St. Joe’s Youth House Phone: 561-731-2500
Youth Programs
Rite 13
For grades six and seven, the two years of Rite 13 focuses on recognizing the gifts God has given us, celebrating our creative potential, and learning to interact as a community of faith. The program introduces Bible study, prayer and service projects.
Activities: Lock-In
For Questions regarding Rite 13 Contact: Dee Zlatic, dee@stjoesweb.org
J2A Journey to Adulthood
For grades eight, nine, and ten, who have graduated from Rite 13, J2A is a two year program where teens learn and practice six basic skills of adulthood: active listening, negotiation, assertion, research & information management, partnership and leadership. The end of the second year of J2A is marked by the group designing and going on a Holy Pilgrimage.
Activities and projects (Urban Adventure, Pilgrimage, Ropes Course, etc.)
For Questions regarding J2A, Contact: Justin Oommen, justin@stjoesweb.org
4WARD
For youth in eleventh or twelfth grade, the last two years of the Journey to Adulthood program are referred to as 4WARD. Students are encouraged to accept more adult responsibilities and to contribute their time, talent and treasure in ways that support the ongoing work of the church. Teens write a personal credo of beliefs and rely on their trusted group of peers as they explore their faith more deeply and struggle with the details of transitioning from teenager to young adult in today’s world.
Activities: Diocesan Youth Activities
Weekly fellowship meetings and discussions
Monthly fellowship dinners outside of church
For Questions regarding 4Ward, Contact: Justin Oommen, justin@stjoesweb.org
ST. JOSEPH’S ACOLYTES
Serving as an acolyte is a wonderful way to experience our worship service and to grow in your commitment to God. This is an important ministry actively assisting at the altar in the worship of our God. Our youth in 6th grade and above are eligible to serve as acolytes. Acolytes are trained to serve at God’s altar in various roles: banner bearers, crucifers, torch bearers.
6th Grade through Adult Acolyte Opportunities
Acolytes are such an important part of our worship service that I would like to invite youth from 6th grade who may be interested in becoming a beginning acolyte to consider this ministry to serve our Lord in this very special way. Youth may volunteer to acolyte at the 9:30 worship service. They will serve on a rotating basis with training at 9 am on the Sunday they are scheduled to acolyte. Student Acolytes miss Sunday School / Youth program on the Sundays they acolyte.
There are four levels of acolytes:
- Beginning Level- All new acolytes start at this level by learning how and when to carry the torches
- Junior Level- After much experience during services with torches new responsibilities will be added including lighting and extinguishing candles and accepting items from the ushers.
- Senior Level-These acolytes have at least two years serving experience and will help with various parts of the Eucharist including such things as presenting the elements and ringing the bells
- Adults- These are experienced high school and adult acolytes.
The new acolytes will be scheduled two (2) at a time once or twice every other month to serve on the Altar. They will need to arrive at 8:55 the day they are scheduled for a brief training and then they will be shadowed and trained on the altar by an experienced acolyte or leader.
If you feel your child is ready to make this commitment please
Contact Sherry Thomas sst33483@gmail.com or 561-704-6414