
Feb. 4th-11th SNYM News
Welcome to the St. Nick's Youth Ministry Weekly Update
FEB. 14, ASH WEDNESDAY; LENT BEGINS
You may have heard the words "fasting” and “abstinence" used when talking about Lent.
“Fasting” is the word used when the amount of food eaten is limited.
“Abstinence” is when you completely give something up, like meat, for a set period of time.
Both "fasting" and "abstinence" play a role during Lent.
“First comes the fast, then comes the feast.”
Catholics age 14 and older ABSTAIN or do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday. Instead of meat many Catholics choose to eat fish.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics age 18 to 59 also FAST or limit the amount of food they eat. Only one full meal, and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal, are eaten. For example, eat smaller meals than what you would eat on a normal day and avoid snacks.
*Exemption is allowed for pregnant women and those who need regular meals for medical reasons.*
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VOLLEYBALL CLINIC AT MCHS THIS SATURDAY, FEB. 10
This clinic is for 3rd - 8th grade Girls AND Boys who attend ANY school.
See flyer for details or email monroecatholicvolleyball@gmail.com.
SUMMER ORATORY REGISTRATION
We would like to encourage all families to save the date and submit your registration for the Summer Oratory!
Last year the Summer Oratory was an incredible experience for all ages in attendance, including Youth & Teens, as you can see in the photos on the flyer below! -Beth
FIRST FRIDAYS
FRIDAY, FEB. 2
Despite the deep freeze, we had 26 Youth & Teens come together for another wonderful FIRST FRIDAY!
The Youth & Teens completed a service project by making Valentines for the Elderly & Homebound, shared pizza for dinner, and finished with more games!
Many thanks to Deacon Ron and Ms. Betsy for joining us!
See all of the First Friday FUN in the videos below.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/ EDGE GROUP
RECAP FOR FEB. 4
After missing everyone last Sunday when classes were canceled due to temperatures exceeding -40°F, it was so nice to see the Youth back for EDGE! So it was necessary that we began by sharing our experiences with the extreme temps.
Next, we had a quick recap of the first half from the last time we were together, and then completed our 6th session, (9th of Symbolon) Mary and the Saints.
We talked about the differences of Dogma and Doctrine, the 4 Marian Dogmas, and how we pray to ask the Saints for their intercession, but only worship God. The Youth enjoyed learning the Latin pronounciations and then praying the Magnificat and the Memorare together. Please click the links below to view the session and the discussion slides.
We ended class with a new game, Rock, Paper, Scissors, SPLITS! There was a lot of laughs, but some may have left with sore legs, haha. I think you will agree that it is as much fun for us to watch them as it was for them to play! See video below.
HIGH SCHOOL/ YOUTH GROUP
RECAP FOR FEB. 4
We began with the group catching up, had a quick recap of our last session, God Is Active, then moved on to begin God Has Suffered. This was a heavier topic that was relatable for the Teens as we have all experienced our own sufferings.
During our discussion the Teens shared ways that they have or may suffer, but also how they have witnessed others (including their parents & loved ones) overcome struggles, and people who have made an impact in their lives to help relieve their suffering. They suggested ways they can help themselves and others in difficult times, and how they can avoid situations that may cause them distress. They also talked about how they can turn to God and their faith to find hope, find peace in prayer and at Adoration, and relieve their suffering by pouring their energy into showing love and support for others. Please click the links below to view the session and the discussion slides.
Suddenly we realized it was almost time to leave, so they hurried to have some Game Time! They had mentioned having Cabin Fever, so as you will see, they kept each other moving and got a much needed energy release! See video below.
Special thanks to 'Jack's Dad!' and Ms. Shannon for joining us!
COMING UP ON FEB. 11
We will begin our sixth session of the God Is... Collection, God Is Logical.
LOOKING FORWARD
TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS IN FEB.
The next TLM will be on Saturday, February 17th.
All TLM Masses are at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 6pm.
NO RE CLASSES ON FEB. 25
due to the Catholic Engagement Encounter.
*HSYG will not be affected*
REMINDERS
CONFIRMATION
Next class will be this Sunday Feb. 11th, 1:30-3pm in the Youth Room.
It is mandatory for both the Catholic parent and candidate to attend the sessions.
SINGERS NEEDED
Rehearsals on Saturdays at 11:30am.
Contact Sister New Eve at iccsecretary@cbna.org
SERVIDORAS SISTERS ORATORY
For all Children and Youth (ages 5-17) from all parishes.
Every Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral from 1pm-2:45pm.
INFORMATION
YOUTH MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS
Per the Diocese policy for the safety of everyone, a minimum of 2 adults are required to be present for all Youth Ministry activities.
Ideally we would have at least 4-6 volunteers (preferably more), allowing for at least 1 assistant present for the HSYG one Sunday per month. We are also still in need of at least 1 more assistant for the EDGE class.
While the search to locate others who have current certification with the Diocese is ongoing, we have reached a point where we need to request that parents assist on a rotating basis so that we can continue to safely offer HSYG.
Please consider completing your certification, and/ or asking individuals who you think would be a willing volunteer. Or, you can submit suggestions for me to contact.
REQUIRED BY THE DIOCESE
All youth ministry volunteers must have current certification for the course of Serving Vulnerable Populations and a Criminal History Record Check on file with the Diocese. More information can be found by visiting Adult Training on the Diocese of Fairbanks website. Diocese of Fairbanks - Adult Training - Fairbanks, AK
TO CONTACT BETH
Call or Text 907-978-4786
Email stnicksym@cbna.org
Office hours are as follows:
Sunday 10am-7pm
Wednesday 3:30pm-5:30pm
It is a privilege to work with St. Nick's Youth!
As always, please never hesitate to contact me for any reason.
I pray you are having a blessed week.
In Christ's love, Beth