Middle School Comprehensive Youth Ministry: Solid Spirit

Welcome to our Solid Spirit Middle School Program
 Important Forms, Calendars, and other Documents can be downloaded at the top of this page.

For more information, contact:

Audrey C. Higgins, M.A.
Director of Middle School Youth Ministry

Direct Line: 512-600-8174
ahiggins@saintwilliams.org                      

Dear Solid Spirit parents and youth:
 

My name is Audrey Higgins. I am so pleased to have you with our program this year. I truly feel that God has called each and every one of you to be with us and that He has a special plan for all of us who have answered the call to be a part of this unique journey in furthering our relationship with Christ in the Church. Thank you for making this important choice to say “yes” to our comprehensive, catechesis inclusive youth ministry program at St. William Catholic Church during these transitioning years of middle school. We are blessed to have you and your family participating in our program.

As I begin my fourth year directing our middle school program, I wanted to share with you the Solid Spirit Mission Statement and Goals for the Year. By meeting these goals and following this mission, I plan for us to have a wonderful, beautiful year that truly impacts our student’s lives and hearts.

SOLID SPIRIT 2011-2012 MISSION STATEMENT

The St. William Catholic Church Solid Spirit Middle School Program serves as the youth ministry program which includes catechetical faith formation for our parish youth in sixth through eighth grade in addition to their formation at home and in school. Through catechetical, spiritual, social, service and ministerial opportunities our goal is to help our youth develop their relationship with God by coming to a better understanding of themselves and the Catholic Faith. In partnership together, parents, priests, religious, catechists and volunteers help to achieve a program that:

• Nourishes the educational, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of young people.
• Encourages youth to become responsible members in their faith community and challenges them to share their gifts with others.
• Provides the proper tools and information for youth to live out their faith in all areas of their lives.
• Fosters Catholic friendships within the youth.
• Provides opportunities for youth to participate in serving others.
• Educates them in important issues pertinent to their stage of life and to give them a Catholic understanding of Church teaching and application.
• Provides tools to help them to be prepared for challenges that will come during middle school and later in high school.
• Intends to help students to commit to a Catholic, holy lifestyle that they can continue through adulthood.

SOLID SPIRIT 2011-2012 GOALS

For Parents and Volunteers

As our program grows, our need for volunteer involvement also increases.A successful middle school program needs a great team of volunteers to help lead, organize, and participate in events. This will help the entire middle school program and ensure that all of our events and classes run smoothly and efficiently. Please contact me if you are interested in helping our program.

For Students

Our program intends to accomplish the following for our students:

* To be knowledgeable in the material covered for their grade level in their catechetical instruction.

* To have strong participation in youth events and retreats.

* To participate in adoration of our Lord in the Eucharist.

* To have a strong understanding of Mary the Rosary.

* To understand and appreciate the dignity of human life and have compassion for the unborn.

* To have active participation in Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation .

* To have a love and understanding for the virtue of Chastity.

Ultimately, our program seeks to have our students be prepared to make the right moral decisions during their life. We wish for them to have a deep understanding of the Catholic Faith, a desire and ablility to talk about God, and an excitement to participate in Church activities.

The Importance of a Parent’s Role in Catechesis

No one is more important than parents in passing on to their children the priceless gift of faith. The parish family assists, but cannot replace the vital role and example of the parents. The Saint William Solid Spirit program cannot function without the help and commitment of the parents. Thank you for allowing us to assist you with the formation of your children’s spiritual growth and for committing to continue to teach them to live out their faith at home.
 
Parents are asked to please teach their children to pray and to know the Commandments. Please practice as a family the prayers of our Catholic Faith and bring your children to Mass regularly on Sundays or Saturday nights. Famlies are also encouraged to go to confession frequently. These sacraments will help everyone enrich their prayer lives and enhance their faith life. The habits adolescents form now will reflect the choices they make for the rest of their lives.

Ultimately, appropriate student behavior is the responsibility of parents and students.

Thank you so much for choosing to participate in our Solid Spirit program. I am truly blessed to have you and pray that God will bless your families with great joy.

God bless,

Audrey Higgins, M.A. Theology and Christian Ministry
Director of Middle School Youth Ministry

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to thy word. (Luke 1:38)