St. Christopher Parish Youth Ministry

Your generosity WILL HELP TEENS GROW AS YOUNG DISCIPLES!

With your donation, you will help students of J+Walkers Youth Ministry play, pray, learn and grow as they experience the profound love of Jesus Christ.

J+Walkers Youth Ministry was established in the summer of 2022 by teens, for teens. Our group has quickly grown and actively rosters over forty students in our parish. Through our #WeGiveCatholic campaign this year we hope to raise funds that allow us to expand our programming, sharing the foundational aspects of faith and community that make us the amazing group of teens that we are!

Our mission statement (written by teens): "As a community of engaged and enthusiastic teens, we are determined to be disciples of Christ as we play, pray, learn and grow together. Using our gifts, we will serve our parish and local community for the benefit of our neighbor. We are committed to conducting our lives as people of faith through invitation and participation."

You can learn more about our group's mission, logo and activities by visiting our webpage: stchrisparish.com/jwalkers

Our goal is to raise $25,000 to provide new programming that meets our group mission:

1. Subsidize a three-year retreat program for both middle school and high school students (60%). Our 2023 summer retreat was a massive hit among our teens. Additional retreat opportunities will provide them with unique opportunities to encounter their faith and relationships with others. Retreats are often a time of revelation for our young people as they form their relationship with Christ. This three-year program will feature extended retreat opportunities specifically for middle school and high school students.
2. Fund service opportunities in our local community (20%). Exposing students to acts of charity and compassion is fundamental to their Christian formation. These funds will allow us to complete service opportunities for organizations that need our help right here in NE Ohio. Our first project will involve the building of "blessing bags" for homeless individuals in Cuyahoga County with the non-profit Little Annie's Hope Train. These opportunities expose our students to the poor and vulnerable within our own community.
3. Institute school outreach programs (20%). Students in our group attend three different middle schools and six different high schools. Building connections with these school communities, both public and Catholic, is vital to introducing new students to our thriving ministry. These events will allow us to connect with campus ministers, as well as students who seek a gentle invitation to considering their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

On Giving Tuesday, we ask the St. Christopher Parish community to consider making a donation to support our mission to grow as faithful disciples of Christ.

Any amount is greatly appreciated and we thank you for supporting the teens of J+Walkers!

"The best thing about J+Walkers is the community. There are so many great people that are in our youth group. The activities we do during meetings are so fun, especially when we have the chance to go offsite. My two favorite activities were our leaf raking fundraiser and our summer retreat. I enjoyed leaf raking because I got to do it with my friends as we raised money for our sweatshirts." - Grant G., 8th Grade

"J+Walkers is a great part of my life! It is a great place to meet new friends and learn about God. During our retreat this summer, I grew closer to God. My favorite part was journaling! Father John came to the retreat and we had Mass outside. Our overnight retreat was a great experience!" - Savannah P., 8th Grade