Youth Ministry
Based on the three pillars of ministry, St. Pius X offers a wide range of opportunities on a spiritual and social level, as well as opportunities to serve.
Listed here are several of those programs offered, and a brief description of each.
ANTIOCH
When: Late Winter
Where: St. Pius X
Who: 9th and 10th graders.
“It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians”
This introductory retreat experience offers young people an opportunity to enhance their journey towards the Sacrament of Confirmation. A focus is placed on the high school student’s role in the St. Pius X commnunity and their relationship with Jesus. This experience is a fantastic jumping off point for those looking to get involved in ministry.
SEARCH
When: Fall and Spring
Where: Warwick Center
Who: All 11th and 12th graders who have made Confirmation.
SEARCH is a 3 day retreat revolving around the teenagers “search” for Christian maturity. Young people spend the weekend taking an active and reflective role in topics dealing with their faith. This retreat is for young people run by young people under the guidance and supervision of adult members of the local community. This retreat draws from more than our parish, giving young people an opportunity to interact with people their age from other local churches
FOOTPRINTS
When: Lent
Where: St. Pius X
Who: 12th Graders
This retreat experience offers 12th graders one last opportunity to reflect together on their high school journey. The evening culminates in a prayer walk through a labyrinth: the ancient tool used in the middle ages to symbolize pilgrimage. This even takes place during the last months of high school to allow students to reflect on the joys while alleviating the concerns of the next phase of life.
LIFE MEETINGS
When: usually the first or second Tuesday of the month, 7pm – 9pm
Where: the youth room in the ministry house
Who: Open to all 9th – 12th graders
Life meetings are our monthly youth group meetings. At these meetings, members of our youth ministry gather to discuss topics which are relevant in their lives and faith. The first half hour consists of a social gathering and snack, followed by an hour long presentation and discussion concluding with a shared prayer. These meetings always conclude on time and while many young people choose to go to the diner or for ice cream afterwards, this is not part of our gathering. In the summer time life meetings are often held outside, weather permitting.
ADVENT LOCK-IN
When: Advent
Where: The Parish Center
Who: Open to all 9th and 10th graders
This opportunity allows high school students to gather socially, spiritually and selflessly as part of their own preparation for the coming of Christ on December 25th. In the past, activities have included trips to NJ Devils ice hockey games, ice skating at Floyd Hall in Montclair and excursions to New York City to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Upon returning to the Parish Center, team relay races and activities often dubbed “the winter Olympics” have occurred. On Saturday morning, members of the youth ministry team up with the Knights of Columbus to provide breakfast and crafts for people of the parish who are coming to take pictures with Santa. **Permission Slip Required**
SUMMER SERVICE PROJECTS
When: Various Day trips during July and August
Who: Grades 9 – 12
Each summer we organize five days of summer service projects. In the past, these projects have included work for Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities: Hope House, the Felician Retreat House and St. Pius X Parish. Depending on the project (and weather), young people have done everything from painting to landscaping to roofing homes. These trips are scattered throughout the summer to accommodate vacation, athletic and camp schedules.
HOMELESS SOLUTIONS
When: Twice a month, dates vary
Where: Homeless Solutions Inc. Hanover Ave Morristown, NJ
Who: Candidates for Confirmation
From 4:30 – 7:00 PM, meet at the ministry house. **Special Note: If you are participating in a sport, this activity will interfere. Please do not sign up for this service.** This service opportunity allows our young people to serve dinner to residents of the shelter. Dinner is donated and cooked by adult members of our parish during the early part of the day. Members of youth ministry often stock the food pantry in addition to serving dinner.
ERIC JOHNSON HOUSE
When: 2nd Friday of every month
Where: South St. Morristown, NJ
Who: Candidates for Confirmation
This service opportunity requires that members of youth ministry set up and serve dinner for those with AIDS and HIV. Young people leave Montville around 4:30 PM, after picking up dinner donated by our parishioners at Joe’s Pizzeria. Return time is approximately 6:30 PM. Please feel free to call our office for the latest copy of the Eric Johnson Newsletter.
Coming Soon!