Welcome to Lighthouse!
Did you know?Lighthouse is not a two year program and it does not end after Confirmation! We want your son/daughter to return each year for more fun and faith! Our program which we lovingly call Lighthouse is a four year comprehensive Youth Ministry Program or Youth Group. Our goal is to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today, to draw teens to full participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
I can understand why most people would have these misconceptions regarding St Mark Youth Group, because, let’s face it, the majority of our teens come to Lighthouse as part of the preparation for Confirmation. But I want to let you know that Lighthouse is so much more. And hopefully, with a new understanding, and better awareness of what our Youth Ministry has to offer, there will be more and more teens wanting to stay in Lighthouse once they are confirmed. Teens will understand that they do not have to return in leadership position, but they are free to return to continue to grow in their faith, and nurture that faith. This will continue to empower them, not only in that faith, but in other aspects of their lives as well.
I am so very happy to report that this year we do have several teens that have returned to join our Youth Group as members, and as always our Youth Ministry Team continues to grow in numbers each year! We have about 24 Adult Volunteers,30 Peer Leaders and 5 Young Adult Leaders.
Lighthouse Participant
If your teen would like to continue on his/her mission to encounter Christ and grow in faith with their peers, please consider having them return as a participant each year. Participant Packet can be found on this page. There is a $45.00 fee for each year participating.
Peer Leadership
I encourage you to encourage your son/daughter to be a Peer Leader next year.
Your Committment:
1. Open Heart, Love of our Catholic faith and willingness to share that faith with others.
2. Attendance at our one day workshop at St Mark on Saturday, August 18 (9am-3pm).
3. Attendance at all Lighthouse sessions unless excused by MaryAnn.
4. Participation on Retreat Teams and Social Ministry Projects.
We offer:
1. Opportunities for Fellowship.
2. Opportunities for Social Ministry including participating in a 24 Hour Food fast and Lock-in Retreat for Catholic Relief Services.
3. Opportunities for Leadership such as being a Team Member for both Retreats and Lighthouse. You will have opportunities to lead groups, give talks and lead prayer services.
4. Opportunities to Travel such as the National Catholic Youth Conference, Mission Trips, and extended retreats.
Some have already expressed the desire to be a Peer Leader, and as a matter of fact, we have over 35 teens that have said they want to make the commitment!
If your teen is interested, please have them speak to MaryAnn and be sure to read and turn in the permission form and other forms which can be found in the Peer Ministry Leadership Packet!
We need your help!
I also encourage adults and young adults to join our Ministry Team as well. We are always looking for people who love our Catholic Faith and are willing to share that faith with the Youth of our parish. The rewards are immeasurable!
If interested, be sure to speak with MaryAnn and turn in the Volunteer Application Form along with other forms which can be found in the Team Member Packet!
Required Text for Lighthouse:
Catholic Youth Bible (New American Catholic Youth Bible-St Mary’s Press)
It is a required text and we use it every week for our Lighthouse class. Check out how to order from amazon.com on the front page of this web site and give credit to St. Mark the Evangelist. You can also purchase from St. Mark Gift shop.
Please see Confirmation page for more information.
If you have questions about any of the information on this web site, please call the Youth Office. 907-7746 ext 311.