Nov. 12th-19th SNYM News

Per the Diocese policy for the safety of everyone, a minimum of 2 adults are required to be present for all Youth Ministry activities.

Many thanks to our wonderful priests, Fr. Welcome and Fr. Dominik, who have frequently attended HSYG, and to a gracious RE sub who was able to assist in EDGE this past Sunday. Unfortunately, they are not always available.

While the search to locate others who have current certification with the Diocese is ongoing, we are reaching a point where we may 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.

Scroll down to the INFORMATION section to find and share the link to complete the certification process, along with my contact information.

Thank you for your support of our St. Nick's Youth Ministry! - Beth

Teens (ages 13-17) who are of good character and active in their faith are invited to accompany the Youth of the Diocese of Fairbanks to attend the March for Life and Winter Youth Festival in Washington D.C., January 16-21, 2024.

Deadline to apply is TOMORROW, Friday, November 17th!

Click on the link below to open the PDF file for more information and to print the application form.

Or, contact Beth for printed forms and any questions.

We were sad to have many of our Youth and Miss Elizabeth absent due to illness.

We pray you all recover quickly and feel much better very soon!

We began by beginning our third session of Symbolon, The Bible, with an activity where each of the youth chose a card from Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces. They then shared memories based on which card they chose varying from before they started school, through their elementary years, middle school years, and the last school year. Some were funny, some were good, some were not, but we explained that what they shared was the same for each of them in that it is part of THEIR STORY.

The youth had been using folders to help document the new memories we make each week in RE. We surprised them with an upgrade to BINDERS! They had previously signed their name to labels for their folders, and these were copied to become the covers for their new binders. The youth were given time and encouraged to decorate these sheets, and as usual their art was so creative and unique!

Because many were not finished, we let them continue to decorate their covers as we watched the first video. Next, we talked about how the Bible is also our story. And, we got our own wonderful surprise when the youth were able to answer many of the questions presented, including knowing that there are 73 books in the Bible! They were also able to explain that as Catholics we actually are reading the Bible at every mass (by listening and following along in the missal) with the readings, responses, liturgy of the Eucharist, and prayers that are almost all from Scripture.

Each week I write out some kind of word puzzle on the chalk tables to complement our lessons. It is ready when they arrive and they work together to solve it. I always try to stump them, but it's basically imposssible. As you can see in the photos, the youth solved this week's puzzle, too!

We continued with the 2nd video and discussed why the books of the New Testament had to be Apostolic, and how the Gospel of Thomas contradicted Church teaching. This was explained with how we know the history of Abraham Lincoln based on first hand accounts from people who were present and documented his exact words and actions, but if one of us were to tell his story today we would not have that first hand account to share. While the Apostles were present with Jesus and were able to accurately pass down his teachings, the Gospel of Thomas was written many years after Jesus' death and resurrection. And, that it is one of the gnostic gospels that reject the foundation of Christianity, which is why the Church did not include it in the Bible.

We then finished our class with FREE TIME! The youth took the opporutnity to chat and visit with each other.

These youth are incredibly knowledgable in their faith and that is a true testament to all of their parents. Thank you for your dedication to their religious education and for helping your children to love God!

Many thanks to Miss Regina for standing in for Miss Elizabeth, and to Avery for assisting in class!

We will begin the second half and complete the 3rd session of Symbolon, The Bible.

We will have activities, watch 2 short videos, discuss, and more!

TO ACCESS FORMED:

1) Go to formed.org/signup

2) Enter our Zip Code, 99705

3) Enter your Name and Email Address

4) Check the email account entered and follow link.

Please scroll down to see photos and be sure to check out the newest additions to our newsletter... click on the bars and videos to view even more from last Sunday with the HSYG!

***mobile users may need to hold (not click) the bar, then choose 'Open In New Tab' to view the text (story) file, and swipe left to view each slide in that file***

We began in the Social Hall because the HSYG chose to bring their favorites for a Finger Foods Potluck, and they did not dissappoint! They each brought so much yumminess, that the Teens made multiple trips back to the table to refill their plates!

We had a really nice family style meal with lots of chatting. One of our topics was revisiting the idea to have a Thanksgiving Potluck when we gather together on Nov. 26th. We had originally planned to invite Bishop Steve, but he will still be traveling. So instead the Teens chose to invite Father Domink as their guest of honor!

Next, the Teens had a chance to mingle and learn more about each other with Seek and You Will Find (first set of sheets photos below). They got signatures from each other who shared the interests listed on the sheets. They also learned of Saints that share those interests and were encouraged to remember them when they need to ask for intercessions.

We then moved to the Youth Room for Name That Saint (second set of sheets photos below)! To find the name of the Saint we would be learning about, the teens had to find the words that matched definitions, and then use the 1st letter of each word to Name That Saint. Because they not familiar with some of the words, and some of the definitions were difficult, at least one person with a phone was on each team so that they could search online. As you can see in the photos, there was a lot of thinking going on! Ultimately they were able to Name That Saint, JOSEPHAT.

Since there aren't many videos available, I told the Teens the story of St. Josephat along with a slideshow presentation (click below on story bar to read and slides bar to view). We talked about things from his story that stood out to them, and the general consensus was the fact that the dog was killed and thrown in the river with him. They all agreed this must be very important and the work of the Holy Spirit in trying to defend Josephat. We also discussed the actions of the Jews, and how we should all strive for unity.

After learning how St. Josephat was attacked and killed for his ecumenism by a mob of seperatists, we returned to the Social Hall for the Teens to have their own version of a mob attack with a game of Hungry Hungry HUMANS! This game was inspired by the Hungry Hungry Hippos board game, but instead the Teens were trying to gather the balls by rolling each other on scooters (click on the links to see two videos and see photos below).

They all agreed it was a lot of fun, but as you can hear one of the Teens say, "This is hard work." Father Dominik can probably confirm that sentiment, as he was a gracious referee running around the Social Hall to sweep the escaping balls back to the center!

The Teens also said they definitely want more games using the scooters, so there will be even more Faith and Fun with Friends to come for the HSYG!

The HSYG will be learning about another Saint with an activity, planning our Thanksgiving Potluck menu, and more!

Periodically guest speakers will be invited to HSYG, who will be presented with questions FROM the Teens to answer during a round table discussion WITH the Teens.

Beginning this week, a box will be available for the Teens to submit their questions.

These can be submitted anonymously if that is preferred.

Please encourage your Teens to think of questions to sumbit at HSYG.

Feel free to offer suggestions on topics that may be of interest to them and others.

Drop off on the Rectory porch anytime by Nov. 20th.

No class this week.

Next class will be on Sunday, Dec. 3rd.

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

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

Ideally we would have a HSYG Core Team consisting of at least 4-6 volunteers (preferably more), allowing for 1-2 assistants present for youth group activities one Sunday per month.

We are also still in need of at least 1 more assistant for the EDGE class.

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
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