Hello everyone!
If you are receiving this newsletter that means your child is in St. Joseph's youth ministry! We are Sam Shepard and McKenzie Neu, parishioners from St. Joseph's and your youth ministers! We are so excited to serve as part of this beautiful community.
High school youth nights are called Journey and middle school youth nights are called Ignite. These will be times for growth, fun, and fellowship. Read for more information on the activities coming up.
We will be sending weekly newsletters to keep you up to date on the fun and exciting things we have going on. We can't wait to meet each of you and your youth!
Thank you and God Bless!
-Sam and McKenzie
Important notes for Middle and High School Parents:
Be in the Know: 13 Reasons Why
We wanted to take a moment to make you aware of a Netflix series that is being watched by the majority of teenagers: "13 Reasons Why”. In the show, the main character, Hannah, committed suicide and left behind a series of tapes explaining the ways she was hurt and harmed by people, which led her to take her own life.
“13 Reasons Why” is rated MA for Mature Adults due to the graphic and violent content, as well as many damaging events that occur in the lives of these teens. The show contains the following: teens constantly lying to parents and adults, underage drinking, drug use, same-sex relations, masturbation, porn, nudity, tarot card reading, cutting and self-harm, sexual assault, cyber-bullying, sex scenes, rape scenes, and a graphic suicide scene. What might be most concerning of all, is that in the midst of all these issues, parents, teachers, coaches and administrators are portrayed as being disconnected and ignorant of these problems, as well as unable or unwilling to help with them.
Again, this is a show that the majority of teenagers have watched. They’ve been bringing it up at youth nights. Chances are, your son or daughter has watched it, or their friends have, and they’ve been discussing the content of the show. We firmly believe that you cannot afford to not talk with your kids about the issues this show displays. As youth go through their own difficulties in middle school and high school, they need to know that there is hope and there are adults who care for them and can help them.
Some ways to find out if your children have seen the show:
- Check your Netflix viewing history.
- Ask them if they’ve seen it - Please note that because of the show’s content, they are likely to say they haven’t watched it, due to a sense of shame or because they’re afraid of getting in trouble for having watched something with mature content.
- Tell them you’ve heard about the show and are thinking about watching it. Ask them how they feel about that. If they’ve seen it or are aware of the content, they probably will have an opinion about you watching it.
Ways to dialogue:
- Knowing the concerning content in the show, have conversations about these issues.
- Ask them what they think the show gets right about high school or how the teens respond to certain issues.
- Ask them what they think the show gets wrong.
- Ask them what they would do if they ever knew someone who was in some of these situations. Ask them how they would seek help and let them know that help is available.
If you would like more information, you can check out “13 Reasons Why: A Youth Ministry Perspective” http://nextlevelministry.org/13-reasons-why-youth-ministry-perspective/ - That blog also contains links to more resources. Also, feel free to contact us at Ablaze Ministries. We always want to be a resource for you and your family. Please know that we’re praying for you and your children!
God Bless,
McKenzie and Sam
Summer Journey nights:
Journey is a safe and fun place for youth from 9-12 grade to grow in their faith. We do this through talks, testimonies, games, dramas, skits, actives, and small groups. We meet Sunday nights after the 5:30 mass, where we have dinner and social time and end at 8:30 pm. Please join us! We would love to have you!
Sundays 6:30-8:00
in the Gym at St. Joseph Secondary Campus
Last week: Last week we took on characters to learn empathy and how we can live out the mission of the church in different social justice situations we run into at school.
This week: NO YOUTH NIGHT! But don't forget to join us for our Parish Festival! Youth group will be running the snow cone and ice cream booth. Hope to see you there!
Discipleship Week 2017:
June 26-29
Eagle's Wings Retreat Center in Burnet, TX
8th-12th (for 2016-2017)
Cost: $250
We only have 6 spots still available!
The the first to pay and register will have their spot held! Don't miss out on a fun and exciting week to grow closer to our God!
Summer Ignite Nights:
Ignite is a safe and fun place for youth in grades 6-8 to grow in their faith. We do this through talks, testimonies, games, dramas, skits, actives, and small groups. We meet Sunday nights after the 5:30 mass where we have dinner and social time and end at 8:30 pm. Please join us! We would love to have you!
Sundays 6:30-8:00 in the Gym at St. Joseph Secondary Campus
Last week: We made thank you cards for Fr. Darrell and Msgr. John and played Jenga, basketball, and kickball.
Next Week: NO YOUTH NIGHT! But don't forget to join us for our Parish Festival! Youth group will be running the snow cone and ice cream booth. Hope to see you there!
Camp Basic:
Join Bryan, Brenham, and Caldwell for a 5 day/4 night camp with tons of outdoor activities such as archery, low ropes, and a BLOB!
June 17-21
Cooper Farm in Ledbetter, TX
Registration and full payment due on May 10th. Please include a copy of your insurance card with the paperwork. Paperwork may be turned in to the parish office.
Register now!
Upcoming Dates
Parish Festival
May 7
We need youth volunteers for the festival! Contact us if your youth is interested in helping!
Camp Basic
June 17-21
Registration and full payment due May 10th
Discipleship Week
June 26-29
Revive
September 9th
Reg opens:
June - July: $40
August - September: $50
at the door: $60
Open to Middle School and High School. Don't miss that early bird special!
Nice to meet you!
If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact us.
Sam Shepard
High School Youth Minister
sam@ablazeyouth.org
979-820-3086
McKenzie Neu
Middle School Youth Minister
mckenzie@ablazeyouth.org
940-536-9286
How can I help?
If you are a parent looking for a place to serve, we need more families for meal team! Contact us for more information.
Quote of the week:
“The Lord is my Shepherd there is nothing I shall want."