About

Catholic Crew Youth Group

The Catholic Crew Youth Group exists to offer high school youth and graduates opportunities to enter into a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to continue their education in the teachings of His Church in fidelity to the Magisterium, and to offer opportunities to serve His Church and the community.

The ‘Crew’ is open to any youth/young adults who are entering the 9th grade and beyond. We are a family combined from Ss. Peter and Paul and Mother of Perpetual Help Parishes. Currently, our youth represent a number of local Catholic and public high schools. We also have high school graduates who have continued on with us using the knowledge and skills they have learned to help guide those who are younger.

During the school year the Catholic Crew meets weekly, generally on Sunday evenings from 6-8 pm, at Morris Hall at Ss. Peter and Paul.  In addition to our weekly meetings we also offer a variety of retreats and other activities to enhance the faith life of those involved.

During the summer we meet for specific retreats, Catholic youth conferences and occasional team building activities.

The Catholic Crew is self-funded and conducts several fundraisers throughout the year to finance their activities.

For more information contact: Missy Mark at 345-5824 or 530-5730

SAMPLE OF CATHOLIC CREW ACTIVITIES

RETREATS

The Matthew 25 Retreat
The Matthew 25 Retreat was established to help bring an awareness to the youth of the treatment of the unborn and the poor in our communities and our world. This retreat includes a ‘Cardboard City’ experience where the participants spend the night sleeping in cardboard boxes and is planned for the same weekend as the Pro-Life Mass sponsored by the Diocese.

The Timothy Retreat
Based on 1 Timothy  4:12, this retreat is led by the High School and College youth for 6th-8th graders. This is a one-night overnight retreat during which the participants are presented with personal faith testimonies from the high school/college youth. They participate in corresponding activities and are given the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass.

Theology of the Body for Teens Retreat
Theology of the Body for Teens presents the two hottest topics on the planet—God and sex—and “marries” them through Blessed John Paul II’s compelling vision for love and life.

Using a great mix of stories, real-life examples, activities, prayers, and references to the culture that teens understand, TOB for Teens answers the questions teens have about their own bodies, issues on sexual morality and how they were uniquely created for greatness.

This retreat is open to 8th-12th graders.

Paschal Mystery Retreat
This is an overnight retreat beginning with Mass on Holy Thursday evening. This retreat generally includes Adoration, prayer at the abortion mill, viewing of “The Passion of the Christ” movie, and veneration of the Cross. It is a time of fasting until we conclude with dinner together before leaving.

Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI)
CLI is a six day leadership retreat sponsored by the Diocese of Springfield. This experience teaches the participants leadership, communication and planning skills all within the context of establishing a deep relationship with Christ as the ultimate leader.  The students are encouraged to return to their parishes with a plan to engage in and to take a leadership role in their youth ministry programs and the parish at large.

CLI is open to incoming high school freshman through seniors. CLI graduates are eligible to apply to be a Team member for subsequent CLI retreats.

Theology for Teens (TFT) formerly known as ACT (Advanced Catholic Training)
TFT is a 5 day retreat which focuses on a deeper knowledge and understanding of  Church teaching and is taught mainly by priests and religious.  The four subjects covered are: the Creed, the Sacraments, Morality and Scripture.

TFT is generally the follow-up to CLI but is open to all graduates of the 9th grade and above.

Ignite Your Torch Catholic Youth Conference
IYT  is a Pro-Life Eucharistic centered youth conference held in Springfield, KY. It is sponsored by the St. Martin de Porres lay Domincan Community and Catholics United for Life.

FUNDRAISERS

Italian Fest Parking Lot Fundraiser
Each year during Collinsville’s Italian Fest the youth conduct a fundraiser by selling parking places in the Church/school parking lots.

Christmas Greenery
Christmas wreaths are sold annually in the fall and are delivered around Thanksgiving. They may be ordered after Masses or directly from a Catholic Crew member.

Pancake Breakfast
A pancake breakfast is held, usually, in the fall.

PRO-LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

Pro-Life Mass and Prayer Vigil
The Diocese hosts a Pro Life Mass and prayer vigil at the abortion clinic in Granite City each year in the fall. The youth are encouraged to attend.

Prayer at the abortion clinic
During the school year the youth are encouraged to join together with the youth leaders to pray for 2 hours, one Saturday a month, at the abortion clinic in Granite City.

March for Life, Washington, D.C.
The High School youth are invited to travel by bus with others from across the Springfield diocese to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C.  We are generally in D.C. for three days where we attend the Pro-Life Vigil Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, tour the monuments/museums and participate in the March for Life. This is an excused school absence.

FAITH-KNOWLEDGE-BUILDING ACTIVITIES

Listed below are just a few of the activities we currently do or have done:

Listed below are just a few of the activities we currently do or have done:

Theology of the Body for Teens Study-completed but Retreats ongoing

Stump the Seminarian-local Seminarians are invited to come and share their vocation story. A faith related Question & Answer session follows.

Journey to Bethlehem is a live reenactment of the true story and meaning of Christmas. Harvester Christian Church, in St. Charles, MO has presented Journey to Bethlehem to the community since 1992.You will experience what it was like to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, encountering Roman guards, wise men, shepherds, angels, the markets in Bethlehem, and the Christ child lying in a manger.
An annual event, usually the second Sunday in December and a Catholic Crew favorite!

Youth Day at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a high-energy gathering of young people brought together to celebrate the gifts of youth and the Catholic faith. The Eucharist is the focus of this celebration with the theme stemming from the readings of the day. Youth Day exists to inspire and evangelize youth . . . to celebrate and send them forth on their faith journey.

Living Stations of the Cross is a representation, by members of the Catholic Crew, of the Stations through the eyes of our Blessed Mother.  Presented annually at Ss. Peter and Paul and Mother of Perpetual Help parishes.

T3 Timeline Bible Study-completed

Contact:    Missy Mark – 345-5824