Frequently Asked Questions
about Youth Ministry

What grades?
6 – 12 grade, in two groups

Do they have to be Catholic? Are friends invited?
No they don’t have to be Catholic, friends are always welcomed.

Do they have to register?
In the fall, each September. It is fine for anyone to visit a few times, but regulars should register. Registered individuals will have the benefit of e-mail and phone communications regarding special youth ministry events or cancellations.

Is there a Fee?
Registration is $35.00 for one year, and then fees may apply for different events that take place. But remember, there is always scholarship money available. Money should never be a deterrent from being a part of youth group!

How long are the meetings? Year around?
Junior High = 6:30pm - 8:15 pm on Wednesdays in St. Anthony Hall
Senior High = 6:30pm - 8:15 pm on Wednesdays in the St. Anthony School Multi-purpose room

Are all of the meetings and activities chaperoned? How Many?
Yes, the ratio is 7-10 participants / 1 adult

Approximate group size?
Senior High: 15-20, Junior High: 10-15

Is there religious instruction or prayer?
Yes and yes. We try to have education that is engaging and applicable. We use prayer to keep us grounded in faith and in conversation with God.

What activities or programs? Summer activities?
Weekly Wednesday meetings, monthly Wednesday gym nights, service opportunities, Lock-ins, game/movie nights, Mission Trip

Need parent volunteers?
ALWAYS!! Parents, relatives, friends, parishioners - all of the above! We could use anyone over 18. We would, however need adults +21 for legal chaperoning duties. We try to have as many “positive influences” as possible around our youth!

Do you help with the Confirmation Program?
Confirmation now falls under Sacramental Preparation, which is Olaf's specialty. However, Danny does help with Confirmation as well.

What is happening this week?
Check the monthly calendar to see what's going on. We have updates in the bulletin too. Some Wednesdays are gym nights, others will be GoLF, the others will be as usual.

Service

Our service programs are set up to help young people learn about serving those that are less fortunate the way Jesus taught us. Our past service projects have ranged from serving coffee and donuts, and setting up baskets of food for those in need at Christmas, to spending the night at a homeless shelter and cooking and serving breakfast, as well as going to Yakima to help the poor. We learn a lot from sharing our time and energy with those who do not have the good fortune we do. Our kids enjoy doing things for others.

Social

The social activities that we plan are always a big hit. We try to have a good variety of things so that if you aren't interested in one thing, the next outing will be something you may enjoy. Just to name a few: Archdiocesan Cruises, Dances, ACCY Youth Convention, Lock-ins, Insanity Nights, Bowling, Sledding, Camping, Movie Nights, Gym Nights, Mariners Games, and many, many more! Most of these activities provide us time to be together and get to know one anther in a fun and relaxed setting!

Youth Night

Every Wednesday for Junior High and Every Sunday for Senior High we meet to share time with prayer, stories, discussions, games, snacks, and many other things. Our nights are times to share and get to know each other and to learn about God and our Church. These nights are meant to build Catholic Character in our youth by having them involved with prayer experiences; religious based learning and community building activities.

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Volunteer Interests

Our Youth Ministry Program is lucky to have a great Youth Minister and a strong parish family to back the Youth Minister up. But we can't do it without the volunteers that are consistently providing us with support! We are always in need of chaperones and drivers. We need people who want to plan activities and people who want to carry them out. We can never have too many volunteers. We ask that our volunteers be 18 years of age or older (out of high school, one year) and attend Safe Environment workshop, as well as have baground check through St. Anthony Parish. We are a fun group that can't survive without the support of our Volunteers for Youth!

There are many opportunities for ministry within the Junior and Senior High Youth Programs. These include:

presenters/teachers
small group facilitators
leadership trainers
music and/or drama directors
chaperones/drivers
organizers/planners
Hospitality Hosts! (come to youth activities and serve as the “hospitality hosts”)
mentors
Youth House facilitator
Youth Leadership Team (adults and teens) meets monthly to assess and plan for the needs of our youth.
Mission Trip Coordinator
Mission Trip Adult Leaders
Within the Confirmation program there are the following opportunities for service
planners/organizers
teachers/presenters
small group facilitators
sponsors