Youth Ministry

The St. Julia Youth Ministry (SJYM) program strives to offer quality activities and events for youth in grades 6-12. SJYM provides faith formation, social activities, retreats and service projects, as well as leadership training and formation. The mission of our program is to help nurture the faith development of our adolescent and teenage youth, as they live with their families as part of the larger family we call Church. To that end, SJYM is TO, WITH, BY and FOR the youth of St. Julia Parish.

The  SJYM program seeks to draw young people to responsible participation in life experiences in their community and in their world at large. A working group of adult members, the Youth Ministry Commission, meets on a monthly basis to develop, plan and promote youth activities. We are always looking for both adult and youth members to join us – this ministry is truly an exciting foundation-building effort, crucial to the future of the Church. If you would like to join us on the Youth Ministry Commission, please contact chairperson, Paul Karasch.

Activities

Watch the Parish Bulletin for upcoming service opportunities, social and liturgical events for all 6th-12th graders. In past years there have been a variety of service activities such as the annual Thanksgiving and Easter Baskets for needy families in the Waltham area, participation in the Weston CROP Walk to benefit Church World Services, nursing home visitations, Faneuil Hall Gift Wrapping to benefit the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in Boston, and a parish-wide Book Drive to support PEN New England and Hands Across the Water.

There have also been fun-filled social events such as a trip to Witches’ Woods in October, Snow Tubing at Nashoba Valley, Bowling Night at a local bowling alley, Movie Nights and Coffeehouse evenings at the St. Julia Parish Center.

Parent volunteers and peer group leaders are always welcome to help with transportation and running these events.  Please contact Greg Kee if you can help!

Please download the St. Julia Youth Ministry Permission Form for participation in any Youth Ministry events.

Youth Masses

During the year we have a series of Masses with a particular focus on the interests and issues of high school youth at the 5 PM Sunday liturgy. High School youth participate in various ministries in the Youth Masses, including singing/playing music, being a Lector or a Eucharistic Minister.