Saint Paul Parish - "Peace and All Good Things"

        Our Youth Ministry program is directed towards preparing our young people for Confirmation and for their lives as Catholic Christian adults.  It's a two year program, with most students participating in ninth and tenth grade.  The coordinators are John and Bobbie Coughlin, and the moderator is Father Tom Lavin. 

        The first year program provides them with a deeper and more mature study of our Faith, especially addressing  their understanding of God and their relationship with God.  Classes meet once a month, either on Saturday morning from 8:30 - 11 AM, or Monday evening from 6:30 - 9 PM.  Classes are taught by Ed Schneider, Rich Dalidowicz and Carmen and Linda Guzzardi.
As Catholics, we believe that living and acting on the Faith is as important as believing in it.  To teach the importance of service to others, the first year students are required to perform 10 hours of social service.  This service needs to be something done outside of their family (washing the dishes for Mom doesn't count!), for an individual or a non-profit organization.  Any service in a recognized community volunteer program (a nursing home or hospital, for example)  is credited.  There are also many projects offered through the Confirmation program, with sign-up sheets available at each of the classes.  These projects are coordinated by Gail Race and Evelyn Nogiec.  Students may design their own projects by getting pre-approval from John or Bobbie Coughlin.  The hours need to be completed between by June 30 of their first year in the program, and they can start the summer before.  Helping at Summer Bible Adventure (August 9 - 13) is a fun way to complete the requirement!  Contact the Religious Ed office at 828-1934) for information on volunteering for this.
        Our classes are large, so we're always looking for ways in which the students can serve the community.  If your organization needs some able and enthusiastic help, please contact us through the Religious Ed office at 828-1934, and we'll give you details on how to arrange for Confirmation student volunteers.  Students should be included in a meaningful way in the service or activity.

        The second year program consists of a series of five monthly classes, held for an hour on Sunday afternoon, which take fplace from November through March.  The focus of these classes is the Sacrament of Confirmation and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.   They are taught by Father Tom and John Coughlin.  Second year students also attend a one day retreat at Trinita in New Hartford.  The retreats are scheduled in late October and early November.  Each second year student is asked to choose a Confirmation name and to write a report on the saint whose name he or she has chosen.   Student also need to choose a sponsor.  A sponsor must be a practicing Catholic and needs to get a sponsor certificate from his or her parish, even if he or she is a member of St. Paul's.  Confirmation takes place in the spring.

        We are always in need of adults to act as advisors for the students.  Advisors help direct the students in discussions in their small groups.  The commitment's only once a month!  Please contact us through the Religious Ed office if you're interested in helping in this way. 

        Please contact John and Bobbie Coughlin through the Religious Ed office at 828-1934 if you have any questions.

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR SECOND YEAR STUDENTS: 
What's a hagiography?
It's a collection of biographies of saints.  Here are some links to a few Internet hagiographies to help you in writing your saint reports.  Please remember that saint reports and sponsor certificates are due at the January class!
Patron Saints Index
Saints and Angels
Lives of the Saints

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