Youth Groups
By Maya Moore | News, Copy Editor
High school students search for communities that blend faith and recreation. In Wichita, these students can attend various youth groups, which serve as welcoming environments for spiritual growth and fellowship. They meet regularly, offering opportunities for fun, prayer and stewardship.
Emmaus Ministries holds a youth group called Iron Teens, as well as Awaken events. The best way to stay informed about events is by joining the GroupMe, which is linked on emmausministries.net.
“All of our events are centered around intentional community, encounter and mission,” said Noel Habashy, coordinator and president of Emmaus Ministries. “We have monthly adoration events called Awaken. At Awaken, we start with adoration, confession and worship, then have a dance or some other themed party. We also have monthly Iron Teens meetings. … We always have games, snacks, a talk and then break into groups.”
Many students enjoy Iron Teens for the social aspects and the talks.
“There are a lot of people there who I admire for their good talks and for how they always make any situation more fun,” said junior Sean Thompson.
Parish Youth Group (PYG) at Blessed Sacrament meets Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., starting with dinner and followed by activities and prayer. This group functions as a way for students to stay connected.
“Now that the kids of Blessed Sacrament have grown to be teens of Kapaun Mt. Carmel, or Bishop Carroll, or whatever high school they're going to, this is the way to still be involved at their parish with their peers who they've grown up with,” said adult volunteer Sarah Crownover. “So, I think the community keeps a lot of them coming … We just try to make it a fun, open space where everyone's welcome.”
While Blessed Sacrament has almost always had some sort of youth group, PYG was started in the past year. They began with a large group and wish to expand even farther, as it will allow for more opportunities for service, retreats and missions.
“Last year, we had a really solid attendance of at least 30 kids for the majority of the year,” said Crownover. “So, we're hoping to keep a growing group and, as our group grows, be able to take on more activities and projects.”
In addition to PYG, other youth groups have made changes as well. High School Ministry at the Church of the Magdalen plans to relaunch and hold weekly meetings on Wednesdays, starting Oct. 8 from 6:30-8 p.m.
“Our goal is to help students have a heart on fire for Jesus,” said former KMC teacher Amanda Prieto, in charge of this relaunch. “To help them cultivate a relationship with [Jesus] that He would be the highest good in their lives.”
St. Thomas Aquinas Youth (STAY), has recently switched meeting days. Since the fall kickoff on Sept. 7, STAY meets Sundays from 7:30-9 p.m. Youth minister Maddy Hammer hopes this adjustment will give more students the chance to go, as Sundays may fit better with their schedules.
“I was involved in youth ministry in high school and it had a huge impact on me,” said Hammer, “ … I just want to be able to give the youth now the same opportunity that I had when I was in high school. … [I want] to build a lasting and a strong place for community for kids to be able to be themselves and have fun.”
Resurrection recently started a youth group, held every second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
“The three F's of Resurrection’s youth group are faith, fun and food,” said junior Eliza Scheck. “We start with some time in the chapel and then we play a game or go do something.”
St. Vincent de Paul also has a youth group, which meets Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. All high school students are welcome to attend.
“It's just nice to see how other people participate in their faith,” said sophomore Ella Stuhlsatz. “Like, even if they don't go to Catholic schools they can still be active in their parish.”