The mission of the SASJ Catholic Youth of Sumter is to embrace teens in our vibrant and caring parish community and meet them where they are by providing opportunities for them to:

  • grow in their relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit
  • build a community with other Catholic teens
  • learn more about their Catholic faith
  • develop leadership abilities by serving others
  • have fun in a faith-filled environment

We believe that young people are an important and integral part of our parish community. Our Youth Ministry Program seeks to foster maturing in faith of the youth of our parish and the surrounding community. Through a variety of programs, events and outreach, we seek to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, work and mission of our parish community. We believe this ministry is to, with, by, and for young people and is a blessing for our entire community.

Activities

Weekly meetings – Sundays at 6:00 PM-8:00 PM in the HIVE youth group room in the St. Anne Parish Hall

For youth in grades 6th -12th grade.

Purpose: Provide a weekly opportunity for the youth of our parish to gather to develop Catholic relationships and increase their faith
Format: 2 hours with varying content and activities.

This is a youth community building activity. The goal is to keep it interesting and engaging while increasing the Catholic faith of the youth. We don’t want the youth to feel they are going to school. Activities should be designed so they have opportunities to socialize and develop Catholic friendships, which in-turn will give them the desire to want to continue to participate and encourage them to invite others to do the same.

Each week, our youth nights begin with a brief lesson focused on a relevant Catholic topic, setting the tone for the evening. After the lesson, we break into small groups to encourage discussion and personal reflection, allowing the youth to share their thoughts and deepen their understanding. Following this, we gather for dinner, fostering fellowship and community among the youth. After the meal, we engage in a fun activity or game to build teamwork and friendships. Finally, we conclude the evening with a time of prayer, lifting our intentions to God in the last ten minutes.

Youth Minister- Cecilia Smith, ceciliasmith@charlestondiocese.org