Welcome to Youth Ministry at Our Lady of Light Catholic Community!
We are so glad you are visiting us online!
2023-2024 Registration – Register for Youth Ministry and/or Confirmation
*** EMPOWER YOUTH MINISTRY TRAINING/REFLECTION REGISTRATION ***
About Us | Young Adults | High School | Middle School | Confirmation | Worship Team | Volunteer | Calendar | Contact Us
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.”
Safe Environment: 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]
Mass: The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our faith and so, the center of our Youth Ministry program. We encourage families to attend Mass together each Sunday and if they are able to do so, we invite them to attend our Sunday, 5:00pm Mass which is geared towards youth and flows into our High School Youth Group called Anchor, right afterwards. Additionally, on the first Thursday of most Months we hold eXaLT from 7:00PM – 8:00PM which is Eucharistic Adoration with Praise and Worship geared towards High Schoolers and Young Adults. Confession is also offered.
Parent Ministry (Coming in 2024): Our Parent Ministry will consist of 3 components: Parent Retreat Team, Parent’s Weekly Gathering Team, and the Kitchen Crew. If you feel called to coordinate this ministry or a component of the ministry, please contact us.
Young Adult 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. We plan to grow our Young Adult Ministry programs in the near future and welcome input from others to do so. Additionally, we have a very active Adult Faith Formation program that we encourage young adults to participate in.
High School (HS Anchor): Our High School Youth Group called HS Anchor utilizes various resources but primarily the LIFE TEEN program. It all begins with Sunday Mass, and after the Sunday 5:00pm Mass, teens join us in our Parish Center for dinner, followed by an evening of programming. Typically, each month, the 1st Sunday is dedicated to Scripture, the 2nd Sunday is a Social, the 3rd Sunday is Prayer and Worship, and the 4th Sunday we discuss issues that today’s youth are facing. On Thursday nights, from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, teens who want to lead and dive deeper in their faith attend our leadership component “Dead Theologians Society” (DTS). Many of these teens come earlier in the evening to do homework together or help out at the MS Anchor which takes place from 6:00pm to 7:30pm prior to their meeting. Practicing adult Catholics of our parish, supported by Student Missionaries from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Ave Maria University (AMU), facilitate the evenings.
Middle School (MS Anchor): Our Middle School Youth Group, also called MS Anchor, utilizes various resources but primarily utilizes the Middle School version of LIFE TEEN called “EDGE”. During the three years that a middle school youth attends Edge Nights he/she will gain a great foundation of the faith through six semesters: Scripture, Creed, Church, Sacraments, Prayer, and Social Justice. We meet on most Thursdays from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Parents serve as Core Members and assist the Youth Minister in providing evening programming.
Confirmation: At Our Lady of Light, High School students who would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation may do so through our High School Anchor Program (See above). Sacramental prep (Purpose) takes place at HS Anchor, typically on the first Sunday of every month. [More Info]
Volunteer: We are honored to provide “workers” an opportunity to enter the “vineyard” and answer their baptismal 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. After you have met our safe environment requirements, we will provide training, and get you plugged in. See below for opportunities:
- Parent Ministry: (see above)
- Worship Team: Adult and Youth musicians and vocalists are always encouraged to contact us to see if we can match your talent with our current needs.
- MS Anchor: Volunteers (AKA Core Members) primarily consist of the parents of those youth that are current members of our program. They are supported by Student Missionaries and High Schoolers from our DTS Leadership Team.
- HS Anchor: At HS Anchor, Volunteers (Core Members) consist of practicing Catholics who can model the faith to your young people. The commitment includes about 10 hours per week that consists of attending the Sunday 5pm Mass, planning/attending parish youth ministry events, attending off campus sports, and school events. The HS Core are supported by Student Missionaries.
- Confirmation: Catechists are needed to journey with our high school towards the Sacrament of Confirmation. If you love to teach and love working with young people, this may be a great opportunity for you.
CONTACT US
Youth Minister: Chris Gordon
Desk Phone: (239) 645-4645 | Email: chris @ ourladyoflight.com (removes spaces)
2023-2024 Registration – Register for Youth Ministry and/or Confirmation
About Us | Young Adults | High School | Middle School | Confirmation | Worship Team | Volunteer | Calendar | Contact Us