Leaders: Chris and Debra Agosti
Email: youthministry@sacredheartofjesusparish.org
Sacred Heart of Jesus Youth Ministry
We do not ask the young people to abandon their uncertainties, questions, or criticisms. Rather we ask all those who call themselves Christians to allow themselves to be guided by grace to encounter Christ in the Church, through the sacraments, prayer and the reception of the Word.
– Pope John Paul II
Our mission, as the Sacred Heart of Jesus youth group, is to continue the parish mission of realizing our Baptismal commitment as a priestly, prophetic and kingly people by promoting and sharing the riches of the Catholic Faith as experienced in the living tradition of the Church and the Gospels. We, as a youth ministry follow this by providing meaningful opportunities for faith formation for our parish youth through service and fellowship. We are able to do this through a variety of means, including active discussion, community service, guest speakers, parent involvement, and special activities, such as retreats and field trips.
Our ministry
Since September 2007, the Sacred Heart of Jesus (formerly Saint Gregory) Youth Ministry has been led by Chris and Debra Agosti. With the help of Fr. Ireland and Tom and Carole Wenzel, the youth ministry has provided an opportunity for high school students to gather in faith and fellowship. Here, they are given time to reflect on their faith, consider areas of service, and enjoy the fellowship of their peers. As youth ministers, we provide a comfortable setting, hearty meals, and thoughtful discussion topics. Our goal is simple, but important: assist young people in their enthusiasm and application of their faith. It is our hope that our parish youth lead the life God intended of them; a life centered on Catholic values and Church teachings, involved in service for our brothers and sisters.
Our youth
The youth group consists of young people from both public and private schools. The experiences and issues that are most significant to them become the focus of our youth ministry. Some discussion topics include dating, family, death, pro-life principles, saints and angels, and Christian behavior and attitude; some activities include preparing and serving a meal at Hospice of the Western Reserve, creating Christmas cards for the parish homebound, participating in Live Stations of the Cross and youth group open house, as well as many fellowship events (Kalahari Water Park, white water rafting, baseball games, parish events, cookouts, etc.).
Our faith
Our youth group gathers for more than physical nourishment and social interaction. We gather as brothers and sisters in Christ, committed to living our faith life through service and fellowship. Our spiritual nourishment is dependent upon the following: parish support, enthusiastic ministry leaders, a mission centered on faith formation, diverse participants, and generous parishioners that are willing to give of their time, talent, and treasure.
Our parish
As our faith guides us throughout the planning and implementation of weekly activities, we reflect on how essential parents, parish staff, and parishioners have been to our youth group mission. The support we have received through youth attendance and recruitment, furniture donations, leadership, technical assistance, and overall commitment and faith in our ministry, have helped us achieve so much in such a short period of time. The faith is alive and well at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, and we are thankful to each one of you for your support.
Faith is not something to be held on to, but rather it is to be shared. And what better way to share your faith as a parishioner than to support and volunteer with the youth ministry. God has blessed our parish with these wonderful youth, please share with them the gifts that God has blessed you with—time, talent, treasure.
Our Youth Ministry Principles:
Faith Formation:
“Your love for God is only as great as the love you have for the
person you love the least.”
— Dorothy Day
Service
“Anything done for another is done for oneself.”
– Pope John Paul II
Fellowship
“We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”
– Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
For questions or registration, please call Chris & Debra Agosti, 216.333.1128.
Stay tuned for future youth group news and events!