Easter is Here!

Easter is here, and it’s not just one day, it’s a whole season. Just like spring, everything around us is changing, longer days, new life, fresh starts. Easter is the same kind of invitation, but for your life.

For teens, this matters more than you might think. Life can feel busy, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. Easter reminds us that nothing is stuck. No mistake, no pressure, no situation has the final say, God brings new life out of anything.

The Easter season is your chance to reset:

• Start fresh – What’s one thing you want to do better? Begin again.

• Grow – Just like spring, small changes lead to real growth over time.

• Find hope – Even when things feel uncertain, God is still working.

• Stay connected – Don’t let Easter be a one-day thing. Keep showing up to Mass and youth ministry.

Easter isn’t just something we celebrate, it’s something we live. Let this season be a chance to refocus, take your faith seriously, and see how it can actually make a difference in your everyday life.

Scan. Follow. Belong.

Scan the QR code to follow IHM Youth Ministry on Instagram – real moments, upcoming events, service, faith, and fun… all in one place. Don’t miss out. Scan & follow today!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, April 12 | 6:30–8:00 PM – HS Youth Ministry – Retreat prep and future planning

Saturday, April 18 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM – Help Support the Confirmation Retreat

Sunday, April 26 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Service Project Night (Grade 8-12)

Sunday, May 3 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night

Sunday, May 31 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Service Project Night (Grade 8-12)

Keep It Real

Holy Week is here and it’s not just another week on the calendar. It’s a chance to step out of your routine and experience something deeper. As we remember the final days of Jesus’ life, we’re invited to slow down, pay attention, and see what this story really means for us today.

For teens, this week is about more than just going through the motions, it’s about being intentional:

• Make the time – Prioritize Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.

• Be all in – Give your full attention during Mass and prayer.

• Keep it real – Talk to God honestly, even if it’s simple.

• Live it out – Choose kindness, patience, and service in your daily life.

We also have two great opportunities to get involved. Join us for our Holy Thursday Teen Night on April 2 at 6:30 PM, where you’ll learn more about Holy Week and take an active role in the Mass by serving as an usher, bringing up the holy oils, or participating in the washing of the feet. Then, on Friday, April 3 at 7:00 PM, be part of our Living Stations of the Cross as a reader or actor, helping to bring this powerful story to life for our parish community.

Don’t sit on the sidelines this week. Holy Week is meant to be experienced. Show up, get involved, and discover what it means to truly live your faith.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Thursday, April 2 | 11:00 AM–1:30 PM – Spring Garden Service Project

Thursday, April 2 | 6:30–9:00 PM – Holy Week Lesson and Holy Thursday Mass

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

Jesus calls Lazarus

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb and brings him back to life. It is one of the most powerful moments in the Gospel, a reminder that Jesus brings hope, new life, and light even when things seem at their darkest.

As we approach Holy Week, this Gospel invites our teens to draw closer to Christ and walk with Him through the most important moments of our faith. Holy Week is more than just something we hear about at Mass; it is an opportunity to experience the story of Jesus in a real and personal way.

Teens are invited to take part in several upcoming opportunities to enter more deeply into this time. We will gather for a Holy Week lesson to better understand the meaning behind each of the sacred days. Teens are also encouraged to attend the Holy Week liturgies, where we remember the Last Supper, the Passion of Christ, and celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.

In addition, our teens will have the opportunity to participate in the Living Stations of the Cross, helping bring the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross to life for our parish community.

Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He continues to call each of us to step forward in faith. Holy Week is a powerful chance for our teens to answer that call, grow as disciples, and experience the heart of our faith together.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Friday, March 27 | 5:45–8:00 PM – Pizza and Prayer (Dinner and Stations of the Cross)

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Thursday, April 2 | 11:00 AM–1:30 PM – Spring Garden Service Project

Thursday, April 2 | 6:30–9:00 PM – Holy Week Lesson and Holy Thursday Mass

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

Build It To Last

This past Sunday, our HS Youth Ministry gathered for a night focused on Lent and the kind of people we are becoming through it. We began with a fun team challenge called “Build It to Last.” Students worked together to build the tallest free-standing structure using simple materials. The room quickly filled with creativity and teamwork as groups experimented with different designs. As we stepped back to look at the finished structures, one lesson became clear: the tallest ones only stood when they had a strong foundation. That simple activity helped introduce an important truth… what we build our lives on matters.

From there, students moved into our main activity, “40 Days = 10 Years.” In small groups, they imagined what kind of person someone might become if they took Lent seriously year after year. Together they reflected on how the three pillars of Lent shape our character: Prayer builds stability, Fasting builds self-control, Almsgiving builds unity and compassion.

We talked about how Lent is spiritual training. Athletes train so they’re ready when the game begins. Musicians rehearse so they’re ready for the performance. We practice during Lent so they’re ready for real life.

Throughout the evening, students were invited to think about how the habits they practice today shape who they will become tomorrow. Lent is an opportunity not just to give something up, but to grow stronger in faith, character, and love for others, habits that will carry them far beyond these 40 days.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday March 15 | 12:00–2:30 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Mass & Luncheon

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Tuesday, March 31 & Thursday, April 2 | 11:00 AM–1:30 PM – Spring Garden Service Project

Thursday, April 2 | 6:30–8:30 PM – Holy Week Lesson and Holy Thursday Mass

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

Thirsty for Encouragement

This week’s readings remind us that we all thirst for something deeper. In the desert, God gave water to His people when they needed it most. At the well, Jesus offered living water that truly satisfies. That same theme of water, of being filled and refreshed, came to life in our Youth Ministry on Sunday, 3/1.

Teens gathered to assemble College Care Packages for former members of our youth ministry. These packages, filled with snacks, notes, and small reminders of home, are being sent to encourage them as they move through their spring semester. After packing the boxes, we sat down and asked: Why do small things mean so much when someone is far from home? Have you ever received encouragement at just the right moment?

We talked about how something as simple as a handwritten note can feel like a cup of cold water to someone who is overwhelmed or lonely. During Lent, the Church calls us to look outward. Almsgiving isn’t about the size of the gift, it’s about love and intention. A care package becomes meaningful because it says, “You are remembered. You are supported. You are not alone.”

To our teens and families: who in your life right now might be thirsty for encouragement? This week, consider how you can offer living water through a message, a small act of kindness, or time given freely. Even the smallest gesture can refresh someone’s heart.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, March 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night (HS Students Only)

Sunday March 15 | 12:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Mass & Luncheon

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

Never Walk Alone

High on the mountain, Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus transformed in glory and heard the voice of the Father say, “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.” That moment changed them. They didn’t go looking for it, they simply chose to be there.

Lent offers our teens that same invitation: to step away from the noise of everyday life and make space to encounter Christ. One powerful opportunity is the Stations of the Cross every Friday at 7:00pm in the church. All teens are invited to come and experience this meaningful Lenten tradition. Walking through the stations helps us see the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice in a personal way. It reminds us that following Him isn’t always easy, but we never walk alone.

Choosing to be present at something like the Stations of the Cross can be a moment of transformation. It gives teens the chance to listen, reflect, and grow as disciples. Just as the apostles were changed by what they witnessed, our teens, too, can be changed by simply showing up and opening their hearts to Him this Lent.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, March 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: College Care Packages

Sunday, March 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night (HS Students Only)

Sunday March 15 | 12:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Mass & Luncheon

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

The 3 Pillars of Lent

This week we hear how Jesus is led into the desert for forty days, where He is tempted but remains faithful to God. This moment begins Lent, a 40-day season when the Church invites us to step into our own “desert.” Lent is not about punishment, but about preparation. It is a time to grow stronger in faith, to turn away from what distracts us, and to remember who God is calling us to be.

For teens, living Lent the Catholic way means making intentional choices. It may mean giving something up that pulls you away from God, like excessive screen time, and replacing it with something that brings you closer to Him, like prayer, serving others, or attending Mass more intentionally. It also means facing temptations like peer pressure, or negativity, and choosing what is right, even when it’s difficult.

Jesus shows us that we are never alone in these struggles. His example reminds us that faithfulness is built in daily decisions. This Lent, our teens are invited to take their faith seriously, to grow in prayer, and to become the young men and women God created them to be. The desert leads to something greater if we are willing to follow Him.

Scan. Follow. Belong. Scan the QR code to follow IHM Youth Ministry on Instagram – real moments, upcoming events, service, faith, and fun… all in one place. Don’t miss out. Scan & follow today!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, February 22 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: College Care Packages

Sunday, March 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night (HS Students Only)

Sunday, March 15 | 12:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Mass and Luncheon

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

Call Through Service & Connection

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that faith is not just about following rules outwardly but allowing God to shape our hearts. Our Youth Ministry is striving to live that call through service and connection. As we prepare College Care Packages for former members, we are asking parishioners for donations and inviting our teens to step up and serve. Let’s continue to grow in integrity and generosity, living our faith not just in words, but in action.

Scan. Follow. Belong. Scan the QR code to follow IHM Youth Ministry on Instagram – real moments, upcoming events, service, faith, and fun… all in one place. Don’t miss out. Scan & follow today!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, February 22 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: College Care Packages

Sunday, March 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night (HS Students Only)

Sunday, March 15 | 6:30–8:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Party

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

Building Connections

Jesus calls His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, to bring hope, truth, and love into everyday life. For our young people, that call is lived out right here in the world they navigate daily: at school, with friends, online, and within our parish community. Youth Ministry is one way we help them recognize that their faith is not separate from their lives but meant to shape how they show up in them.

This mission guided a recent Youth Ministry Leadership Team meeting, where we spent time talking about communication, engagement, and how we can better reach the teens of our parish. Together, we identified meaningful ways to build connection, strengthening our presence on social media (be sure to follow our new Instagram page) and incorporating games, trivia, and interactive moments that encourage participation and real conversation.

Looking ahead, we’ll continue to grow as a faith community through shared experiences. We’ll come together to prepare College Care Packages for former members of IHM Youth Ministry, a simple but powerful way to stay connected across distances and remind them they remain part of our parish family.

Each gathering is an invitation for our teens to live out Christ’s call – to be present, to serve, and to shine His light within our parish and beyond.

Scan. Follow. Belong. Scan the QR code to follow IHM Youth Ministry on Instagram – real moments, upcoming events, service, faith, and fun… all in one place. Don’t miss out. Scan & follow today!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, February 22 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: College Care Packages

Sunday, March 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night (HS Students Only)

Sunday, March 15 | 6:30–8:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Party

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross Rehearsal

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

Humility, Mercy and Love

This week’s Gospel reminds us through the Beatitudes that a life rooted in humility, mercy, and love for others is truly blessed. These words come alive when we see our teens choosing to show up, serve generously, and walk together in faith as a community.

In the weeks ahead, Youth Ministry will continue to be shaped by that shared spirit. Our Leadership Team will gather to pray together at Mass, serve side by side at the Pancake Breakfast, and then spend time planning what’s next for our parish’s teens.

We’ll also come together to prepare College Care Packages for former members of IHM Youth Ministry, an opportunity to stay connected across distances and remind them they are still part of our parish family. Our next Youth Ministry Night will be another chance to gather as a community, build friendships, and talk honestly about faith and life in a space where everyone belongs.

These moments reflect the heart of our faith – showing up for one another, serving with love, and growing together as disciples.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, February 22 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: College Care Packages

Sunday, March 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night (HS Students Only)

Sunday, March 15 | 6:30–8:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day Party

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations Rehearsal

Friday, April 3 | 5:30–8:00 PM – Living Stations of the Cross

From a Group Chat to a Growing Community of Faith

Our parish is blessed by young people who are learning what it means to live as disciples of Christ in their everyday lives. Through prayer, leadership, and a willingness to share their faith, they remind us that discipleship has no age requirement. Below, 8th grader Matteo Giafaglione shares, in his own words, how a simple idea among friends became a growing Bible club at Terrill Middle School:

“I was reached out to in a group chat by my friend named Ethan, and he alerted my friends Declan, Austin, and I with the intent to see if we wanted to start a Bible Club at each other’s houses. I then suggested that maybe we should have this club at our middle school (Terrill Middle School) instead, which ultimately worked out in the long run. After e-mailing both my vice principal and principal, finding a room with a teacher nice enough to let our club use it, and of course a teacher at Terrill who would be honored to supervise the club, it is safe to say that our Bible Club is a success that now meets every Tuesday after school. We now have a total of 38 members from kids from all grades, and a couple of 5th and 6th graders asked our club supervisor, Ms. Neidig, to see if they could join as well. We are now expecting the club to exceed at least 40 members by the next meeting, in which I, alongside the support of my friend Ethan, fully lead and teach this club where we strengthen our members faith, as well as our own, and learn about the Bible in a fun and engaging way. I want to thank our church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, for all their support and prayers, and of course Marielle the director of the Youth Ministry for her help as well. This could not have been done without you guys!”