A PLACE FOR YOUTH

JAY JONG

Young people need good role models and mentors. With the increasing prevalence of a “celebrity mindset” and the culture of “influencers,” it is more important than ever for young people to have role models and mentors that not only have high moral character but are also genuine and accessible. At Resurrection and in the city of Lansing, our youth group team helps reinforce the spiritual truths that teens have already learned at home, in school, and in church, while demonstrating what it looks like as the faith matures.

Like role models, the community of other teens is also important. In an age of bullying and gossip, hatefulness and deceit, young people need other peers who can support them, lift them up, and challenge them without judgement. Youth group is not for those who have it all figured out, but those who are trying to figure things out. “I go to youth group to connect with others who are seeking a stronger faith and to grow in my relationship with God,” says Emma. “Youth group offers a safe space where everyone is free to be themselves and it’s one of the highlights of my week.”

We encourage teens to experience God and their faith through activations, stepping out in boldness, and challenging them to live out their mission. We activate our faith through hearing God’s voice for ourselves, for each other, and receiving more from God during prayer ministry. We have recently seen more stepping out in faith as the teens have begun praying for others in their schools and classrooms. Worship is also a key part of experiencing God’s presence as we lift Him up in song and celebration.

“I go to youth group to connect with others who are seeking a stronger faith and to grow in my relationship with God.”

Our core objectives at youth group are to provide (1) solid Catholic teaching, (2) a welcoming, supportive community, (3) examples of living out the mission of the daily Christian life in the power of the Holy Spirit, and (4) to help teens enter into a more intimate relationship with God through a deeper prayer life. Youth group is an opportunity for teens to connect with God in an environment tailored specifically for them. As one of our youth, Elizabeth, says, “Youth group is a place to go no matter where your relationship with God is, where everyone is welcome.” I highly encourage any teens to come try it out, or even give it a second look.

For more information, contact Youth Minister Jay Jong at jjong@corlansing.org or visit facebook.com/groups/catholicyouthlansing