St. Francis Youth Group: February 2009

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

2009 Lock In UPDATE

"Celebrate Life" Lock-In was a success!

Over 100 middle school students from all over Rochester (and beyond) gathered together for a night of fun on February 20th at St. Francis of Assisi Church. We started out with carnival games in the gym. For each game won the students earned tickets that would later be drawn for prizes!

We enjoyed pizza and then interacted with speaker/musician/youth minister Peter Bierer from Mankato, MN. After our session with Peter we went over to the RAC where there was a large variety of games and activities available: mini golf, DDR, basketball, raquetball, table tennis, etc. There were places to jump, climb, throw balls play air hockey, and on and on! There were so many options it was hard to enjoy EVRYTHING before it was time to head back to church.

There was another meal, a movie and service project after activities at the RAC. We included our theme of Celebrate Life by organizing and decorating "Birthday Boxes" for Channel One. Inside a "Birthday Box" a family would receive a cake mix, frosting, candles, prizes, and decorations. Students gathered all these items together and completed the project by nicely decorating the outside of each box.

Our night (or morning, at this point) ended with drawing tickets for prizes. Students won giftcards to Coldstone Creamery, Burger King, Culver's, Target, i-Tunes and more!

Thank you to all students, parents, and chaperones who helped make this year's lock-in such a success!

Join us for next year's event--it's sure not to disappoint!

St. Francis Softball Team

Softball, anyone?

St. Francis youth group is considering starting a youth softball team this summer. Here are some details:

1) For ages 15 years to graduating seniors

2) Co-ed (both young men and women can play)

3) 14 games May-August on Wednesday Nights

4) Friends are welcome to join the team

5) Cost will depend on number of players ($15-$40)

Is this something you and your friends would be interested in? We need your feedback! Leave a comment to this post (click on the "comments" link below) or cast your vote in our online survey (at the top, right of the blog)

Either way, let us know your thoughts!

Have a better idea for a summertime activity? Feel free to share that as well! Leave your comments on this post!

February Snow Tubing UPDATE

On February 14th the St. Francis youth group joined with Resurrection church for a night of snow tubing and fun! We took a bus from Resurrection Church to Ironwood Springs to enjoy snow tubing, chili and hot chocolate! (It was gooood!)

After that, we attended Mass at Resurrection Church and then ended the night with the movie "Cool Runnings" with assorted snacks and goodies!

We took almost 40 people all together and although the night was cold it was plenty of fun! (And yes, we did have snow! Ironwood Springs makes their own snow!)

Lifeline Feb. 7th UPDATE

What another GREAT trip to Lifeline. The mix of faith and fun can't be beat! Several students have commented, "I can't believe how much fun this is...I should have been going all year long!"

Lifeline trips occur every first Saturday of each month October-May. We board a bus from Holy Spirit Church with high school students from all over Rochester (and beyond!) We travel to the NET Center in West St. Paul where we enjoy live music, Mass, powerful speakers, snacks, dancing, and fun! Afterwards we stop at a local pizza place for a bite to eat before heading back to Rochester. We return to Holy Spirit Church by about Midnight.

Lifeline is a great way to experience lively, Catholic worship with other teens who are excited about and want to be encouraged in their faith. The experience of Catholic Community is amazing!

March 7th is our LAST trip to Lifeline this year. Popple will be putting on a concert and it is sure to be a good time!

If you haven't made it out to a Lifeline trip this year--I encourage you to join us next year. This is a great opportunity, once a month to have fun, be challenged and hang out with other Catholic teens. Join us!