“Circle
of Hope” (COH) is the name of the St.
Raphael High School Youth group. This
youth group
is an important part of the comprehensive youth ministry program at St.
Raphael. It is a group of teens who are building community with each
other based on Catholic teaching. “COH” meets weekly during the school year to offer teens a chance to pray together, play together and just be
together. They have fun times and laugh together, and they have an
opportunity to share their faith, prayers, stories and their lives with each
other. It is a great opportunity to learn how to respond to tough faith and
social issues as a young Catholic in today’s world! Meetings are held Monday
evenings during the school year from 7PM-9PM in “Hope Haven” (the youth room,
located in the basement of the Parish Center). Check the St. Raphael weekly
bulletin for updates and events!
GOING BEYOND YOUTH GROUP…
“Circle of Hope” (COH) is certainly a great way to be part of a community of teenage believers, but sometimes youth group is not convenient for everyone. That is why there are several other opportunities throughout the year to get involved. A few examples of the many different events offered in the past are parent-teen dinners, serving St. Leo’s Soup Kitchen in Detroit, Christmas parties, movie nights, “Rake and Run”, LOCK-In, bible study, picnics, attending “Rainbow” in Detroit, collecting money for the “Souper Bowl of Caring“, Youth Masses, Marching in the Annual Garden City Parade, summer trip to “Cross in the Woods” and the annual Spring Retreat. Any “COH” event/service project is open to ALL high school teens, whether or not they attend youth group. Everyone is at different faith levels and has different needs, teens are encouraged try to find something that fits their unique style.
What We Ask of Parents
Youth ministry focuses on ministering with youth and with what surrounds youth. We ask you to help by encouraging your teen to be involved in the St. Raphael Church community. Help make Church activities a priority for your youth and assist them in ways including rides to and from events and meetings. Encourage your teen by your example. Occasionally we may offer youth-adult events for you to experience ministry with your teen. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to grow in faith with your teenager. At times you may be asked drive for an event, cook for a special activity or help provide snacks or drinks. Please help when you can. Whatever you can do is greatly appreciated!
WHAT IS ANGELS OF FAITH?
Unlike
the High School teens, 7 and 8 graders have Religious Ed classes to learn about
their faith. However, it is also important for them to have a sense of community at their parish. For that reason St. Raphael has a group that is designed just for them. “Angels of Faith” (AOF) is the name of the 7th and 8th
grade youth group at St. Raphael. “AOF” events are fun and service oriented events for 7 and 8 graders. It is a great way for them to build a strong community of faith and fun with
friends!
Check the bulletin for times and dates of “AOF” events and youth group meetings.
Mrs.
Julie Ryan (julryan77@hotmail.com)
is St. Raphael’s Coordinator of Youth Ministry. Her hometown parish of
St. Andrew in Saline, MI gave her a great foundation in this field. She began her training
in youth ministry as a junior in high school when she attended the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC)
in Lansing. She continued to serve on
the teen leadership team until she graduated from Saline High School in June of 1997.
From September 1999-May 2003, she worked as a Youth Minister’s Assistant at St. Andrew to help lead the high school youth group, help teach confirmation, and to head the 7th and 8th
grade youth group. While working there, she obtained a basic
certification in Youth Ministry in the
Diocese of Lansing. Julie and her husband John moved to Westland in 2004 with
their two children, Elaina and Evan. Shortly after moving, she began
volunteering with the high school youth group at St. Raphael. In July of 2005,
she was hired as St. Raphael’s Coordinator of Youth Ministries. She is
currently sharpening her skills and knowledge by attending classes at Sacred
Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.
Upcoming Events:
| 5/16-5/17 | "AOF" (7th and 8th graders)Road Rally/Lock-In/Sleepover Event Beginning at 7:30PM on 5/16 and ending at 8:30AM on 5/17. | |
| 5/18 | Youth helping to serve coffee and donuts after all the Sunday Masses (8AM, 10AM and 12:00(noon)) | |
| 5/19 | "COH" night from 7PM-9PM in Hope Haven: Senior Send off |
Photo
Archive
Circle
of Hope Spring 2008 Retreat (Requires Windows Media Player)
Cross
In The Woods
Downloads:
Blank perm. Slip
Medical Form
