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St. Michael’s /Holy Spirit CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) is Youth Ministry based. This means our teens hold leadership positions and have a hand in running all of our activities. No activity is run solely by adults. By this, we give our teens every opportunity to grow in personal development as well as in Faith.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, instead set an example for the believers in Speech, in Actions, in Love, in Faith and in Purity.”
– 1 Timothy 4:12
Holistic Approach
The approach to our Youth Ministry is Holistic. By this we try to plan activities throughout the year that meet the Spiritual, Individual, Community, Family and Social needs of all young Christians. We also try to encourage a better understanding of our Catholic Faith and Traditions, as well as offer opportunities for Christian Service and Outreach.
Goals
The goals of our group are to educate our teens in their faith and to supply them with the tools needed to live a positive Christian lifestyle. We also want them to be vital and active members of the Church and local communities.
Our other major goal is to teach our teens to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. We want them to learn to take responsibility for the group as well as their own personal actions
Membership
Our programs involve over 200 teens throughout the year. Our members come from Union High as well as the many Private and Catholic High Schools in the area. All High School students from any school are always welcome.
Topic Nights
CYO meets every Tuesday night throughout the school year for topic nights. Our meetings run from 7:00-8:30 pm in the St. Michael’s Parish Hall. Each topic night has a different theme that has to do with our Faith in Jesus, the world we live in, and the struggles of being a teenager today. We cover such important issues as our Catholic Traditions, Positive Self Image, Positive Relationships, Forgiveness, Sexuality, Respect, Substance Abuse, Peer Relationships, Family and much more. We also have Guest Speakers, films and other activities.
Service Projects
Each month we offer a variety of service projects which include volunteering at the Nursing Home, Quadriplegic Center, Disabled Children Center, Homeless Shelter and more. These activities are done on Thursday evenings and weekends. Through the year we also fund raise (Charity Basketball Games) for local charities and people in need.
Youth Leadership
Our group is run by a Core-Team of elected officers. Our leaders receive Leadership Training as well as attend monthly planning meetings. All of our activities are designed with the involvement and talents of our Core Team members. They work very hard and put in many hours into making our group what it is. We also have a team of Young Adults and College Students who help out regularly.
Social Activities
Many positive social activities are offered every year at CYO. Medieval Times, 6 Flags/Great Adventure, Christmas Dinner Dance, Ski Trip, Concerts, Talent Show, Halloween Party & Charity Basketball are just a few to be named.
Members Welcome
All teens are welcome to join our group. Members are also encouraged to bring their friends.
The involvement of parents is always encouraged and appreciated.
Follow us on Instagram at cyounion for current information and pictures: St. Michael’s/Holy Spirit CYO/Youth Ministry
Vacation Bible School
Come One, Come All
Vacation Bible School is run for one week every summer and our program is for children ages 4 to 6th grade.
Our week includes Bible Stories, Prayer, Arts & Crafts, Snacks, Playground time, Music, Movies, and much, much more!
Groups are run by the teen members of our CYO/Youth Ministry Program.
This is a Kid-Friendly, Spiritual and Fun week not to be missed.
Dates and registration forms are available in the Spring.
Call the Parish Center 908-688-1232 for further information.
Events
DEDICATION OF
PHIL MATRALE
HALL
Sunday, June 21, 2021
Vacation Bible School
(2019)
Over sixty children attended Vacation Bible School. It was two weeks filled with bible stories, prayer, arts and crafts, music, movies, and much more. These were created by the children and CYO helpers. The names of the children and special helpers are on the leaves and petals.
CYO Retreat
November 18, 2018
"You Are God's Masterpiece" Retreat
Join us in welcoming our CYO members from their retreat.
A big thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this retreat.
Message from Msgr. Anselm