Grown Up Soda

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Why bother with youth group?

For most families, the junior high and high school years present the most scheduling difficulties! Yet even in the midst of busyness, our schedules should reflect our life priorities. Being late to the soccer game in order to get the family to Sunday Mass sends the message that no matter what is going on- we must gather to worship and thank the Lord first.

We must prioritize faith formation especially in the early teen years! The Junior High School years tend to be the first stage in our lives that we begin to recognize our faith as personal. Questions begin to arise about God, faith, and spirituality. When we neglect to address these questions as they arise, we miss opportunities for our faith to grow! In fact, research has demonstrated that those who participate in Youth Groups like GUS are more likely to report that faith is important in shaping their everyday life, and less likely to participate in at-risk behaviors such as drinking or doing drugs. (National Study of Youth and Religion, 2004)

At GUS activities, teens are surrounded by caring adults and older teens who take their faith seriously, and are willing to help them as they grow in their faith. Together, we investigate different aspects of living our Catholic faith. Past topics have included- Questioning our Faith, Prayer, Transitioning to High School, the Mass, Body Image, Mary as Our Mother, Friendship, and Resolving Conflict.

Participation in Grown-Up Soda also fosters social development. GUS teens develop friendships with like-minded peers in a community of young people who are striving to follow Christ’s commands to love one another. Teens are able to broaden their social circle while preparing for the social transition to high school.