The Saint Rita Youth Group Ministry is more than programs and events. Its mission is to provide a Christian community for teens and give them the opportunity to share their unique gifts with the parish and neighboring communities. Throughout the year and under the guidance of Youth Minister Julie Basil, the ministry offers several opportunities for teens to engage in faith, fellowship, and fun!
Mission Mondays are back this summer! Teens who will be entering grades 9 and up this fall are invited to sign up. Mission Mondays is a summer service opportunity in June that is co-hosted with Our Lady of Guadalupe in Macedonia, Sts. Cosmas & Damian in Twinsburg, and the Church of the Resurrection in Solon. This year, we are also partnering with the Campus Ministry department from Walsh Jesuit High School for our June 19 day of service. Each Monday in June, participants will meet from 12:30pm - 9:00pm for service, community, games, and prayer. It is not necessary to be available on all of the days to participate! Check out the Mission Mondays website for more information!
SLAM Camp is back this summer on Monday, June 12 - Friday, June 16. Each day, current 5th and 6th graders will start the day with Mass before that day's activity. This year, activities will include Skyzone, a tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist downtown, Fun n' Stuff, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Camp will run from 8:15am-1:30pm each day, and the cost of camp for the week is $125. Teen volunteers who are currently in grades 9-12 are needed to serve as counselors and adult chaperones who have been VIRTUS trained are also needed. Without enough chaperones, we cannot have camp.
Teen Registration for SLAM Camp (Opens March 20):
Registration for SLAM Camp and Vacation Bible School TEEN Volunteers:
Registration for SLAM Camp and Vacation Bible School ADULT Volunteers:
Save the date for the Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) Retreat that will take place Friday, April 14 - Sunday, April 16 at St. Leonard Retreat Center in Avon. Teens Encounter Christ is an integenerational retreat that has been in the Diocese of Cleveland for over 30 years. The weekend is centered on the Paschal Mystery and is open to teens who are current sophomores and older, as well as young adults and adults. This retreat was very impactful for our Youth Minister, Julie Basil, and she would recommend it to anyone who is eager to grow in their faith admid a supportive and encouraging community. Check out the website to learn more and to register.
Registrations are open for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) that will take place Thursday, November 16 - Saturday, November 18 in Indianapolis, IN. The Saint Rita Youth Ministry is planning to bring a group of teens who will be in grades 9-12 during the 2023-2024 school year. The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is an exciting three-day experience of prayer, community, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. Teens will enjoy some of the best Catholic speakers, workshops, live music, electrifying large sessions, an amazing closing liturgy, and explore their faith in a supportive environment. Early bird registration closes on March 15, and open registration closes at the end of April. Please let Julie Basi know ASAP if your teen is interested in learning more or registering for the retreat.
For more information on NCYC, please click the link below.
Click the image above to download and save the Youth Ministry calendar!
Parish contact: Mrs. Julie Basil