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The ministry to teenagers at Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville doesn't fit into the mold of a typical "youth group."

Even after seven years as youth minister for the parish, Christine Goss isn't sure what to call it. The teens get together for movie nights, retreats, youth conferences and community service; but there's something more to their program.

In this youth group, teens learn more about their faith in a more formal setting - and have fun doing so.

Instead of typical weekly meetings, Immaculate Concep-tion's program, open to grades seven to 12, requires teens to attend regular classes to learn about their faith.

"Our program is not afraid to have requirements while giving them time to have fun," Mrs. Goss told The Evangelist.

The teens can choose from a biweekly study group, an independent study program or a four-week, topic-driven "mini course."

Faith lessons
Mrs. Goss compares living one's faith to being on the soccer team or doing well on a math test: No one can be a sports star or ace a test without practice or study.

Since Mrs. Goss began serving as youth minister, the program has blossomed and volunteer leadership has grown. However, for Mrs. Goss, the biggest sign of success is not the help she receives, but the involvement of the youth.

The program has a group of teens who participate regularly, but others are also eager to play a part. Parents of sixth-graders call to say their kids can't wait to start the program; young Cath-olics who have gone away to college visit when they're home on breaks.

Youth ministry "alumni" such as 20-year-old Joanna Smith, now a student at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia, are always excited to reunite with those they knew. Ms. Smith likes to see the new faces just beginning the program.

The student said the program helped build who she is today. Because of that, she said, "I think I'll always keep coming back."

What keeps the teens coming? For Danielle Giammatteo, a junior at Scotia High School, it's the new friends, the opportunity to serve and the encouragement that what she believes is okay.

The same goes for Tyler Giroux, a senior at Burnt Hills High School. He explained that, although the program gave him the chance to be a leader, most importantly it gave him the chance to choose to live his faith.

"This got me thinking about what I believe in and how I want faith to be a part of my life," said Tyler.

Mrs. Goss said that the key to reaching the teens is by both emotionally and technologically "meeting them where they are."

She and other parish leaders make sure to know and understand the teens' technology, texting them for updates and keeping in frequent contact to show "we're here and we care."

Big picture
The program also engages the teens through the liturgy, with some participating on the pastoral council and the liturgy committee, as eucharistic ministers and as lectors. Many also participate in diocesan service groups and peer leadership on retreats, shaping them as Christian leaders in their community at a young age.

Finally, Mrs. Goss explained that the success of the program comes down to the relationships. "I'm accessible," she summarized. "They know who I am and they know they can come to me."

Brianne Pantalone, a junior at Burnt Hills High, agreed: "Christine is kind of like the mom. She's who we want to be in 20 years."

That connection makes the whole ministry worthwhile for Mrs. Goss: "Decisions they make today impact the rest of their lives," she said. "If I can guide one young person to making better decisions so they don't look back with any regrets, then it's worth it.

"They need something to balance out society's indifference and commercialism."

Brianne explained that before she started participating in the youth group, she wasn't "into faith." Because of Immaculate Conception parish, she now knows she doesn't have be afraid to go out into the world with what she believes.

Brianne explained simply: "I can't picture my high school career without this group."

(06/24/10)[[In-content Ad]]

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