Youth Ministry
Bellarmine Chapel has a vibrant history of welcoming and involving our teenage parishioners. Through their Baptism, our teens are full-fledged members of the Catholic faith community. The parish flourishes when our young people fully participate, side by side with adult and children members. Bellarmine offers comprehensive youth ministry as the U.S. Catholic Bishops advocated in their foundational pastoral letter: Renewing the Vision.
Our youth ministry provides concrete ways for teens to grow as human persons' test and stretch their understanding of 'who they are' while deepening their faith. We encourage and nurture their participation in the larger life of the parish. A major focus of the program is the facilitation of ongoing groups for both junior high ("byg") and senior high ("BYG") youth (and their friends).
Our youth ministry provides concrete ways for teens to grow as human persons' test and stretch their understanding of 'who they are' while deepening their faith. We encourage and nurture their participation in the larger life of the parish. A major focus of the program is the facilitation of ongoing groups for both junior high ("byg") and senior high ("BYG") youth (and their friends).
byg/BYG
Bellarmine's Youth Group for junior high and high school teens is called little byg and big BYG (pronounced "big"). Gatherings include:
These topics/issues discuss our light of Scripture and Catholic faith tradition. We have dedicated volunteers who help lead small group discussions, debates, faith, and story sharing. We use the Ignatian pedagogical paradigm, based on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, taking a holistic view of the person and the world; to accompany the youth in their growth and development. We use a combination of experience, reflection, and action to move beyond rote knowledge to the questioning and development of one's conscience. The goal is not to end in personal satisfaction but rather to encourage decision and commitment for the magis- the better service of God and our brothers and sisters.
Our byg and big BYG typically meets on Sundays, 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. on Xavier University's campus. We occasionally meet off-campus for events such as service projects and retreats.
Completing this form is required for all youth who participate in our youth ministry programs. A new form must be completed each year.
- A shared meal
- A community-building game or activity
- An issue/topic important to the teens
- Discussion around its effect in their everyday lives
- Prayer
These topics/issues discuss our light of Scripture and Catholic faith tradition. We have dedicated volunteers who help lead small group discussions, debates, faith, and story sharing. We use the Ignatian pedagogical paradigm, based on the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, taking a holistic view of the person and the world; to accompany the youth in their growth and development. We use a combination of experience, reflection, and action to move beyond rote knowledge to the questioning and development of one's conscience. The goal is not to end in personal satisfaction but rather to encourage decision and commitment for the magis- the better service of God and our brothers and sisters.
Our byg and big BYG typically meets on Sundays, 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. on Xavier University's campus. We occasionally meet off-campus for events such as service projects and retreats.
Completing this form is required for all youth who participate in our youth ministry programs. A new form must be completed each year.
Summer Immersion Experience
Every year our big BYG students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture. This cultural immersion experience teaches them more about human dignity, solidarity, social justice, and more, and gives them an opportunity to offer their time and talents in service to others.
This year’s immersion experience runs from June 19, 2022 through June 24, 2022 in Wheeling, West Virginia and is led by the Appalachian Institute at Wheeling University. By participating in this immersion program, students will learn about the effects of coal mining on the environment and on the local communities, and the importance of community gardens to combat food insecurity. Those attending must complete this registration form for Bellarmine Chapel and this liability waiver for the Appalachian Institute.
This year’s immersion experience runs from June 19, 2022 through June 24, 2022 in Wheeling, West Virginia and is led by the Appalachian Institute at Wheeling University. By participating in this immersion program, students will learn about the effects of coal mining on the environment and on the local communities, and the importance of community gardens to combat food insecurity. Those attending must complete this registration form for Bellarmine Chapel and this liability waiver for the Appalachian Institute.
Adult Volunteers
Adult volunteers are an essential life-giving component of youth ministry, along with the teens and parish staff. Volunteers may offer long-term assistance, like regular participation/facilitation in weekly meetings. Volunteers may provide short-term help such as assistance with a service project, sharing expertise as a guest presenter, driving for specific events, or helping with administrative tasks.
We look for volunteers passionate about working with or on behalf of our youth. Volunteers are mentors and role models, who listen to our young people, call forth their gifts, and journey alongside them in their faith development. We have adult volunteers of all ages and from walks of life: Xavier students, young professionals, teachers, parents, couples.
If you have a passion for youth and would like to be a part of our amazing team of volunteers, please contact our Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
We look for volunteers passionate about working with or on behalf of our youth. Volunteers are mentors and role models, who listen to our young people, call forth their gifts, and journey alongside them in their faith development. We have adult volunteers of all ages and from walks of life: Xavier students, young professionals, teachers, parents, couples.
If you have a passion for youth and would like to be a part of our amazing team of volunteers, please contact our Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.