St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
Teen Ministry Handbook
www.parishesonline.com/seasthreebridges
SEAS Teen Ministry
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
105 Summer Road
Three Bridges, NJ 08887
(908) 782-1475
www.parishesonline.com/seasthreebridges
Pastor: Reverend Thomas J. Serafin
Coordinator of Teen Ministry Program:
Diane Luceri
(908)782-1475 X 24
dluceri@easeton.net
Teen Ministry Advisors:
Charlie Ferrari
Margie Kolatac
John Lybarger
Kristin Poroski
SEAS Teen Ministry
Mission Statement
SEAS Teen Ministry helps teens develop a personal relationship with Christ, promotes a life of service to Christ in the Church and community, and provides a place for SEAS teens to socialize with each other.
My dear young people of SEAS Church,
When I was confirmed in 1969, I was in fifth grade; my parish had no Youth Group or activities for young people. I went with my high school friends to a Methodist Church for teen ministry: we visited nursing homes and shut-ins, did community service projects, had an annual retreat, played sports and games, went to movies [there were no VCR’s or DVD’s in those days!] and had bible discussions. Some of my Protestant friends joined me for Saturday night Mass, and I attended their monthly Sunday Worship service but only as a spectator. It was a great group of high school students, and we did great things – but there was no Mass, no Eucharist, nothing Catholic.
How fortunate you are to be a Catholic parish with a great Teen Ministry program! Our teens join in the activities every youth group does, and occasionally assist at the 11:30 Mass and other special services throughout the year. A few members even got to see Pope Benedict at the Youth Rally in NY during his recent pilgrimage to our country.
Perhaps most important is how the members of our Teen Ministry help and encourage each other in living out their Catholic Faith. This is so important in a world that tempts us to stray from the Way Jesus gave us. So many young people get into trouble because they cannot resist the unchristian influences that beset them on all sides: sex, drugs, alcohol, and other dangers. But it does not have to be that way with you!
I strongly urge you to join our SEAS Teen Ministry program after Confirmation so you can strengthen your Faith! By making weekly Mass and our Teen Ministry a part of your life, you will give yourself a great gift as you embark on the exciting journey of your high school years.
Please accept my prayerful congratulations on your Confirmation. I hope you remain an active member of our great parish community through our Teen Ministry program!
Peace, FT [Father Tom]
Dear Parents and Teens,
Becoming the coordinator of youth ministry at
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is something I had never imagined myself doing. But after two years in this ministry, I have come to realize it is exactly God’s plan for me.
The high school students of SEAS are an important part of the parish community and it is essential that they realize this. With the extremely active lives that teens lead these days, it is easy for God to get lost in the shuffle. At SEAS Teen Ministry, we believe that all teens have the desire to know Christ. We exist to provide opportunities for teens to develop a personal relationship with Christ and to promote a life of service in the Church and community. Teen Ministry provides a place for teens to grow in their faith along with their fellow teens.
Parents, you are your teen’s primary teacher of our Catholic faith. We are here to support you in these efforts. We encourage you to get involved in our service projects and community outreach programs that do not require long term or regular commitments.
Teens, the high school years present many challenges and opportunities. It is a time when your faith is more important than ever, but often gets neglected in the craziness of life. We are here to encourage you as you develop in your faith and come to realize God’s plan for you.
As we begin this ministry together, please pray for us as we are praying for you.
In Christ’s Peace,
Diane Luceri
SEAS Teen Ministry
Members are committed to taking ownership of their faith and to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus by responding to his love and call to serve others. Members take a leadership role in the parish by serving in a liturgical ministry and at parish events. Members give service in various community events. Open to all high school students (grades 9-12) of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
Confirmation Prep Team
In this ministry, teens help the parish’s Confirmation candidates prepare to become full members of the Church in SEAS Teen Ministry. Confirmation Prep Team Members lead group sessions with Confirmation candidates on a monthly basis and take an active role in the Confirmation retreat by leading groups and prayer services and by giving presentations. Must be an active member of SEAS Teen Ministry.
VBS Teen Group
Members lead parish kids through the week long summer Vacation Bible School program at SEAS. Teens can serve by teaching or aiding in classrooms, leading recreational activities, crafts, games, snacks, writing and/or performing in skits, planning decorations, babysitting children of volunteers, leading middle school students in camp service project. Open to all high school students (grades 9-12) of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
SEAS Teen Ministry Schedule
SEAS Teen Ministry meets monthly (usually the second Sunday of the month) starting with the 11:30 AM Mass. In addition, service and social events are planned throughout the year.
September Parish picnic
October Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen
Seton Sunday
Book drive for the needy
November Coat drive
Trip to deliver books &
Dave & Busters
December Breakfast with Santa & Babysitting
January Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen
Volleyball
February Ski Trip
March Stations of the Cross
April Easter Egg Hunt
Confirmation Retreat
May Great Adventure
June Vacation Bible School
August Dorney Park
SEAS Teen Ministry
Where teens take the lead
in their faith formation
