In today's society, it is difficult for teenagers to put their Catholic
beliefs into action. Parents need the support of the parish community to help
convey the faith and provide guidance. The United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops' Renewing the Vision identifies three objectives of youth ministry: to
empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; to
draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of
the Catholic faith community; and to foster the total personal and spiritual
growth of each young person.
In accordance with the Bishops' goals, St.
Cletus Youth Ministry strives to reach teens and young adults by helping them
learn about their faith and apply it to their everyday lives. Our ministry
encourages them to discover their unique, God-given gifts and use them in our
parish community and the universal Catholic Church. It provides opportunities
for individual spiritual growth and development.
We offer a four year
catechetical program for high school teens, which is composed of the following:
One small group faith formation/discussion per month on a Sunday
afternoon/early evening in the home of adult catechists
One large group
faith formation/discussion per month on a Sunday evening at St. Cletus or
another specified location
Special Masses that will be celebrated before
several sessions and incorporated into the program
Service projects that
will be incorporated into the above schedule (additional ones will be offered
throughout the year)
Although they are not included in the program,
other opportunities are offered throughout the year such as retreats
(freshman/sophomore overnight and Kairos for juniors and seniors); extended
events (mission trips, World Youth Day Chicago, NCYC, etc.); drop-ins (informal
social gatherings at St. Cletus on weekday evenings); and social events (ski
trips, Great America trips, church league basketball, etc.). In addition, teens
are invited and trained to become lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and members of
our parish choirs.
We rely on committed volunteers to operate a
successful program. Each year we welcome adults as catechists for our small home
groups; chaperones for our mission trips, social activities, and faith-based
youth gatherings; coaches for our high school boys' and girls' Church League
Basketball teams; mentors who serve on our retreat team; and members of our Teen
Advisory Board who represent the group on the Parish Pastoral Council.
Please
call to join us in this fun and rewarding ministry! Contact Kristen Maxwell at
(708) 215-5419 or
for more information.
Adoration begins following the 8:00am Mass
and continues during the day until 6:15pm on
the first Tuesday of each month.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed at
6:15pm followed by Benediction.
Hispanic Adoration continues from 7:00pm
until 8:00pm.
St. Cletus Parish - 600 W. 55th St. - La Grange, IL
60525 - Phone: 708-352-6209
St. Cletus School - 700 W. 55th St. - La Grange, IL 60525 -
Phone: 708-352-4820
