| December
Youth Ministry events
Dear youth and parents, “Prepare the way! The Christ child is coming!” As we enter this beautiful season of preparation and anticipation we are called to embrace the invitation to “see”! See the joy in families gathered, the joy in buying that perfect gift for a loved one, the joy in decorating and eating those special Christmas treats and especially the joy in sharing our hearts with others in the community. It is in this invitation from the heart that we invite you to join us in this months youth activities. We will begin the month by inviting the High School youth to gather at the OMG youth room at 7:00on Dec. 2nd to address Christmas Cards to our college youth. We want to get them out before they come home for Christmas. They will be invited to attend and play in our annual alumni game; they will receive well wishes from our Elementary youth, and will prayed for by our High School youth during their college finals. It is so important to remind our young adults that we care about them and miss them just as we would any family member. This is a great reminder of just how important they are to all of us! On Dec. 3rd Jaime Theitten is putting on an Advent Concert at St. Mary’s Church at 7:00 p.m. This concert is hosted by “On Mighty Ground Catholic Youth Ministry”. We are so excited to have her share her gift of singing and storytelling with us. Please know everyone is invited. She will have CD’s for sale following the concert. We will also have cookies and hot chocolate in the Sacred Heart room, so please consider joining us in this advent celebration. On Dec. 5th at 10:00 p.m. the youth and parents are invited to share an hour of adoration at St. Mary’s Church. This is a great time to quiet your heart in the midst of the busyness and reflect on the greatness of the Lord. Please consider spending some time with Jesus during this Advent season, it’s a great way to slow you down and “see”. On Dec, 10that 7:00 p.m. the Jr. High and High School youth are invited to attend a themed movie night. Our theme is “Christmas”. You are asked to wear ugly Christmas sweaters. The ugliest sweater will be voted on by the youth, so see what you can come with. Our movie will also involve a Christmas theme. We will have snacks and hot chocolate. On Dec. 13th the High School youth are asked to help decorate the float for the light parade on Dec.14th. We will meet at the city shed at 10:00 a.m. Pizza will be provided for lunch. Please bring a string of lights to this wonderful, creative event. We are usually finished by 2:30. On Dec. 14th The High School youth who are riding on the float need to be at Debbie’s office by 3:15 to get dressed. I always love this day! It is so fun to see all of you transform into the living nativity. The parade usually starts around 4:30. We will also need a crew to volunteer to help with un-decorating the float after the parade. We could definitely use some adult help in this activity. The kids are usually really tired, so any extra help would be greatly appreciated. On Dec. 15th the Mission Team for Haiti will meet at the OMG at 7:00 p.m. to plan the Alumni Game and discuss future fundraisers. On Dec. 17th the High School youth will be caroling at the hospital and around town. Please arrive at the OMG at 5:30. When we are finished we will go to the OMG for chili and a white elephant gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift to the event; this gift can be crazy or nice. It is your choice. This is always a fun event and a great way to begin the Christmas season. On Dec. 21st all youth and college students attending the 10:00 a.m. Mass in Greencreek will be placing ornaments on the youth ministry tree to remind the community of the presence of our young people and to pray for them during the Christmas season. Also on this day the Confirmation youth will be asked to attend their 3rd class at the CEC building at 7:00 p.m. We will have dinner before the class at 6:15 p.m. The CEC doors will be open at 5:30 p.m. Our annual Alumni game is being planned for Dec. 29th at Prairie Elementary School. (I haven’t got the ok yet to use the gym, but will let you know so please watch the bulletin and Chronicle). The women’s game will start at 6:30 and the men’s will follow. The cost to play is $10.00. We will also have a spectator cost. We will have a free throw contest and concessions will be available. Please mark your calendar. We hope to see you all there! This event is hosted by the 2016 Mission Team for Haiti. We really appreciate your support. As we prepare to rejoice on Christmas morning let us remember to “see” all that is before us daily, especially during this Advent season. It is here that we will truly embrace the joy given to us by the Savior of the World. Merry Christmas everyone and may your days be blessed! In the Spirit of the Season, Debbie |
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