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Boy Scout Troop 641 Awards
The Cincinnati/Dayton Catholic Committee on Scouting has recognized Troop 641 Scoutmaster Ed Fisher with the Bronze Pelican Award for his sustained dedication and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of the Catholic Youth in the program of the Boy Scouts of America. Mark Murray and Chris Eyers are past recipients of the Bronze Pelican.

The pelican has been used since the earliest days of the Church as a symbol of Christ’s self-sacrificial giving of himself to his people. The pelican was often believed to pierce its own breast to provide life-giving blood to its young, just as Christ shed his own lifeblood to give his children life. Although this belief actually occurs because of the appearance of the pelican’s pouch-like bill during the mother’s feeding of the young, the pelican remains an excellent symbol of adult leaders who give of themselves to nurture youth.

Congratulations to all of three true role models! Pictured Above (left to right): Mark Murray, Ed Fisher, and Jay Goyert.

Jay Goyert has been awarded the District Award of Merit for exemplary leadership and service to the William Henry Harrison District. Jay received the award at the district’s annual banquet in February. Jay goes above and beyond when it comes to helping other leaders with district activities and this recognition comes from his peers. Congratulations!

St. John’s is currently involved in the “homestretch” phase of this year’s annual fund drive. A portion of the funds raised through this year’s campaign will be used to provide for the hiring of Youth Minster staff position. The campaign goal is to raise $200,000 (so far, just over $184,00 has been raised). Once the goal is reached, the parish will begin the search process to fill the Youth Minister position.

We asked for some input on “the importance of Youth Ministry” from those who have experienced it in some way in their lives. Below is a perspective from a current parishioner, Catie, along with some testimonials from a few of her friends involved with Youth Ministry at neighboring parishes.

A Parishioner’s Perspective…
– Catie, 19-years-old, life-long member of St. John’s
During my high school years, I was not able to attend youth ministry meetings on a regular basis. Being part of a big family, a ride wasn’t always available and once I was able to drive, I had to work most nights that the Youth Ministry met. I did make it a point to get the meetings for Theology of the Body (‘09 – ‘10) after being encouraged by my friends from St. I’s that had attended these sessions.

After attending the Steubenville Catholic Conference in the summers of 2010 and 2011, I have reconnected to my Catholic faith as a young adult, a young woman, and a human being in this world today. I am seeing the benefits that a youth ministry program can and should have on high school students today. Looking back, I regret not taking more advantage of Youth Ministry and living that experience in my own life. I think that it is only right that the youth be more involved in religion classes at St. John’s and in high school, retreats and other activities to grow in their faith, develop healthy life styles and gain relationships that will last.

I am 100% on board with hiring a Youth Minister and developing an even stronger Youth Ministry program here at St. John’s. I was baptized here, grew up in the school, and continue to go to church here every weekend. I honestly don’t plan on leaving this parish. I want to help make a brighter future for the generation of teenagers to come.

Catie also asked a few of her friends from neighboring parishes to send some thoughts on Youth Ministry in their lives. Below is what she received:

– Emily, 19, Valparaiso University, Saint Ignatius Parish
“My life has been changed through youth group because I now have actually claimed my faith for myself. I was taught about what it truly means to be Catholic. Without a youth program I wouldn’t be the person I am today.  I am a strong and confident young Catholic woman who has entered the ‘real world’ and spread the love of Christ to all I met. I ardently seek our Lord and now I am able to literally spread His word out to others in my college life.  I have brought people to mass who have never entered the doors before. Therefore every church needs this type of ministry so that more young people will be encouraged to embrace their faith rather than loose it!”

– Andrew, 19, Xavier University, Saint Ignatius Parish
“Youth ministry gives high school students a base from which to question and test so many things in their lives at a time when they are seeking answers. Having a vibrant youth ministry and a youth minister has helped me not only to better understand the Catholic faith, but also helped me to better understand myself and this world we live in.  It has granted me lasting friendships in which I further explore and experience God’s love.”

– Kathryn, 19, Xavier University, Saint Ignatius Parish                      
“Being a part of youth ministry and having a youth minister type figure around has had a profound impact on my faith life!  It has allowed me to be comfortable enough with who I am so that I don’t feel like I compromise myself amidst the pressures of college life. It has also allowed me to question some statements in my Catholic faith which in turn has allowed me to strengthen them!  It has also allowed me to develop some life-long relationships that are centered in Christ.”

– Hannah, 16, McAuley High School, Saint Ignatius Parish                         
“The reason I love having a youth group to belong to is because it gives a place to be with friends who either you wouldn’t have a chance to get to know, or being with friends who have similar values as you. It is a great feeling to grow along with your friends in the faith.”