Welcome to Anchor Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community
Coming soon: Registration for Anchor Youth Ministry Programs
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. It all begins with Sunday Mass at 5:00pm Mass, which flows into dinner, fellowship, and a faith-building program.
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, we meet on most Wednesdays during the school year from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Parents serve as Core Members and assist the Youth Minister in providing evening programming.
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.
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:
