Have y’all HERD about Jesus The Good Shepherd Youth Group?

Hillary Sirmon

Youth Ministry is Moving in Monroe!

“Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the LORD has dawned upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

About a year ago, I realized the youth community needed a booster of its own following the pains of the pandemic. During a conversation at a retreat last year, a priest was discussing the impact of COVID and social distancing on our young people. When I also expressed my concerns, he looked at me and said something like, “Well, what are you going to do about it?” Those words stuck with me like gum to a shoe. I just couldn’t shake it. In fact, I realized there were many in our church who couldn’t shake it. Since then, with the support of our priest, community and youth, the Jesus The Good Shepherd Church Youth Group is back and building every day. The lives of our children are flooded with the ways of the world. Now, more than ever, they need to be filled with the ways of the WORD OF GOD. We held the first youth Mass on May 1st. It was full of youth group members and Confirmation candidates. Our young people read scripture, led the music, brought the gifts, and served as ushers. It was inspiring to see the next generation of faithful participants in action. Their presence gives us hope and is a beautiful sign of the future of the Body of Christ. Since that day, the youth group has PRAYED together, PLAYED together, and PLEDGED their time to volunteering. In May, they led the most beautiful afternoon Luminary Rosary for the congregation. They worked together to build the rosary, then led the church in prayers and song. In June, there were Bayou Bash celebrations for our youth. One was held for high school students and the other for junior high. The gatherings were full of fun with swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The events culminated with a bonfire and fireside discussion. We talked and prayed about filling our hearts and minds with God’s words and not the words of the world. Our JGS Youth Group is packed with outstanding teens. The love in their hearts shines brightest when they volunteer. Many have spent their Saturday mornings helping to package food for “Meals on Wheels.” This past month, they assisted with Vacation Bible School and they totally ROCKED! Our teens have accomplished so much! We’re only a few months into the revitalization process, and this is only the beginning. Many members of the JGS Youth group are just returning from Steubenville South. They are full of the Holy Spirit, and ready to share their gifts and faith with their church family.