Our mission in Life Teen is to lead teens closer to Christ. We are encouraging Catholic adults to respond to their baptismal call and serve our teens as Core members.
Very simply, a Core member's job is to share Jesus Christ with teens. You don't have to be an expert on Scripture and you don't need to have a theology degree. Your responsibility is to love teens and show them that they are loved by God.
If you would like some more information about Core or if you are interested in joining, fill out the form below or please email Nicole Olea at youthminister@sjvchurch.net
FAQ
What is a Core member?
For Edge, Life Teen and PURPOSE Confirmation our Core members are the adult volunteers who lead our middle and high school youth. We ask our Core to dive in completely each Life Night.
How much of a time commitment is it to be a Core member?
Well that depends. No amount of time is too small or too great.
We have opportunites to assisit with PURPOSE Confirmation which meets Wednesday nights from 7-8:30 (we ask our Core Team to arrive about a half hour before sessions begin.)
EDGE Middle School Meets Wednesday nights from 6:30-8PM in the Summer months and on Thursdays during the school year TENTATIVELY from 7-8:30PM.
LIFE TEEN - Currently In Active.
What does a Life Night look like?
We begom bu gathering in the Teen Center. Next, we move into worship, the teaching for the night, and small group discussion where teens discuss how the topic of the night applies to their lives. Lastly, we gather together to close the night in prayer. Somewhere in there we play some games, listen to some tunes and have a great time!
Do I teach or write lesson plans?
Only if you are called to. The talks are given by the youth minister or a guest speaker. Your responsibility is to guide conversation afterward in your small group. All small group questions are provided ahead of time.
Do I need to like teens?
Nope, and we will teach you how to love them!
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, in order to volunteer as a Core member you must be 21 years old. Peer minsisters can begin after highschool graduation.
Do I need to have a background check?
Yes. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington requires all of our adult volunteers who volunteer with youth to have a current background check on file (they are good for five years). The Archdiocese also requires VIRTUS training to be completed (which is also good for five years). Contact Kim Stack with questions about Virtus training or background checks at ccd@sjvchurch.net
How long is the commitment?
We ask all of our Core members to commit to the entire school year for consistencey. Of course, you can join later on in the year as long as you can commit to the remainder of the year!
How much do I need to know in the way of Scripture, theology, etc.?
You don't need to come in with any prior knowledge. We will teach you everything that you need to know. All you NEED is a heart that longs to accompany our middle schoolers and highschool teens on their faith journey.
How do you balance this job with the rest of your life?
We have about one Core meeting a month on top of Life Nights. A schedule that goes out several months to help you plan.