Dear families,
We have spent the last several weeks prayerfully discerning details for the coming year for Youth Ministry at Ascension.
I recognize that the unexpected transition in our Youth Ministry leadership has caused confusion, and I appreciate your patience, understanding, and prayers during this time. While acknowledging this concern, I would like to share a renewed vision—one that builds on the positive momentum that has been created with our youth and families and that we believe will help strengthen and grow our ministry for years to come.
Rather than seeking to hire one single full-time Youth Minister, we have chosen to move forward with a team-based ministry model of three part-time leaders, each bringing their own unique gifts to our middle and high school students. This approach allows us to build a ministry that is collaborative, diverse in perspective, and spiritually enriching. By sharing responsibilities, these leaders will be able to offer focused attention to teaching, Confirmation prep, Teen Small Groups, Thrive for Teens, service opportunities, and more.
This shift is not only practical, but also deeply rooted in the life of the Church. Ministry in the Body of Christ is a shared mission, and we believe this model reflects that truth beautifully. It also provides greater sustainability, creativity, and flexibility as we respond to the growing and varied needs of our young people.
We are committed to hiring individuals and continuing to partner with our amazing adult volunteers who are passionate about:
Meeting our students where they are on their faith journey
Guiding them as Catholics into a lifelong personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church
Offering an environment where they can build faith-based friendships with their peers
Engaging them as members of our larger Ascension Parish community
The first step in this plan is the creation of two new part-time staff positions:
Our other components of Youth Ministry (below) are continuing and being led by current staff and adult volunteer leaders. We envision making a third part-time hire to lead/organize some of these initiatives in the coming year. For now, class coverage for the Fall is the immediate priority.
Summer Adventure Lead for Teen Counselors
Catholic Heart Work Camp
Thrive Nights for Teens
ACTS Summer Intensive for 6th & 7th Graders
Teen Small Group Leaders and Parent Coordinators
Class Small Group Leaders for 6th/7th Grade and Confirmation Prep
We are excited for this summer and the upcoming year with our youth and ask for your input, prayers, and support as we move forward as a parish family. I am always happy to speak with you about any ideas or feedback you may have!
God bless,
Fr. Gerald Souza
