Welcome to Youth Ministry
Our Lady of Light Catholic Community
Registration
Step 1: Youth Ministry Registration form
Step 2: Required Diocesan forms (4 pages total) Participation Release (1 per family) AND Medical/Media Releases
Step 3: Submit these all to YouthMinistry@ourladyoflight.com or drop in our drop box on the Office front door.
Step 4: Any fees, please make a check payable to Our Lady of Light or visit WeShare
Messaging
To join the High School YM group on Flocknote: text OLOLHSYM to 84576.
To join the Year 1 Confirmation group on Flocknote: text OLOLC27 to 84576.
To join the High School LEAD (Leadership, Evangelization, and Discipleship) group text LEADOLOL to 84576
Check-in
All students will check in each meeting using our new program KidCheck. Please ask them set up their account here. Parents, you can sign yourselves up to receive notifications of their coming/going via KidCheck.
Upcoming Dates for High School Youth Ministry (see full calendar here):
September
Sept 14, 5pm Mass, 6-8pm HS Youth Ministry Kickoff: includes mandatory Parent/Student meeting for all HS and at least one parent, dinner, and Q&A. 6-8pm, includes free dinner, RSVP here. We will cover a lot of nuts and bolts this night, and we need everyone’s support and presence.
Sept 21, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner.
Sept 28, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. First HS Small Group night and Retreat Team meeting.
October
Oct 5, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. HS Small Groups and Retreat Team meeting.
Oct 10-12, High School Retreat
Oct 19, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. HS Small Groups
Oct 26, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. HS Small Groups
November
Nov 2, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. HS Small Groups
Nov 9, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. HS Small Groups
Nov 16, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm. Possible social
December
Dec 7, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. HS Small Groups
Dec 14, HS Youth Night, 6-8pm, includes dinner. HS Small Groups
Dec 21, Tentative HS Youth Night, 6-8pm
Dec 28, Tentative HS Youth Night, 6-8pm
Overview
Our program utilizes the USCCB document “Renewing the Vision” as a framework for our Youth Ministry Programs.
Goals: First, empowering young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ; second, drawing them into responsible participation in the Catholic Church; and third, fostering their personal and spiritual growth.
Themes: Developmentally appropriate, family friendly, intergenerational, multicultural, have community-wide collaboration, have strong leadership, and have flexible and adaptable programming for young people.
Components: Advocacy, Catechesis, Community life, Evangelization, Justice and Service, Leadership Development, Pastoral Care, and Prayer and Worship.
In celebration of being a parish served by the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, the name “Anchor” was inspired by the words of Saint Francis de Sales:
“Have Jesus always for your patron, His cross for a mast on which you must spread your resolutions as a sail. Your anchor shall be a profound confidence in Him and you shall sail prosperously.”
Youth Ministry at OLOL
Mass is the source and summit of our faith and so, the center of Youth Ministry at OLOL. We encourage families to attend Mass together each weekend, most especially our Sunday, 5:00pm Mass which is geared towards youth. This Mass is the best opportunity for youth to serve at Mass as Lectors, Greeters, Ushers, Sacristans, and in Music Ministry.
High School (HS Anchor)
Our High School Youth Group is held most weeks during the school year and utilizes various resources from LIFE TEEN and other small group programs. It all begins with Sunday Mass at 5:00pm Mass, which flows into small groups, fellowship, and dinner.
High School LEAD
Teens who want to lead and dive deeper in their faith are invited to LEAD (Leadership, Evangelization, and Discipleship.
You might see LEAD Students on campus:
At Liturgies Leading Altar Server trainings, Lectoring at Mass, serving as Sacristans for Adoration or Youth Mass, and praising God through Music Ministry
At Events Serving donuts or popcorn and making waffles for parish events, Assisting in Faith Formation classes, reading stories for Wee Families, and even dressing up as the Easter bunny for the Knights.
At national Conferences and local camps, especially Camp Veritas, Ave Maria University, NCYC and Steubenville Conferences.
Serving this community through Service Projects such as PB&J night, Blessing Bags for the homeless, Birthday boxes for the food pantry, making cards for the homebound, and visiting long term care facilities with crafts. Living out Spiritual works of mercy at Adoration, lifting up other high school students in prayer, and bringing prayer to their schools and homes.
To get started, join our messaging group, or email YouthMinistry@ourladyoflight.com.
Middle School (MS Anchor)
Open to all 6-8 graders during the school year, choose Sundays 8:45-10:15am or Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Middle School Youth Ministry is easy on the family – you can all come together! Parents and older siblings are always welcome to join us on the catechetical and planning team.
High School Confirmation
In the Diocese of Venice, high schoolers can be Confirmed as 10th graders or older. Preparation takes two years, as with all other school-age sacraments. [More Info]
College Student Ministry
We currently outreach to Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Catholic Student Organization. In partnership with them, programs are offered on the FGCU campus and at our parish grounds. Additionally, we have a very active Adult Faith Formation program that we encourage young adults to participate in.
Sacrament of Initiation for Young People
Registration Deadline for 2025-26 Sacraments is October 1, 2025
If your youth would like to be Baptized and receive First Communion, please submit this form by email: Youth Baptism Registration 2025-26
If your youth would like to receive First Communion, please submit this form with their Baptism Certificate, scanned by email: Youth First Communion Registration 2025-26
Volunteer
Youth Ministry programs need loving and committed adults in all sorts of areas of service, and we are unendingly grateful to all who answer the nudge of the Holy Spirit and our baptism call to serve. Regardless, rather you are wise or young, if you have a love for Christ, His Church, and young people we would love for you to serve alongside of us. See below for some of the many opportunities:
- Worship Team: Adult and Youth musicians and vocalists are invited to share your talents at Liturgies and Retreats. Contact our Music Director Diane@ourladyoflight.com to learn more.
- Middle School & High School Anchor Youth Group: Volunteers are practicing Catholics who can model the faith to your young people. You are willing to get to know our youth, dependable and consistent, encouraging and welcoming, but also firm and committed to maintain a Safe Environment for our youth.
- Confirmation: Catechists love to talk about discipleship, the Catholic faith, and to teach, and willing to get to know the Confirmandi and encourage them in their own discipleship in the Church.
- Also Needed: Volunteers to serve with other Adults on our Planning and Core Teams that support youth, without much interaction with students. Examples are coordinators for hospitality (Kitchen Crew), fellowship, service projects, and retreats. Prayer, media (design and promoting), photography, and office help.
Safe Environment Notice
As minors and vulnerable adults participate in activities within our program, it is our commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing. [More]
Get in touch with the Youth Ministry leadership team at youthministry@ourladyoflight.com and please sign up for messages through Flocknote:
