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TGIF Teens Growing In Faith St. Gilbert Teen MinistrySt. Gilbert Parish kicked-off a new Teen Ministry, Teens Growing In Faith (TGIF), with a Summer Bash on Sunday, August 9th,, 2009 Over 100 teens of high school age attended the Summer Bash which included a cookout, music, games and casual socialization – it was strictly a night of fun.
Teen Ministry News
St. Gilbert Teen Ministry Summer BashFather Sam Mukundi learns how to do the "cha cha" slide with teens at the Summer Bash

The Summer Bash brought awareness to the new contemporary masses that are being offered at St. Gilbert. These masses are specifically geared toward ministering directly to teens and gaining deeper involvement from them in the parish.  
St. Gilbert Teen Ministry Summer BashTeens at St. Gilbert sign in for the TGIF Summer Social Bash on August 9
Beginning September 13th, TGIF began offering contemporary Sunday evening masses twice a month, designed for high school aged teens. The new contemporary mass has a full band and choir that play contemporary Christian music. All participants in the mass including lectors, Eucharistic ministers and ushers are teens. The homilies are based on the readings and gospel, but are geared toward teens and their perspective at this point in their lives. The first two masses (September 13 and September 27) had an attendance of between 200-250 each night.
St. Gilbert Teen Ministry Summer BashTeens pass raw eggs down the line during a fear factor activity on September 13, 2009.
Immediately after each Sunday evening mass, the teens have the opportunity to briefly socialize over snacks. Then, the Teen Life meetings explore difficulties faced by teens in the world today, how to deal with these issues, and how to help one another use faith to guide each other. Over 100 teens stayed for both of these first Teen Life Nights! The Life Teen night explorations feature speakers, videos, events and/or small group activities and discussions.
St. Gilbert Teen Ministry Fear Factor FunAdult teen leader, helps a teen hold a snake during the "Fear Factor" segment of the Life Teen Program.

The first speaker, Joe Raush launched the Teen Life program with a "Fear Factor" theme. Joe explored teens' fear of becoming too involved in their faith and what those fears are. On September 27, Rob Kaczmark, a 26 year old Catholic who has been exposed to the exciting world of the media, explored the idea of "Dying to Fit In". He showed the teens how exciting parts of the world can be, but that we can't lose ourselves while trying to fit in. He reminded them, that when they are in a relationship with God, they are able to experience true peace.

See below for future dates for the Teen Masses and Life Teen Events.

Have you been looking for a teen-oriented way to learn
about and practice your faith?


St. Gilbert Teen Ministry photoSt. Gilbert is starting up a NEW teen ministry especially for those in high school, called TGIF – Teens Growing in Faith.We would love to have you and your high school friends join us in this ministry.

The great news is that we are planning fun events, masses, discussions and socialization that are all geared towardteens in high school. From music to the prayers, it will be presented in a way that teens will appreciate.


Starting Sunday, September 13th, we will be having evening masses twice a month, designed especially for teens. Mass will start at 6pm, followed by great discussions on Teen Life. Of course, food and socialization will be part of the evening events. So, save the dates and invite your friends- all are welcome!

Fr. Sam

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The St. Gilbert Teen Ministry is called TGIF which stands for Teens Growing In Faith.
Printable TGIF Schedule

TGIF logo Teen Ministry St. Gilbert Parish, Grayslake, ILOur mission is to minister to high school aged teens in a way that is relevant to them, and that challenges them to continue to grow in their faith within St. Gilbert Parish.

Our purpose is to gather both in faith and in fun. We do this through teen- based masses twice a month, Life Night meetings that discuss topics that are relevant to teens and through social activities that bring teens together.

Our goal is to include all teens of high school age who are interested in growing in their faith. We hope to increase teens understanding and appreciation of our faith through contemporary music and teen-led prayers and readings. Last, but not least, we want to have fun together.

If you would like to learn more please contact Father Sam at 847-223-4731

Below is a current calendar of events for TGIF:

Printable TGIF Schedule
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday February 14– 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  GET OVER YOURSELF
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday February 28– 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  A PRIEST - IATION
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday March 14– 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  BETWEEN FRIENDS
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday March 28
    No Teen Mass Due to Spring Break
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday April 11 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  DIVINE MERCY
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday April 25 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  EXIT UP AHEAD
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday May 16 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;   Social Night & End of Year Party
 
Previous Events
  • SUMMER BASH 2009 - Sunday August 9 – 6-8:30pm
    The “Bash” begins in the parish center, and will move outdoors for a barbeque, music and fun.  All teens of high school age are welcome.  No registration or cost – just come and have fun.
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday September 13 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic: FEAR FACTOR
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday September 27 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm; topic:  DYING TO FIT IN
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday October 11 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  NOISE
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday October 25 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  The YEAR I HAD NO FRIENDS
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday November 8 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  topic:  TOXIC TEXT
  • Teen Mass and Life Teen Program – Sunday November 22 – 6-8:30
    Contemporary Teen Mass – Church 6-7pm
    Life Teen Program  and Socialization – Teen Center 7-8:30pm;  AWAY IN THE MANGER
  • Christmas Social Event – Sunday December 13 - 6-8:30 pm
    Contemporary Teen Mass - Church 6-7pm

    Socialization and Fun 7-8:30
 
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