Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION: What is Youth Ministry?
ANSWER: Youth Ministry is a program to, with, by, and for youth!
Youth Ministry has three goals:
Goal 1: EMPOWERMENT - To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
Goal 2: PARTICIPATION - To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
Goal 3: GROWTH - To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
There are eight components of Youth Ministry:
1) Advocacy
2) Catechesis
3) Community Life
4) Evangelization
5) Justice, Peace, and Service
6) Leadership Development/Guidance
7) Pastoral Care/Guidance
8) Prayer and Worship
Q: So, St. John of God Parish has one of these programs?
A: Yes! The SJG Youth Ministry program was established in July 2002. Our "Youth Group" is open to all teens in high school (grades 9-12).
Q: What activities have you done in the past?
A: We’ve done a whole bunch of stuff, including but not limited to dances, snow tubing, trips to Cedar Point, service projects, basketball, World Youth Day, mini-golf tournament, youth masses, volleyball, pizza parties, Living Stations, ice skating, cosmic bowling, and even sponsored live pro wrestling events. To see pictures of some of these activities, check out our photos section!
Q: When do I need a permission form to attend an activity?
A: Most of the time! On this website, if an activity has an * next to it, then a permission form is required. Permission forms are available in the Youth Office, the Youth Center, the back of the Chapel, or you can download one here.
Q: Where are the Youth Office, Youth Center, Chapel, Church, etc?
A: The YOUTH OFFICE is located in the building above the SJG School. The address of the building is 1 Desiderio Way, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. However, the mailing address is 1011 Church Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. The YOUTH CENTER is located next to the Pizza Kitchen in the basement of the SJG Gymnasium facility (aka MOS Social Hall). The CHAPEL is the building formerly known as Mother of Sorrows Church, and the CHURCH is the building formerly known as St. Mary's Church. For directions to one of these places click here.
Q: My friend doesn’t belong to St. John of God Parish, can he/she still come?
A: Friends are always welcome! They must be the appropriate age and the same rules apply to them (including permission forms).
Q: What is this “Core Team” I’ve heard of?
A: The Core Team is made up of teens and adults and it handles the planning for the Youth Ministry Program. Activities are plannied in four areas: athletic, service, social, and spiritual. We do this using the Solomon’s Wish Cycle collaborative process. We are always on the lookout for new Core Team Members, so if you are interested let us know!
Q: Who was Saint John of God?
A: Click here to learn more about the Saint for whom our Parish is named.
Q: When and where is the next World Youth Day?
A: July 15-20, 2008 in Sydney, Australia (home of all the world’s deadliest animals, i.e. the saltwater crocodile, the sea wasp, the Portuguese man-o-war, the blue-ringed octopus, the taipan snake, the tree-dwelling funnel web spider, and my favorite: the great white shark!). For more info check out this website!
Q: What is the SJG Youth Ministry T-Shirt and how can I get one?
A: The official Youth Group shirts are royal blue with the SJG Youth Ministry logo on the front and Saint John of God's motto on the back (both in white). They are only $7 each and the following sizes are available: Medium, Large, and XL. T-Shirts can be purchased in the Youth Office. To see what the shirt looks like click here.
Q: I have a question or need more info. Who do I contact?
A: Please feel free to contact Steve Swank, SJG Youth Minister, at 412-331-8573 x11 or youthminister@sjogparish.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
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