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Compass

Saint Anthony, Saint Edward, & Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Youth Ministry Michael Murphy, Youth Ministry Coordinator

Gian Perrotta, Youth Minister

Editor: Paige Gaboury Spring/Summer 2017

What is Compass??

Compass: As of March, 2017, Youth Ministry has of-

ficially adopted the name “Compass”. After long

consideration, we decided to unify our tri-parish

community and streamline our mission. Having one

simple word to describe our program allows us to

promote our ‘brand’ in a more efficient manner. In

addition, we hope that this name will appeal to all

members of our church. The word compass is synon-

ymous with finding your way. Our intention is to

have members find their direction.

Have you checked your compass lately?

Youth ministry has evolved into a program that promotes the develop-

ment of individual growth. Our program has seen a diverse group of indi-

viduals grow and develop into accomplished young men and women. This

program caters to the needs of teenagers with all types of backgrounds.

We have taken kids from the back of the classroom and brought them

into leadership positions. The mission of our youth ministry program is

to fill the void. If we need to be the group that is a second home, we are

that group. If we have to be an extension to their friend group or even

their only friend group, we are that group. If we have to be the place

where teenagers can come and relax in a social setting, we are that place.

The future of our church is reliant on the successful development of our

parish's’ youth. Our program is driven to successfully develop, nurture,

and enrich the lives of all the youth in our tri-parish community for gen-

erations to come.

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Compass is dedicated to providing service opportunities to all members of our program. To follow in the ministries of Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we volunteer our time in our community. Through acts of kindness, we hope to inspire others to follow in our path and spread the word of God. As a new initiative for 2017, compass has started the humanitarian challenge. Each month offers a new activity, which encourages members of our group to get out and help

the community around them. Challenges have included feeding the hungry, doing something kind for your neighbor, aiding the elderly, and helping those in mourning or distress. This allows members of compass to do their own service outside of our group projects. By volunteering outside of our church community, more of those in need get help. During the winter, Compass ran another successful coat drive. We were able to distribute coats during the hot lunch ministry and St. Edward’s Food and Wellness Center. After seeing the abundance of coats that were donated, we decided to set aside all the sweatshirts. On Christmas morning, Mike Murphy, along with members of the outreach ministries, handed out sweatshirts to the people receiving bagged lunch-

es. We were able to provide a little something extra to members of our community on Christmas. Mike explained that his experience was mov-ing and it was probably the best gift he received that day. He shared his story with all the members of compass and inspired us to do more. Following St. Anthony church traditions, Youth Ministry had a

presence at the Holiday Bazaar as well as conducting an Easter Egg Hunt

for the younger children in our parish. Both events allowed members of

our program to interact and entertain children of our tri-parish com-

munity. These events are a staple in our program and we always see the biggest member turnout at these events.

Events like these are the

foundation of our service

ministry.

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One of the hardest things about running a youth program is creating a spiritual environment. In this day and age, it is imperative to host and conduct spiritual events that are both interactive and meaningful. Compass has prided itself in running impactful and prayerful events that are appealing to the youth of our parish. On a cold winter night in January, members of Compass slept outside of the parish center in cardboard boxes to raise awareness for youth homelessness in our area. This event was an eye opening experience for all who participated. The night was filled with activities and prayerful segments. In an effort to raise money for our outreach ministries, all participants were asked to fundraise for this event and we raised over $300. We hope to make this an annual event as it helps us get out of our box and see a different side of the world around us. Following St. Anthony tradition, many members of our youth ministry program performed in the reenact-ment of The Passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was directed by Damian Perrotta and Bianca Giammarco. This was their first year as sole directors and they brought a new approach to the performance. It was widely praised by members of the parish. As an effort to increase youth participation in mass, Father Ed introduced to our church the “Youth Mass.”

For two and a half years, youth lectors and Eucharistic Ministers have been participants in the celebration of the Eu-

charist. As students make their confirmation, we are constantly recruiting new people to be a part of youth mass.

The second and fourth Sundays of every month are excellent opportunities to

display the important role of youth in our church community.

As a youth program, it is necessary to provide fun activities during which mem-bers are able to relax and enjoy themselves. We try to incorporate a few social activities along with our biweekly meetings to enhance our program and strengthen relationships between our members. The goal is to have create fun experiences for all members of Compass. During the Christmas season, Youth Ministry hosted our Polar Express night. This was an opportunity for members of our program and children of the parish to come relax and enjoy a Christmas classic. We enjoyed some light re-freshments while watching the movie. This was a unique opportunity to unwind and share the Christmas spirit.

For the second time, Youth Ministry went and saw our hometown favor-

ite the Providence Bruins. Fifteen members of Compass, along with parents and

friends, enjoyed the a close game between the Bruins and the Soundtigers. The

night was fun and entertaining for all and we hope to continue our hometown

support by seeing the Paw Sox in the summer. Events like these are simple yet

essential to our program.

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Where is your compass guiding you?

Upcoming Dates & Events to mark on the Calendar

Upcoming Monthly Gatherings

All gatherings are at 7:00 in Parish Center

Wed. June 21, 2017

Thurs. July 13, 2017

Wed. July 26, 2017

Thurs. August 10, 2017

Wed. August 23, 2017

Upcoming Compass Events

Annual Paw Sox Game - June 2017

Kayak Trip - August 2017

Patriots Training Camp - July/August 2017

Compass Hike - August 2017

Six Flags New England - August 2017

What do you want out of COMPASS?? Do you have any interest in hiking, bowling, biking,

rafting…. There is always room for adventure, If you have an idea, an interest, an activity you

would like to participate in, let us know. Building community though involvement.