What Makes It Work?

Providing teens and their parents with a liturgy geared towards their spiritual needs is at the heart of Life Teen's effectiveness. The program presents the truth in the context of the teachings and theology of the Catholic Church. This is accomplished through transformation prayer experiences, discussions, and the sharing of personal experiences. Teens are given the opportunity to become an integral part of the parish through service, outreach, and social gatherings.

Like all teenagers, the teens of St. Patrick Catholic Community face many pressures and difficult social choices. Depression, drugs, broken homes, shattered relationships, and extreme materialism are facts of life for today's high school teens. Life Teen provides sanctuary, hope, and acceptance for teens at a time in their lives when these positive elements can seem in short supply.

The Life Teen ministry at St. Patrick celebrates a Sunday Night Youth Liturgy every week. Immediately following the Youth Liturgy, Life Teen members gather for an evening session called a Life Night. During the week, Life Teen school clubs and prayer groups meet to continue learning and studying together.

Twice a year, Life Teen sponsors weekend retreats. These events allow teens to leave familiar surroundings and routines to devote special energy to developing a better relationship with themselves, others, and especially with Jesus Christ. Throughout the year, there are also many opportunities for meaningful Christian service throughout the parish and the community as a whole. Life Teen also offers many summer activities, which includes various youth conferences, summer camps, and mission trips, as well as many other recreational trips throughout the year.