We can use the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy as a penitential model.

These fourteen practices demand great sacrifice and generosity; they also draw us more deeply into conformity with the Lord.

Focusing on one of these works each week can be a practical way of integrating them into our personal, family, and parish lives.

due to the Catholic Engagement Encounter.

*HSYG will not be affected*

Youth & Teens (from EDGE & HSYG) are invited to join us at St. Nick's 5:30-8:30pm on Friday, March 1st!

RSVP in the form below for EACH youth & teen attending.

This will be an opportunity for the Youth & Teens to join our parish community for a Simple Supper (a potluck of meatless meals held each Friday during Lent) and attend Stations of the Cross (led by Teens), with Social Time to follow. Please bring a MEATLESS dish to share.

Miss Elizabeth and Ms. Emily both said they had a wonderful time with the Youth this week! That although it was a smaller group than usual, 'they are good kids' and were 'super chill'.

EDGE began with Adoration led by Deacon Ron, and had the nice surprise of Mr. Nick assisting to lead them with the singing, which is always a lovely addition.

They had a quick recap of the first half, then completed the second half of our 7th session, The Last Things. They discussed Purgatory, Indulgences, General Judgement, and their Eternity with Jesus. They concluded this session by praying the St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Night Prayer together.

Please click the links below to view the session and the discussion slides.

They ended class with free time, visiting and playing together! (see photos below).

I would like to again express my sincere gratitude to Elizabeth for leading the EDGE class and to Emily for assisiting. We continue to be blessed by their commitment to our Youth and to educating them in our Faith!

Special thanks to Nick for assisting Elizabeth & Emily!

(due to the Engagement Encounter)

I was told that while HSYG was different this week, it was awesome as always!

The Teens were to begin by attending Adoration with Fr. Welcome, but were unable since Father had a scheduling conflict with the Rite of Inititation occuring at the same time. The Teens were still able to acknowledge the presence of the Lord as Shannon and Rob Blackburn provided the Teens with time with the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle.

They then returned to the Youth Room to begin their Lent Study, Transformed by Grace, with their 1st session, Into the Wilderness. To start, they had an activity sharing things they would choose to have with them if they were stranded on a desert island. Needless to say, they were VERY creative with their choices! (see video below)

This led into the focus of this session that coincided with the Gospel from the 1st Sunday of Lent... Temptation. The Teens were very engaged and vocal in sharing with this session as they covered the tempation of Jesus in the desert, how He resisited Satan, and how they can use Lent to make changes that will help each of them to trust God and resist tempation.

Please click the links below to view the discussion slides.

I was also told the Teens appreciated this new Lent Study as it reflected what they had learned in the Mass, and that they enjoyed delving further into the readings. And, that because they were so interested and participating, their time together flew by quickly!

I am truly thankful to and for The Blackburns. They were not only phenomenal at leading the Teens, they managed to ensure the HSYG was still able to have their time in Adoration and complete their session despite the snafu of a locked door. We are blessed by their dedication to our Teens and to the St. Nick's Youth Ministry!

Special thanks to Clay for assisting The Blackburns!

And a big Thank You to Ms. Betsy for saving the day with the turn of a key!

We will continue Transformed by Grace (a Lent Study), with Session 2, Transfigured on the Mountain.

All are invited to the Farewell Gathering for Deacon Ron & Betsy Jones!

Join us for a potluck in the Social Hall after the noon Mass on Sunday, March 3rd.

*Please bring a dish to share.*

Betsy & Dcn. Ron would love to have mementos from their church family members to take with them when they leave. Parishioners are encouraged to bring in personal cards/letters, pictures, poems, stories, etc. to give them.

All families and ages are invited to attend!

Please bring a dessert to share.

Next class will be on Sunday Feb. 25th, 1:30-3pm in the Conference Room.

It is mandatory for both the Catholic parent and candidate to attend the sessions.

For all Children and Youth (ages 5-17) from all parishes.

Every Saturday at Sacred Heart Cathedral from 1pm-2:45pm.

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

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.

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

Call or Text 907-978-4786

Email stnicksym@cbna.org

Out of Office until Sun., Feb. 25.

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