Each and every parish of our Diocese shares the same priority of concern for parish life.  When asked what areas of parish life need more attention, most people will say it is the youth.  We all agree on this as it is a challenge.  I am convinced that the formulation of a youth group in this day and age is not successful because our young people already have so many commitments with school and athletic programs.  Furthermore, if a youth group does exist, most never having more than 10-15 steady members, the activities that are offered never seem to reach the young parishioners who are not part of the youth group. I have decided to take an alternate approach here at St. Peter to reach out to the youth of our parish.  

In lieu of a youth group, I have established a Pastor’s Youth Council comprised of college students and seniors in high school. They will be working directly with me in order to create an environment here at St.  Peter Parish where there will be regular activities (spiritual, apostolic, and communal) in which all the youth of the parish are invited, not just for those who belong to an established youth group. These eight members of the Pastor’s Youth Council have already met with me to begin planning activities for the next coming months.  Stay tuned for more information as the announcement of these events unfold.

I would think that the greatest compliment concerning youth ministry here at St. Peter would be for moms and dads to say, “We love belonging to St. Peter Parish.  They offer so much for our children.”

May the Good Lord, through the intercession of St. John Bosco, intercede for us as this newly formed Council prepares to minister to the younger parishioners of St. Peter Parish. 

Fr. Blanda