Youth Activities Programs
Proposed Calendar and Tentative Plan for 2025
On April 13, Palm Sunday, at 3:00 pm the St. Columba Youth Group under the direction of Sister Suzanne will offer the Stations of the Cross based on the teachings of Pope Francis in St. Columba Church. It is a mistake to see the Stations as events that happened only to Jesus 2000 years ago. For the truth is that the Stations are happening today whenever and wherever innocent people suffer. For example, the child being bullied on the playground, the elderly couple unable to fend for themselves, the family denied fair housing, the children orphaned by war, the civilians maimed and killed by bombs, our planet being destroyed by our lack of stewardship. Our young people will offer us a lesson dressed in the tee shirts that give witness to this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope. They will enact the Stations with the use of the Smart Board, slides, music and drama to bring Pope Francis’ words to life.
We invite you to participate in this 45 mins. rendition that will open you to the plight of the poor and the care of our home–our planet , Earth. We will ask for a free will offering for Catholic Relief Services that we hope will alleviate some of the suffering around the world.
Following the Stations we will gather in the cafeteria for pizza and refreshments as one human family to enjoy the community of us all being together. Please honor us with your presence.
A New Program at Saint Columba!
Kids Peace Club –Grades K-6
What? A monthly gathering of children
When? Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30pm
Where? St. Columba’s cafeteria, gym and art room
How? Mindfulness, Games, Stories, Movement, Art, Drama, Food and Fun
Why? Jesus calls us together to be a community of peace builders and parents need a date night
How? Registration is necessary but the CYE registration form will qualify. Attendance each month must be made by Tuesday before each event to Sr. Suzanne. Suggested donation is $5.00 for each event, but scholarships are available. Sister Suzanne will lead with supervising adults and Youth Group volunteers.
The Kids Peace Club has been blessed this year with the Youth Group joining them in being their guides and leaders. I have new opportunities for both groups as they band together in the spirit of community.
Einstein said,” If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” I, for one, believe fairytales spark imagination, help children develop a broader understanding of the world and its possibilities, which can lead to more creative and innovative thinking. Fairytales are not only for children but for all of us. Therefore I invite both groups to:
Palm Sunday, April 13, at 3:00pm at St. Columba Church, for The Stations of the Cross for Young People coordinated by the Youth Group followed by a pizza party in the cafeteria for all attendees. These Stations are very appropriate for children with my use of the Smart Board in front of the altar and the way the teens will do the enactment. The children will be dazzled at being a part of such an experience as they watch the teens tell the story of Jesus with the slides from around the world. The main thrust of these Stations is the care of our planet Earth. Parents need to bring their children and stay with them during this dynamic presentation as we begin Holy Week.
Wednesday, April 16, at 5:00pm at AMC Bloomsburg theater for the King of Kings (1 hr. 40 min.) from Angel Studios. The group needs to assemble at 4:45 for parents to buy the ticket and children to find the teen they are assigned to sit with. I will be coordinating all these events with some Sisters. Pick up is at 6:45pm.
Please consider bringing your child for Kids Peace Club (Kdgn. through Gr. 5 ) and Youth Group member (Gr. 6 through 11) to these events. I hope you would put these dates on your calendar and let me know now if your child or teen will attend.
April 25 and May 16, in cafeteria, 5:30-7:30 pm
Youth Group – Grades 6 – 12
What? Come together for fun, faith, food and friendship by exploring the world of your creativity!
When? Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Where? Cafeteria, Kitchen, Gym and away.
How? Sister Suzanne will have special guests to teach and provide many opportunities for this year’s explorations and fun! Mr. Ed Dilg and Ms. Rita Millard will offer their special talents among others.
On April 13, Palm Sunday at 3:00 we will lead a contemporary version of the Stations of the Cross for the parish. A pizza party for the youth group, their parents and guests follows. Arrival that day needs to be at 2:30.
On May 4 from 4:00 to 5:30 we will go to Hunter’s for group relay games, volleyball and board games with a selection of food as well as ice cream.
On May 18 at 3:00 at our Basilica, which Bishop Senior has asked to be a pilgrimage site during the Holy Year, our Sister Debbie will give a tour of the Basilica for the Youth Group and parents. She will make it very contemporary and fascinating. Refreshments will follow. The Youth Group will receive a special badge for attending.
On June 8 from 4:00 to 5:30 we will have some kind of celebration for the end of the school year with a party.
On July 12 our SSCM Sisters have our Summer Festival on our grounds from 10:30 to 4:30. I will be asking for help from the Youth Group to coordinate the children’s games with me.
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