Today's teens face many unique challenges.
Current mental health data shows increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The U.S. Surgeon General announced that we have an "epidemic of loneliness," with people feeling more isolated than ever. Instead of finding hope in Christ and a sense of belonging within the Church, we see Mass attendance shrinking, even for families in Catholic schools. In fact, many view their Confirmation as similar to "graduation," leaving the church afterwards rather than entering into a deeper experience of it.
So ... how can we help youth to encounter Jesus and His Church in a way that is transformative and life-giving? How can we help them develop a relationship with God that is an ongoing source of hope and joy? And how can we offer all of this to kids outside of the church who have not yet heard the Gospel?
The Archdiocese of Omaha, along with Alpha staff, invite you to join us for an important conversation about today's youth and best practices that can help to address these challenges.
Saturday, August 26, 2023
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
3400 E 16th St., Fremont, NE
9 am to 4:30 pm
Cost is $7 per person
Topics will include:
- Foundational values of effective youth ministry and faith formation
- Fruitful approaches to helping teens to encounter God and grow in faith
- How to revive evangelization in the rising generation
- Local and national research on teen mental health and how this impacts youth ministry
Whether you work with youth, serve as a youth volunteer in your parish, or just care about the faith journey of the kids in your life, you will come away with greater understanding and concrete ideas that can be incorporated into your home, ministry or educational setting.
In addition, the day will include a panel discussion of local leaders, inspiring examples of ways that God is working in our area, opportunities to learn from other parishes, and times for reflection, worship and prayer!
Coffee, continental breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.
Designed for:
Youth Ministers and Youth Ministry volunteers
DRE's and Catechists
Evangelization Directors
Campus ministers, school teachers and staff
Parents and grandparents
