Youth MinistryHandbook

St. Bernard Catholic ChurchFrenchtown, Indiana

andSt. Michael Catholic Church

Bradford, Indiana2016 - 2017

St. Bernard Catholic Church in FrenchtownFaith Formation Office

7600 Hwy 337 NWDepauw, IN 47115

St. Michael Catholic Church in BradfordFaith Formation Office

11400 Farmers Lane NEGreenville, Indiana 47124

PastorFr. Aaron Pfaff

Director of Religious Education/Youth Ministry CoordinatorJohn Jacobi

Faith Formation Office Hours:St. Bernard Church: Fridays – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.St. Michael Church: Monday – Thursday - 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Fridays 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Phone Numbers:Faith Formation Offices: 812-364-6173 Ext 101 or 812-946-0873

E-Mail: johnjacobi@mw.twcbc.com

Web Page www.saintmichaelschurch.net

Fax: 812-347-2172 – St. Bernard Church812-364-6614 – St. Michael Church

Parish Office: 812-347-2326 – St. Bernard Church812-364-6646 St. Michael Church

“Go out to all nations and baptize themin the name of the Father, the Son, and the

Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry outeverything I have commanded you, and

know that I am with you always, untilthe end of the world”

- Matthew 28:19-20

In this commissioning of the Disciples by Jesus, He gave the Church the constant task of proclaiming to all people the everlasting Gospel. Jesus’ intent was that when He founded the Church, it should exist for all generations until He comes again. The purpose of the Church is not only to proclaim the Gospel Message, but to empower it’s members to service for each other through it’s sacramental life. One very important way to spread the Gospel is through Youth Ministry.

“Youth Ministry is the response of the Christian Community to the needs of young people, and the sharing of the unique gifts of the larger community” (A Vision of Youth Ministry, USCCB). The youth are a very important aspect of our Church. The youth of our faith community are the future leaders and guardians of the Gospel and Holy Traditions of the Church. If our Catholic tradition is to speak to the young people of today, we must be able to develop programs that address their needs, concerns, and questions, not only about the faith but also about life itself.

The philosophy of Catholic Youth Ministry is based on the belief that a youth ministry program must address not only the social aspects of a young person’s life, but also the spiritual, psychological, and educational aspects. It is a ministry rooted in relationships. The aim of Catholic Youth Ministry is to help a young person to examine and experience the power and joy that their Catholic Faith has for them.

The responsibility of ministering to the youth rests not just with one individual, but with the whole faith community. The commitment to the youth is a vital need and great responsibility that the Church cannot ignore. A Vision of Youth Ministry states that youth ministry is TO the youth when the gifts, talents, and resources of the adult community are utilized in meeting the needs of young people. It is WITH youth when the youth share the responsibility, along with the adult community, in carrying out the mission of the Church. Youth Ministry is BY the youth when the youth draw upon their gifts and talents to minister, support, and evangelize to their peers and the community. Finally, it becomes FOR the youth when those who work directly with the youth serve as advocates and interpret the needs and concerns of the youth to the community. True Ministry duplicates itself.

If the Church follows the command of her founder to “go out and teach all nations,” then we will begin to become “church with young people” and will make disciples of them so that they will be able to carry out the Mission of the Church.

Youth Ministry Works to Foster the Total Personal and Spiritual Growth of Each Young Person.

Youth Ministry Seeks to Draw Young People to Responsible Participation in the Life, Mission, and Work of the Church.

Youth Ministry Empowers Young People to Become Disciples of Jesus Christ, Who Witness to Their Faith by Living and Working for Justice, Peace, and Human Dignity.

Source: A Vision of Youth Ministry, United States Catholic Conference

Faith Formation ProgramOur High School Faith Formation Program process is a diversified program that tries to cover a variety of topics that are important to the faith development of young people. The program offers young people a variety of opportunities to explore and learn about their faith. It also challenges each young person to become involved in the life of the parish. Catechesis is one of the eight components of youth ministry and a very important part of a young person’s faith development. The themes that we will cover over a four year period are as follows.....Catholic Faith & Identity Scripture

Prayer Personal Growth & Sexuality

Christian Leadership Morality

Jesus Peace & Justice

Liturgy and Sacraments Creed

Confirmation

Any high school youth seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation must be enrolled in the Faith Formation Program. We invite anyone in high school that has not already celebrated the sacrament to prepare for the sacrament of confirmation. The goal of this program is to enable a young person to continue to work to establish a relationship with God and his or her church community, and to be called into active participation within that community. We prepare youth for the Sacrament of Confirmation every other year. We will celebrate the Sacrament of confirmation next in the Spring of 2018.

Child AbuseChild Abuse is of serious concern to us as a community. Parents need to be informed that, consistent with parish, archdiocesan policy and state laws, parish catechetical staff has a moral and legal duty to comply with the law to ensure the welfare of a child. Common policy is that any staff member or catechist who suspects a child may be the victim of child abuse will notify the DRE who will then notify the Child protective services, the pastor, and the Archdiocese. All Catechists have read and signed the Code of Conduct established by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in light of their policy on Child Abuse, “To Be Safe and Secure. In addition, all volunteers who have regular contact with children and youth are asked to have a back ground check run on them. Also the Archdiocese of Indianapolis makes of the ongoing training process entitled “Safe and Sacred” to help volunteers recognize signs of abuse. Lastly, we will continue to use the “Circle of Grace” program to help our children be aware and protect themselves from certain situations. If you have questions about this process please call the Faith Formation Office. We must all work together to assure the safety of our children and always remember that we must remember victims, our Church, and our Church leadership in our prayers.

provides opportunities in which young people can examine and reflect on what it means to be Catholic and it fits into their daily lives.

provides opportunities in which young people can reflect on the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ and apply that message to their daily lives.

brings young people together to discuss and examine current issues and topics.

provides a forum to confidently share individual thoughts, emotions, and ideas so that they will have the opportunity to examine and develop their own identity.

provides social, service, and faith formation opportunities in which young people can connect with Catholics within and outside the parish as well as connecting with other Christians.

provides stewardship opportunities through which young people can use their time and talent so that they may be a part of parish life.

encourages young people to share and celebrate their faith lives with their families and in the world.

Examples of Youth Ministry Events:

Youth Activities Team National Conferences (NCYC) Lock-Ins

Indiana Catholic Youth Conference Retreats Basketball

Kings Island Holiday World Youth Mass

Laser Tag Cedar Point Amusement Park Games

Mission Trips Food Fast Pizza!

Indoor Rock Climbing Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball

March for Life - Washington, DC Snow Tubing Movies

Road Trips Canoeing Dinner Out!

Permission Slips

I have heard from many of you about your distaste for filling our permission forms, however they are a necessary evil. Attached is a Medical Release form that will be used for the entire year. You need to fill it out only once a year and I will take it with us on all events. Your child will still need to fill out a permission form for each event stating that you give them permission to attend that event. The permission forms will be shorter since it will not be necessary to fill in the medical information. I hope that this helps and makes it easier on all of you.

Guideline on Respecting Persons

The good name, reputation and personal safety of each child, youth, adult volunteer, and staff member is vitally important. In order to protect children and youth, volunteers, employees, and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, each young person is expected to treat the good name and reputation of the others children, youth, volunteers, employees, and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis with dignity and respect and not engage in any activity or conduct, either on the parish grounds or off, that is in opposition to this guideline and/or inconsistent with Catholic Christian principles, as determined by the parish discretion. Any derogatory, slanderous, hostile, or threatening remarks or action directed toward any of the above by a young person will be seen as a violation of this guideline and will be viewed as an extremely serious matter, whether it is done physically, verbally, or electronically through the use of a home or parish computer, phone, IPAD, or other electronic media or by remote access. Some examples include, but are not limited to, social media, text messages, blogging, images, pictures, etc. Any individual found to have made or participated with others in making any such remarks or actions will be subject to disciplinary action by the parish/archdiocese, up to and including dismissal from the program.

Photographs and Personal Information

We love to recognize our children and youth who have done well in their classes and have participated in activities such as VBS and youth ministry events. We assume that posting pictures on the bulletin boards and on our parish website is ok with parents. We have included a consent release to our emergency information sheet at the back of this handbook. Please sign it to give us permission to post pictures (without personal information). If you have questions or object to the use of your child’s pictures please let us know in writing.

Cell Phones and Other Media

It is truly amazing at how connected we are through various means of technology and media. However, even though we are able to be much more connected than we used to be it is increasing more difficult to be truly present to those we are physically with when we are “wired in” to different forms of media. For this reason we request that children

and youth leave all forms of technology, i.e. cell phones, mp3s, ipads, electronic games, music devices, etc. at home or at least turned off and out of sight. Many of our adult volunteers do carry cell phones for safety reasons but will not use them during class time. Thanks for your assistance with this.

Youth Activities Team

The Youth Activities Team is the group of high school youth that are responsible for planning and implementing all of the youth ministry activities that take place for the parishes of St. Bernard and St. Michael. They meet on the fourth Sunday of the month (unless conflicts arise) at St. Michael in the Faith Formation Center, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. They are expected to be leaders among their peers in youth ministry. If you would like to be a part of this group please contact John Jacobi at the Faith Formation Office.

Stewardship Opportunities For Youth

Stewardship is not just helping out when needed, it is a way of life. It is very important for all of us to learn that when we are part of a community, we all need to give part of what God has gifted us with back to the community.

Eucharistic Minister*UsherLectorHelp at Parish PicnicConfirmation Retreat Leader*Serve on Youth Activities TeamHelp with parish service projectsYouth Mission TripVisit shut-insAltar ServerVacation Bible School Crew LeaderYouth Ministry FundraisingTeen ChoirCantorWhat are your ideas?

*You must be confirmed for this ministry

Prayers Learned in Faith Formation Program

Pre - School The Sign of the Cross

Kindergarten The Trinity Prayer (Glory Be)

Grade One The Our Father and Hail Mary

Grade Two Angel of God

Grade Three Apostles’ CreedThe Great Commandment

Grade Four The Prayer of Sorrow (Act of Contrition)The Ten CommandmentsKnow the Corporal Works of MercyKnow the Spiritual Works of Mercy

Grade Five Know the Seven SacramentsCan Pray the RosaryOrder of the MassAngelus

Grade Six Recognize the Eucharist as PrayerPray using ScriptureHoly Days of Obligation (and what we celebrate on that Holy Day)

Grade Seven Personal PrayerPrecepts of the Church

Grade Eight Nicene CreedCan pray the Stations of the Cross

Grade Nine Prayer to the Holy SpiritTheological and Cardinal Virtues

Grade Ten Prayer to the Holy SpiritFruits of the Spirit

Grades 11 & 12 Act of Faith and The Days of Fast and AbstinenceThe Memorare (attributed to St. Bernard) Prayer to St. Michael

Common Prayers

Sign of the CrossIn the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Trinity Prayer (Glory Be)Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Hail Mary Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb , Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Angel of GodAngel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day (night), be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Apostles CreedI believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Greatest Commandment"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." – Luke 10:27

Prayer of Sorrow (Act of Contrition)My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.

The Ten CommandmentsI. I am the Lord your God you shall not have strange gods before me.II. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.III. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.IV. Honor your father and your mother.V. You shall not kill.VI. You shall not commit adultery.VII. You shall not steal.VIII. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.IX. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.X. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

Corporal Works of Mercy Spiritual Works of Mercy1. Feed the hungry. 1. Counsel the doubtful2. Give drink to the thirsty 2. Instruct the ignorant

3. Clothe the naked 3. Admonish the sinner4. Shelter the homeless. 4. Comfort the sorrowful5. Visit the sick 5. Forgive injuries6. Visit the imprisoned. 6. Bear wrongs patiently7. Bury the dead. 7. Pray for the living and the

dead.Sacrament of Reconciliation - (also Confession, Penance, Conversion, Forgiveness) [CCC #980,1422,1440]

A. Individual Rite of Reconciliation 1. Welcome2. Reading from Scripture (optional)3. Confession of Sins4. Act of Contrition5. Absolution6. Closing Prayer

B. Communal Rite of Reconciliation 1. Greeting2. Reading from Scripture3. Homily4. Examination of Conscience with Litany of

Contrition and the Lord's Prayer5. Individual Confession and Absolution6. Closing Prayer

The Seven Sacraments1. Baptism [CCC #977, 1213ff; 1275, 1278]2. Confirmation [CCC #1285]3. Eucharist [CCC #1322ff; 2177]4. Reconciliation [CCC #1422; 1442-, 1468]5. Anointing of the Sick [CCC #1499, 1520, 1527, 1526-32] 6. Marriage [Matrimony, CCC #1601]7. Holy Orders [CCC #1536]

Praying the Rosary & Mysteries of the Rosary (CCC #2678, 2708, cf. 1674)

Praying the Rosarya. Sign of the Cross, then holding the crucifix, pray the Apostles' Creed.b. Pray the Lord's Prayer when holding each single bead.c. Three Hail Mary’s and the Glory to the Father.d. After the Glory to the Father, the Fatima invocation is often prayed:

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.”

e. Announce the Mystery; Lord’s Prayer.f. Ten Hail Mary’s. A group of ten Hail Mary’s is called a decade of the

Rosary.g. After each group of Hail Mary’s, pray the Glory to the Father (and the

Fatima invocation).h. Close the Rosary by praying Hail, Holy Queen.

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, the children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this land of exile. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; lead us home at last and show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus: Oh clement, Oh loving, Oh sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O, Holy Mother of God. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ!

Mysteries of the Rosary

Joyful Mysteries1. The Annunciation2. The Visitation3. The Nativity 4. The Presentation5. Finding Jesus in the Temple

Sorrowful Mysteries1. The Agony in the Garden2. The Scourging

3. Crowning with Thorns4. Carrying the Cross5. The Crucifixion

Glorious Mysteries1. The Resurrection2. The Ascension3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit4. The Assumption5. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven

Luminous Mysteries1. The Baptism of Christ2. The Wedding at Cana3. Proclamation of the Kingdom4. The Transfiguration5. Institution of the Eucharist

Order of the Mass (Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, or the Sacrifice of the Mass) [CCC #1332; cf 1088, 1382, 2192]

A. Introductory RitesEntrance Procession (with song)GreetingPenitential ActKyrie Gloria (except during Advent and Lent)Collect (Opening Prayer)

B. Liturgy of the WordFirst Reading (usually from the Old Testament or the Acts of the Apostles)Responsorial PsalmSecond Reading (not on weekdays unless a Feast; from New Testament

Letters)Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia, except during Lent)Gospel ReadingHomilyProfession of Faith (Creed)Prayer of the Faithful

C. Liturgy of the EucharistPresentation and Preparation of the Gifts (with music or song)Prayer over the GiftsEucharistic Prayer:

Preface Acclamation (Holy, Holy, Holy) Institution Narrative (Consecration) Memorial Acclamations The Great Amen

The Communion Rite: The Lord’s Prayer The Sign of Peace The Fraction of the Bread (Lamb of God) Invitation to Communion Communion Prayer after Communion

D. Concluding RiteGreetingFinal BlessingDismissal

Angelus (To be said at 6am, noon and 6pm daily, except during the Easter season)V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary,...

V. Behold the handmaid of the LordR. Let it be done unto me according to your word.

Hail Mary,...V. And the Word was made fleshR. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary,...

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of GodR. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may, by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Celebration of Sunday Mass (CCC #1166-67; see also Holy Days of Obligation)

Sunday celebration of the Lord’s Day and his Eucharist is at the heart of the life of the Catholic Church. (CCC #2177-79) Although there has recently been some misunderstanding about the seriousness of this obligation, the precept of the Church specifies it clearly as follows:

On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass. (CCC #2180; Code of Canon Law [CIC] Can. 1247)

This obligation is satisfied by participation at a Mass celebrated anywhere in a Catholic Rite either on the Holy Day or on the evening of the preceding day. (CIC Can. 1248 par. 2.)

Holy Days of Obligation (CCC # 2043, 180) - observed in the United States

In the United States, six "holydays of obligation" have been designated on which the community is expected to gather for the celebration of the Eucharist just as it does on Sunday. These days are:

1. Christmas, the Nativity of the Lord - December 252. Mary, Mother of God - January 13. Ascension – 40 days after Easter (transferred to Sunday)4. Assumption - August 155. All Saints - November 1 6. Immaculate Conception - December 8

When January 1, August 15, or November 1 falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the feast is celebrated, but the obligation to participate in the Eucharist is removed. However, the Immaculate Conception and Christmas are always holy days of obligation. In the state of Florida and many provinces in the United States, the feast of the Ascension has been transferred to the following Sunday.

Precepts of the Church1. Celebrate Christ’s resurrection every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation by

taking part in Mass and avoiding unnecessary work.2. Lead a sacramental life. Receive Holy Communion frequently and the sacrament

of reconciliation or penance regularly. We must receive Holy Communion at least once a year at Lent-Easter time. If we have committed serious, or mortal, sin we must confess within a year and before receiving communion again.

3. Study Catholic teaching throughout one’s life, especially in preparing for the sacraments.

4. Observe the marriage laws of the Catholic Church and give religious training to one’s children.

5. Strengthen and support the Church: one’s own parish, the diocese, the worldwide Church and the Holy Father.

6. Do penance, including not eating meat and fasting from food on certain days of fast and abstinence.

7. Join the missionary spirit and work of the Church.

Nicene Creed (as revised by the new Roman Missal)I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through Him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in

accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Way of the Cross (also known as Stations of the Cross) [CCC #2669]

1. Jesus in condemned to death.2. Jesus accepts his cross.3. Jesus falls the first time.4. Jesus meets his mother.5. Simon helps Jesus carry the cross.6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.7. Jesus fall the second time. 8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.9. Jesus falls the third time.10. Jesus is stripped of his garments.11. Jesus is nailed to the cross.12. Jesus dies on the cross.13. Jesus is taken down from the cross.14. Jesus is laid in the tomb.

Prayer to the Holy SpiritCome, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created and you will renew the face of the earth. Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit, help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity or Love) [CCC #1813]

Cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance) [CCC #1805 &1834]

Fruits of the Spirit (derived from Vulgate translation of Galatians 5:22-23) [CCC #1832] Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control, and Chastity

Gifts of the Spirit (derived from Isaiah 11:1-3) [CCC #1830]

Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment (Counsel), Courage (Fortitude), Knowledge, Reverence (Piety), and Wonder and awe (Fear of the Lord)

Act of Faith

O God, we believe in all that Jesus has taught us about You. We place all our trust in You because of Your great love for us.

Act of HopeO God, we never give up on Your love. We have hope and will work for Your kingdom to come and for a life that last forever with You in heaven.

Act of LoveO God, we love You above all things. Help us to love ourselves and one another as Jesus taught us to do. O my God, I love You above all things, because You are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for love of You. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen

Days of Fasting (CCC #1434, 1438) and of Abstinence (CCC #2015, 1043)

Fasting means limitations on food or drink. Until 1966, in the modern Church the regulations for days of fast allowed the taking of only one full daily mail, plus breakfast and a “collation” (light meal)

Abstaining (or abstinence) means refraining from certain kinds of food or drink, typically meat. From the first century, the Friday of the crucifixion has been traditionally observed as a day of abstaining from flesh meat to honor Christ who sacrificed his flesh on a Friday.

a. Universal fasting (those 18–60 years old) and abstinence (those 14 years old and above) days are: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

b. All Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence only.

Memorare (attributed to St. Bernard)Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come; before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen

Prayer to St. MichaelSt. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

The Liturgical Year (CCC #1163-78) allows us to celebrate and experience the mystery of our redemption in Christ by recalling the great events of salvation history in the celebration of the liturgy.

Advent Season (CCC #522-24; 840 and 1040) is the beginning of the liturgical year in the Western Church. The four week (sometimes less when Christmas falls on a Sunday) season focuses first on preparing us for Jesus’ final coming as Lord and Judge at the end of time, and during the last eight days, on preparing to recall

on Christmas, His coming in history. If Christmas is on a Sunday, Advent is a full four weeks. If Christmas is on a Monday, Advent is at its shortest.

Christmas Season (CCC #525-526) is the celebration of Jesus’ birth and Epiphany (manifestation) and is second in significance only to the Easter Season. Its feasts include the following:

Christmas, December 25 Holy Family, the Sunday after Christmas Mary, Mother of God, January 1 Epiphany, in the U.S., the Sunday after January 1 Baptism of the Lord, usually the Sunday after Epiphany.

Lent (CCC #540; 1095; 1478) is the penitential season of six Sundays and weekdays preparing for the feast of Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening on Holy Thursday. Historically and now again with the restoration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Lent is the retreat-like final preparation period for those being initiated into the Church and into the Paschal mystery at the Easter Vigil. It is also a time for those already baptized to renew their baptismal commitment.

Holy Week refers to the week beginning with Palm or Passion Sunday and ending with Holy Saturday.

The Triduum or Great Three Days: begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, continues through Good Friday celebration of the Lord’s Passion, culminates with the Easter Vigil, concludes with the Evening Prayer of Easter Sunday.

The Easter Season (CCC #1217) begins with celebration of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening. It is the oldest Christian feast (“feast of feasts” or “Great Sunday”) which celebrates Christ’s resurrection. This season is the centerpiece of the Christian liturgical year. It is also known as “the Great Fifty Days“ and refers to the period from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, a celebration of our participation in Christ’s resurrection. Its last week, Ascension through Pentecost, focuses on the promise of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Ordinary Time is the name for the thirty-three or thirty-four weeks (depending upon Easter) in the Church year apart from the Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter seasons. It is that part of the liturgical year when no particular aspect of the Christian mystery is celebrated.

Other Feast Days Honoring Christ and the Saints

Solemnities celebrate events, beliefs, and persons of greatest importance and universal significance in salvation history. Their observance begins with evening prayer of the preceding day. Examples of such Solemnities celebrating the mystery of Jesus are March 25, the Annunciation, Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost), the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the feast of Christ the King (last Sunday in ordinary time.). Examples of Solemnities honoring the Saints include: Joseph, husband of Mary

(March 19), Birth of John the Baptist (June 24) and Peter and Paul, Apostles (June 29).

Feasts are of lesser significance and include such days as The Transfiguration (August 6), Triumph of the Cross (September 14) and the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica, the Mother Church of Roman Catholicism and the pope’s Cathedral (November 9).

Memorials are of the least significance. An example is such days as the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (November 21). Optional Memorials are important to a local country, Church, or religious community. Examples of Memorials are: the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12), or the feast St. Theodora Guerin (October 3).

Grace Before MealsBless us, O Lord, and these Your gifts, which we are about to receive from Your bounty, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Grace After MealsWe give you thanks, almighty God, for these and all Your blessings which we have received from your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen

The Divine Praises (often used in context of Benediction)Blessed be God.Blessed be His holy name.Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.Blessed be the name of Jesus.Blessed be His most Sacred Heart.Blessed be His most Precious Blood.Blessed be Jesus in the most holy sacrament of the altar.Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.Blessed be her holy and immaculate conception.Blessed be her glorious assumption.Blessed be the name of Mary, virgin and mother.Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints.

Class Patron Saints

Pre-School Saint Nicholas

Kindergarten Saint Michael the Archangel

Grade 1 Saint Joseph

Grade 2 Mary, the Mother of God

Grade 3 Saint Peter

Grade 4 Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Grade 5 Saint Francis of Assisi

Grade 6 Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta

Grade 7 Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Grade 8 Saint Pope John Paul II

Grade 9 Saint Maria Goretti

Grade 10 Saint Dominic Savio

Grade 11-12 Saint John Bosco and St. Theodore Guerin

Code of ConductThe Fabulous 42 Commandments

Thus Saith the Youth Minister:

There shall be no:1. Fighting (real or acted) 15. Revealing 29. Flaming2. Biting 16. Breaking 30. Maiming3. Stabbing 17. Partaking 31. Blaming4. Grabbing 18. Bellyaching 32. Cutting5. Jabbing 19. Leaving 33. Butting6. Smoking 20. Cleaving 34. Smutting7. Choking 21. Deceiving 35. Lipping8. Poking 22. Sneaking 36. Tripping9. Cussing 23. Reeking 37. Stripping10. Fussing 24. Streaking 38. Running11. Robitusing 25. Scheming 39. Gunning12. Stealing 26. Screaming 40. Shunning13. Dealing 27. Blaspheming 41. Shooting14. Feeling 28. Shaming 42. Fruiting

Yes, These Are Really RulesBut some explanation might be in order. These footnotes may clarify what is expected at all Youth Ministry Events. Rules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 30, and 33 deal with what is known as “playing too rough” Rules 12, 16, and 17 refer to taking or damaging articles that belong to the church or

to others Rules 6, 11, 13, and 29 means the following are not to be used or distributed and

should not be present at any function: Cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, prescription and non-prescription drugs (unless cleared with the youth minister)

Rules 10, 18, 26, 27, 30, 31, and 40 deal with verbal arguments, fights, slander, and angry remarks to or against others. These are not acceptable. If you have a problem with some one we will work it out together.

Rules 14, and 35 refer to relationships of the opposite sex. Your behavior should be proper while at a church function. No PDA’s (Public Display of Affection)

Rules 15, 24, and 37 address acceptable attire for youth group activities. Rules 21, 22, and 25 mean that if you come to an event, you are expected to remain

until the event is over. Rule 23 means to come to all events clean for your sake and for the sake of others Rules 9, 27, and 34 means profanity, vulgarity, and dirty jokes have no place during

church activities Rules 20, 32, 39, and 41 means no knives, guns, or other weapons should be brought

onto church grounds Rule 42 means that food (fruit) is served to be eaten, not played with or thrown

St. Michael Church YouthMedical Release Form

2016-2017

Authorization of Medical Treatment

_______________________________ __________________________________Child’s Name Birth Date

______________________________________________________________________Address City State Zip

_____________________________ ___________________ __________________Parent or Guardian Name Home Phone Work Phone

_____________________________ _____________________________________Insurance Company Policy Number

______________________________________________________________________Please list any allergies or medical information we should be aware of.

I hereby authorize the treatment, administration of anesthesia, surgical treatment(s) for my minor son/daughter in the event of a medical situation occurring during my absence or when the hospital or physician(s) are unable to contact me. This authorization extends to any hospital physician and nursing personnel within the physician’s staff where treatment is rendered in the physician’s office. I release from medical responsibility and liability the hospital, physician(s), and nursing personnel for performing medical procedures acting on the authority of this medical treatment consent form which such medical providers deem necessary for my minor child.

Signed this _______ day of _______________ , 2016.

__________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian