High School Youth Ministry: An Opportunity To Grow Closer To God In Community

For Youth Director Cassie Rebeor, it’s been quite the exciting first year of serving the teens in our parish. From traveling and connecting with the broader Church to preparing for sacraments, to learning how to share the faith amid a global pandemic, it’s all been an adventure.

“It has definitely been a first year for the record books,” Cassie says with a smile. “It may have been an odd year, but it was one filled with great moments.”

Those great moments included all sorts of big events, from the Diocesan Discipleship Catholic Youth Conference and the March for Life, as well as sacraments — with people being confirmed during a pandemic and someone receiving their First Reconciliation at the March for life — to “Ask Fr. John” sessions and getting to meet a therapy dog and his handler. In the midst of it all, our young people have stepped up, leading prayer, games, and more.

Currently, our Youth Ministry program is meeting in person, with the option of participating via Zoom for those unable to physically attend. High School Youth Group typically takes place on Wednesday evenings, in Fr. Lynch Hall’s Braymer Room, from 6:30-8 p.m. This year, we are focusing on the importance of Scripture — helping young people understand the story of our faith, and how it applies to their lives. We will continue to have regular “Ask Fr. John” nights, as well as game/movie/study nights leading up to breaks and midterms.

This month, our parish will also host one of the regional gatherings of Catholic young people within our diocese. This day-long event, which will take place on Nov. 7, will include prayer, Mass, keynote speakers, Confession, praise and worship, and a whole lot of fun.

Adult volunteers are still needed to serve in our Youth Ministry, from leading a small group and preparing meals, to driving and chaperoning events. Cassie encourages parishioners to consider supporting our young people — and, in turn, growing in their own faith — by becoming involved.

“If you are interested in serving in one of these ways or in a different way, please let me know,” Cassie says. “It’s hard not to grow in your faith when you walk by someone else in their journey. I am so thankful for the examples our volunteers set for each of our teens.”

She also encourages young people to consider becoming involved in the Youth Ministry. During a time in which so many things are uncertain, taking time to deepen your relationship with God and build friendships with others in the community can be invaluable.

“Jump into it!” Cassie says. “We will accept, love, and support you no matter what, following our Lord’s example. God is there for us in the good and bad. When times are tough, He puts people in our lives who want to walk with us on our journey, and that is exactly what you will find in the Braymer room on Wednesday nights — some fun-loving, Jesus-striving people to walk this journey of life with you.”

If you would like more information on becoming involved in our Youth Ministry program — either as a teen or adult volunteer — please contact Youth Director Cassie Rebeor at 918-336-4353, ext. 111 or bartlesvillecatholicyouth@gmail.com.