I want to thank you for answering the call God has given you as a parent: to raise your child in the the faith.
You and I have at least one thing in common-- we both want to do all that we can to let our children know that God loves them and desires for them to always remain close to Him. We are doing everything we can to pass down our incredible Catholic faith to them so that it can become their own. That is your main responsibility as parents (and mine, in my current role as youth minister).
We at LIFE TEEN understand that YOU, as a parent, are the main educator for your children. Knowing that the teenage years can be a time of change and difficulty, LIFE TEEN wants to work with you to give your child a great experience of the Catholic faith. Everything we do in LIFE TEEN is really as a suport to you. From a LIFE TEEN Mass, to LIFE Night, to retreats, to service projects, to camps-- we try to set the environment for your teen to grow closer to Christ. These LIFE TEEN experiences should only help you in sharing the faith with them. Remember, we are here for your teenager and YOU. Think of us as your support team.
There are a lot of things that LIFE TEEN has available for your teen. What about you? Well, we hope your home is the main place for you to build your relationship with your child. However, we are one big family, and support and accountability are good to have. So in most parishes that have LIFE TEEN, you will also find...
Weekly LIFE TEEN Mass-- This awesome Sunday night liturgy is for teens and their families. Even though the Mass may be geared towards your teen, you will see how it relates to you as well. And it may help you to understand your teen a little more.
Parents for LIFE-- Right after Mass, teens go into the LIFE Night and YOU on occasion will get to go to a special LIFE Night of your own. Usually the same topic will be covered at both gatherings, making it easy for you to discuss the topic with your child when you get home. Occasionally teens and parents will meet together, but generally they are kept separate for this time so they can deal with the issues on their level.
Disciples for LIFE Retreat-- That's right, here is an opportunity for YOU to go on a retreat... and it's put on by adults, teens and the Core members that work with them on a weekly basis. This is a great way to strengthen not only your own faith, but the faith of your entire family.
Financial Support-- We are constantly trying to reach out to more and more teens. Your support will help us make a difference in reaching YOUR child more effectively, and others. Because there is no fee for any of our regular programs, and minimal charge for retreats, we rely heavily on the generosity of parents and other parishoners. (You may make a contribution at any time by mailing a check to the parish office, 55 Catoonah St, earmarked for LIFE TEEN.
LIFE Support-- There are plenty of opportunities for you to serve within LIFE TEEN. We need parents to help with serving food at LIFE Nights, on retreats, leading service projects, with prayer, administrative duties, public relations, and so much more. It is our hope that each one of you might be able to get involved at least once each year in some small way, whether it be saying a prayer for a LIFE Night or providing transportation to a retreat. Please click here to learn more.
I also want you to know that I, at any time, would love to sit down and chat with you. I'm typically in my office (by the adoration chapel) from noon-3 (sometimes 10-5-- one can never quite guarantee-- but you're always welcome to call ahead!!) I'd love to hear your concerns, complaints, compliments, questions. I'd love to tell you about LIFE TEEN and where we're going... and how you can come along! I'd love to share whatever wisdom I can if ever you're going through a rough time.
One final thought I'd like to share is that I'm obviously not a parent-- I don't have kids and I've never had to balance a family. But as God was laying the foundation for this ministry to take shape here in Ridgefield, he didn't overlook that fact. Measi O'Rourke, whom many of you have met, is our Parent Outreach Coordinator. She has 5 kids ranging in age from 8th grade through a recent college graduate. She has been involved in LIFE TEEN at another very active parish for around 10 years, so she knows well the ins and outs. WIthout speaking too boldly for Measi, I know that in those areas in which I, as a single young adult, wouldn't be much help, she's there for you. She'll be taking over communicating with you through the LT Parent Updates we regularly send out this year.
You can also get to know some of the adults who work with your teens on our Core page.
My prayers for many blessings on you and your family!
-Laura
(Parts of this letter were borrowed from a letter written by the previous Executive Director of LIFE TEEN. His sentiments so accurately reflect mine that I thought it might be ok to share-- and it might be a comfort to you to know that we at St Mary are just one small part of a very large movement happening within the Church.)
October '07
August '07
May '07
April '07
February '07
November '06
October '06
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Mother's Day rosary
After LT Mass on Mother's Day all mothers and their teenagers are invited to join us in the Hall for a meaningful experience of praying the rosary together.
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Father's Day cook-out
After LT Mass on Father's Day all fathers and their teenage sons are invited to join us for a cookout, co-sponsored by the Men's Ministry.
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Parent Outreach/LIFE Support
We are in the process of re-visioning and re-structuring the Parent and LIFE Support ministries. We are currently praying for a co-Parent Outreach Coordinator and co-LIFE Support Coordinator. If you feel that you might be interested in either of these roles, please contact Laura at 438-2394 or ldevlin@smcr.org.