ministry Schedule Form Appendix... 19

4 3 Guardian Angels Church 6531 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio Parish Staff Fr. Thomas M. King Pastor Rev. Mr. Richard Novick Deacon Rev. Mr. Robert Fey Deacon Rev. Mr. Paul Feie Deacon Mrs. Becky Schen Religious Ed. Coordinator Mrs. Joan Schoenhoeft Religious Ed. Assistant Mrs. Rose Ann Miller Pastoral Associate Mrs. Susan Boettner GA Business Manager Mr. George Stegeman Director of Music Mr. Bradley Barnes Director of Youth Ministry Mr. Corey Stoops School Principal Mrs. Kate Storms School Vice Principal Mrs. Tiffany Strah Dir. Of Marketing/Communications Mr. Ron Kienzle St. Jerome Business Manager Parish Prayer Heavenly Father help us, the people of Guardian Angels Parish, to become truly Catholic Christians. May we do this through worshipping together, sharing our lives and faith, supporting and caring for one another as we strive to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Give us joy as we celebrate your kingdom among us. Heal our wounds and divisions. Guide us in prayer, especially in the liturgy and sacraments. Help us to grow intellectually, to develop spiritually, to reach out in service to one another, to respond generously to the poor and needy, to listen to others, to offer hospitality and friendship, and to responsibly steward our resources. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

5 4 Parish Vision Statement 1. A Community of Prayer. Guardian Angels will continue its movement to make this first and foremost a community of prayer. The Sunday Eucharist is the most important Prayer of this Parish. 2. Catholic Identity. Guardian Angels will build a sense of a broader, universal Church into which our parish fits. We must take responsibility to know what it means to be Catholic, and to convey the Catholic message to all people. 3. Continuously Learning Our Faith. Guardian Angels will build a parish community where continuing faith education is desired and is available for children, families and adults. 4. Realism and the Role of the Laity. The main focus and duty of the Catholic Laity is to give witness to Christ by our life and works in the home, in small groups, and in professional circles. 5. Stewardship. Guardian Angels will be a parish that cares for the poor, supports missions in our own land and in other nations, and thinks of others before ourselves. 6. Spreading the Gospel. Guardian Angels will be a community of believers who are eager to tell others about Jesus and who welcome new members enthusiastically into the universal Catholic Church.

6 5 Guardian Angels Youth Ministry Bradley Barnes Director of Youth Ministry (513) (Ministries > Youth) Instagram: GACinciYouth YOUTH MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT The community of Guardian Angels desires to support and serve our parish youth and their families, ensuring that they grow in love and relationship with Christ and His Church. We value youth by building a comprehensive youth ministry that: empowers young people to live as intentional disciples of Jesus; draws young people to participation in the life, mission and work of our local, diocesan and universal faith community; fosters total personal and spiritual growth. Therefore, we partner with our young people and their families in worshipping together, sharing our lives and faith, supporting and caring for one another as we strive to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Parish Prayer). GOALS OF COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH MINISTRY Contrary to popular belief, youth ministry is not equivalent to youth group. A youth group is just one type of youth ministry program therefore, to reduce youth ministry to one specific group narrows and limits the vision of our parish, archdiocese and Church for ministry with adolescents. Instead, we want to create an atmosphere of comprehensive ministry that allows youth to express themselves freely, grow in faith, to join in the mission of the Church and to share their unique gifts with the larger community.

7 6 To this end, Guardian Angels has adopted the goals in the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (1997): 1. To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today. 2. To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. 3. To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. These goals are brought to reality for our parish through support of our pastor, youth minister, parish staff, adult volunteers and parish community members. We also recognize that the components of comprehensive ministry include advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice/service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer/worship. YOUTH MINISTRY COMMUNICATIONS Forms, flyers, information and announcements for youth ministry events are distributed and available through: Guardian Angels Youth Ministry webpage: (Ministries > Youth) communication via Constant Contact (sign-up via our website to receive our monthly newsletter and weekly event reminders) Flyers handed out in CCD/school classrooms, youth ministry events, and posted in our parish bulletin Social Media o Guardian Angels Facebook Page: o o Instagram: GACinciYouth

8 7 Youth Ministry Opportunities FAMILY MINISTRY The building of the domestic church (the family) takes priority for Guardian Angels and the youth ministry team is committed to partnering with parents as they explore their role as the first heralds of the faith (CCC 1656) through: Family gatherings after Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mass which explore the readings through fellowship, discussion, activities and presentations. Family Rosary held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoons. Family Holy Hour held at the end of our parish s First Friday Exposition (family hour beginning at 8:00 p.m.) Partnership with parents in the creation of small groups within their homes. MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY Middle school youth ministry is open to all 6 th -8 th grade youth and friends from any school (Catholic, public, or homeschool). The focus of our middle school program is rooted in living out the Greatest Commandment found in Luke 10:27 (love God with everything and love your neighbor as yourself). Specifically, we want to help youth establish a firm foundation in the Catholic faith and our Church and to assist them in developing deep, Christian relationships with God and others. We offer activities specifically for 6 th -8 th grade, and occasionally for a combined group of middle school and high school students (6 th -12 th grade). These events are offered on a monthly basis, and our youth are also encouraged to participate in retreats, rallies, and other additional events. Parent volunteers play a large role in facilitating and chaperoning our middle school ministry events. Middle school ministry also aims to begin the process of helping adolescents build their own small faith communities to foster growth and accountability. This is done through a partnership with parents in organizing home groups that begin to transform existing friend groups into gatherings of brothers/sisters-in-christ who support one another.

9 8 HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY High school youth ministry is open to all 9 th -12 th grade youth and friends from any school (Catholic, public, or homeschool). The focus of our high school program is to offer a welcoming and accepting environment where teens grow intentionally as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) by exploring their questions, feelings and insights with mature Christian leaders. The most important piece of high school ministry is seeking growth through the development of small group communities. These are groups of 5-8 students (same gender) who partner with 2 adult volunteers and host families. They commit to meeting on a regular basis so that youth can be personally and intentionally formed as disciples of Jesus. Adult mentors utilize a guide with a set of resources to aid in this growth. If you are interested in beginning a small group for your child or becoming an adult mentor, please contact the youth ministry office. There are also monthly large-scale youth offerings that provide youth not currently connected with a small group to experience the life of the community. These events are primarily about establishing a foundational experience for these teens through fun activities and fellowship so that a personal invitation to deeper growth may be extended. High school youth are also invited to join in multiple retreats, rallies and other events throughout the year. YOUTH RETREATS AND RALLIES Guardian Angels Youth Ministry offers different annual retreats for parish youth. These retreats aim to: Evangelize the youth of our community. Build and deepen community in our parish, school and youth ministries. Deepen a sense of identity and involvement of young people with the Catholic Church. Teach about integration of faith and morals in everyday living. Foster a personal relationship with Jesus and an ownership of one s faith.

10 9 Parents are encouraged to support the participation of their children in these retreat experiences. Dates may change according to scheduling needs. Reminders are sent to parents and youth 1-2 months prior to the scheduled retreat date. See page 15 for a list of the year s events (retreats/rallies in bold). CAMP GAUDEO Every summer we offer a camp experience for youth coming into grades 6-8. This camp acts as an introduction to middle school ministry for the youngest students and a transition into high school ministry for the oldest. This is also an event where high school students are formed into peer ministers & camp counselors. Themes from camp will be continue throughout the school year for the middle school program, and therefore it is highly encouraged for all that are able to attend. Camp Gaudeo is a week-long experience (Monday through Friday) and includes equal parts of fun activities, prayer, music, and other formation. A typical camp day lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the day s activity in the afternoon. One exception is Thursday, when campers will be encouraged to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation during a Holy Hour with the Blessed Sacrament. Parents and friends are welcome to attend this evening portion as well as the closing Mass and meal on the Friday of camp.

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12 11 Additional Parish Youth Opportunities CONFIRMATION The parish s ministry serving those who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation is open to youth in 7th grade and up. Youth are typically confirmed in the fall of their 8 th grade year older children will need to contact the Religious Education Office. Arrangements regarding this sacrament can be made through the Religious Education Office. ALTAR SERVERS Boys and girls in 5 th grade and up, including high school, are welcome to serve at the liturgical celebrations in the ministry of server at the altar. By their service to Ascension community at Sacramental celebrations, the servers remind us of the Lord s ministry and the call to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Religious Education Office handle training/scheduling of servers. LITURGICAL MINISTERS Youth are encouraged to take an active role in witnessing their faith and serving their parish community through serving at the liturgies of the Eucharist in the liturgical ministries of Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Usher, Greeter and Music Ministry. Training sessions are typically arranged several times through the year.

13 12 SCOUTS Guardian Angels hosts very active scout troops for boys and girls. Children are offered this opportunity beginning in kindergarten. Scouting offers a wide variety of social, faith, and skill building activities. Scouting events include regular troop meetings, camping, special projects, social events, and service. For a list of contacts regarding Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts at Guardian Angels, contact the Youth Ministry Office. ATHLETICS Guardian Angels Athletic Program strives to provide a positive sports experience, while teaching the fundamentals of each sport and preparing children for high school athletic programs. A wide variety of sports opportunities are available to grades K-8 and every child in the school/parish has the opportunity to participate on a competitive team. If your child is interested in playing sports for Guardian Angels, please visit Our athletic programs are also committed to adhering to the mission and goals of our Archdiocese in establishing sports as a vital ministry to young people. Through the combined efforts of the Athletics Boosters Board (specifically the Spiritual Liaison) and the Youth Ministry Office, Guardian Angels provides sports experiences for youth that are firmly rooted in the Catholic faith tradition, based on the goals of Catholic youth ministry, and aligned with the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church (Archdiocesan Charter on Youth Athletics, 1.2). This is accomplished through partnership with coaches in rooting practices & games in prayer as well as working toward spiritual goals (service, growth in virtue, discipleship, etc.) throughout the sport season.

14 13 Youth Ministry Policies and Procedures ACTIVITY PERMISSION/RELEASE FORMS To ensure the safety of youth and compliance with Archdiocesan guidelines, youth must have an up-to-date Contact/Medical Info form to keep on file with the youth office at all times. This is done so that correct information is readily available for all event leaders and to minimize paperwork for parents/guardians. The youth office will contact families on an annual basis to ensure that the information on file is current. In accordance with archdiocesan guidelines, all parents/guardians are REQUIRED to complete a Permission/Release Form for their child to be kept on file with the Guardian Angels Youth Office to participate in the on-going programs of the year. A new On-Site On-Going Activity Release form MUST be completed for every new program year. In accordance with archdiocesan guidelines, any off-site or overnight event will necessitate an additional release form specific to that event. They may be found at as well as in monthly communications. This handbook includes a copy of the On-Going Activity Release Form and the Contact/Medical Info in the Appendix. FULL PARTICIPATION Youth must remain at the site of activity/event during the entire time of event, whether on/off parish grounds unless other pre-arrangements have been made with the parents and the moderator or youth minister has been notified (preferably in writing.)

15 14 TRANSPORTATION & YOUTH DRIVERS Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from the meeting location for all Guardian Angels events ahead of time. Youth must not wait until the end of an event to find a ride. Youth drivers are reminded that driving to Guardian Angels events is a privilege and can be revoked by parents at any time. When traveling as a group to an off-site activity, adult volunteers (21 and older) MUST drive, following Archdiocesan recommendations. All adult drivers must have a valid US driver s license, be Virtus trained/compliant, and have auto insurance coverage. Any exception must receive prior approval from the Director of Youth Ministry and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. SEARCH & SEIZURE If a participant is suspected of having weapons, drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages or illegal articles in his/her possession, including but not limited to bags, purses, wallets, cell phones, and vehicles on Guardian Angels property or at a Guardian Angels sponsored event off-site, the Director of Youth Ministry or the program director reserves the right to search and/or contact the appropriate legal authorities. When the Director of Youth Ministry or program director believes the participant is concealing evidence of a crime, the police may be asked to conduct the search. An adult volunteer or staff member will witness the search in the presence of the youth. The decision to search will involve reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing on the participant s part. Refusal to be searched or impeding a search may result in calling the parent and/or police to assist in the search. LOST & STOLEN ITEMS Guardian Angels is not responsible for lost and stolen items at youth ministry or parish related functions. Youth are advised not to bring valuable items to youth ministry or parish related events, and to label any non-clothing items that they might bring. All items that are collected by youth ministry staff or volunteers will be kept in the youth room for a suitable period of time and will then be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.

16 15 FEES Various events have a nominal participation or registration fee. Youth are encouraged to pay for these events themselves with family support as necessary. However, all youth are welcome, regardless of their ability to pay. Scholarship funds are always available to those in need of assistance. Youth seeking a scholarship need only fill out the Scholarship Form (included in the Appendix and on our website) and receive approval from the Youth Minister. VISITORS Youth are welcome and encouraged to bring friends (whether members of the parish/faith or not), family members, and other visitors to the Youth Ministry events at any time. Any visitors or first-time participants will be sent home with information and forms so that they can fully participate at following events. Parents are invited to visit and/or assist with the various youth ministry offerings. PARENT-YOUTH MINISTER COMMUNICATION Parents are encouraged to introduce themselves to the Youth Minister and YM Volunteers as they drop-off and pick-up their children for group events. Parents are also encouraged to keep the Youth Minister and YM Volunteers informed of: achievements of child (sports, academic, extracurricular, etc.) illness or hospitalization family issues (death, accident, divorce, etc.) personal concerns for child (school, peers, dating, etc.) This information enables us to offer the best pastoral care for our youth so we can celebrate in their achievements and support them through their struggles. Communication may also occur through phone calls, s, newsletters, mailings and social media.

17 16 ADULT VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are crucial to the success of comprehensive youth ministry at Guardian Angels. Parents/adults are welcome to visit at any time. There are also various ways to become more directly involved in the programs and interested volunteers may the Youth Ministry Office about being involved in the following ways: Occasional Involvement: Provides and serves snacks/refreshments, chaperone events, assist with transportation. Present only for time of service. Regular involvement - Direct involvement in planning, organizing, and leading events/activities from monthly events to retreats. Present at prep meetings and for entire event planned. There are various opportunities for volunteers and parents to grow in their faith understanding, and knowledge of religious education and youth ministry. The Archdiocesan Offices of Youth Ministry and Religious Education offer courses in these areas regularly. The Guardian Angels Youth Office will make every effort to provide funds for parents and volunteers participating in these programs. VIRTUS CHILD PROTECTION All regular volunteers are required by Archdiocesan policy and the Decree on Child Protection to have a background check and complete a session of the Virtus Child Protection program. They must also remain compliant by completing monthly bulletins online. Interested adults should contact Rose Ann Miller at rmiller@gaparish.org about how to complete an online background check and sign up for a training session. The Youth Minister will work in conjunction with the Safe Environment Coordinator to ensure that all adults involved with programs/events are Virtus compliant as of the event in question. AMENDMENT POLICY Parents and volunteers will be notified in writing when policies are to be added or amended.

18 Youth Ministry Schedule Friday, September 2 First Friday Kickoff (All) Sunday, September 11 Youth Ministry Night (High School) Friday, September 16 Youth Ministry Night (Middle School) Saturday, September 24 Encounter Cincinnati (All, offsite) Friday, October 7 First Friday Youth Night (All) Saturday, October 15 Youth Ministry Night (Middle School) Friday, October 21 Fall ONE Night (All) October Fall Overnight Retreat (High School) Friday, November 4 First Friday Youth Night (All) Saturday, November 5 Chosen Archdiocesan Rally (Middle School) Friday, November 11 Youth Ministry Night (High School) Friday, November 18 Youth Ministry Night (Middle School) Saturday, November 19 Encounter Cincinnati (All, offsite) Friday, December 2 First Friday Youth Night (All) Friday, December 9 Advent ONE Night (All) December Advent Overnight Retreat (Middle School) Friday, December 16 Youth Ministry Night (High School) (continued on next page)

19 18 Friday, January 6 First Friday Youth Night (All) Saturday, January 21 Youth Ministry Night (High School) Sunday, January 22 Youth Ministry Night (Middle School) Friday, February 3 First Friday Youth Night (All) Saturday, February 4 Encounter Cincinnati (All, offsite) Friday, February 17 Youth Ministry Night (High School) Saturday, February 18 Youth Ministry Night (Middle School) Friday, March 3 Lent ONE Night (All) Friday, March 17 Youth Ministry Night (Middle School) Saturday, March 18 Youth Ministry Night (High School) March Spring Overnight Retreat* (High School) Saturday, April 1 Encounter Cincinnati (All, offsite) Friday, April 7 First Friday Youth Night (All) April 8-9 Lent Overnight Retreat (Middle School) April Spring Overnight Retreat* (High School) Friday, May 5 First Friday Youth Night (All) Friday, May 12 Spring ONE Night (All) Saturday, May 13 Youth Ministry Night (Middle School) Friday, May 19 Youth Ministry Night (High School) Friday, June 2 First Friday Youth Night (All) June Camp Gaudeo 2017 (Middle School) *Retreat Date TBD

20 19 Form Appendix The following section contains all current release forms that are needed for youth ministry throughout this calendar year. Please contact the youth office if you do not know which forms your child has on file.

21 Guardian Angels Youth Ministry Assistance Request Name Address Phone Parents Names 1. I would like to participate in the following activity: 2. I am able to pay/contribute $ of the $ estimated cost of participation. 3. I request $ in financial support from the Youth Ministry. 4. I wish to participate in this activity because: 5. Will you be able to participate in this activity without financial support? Yes No Please explain: Signature: Date: Youth Minister Signature: Date: Youth Minister Recommendation:

22 Contact Information Child Name Parent/Guardian Name Home Address City State Zip Parent/Guardian Phone Number Check best and indicate if capable of receiving texts: (Home) (Work) (Cell) Emergency Contact Parent Phone No. Teen Medical Information Completed by Parent or Guardian Child s Name Birth date Child s Soc. Sec. No. * Allergies Medications (Please Review and Check Box) I understand that for longer events, any required medication including over-the-counter will need to be discussed and logged with youth ministry. Chronic Conditions (e.g. epilepsy, diabetes) Medical Insurance Co. Policy No. Member s Name Member s Phone No. (h) (w) Member s Birth date Member s Soc. Sec. No. * Family Doctor Phone No. * Social Security Number is optional. Please note that some hospitals WILL NOT treat without it.

23 Guardian Angels Youth Ministry Youth Events Release Form ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATI PERMISSION, RELEASE, AND MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY (rev ) 1. I, the lawful parent or guardian of (the child ), give permission for my child to participate in the activity described below and release from all liability and indemnify the Archbishop of Cincinnati ( the Archbishop ), both individually and as trustee for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and all parishes within the Archdiocese and their officers, agents, representatives, volunteers, and employees from any and all liability, claims, judgments, cost or expenses, including attorney fees, arising out of any injury or illness incurred by my child while participating in or traveling to or from the activity and further agree not to bring or prosecute or allow to be brought or prosecuted (including but not limited to prosecution through subrogation) in my name, or on behalf of my Child, any claims, lawsuits or actions against the Archbishop, the Archdiocese, and their officers, agents, representatives, volunteers and employees. 2. I further understand that my Child s participation is purely voluntary and is a privilege and not a right, and that my Child, and I on behalf of my Child, elect to participate in spite of the risks. 3. I agree to instruct my child to cooperate with the Archbishop or his agents in charge of the activity. 4. I appoint the Archbishop or his agents who are acting as leaders of the activity as my attorney in fact to act for me in my name and my behalf, in any way that I would act if I were personally present, with respect to the following matters if any injury, illness or medical emergency occurs during the activity or related travel: (i) To give any and all consents and authorizations to any physicians, dentist, hospital or other persons or institutions pertaining to any emergency medications, medical or dental treatments, diagnostic or surgical procedures or any other emergency actions as our attorney shall deem necessary or appropriate for the best interest of the child. (ii) I understand that the agents of the Archbishop will make a reasonable attempt to contact me as soon as possible in the event of a medical emergency involving my child. 5. This power of attorney shall lapse automatically upon completion of the activity and related travel. 6. I agree that the Archbishop or his agents may use my child s portrait or photograph for promotional purposes (social media, website, office functions, etc.) and use social media and technology to communicate to my child regarding ministry related activities. (Facebook, texting, etc.) 7. This acknowledgement and release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the law of the State of Ohio, and if any portion hereof is declared invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. This acknowledgement and release shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, except for the choice of law provisions thereof. I have carefully read and understand and accept the terms and conditions stated herein and acknowledge that this Permission, Release and Medical Power of Attorney shall be effective and binding upon me, my Child, and my own and my Child s personal representative or estate, assigns, heirs, and next of kin and that I have signed this agreement of my own free will. Please Initial Each Item Below: I have read and am familiar with all program information including (but not limited to) website information, calendar, and the youth ministry handbook. I understand that any changes to this ministry or specific events will be communicated (to the best of the team s ability) well in advance. I understand that any off-site, overnight, or other extraordinary events will not be covered by this form and that I will therefore need to sign and date an additional release (excluding contact/medical info which will be kept separately on file) for said events. Child s Name: Parent/Guardian Name: Signature of Parent or Guardian Date / / Signature (if over 18) On-Going Program *********************************************************************************** Church Agency: Guardian Angels Program: Middle School (6 th -8 th grade) and High School (9 th -12 th grade) Youth Ministry for Starting Date: 07/01/16 Ending Date: 06/30/17 Registration Fee: None Usual Location: GA Campus, 6531 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH Usual Day/Time: First Fridays 7:00 9:00pm, weekend evenings throughout, other activities as detailed in handbook and website calendar Routine Activities: Speakers, Recreational Activities, Worship, Prayer, Games Group Leader: Bradley Barnes Contact Number: (office) (cell)

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