Youth Ministry

The Saint Raphael Youth Ministry Program is committed to our youth who are a vital and essential part of our present and future parish community.

We acknowledge and value the gifts and talents of the young people of our parish.   We seek to empower them to recognize and use their gifts to fashion their lives after the example of Jesus Christ in service to others.

We encourage the youth to take an active role in the liturgies and the ministries of our parish, working side by side with the adults as full-fledged members of the parish community.

The Youth Ministry Program at Saint Raphael will offer spiritual, social, and service opportunities, at both the High School level and the 6th-8th grade level (Companions), which will help to foster the total development of each young person in addition to providing solid knowledge of the Catholic faith.

We firmly believe that the Youth Ministry Program must be a ministry to, with, by, and for young people and needs full support from all the parishioners in the Saint Raphael community.

The Youth Ministry Programs at Saint Raphael are open to ALL Saint Raphael parishioners in grades 6-12.   Students do not need to register for these programs, but are welcome to attend any time they are able.  Information about specific events/opportunities can always be found in the Youth Box near the end of the Church Bulletin, on this website, and on the Youth Ministry Bulletin Board in the Gym hallway.

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Companions

"Companions" is a comprehensive youth ministry for adolescents in grades 6th-8th.   Seasonal programs include opportunities for worship, service, retreats, field trips, and social events.   A "Companions" Team of adults and students is forming.

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High School Youth Ministry

All parishioners in grades 9-12 are encouraged to participate in the High School Youth Ministry Program. HSYM offers Sunday evening gatherings (1-2 per month) in the Raphael Center, Dinner and Movie Nights, social outings, service projects both at the parish level and in the greater community, retreat opportunities, yearly Summer Service Trips, and participation in diocesan, national, and international Catholic Youth Ministry events.   A HSYM Team of adults and students is forming.

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Keeping Connected in College

This outreach program to the college students of Saint Raphael provides weekly email messages of prayers,encouragement and support, individual birthday wishes, as well as two care packages, sent approximately midterm time in the Fall and the Spring.   College students are also invited to participate in the HSYM service projects that occur while they are home from school.   Parents are asked to register their son(s)/daughter(s) for this program.

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Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is a weeklong program offered each summer for children ages four through completed 4th grade.  A spiritual theme is explored through an activity-center format.    Activities include music, crafts, bible stories, bible verses, and recreation.  The children are guided by volunteers.  The volunteers range in age from completed 5th grade through adult.   Each day, the children begin and end their day in Church, with an opening and closing ceremony.  A service component is included in the week that ties in with the theme.

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Contact Information

Join Youth Ministry

• High School Youth Ministry Sign Up Form
  
• Companion Youth Ministry Sign Up Form
  

Calendar of Events

• Companions Event Schedule
  
• HSYM Event Schedule
  
  

Permission Slips

• Halloweekends
  

Volunteer

• Volunteer Opportunities
  

Adult Involvement

• Adult Volunteer Form
  
• Support the YM
  

YM Recommends

• Books, Music and Movies
  
• Study the Bible
  
• Catechism of the Catholic Church
  
• Diocese of Cleveland
  
• Priestly Vocations
  
• Current Issues
  
• Saint of the Day
  
• Daily Prayer
  
• Catholic Teens
• Catholic Music