Teen Advisory  Board:  Our Teen Advisory Board  meets on specific Saturdays throughout the year.  Confirmed teens are invited to help us shape the future of Youth Ministry at St. E’s. Please keep this amazing group of teen leaders in your prayers, as they work together to write a new chapter in SPARK Teen Ministry! If you are a confirmed high school or college student and would like to serve on the board, please contact Corinne Kilkeary.

Peer Leaders, expand your leadership role in the parish by serving as Teen Leaders in our monthly events. This will be a great opportunity to continue to build your leadership skills, grow your faith, and make a difference!

Adults, SPARK Teen Ministry depends upon your partnership! If you would like to join our adult volunteer/mentor team, please contact Corinne Kilkeary or Shannon Jones for more details.

Set out on the journey by contacting
Corinne Kilkeary at [email protected] 

December 2023

Hello, SPARK Friends and Families,

Advent is upon us!  Over the next 4 weeks, we will hear familiar songs and watch favorite movies.  Our Joy over the birth of Jesus sometimes gets overshadowed by these things.  Remember to give yourself time, a peaceful moment each day to reflect on the greatest gift ever given and be grateful for the love our heavenly Father bestows on us.  Keep an eye out in your in box for a special weekly Advent Reflection series from Ascension.  I look forward to our journey together! 

Below we have several great opportunities to share the joy in our hearts with others this Advent Season!  

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Annual Toy Drive,  December 2/3 and 9/10 after ALL Masses 

Please help us bring the blessings of Christmas to children less fortunate.  Our Annual Toy Drive will be held during the weekends of December 2/3 and 9/10, 2023.  All toys collected will be donated to the Catholic Family & Community Services Christmas Blessings Project run by the Catholic Charities of Paterson. We are in need of SPARK Teens to help collect and bag up the toys before and after masses during those weekends.  
Please see the sign-up below to choose the mass you desire.  When you sign up, you are agreeing to arrive to mass 15 min early to collect toys in the parking lot at the designated drop off van.  Toys may be put in bags provided and placed in the back of the van.  Then attend mass and pray for the children who will be receiving the toys. During the final announcements, kindly return to the parking lot for 10-15 minutes more to collect up any other donations as needed.  Blessings to you for sharing your time, talent, and treasure to help these children have a merrier Christmas.   Please Click here to help with the Toy Drive!

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Calling Teen Mass Ministers!  December 9, 2023 5pm

Our Teen Mass will take place on December 9, 2022 at 5pm.  We will joyously celebrate the birth of our Savior in prayer, song and hospitality at our mass.  Let us share with each other and with our congregation amazing worship led by our SPARK Teens.  You make the hearts of our congregation fill with joy and love when you share your time and talents serving in our Teen Mass Ministries.  We always welcome new and seasoned lectors, singers/musicians, ushers, altar servers, and gift bearers.

If the Holy Spirit is nudging you towards participating but you still are not sure? Contact me for some encouragement!  We have seasoned Teen Ministers willing to guide you!  
 
Please click here for the chance to celebrate!

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Share a Cup of Christmas Cheer, 12/9/2023 @3:30pm

All are invited to "Share a Cup of Christmas Cheer" with our friends at the Mount Olive Manor.  We will gather in the Community room on December 9, 2023 @3:30pm to fill festive holiday mugs with individually wrapped candies, to share with our Senior friends who may be feeling a bit lonely this time of year.  Just think of the warmth your kindness will bring to them!  Sign-up below to donate mugs, candy, gift bags, then join us to put it all together!

We're aiming to donate 110 candy filled mugs.  Thank you, as always, for your kindness and generosity!  
Please click the here to spread cheer!

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Deliver Cups of Christmas Cheer, 12/15/2023 @3:15pm

One of the first times we will be returning to Mt. Olive Manor!  Join us as we personally deliver smiles, cheer and God's love to the Seniors.  We will meet at Mt. Olive Manor on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 3:15pm, to deliver our mugs of cheer in person.  Santa hats and ugly sweaters are welcome!!!

Click here to help deliver mugs of cheer! 

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A call for Christmas Ushers!

Each Christmas, Gerry Carlton, our head Minister of Hospitality, calls upon SPARK Teens to help usher at the Christmas Eve and Day Masses.  These Masses are popular and well attended.  The ushers truly appreciate and enjoy having the extra help of our wonderful teens!  This is a perfect opportunity to share the skills you have learned during the Teen Masses!

There are several spots available.   Thank you so much for the gift of your time and talents in this extra ministry opportunity!  You will help to make the celebration of Christmas at our church even more special!  We ask that you please arrive 20-30 minutes before the beginning of mass to meet the other ushers and have plenty of time to ask questions and get oriented.  Thank you for the generous gift of your time!
Please click here to explore all the possibilities!

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Nearly 90 packs of Food were donated to El Mundo de Colores and 330 coats were shared with cold neighbors through the Jersey Cares Coat Drive.  Your actions make a difference in the live of others.  Together we make the Kingdom come! May you be blessed in your service, with the grace of God!  Thank you for your example of discipleship!
Peace and Joy,
Corinne

Corinne Kilkeary
Youth Minister
[email protected]
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+ If you would like to participate in the Teen Advent Reflection Ministry, Please Click here for more information!!