Church of the Holy Family Youth

January's Youth Event (Saturday 1/9)

2010-01-04T20:38:00.002-05:00

Howdy everyone, and Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a great and blessed Christmas and are ready to start a great year of youth events. As you know, our theme for the year has been, "My Place in this World...hearing God's call." This Saturday night (1/9), we'll be building on that theme.

Following our 5:00 Youth Mass, we'll be meeting downstairs for our youth chat entitled: "Married, Single, or the Religious life?" where we will discuss the different types of callings (also known as "vocations") God has for us. During this talk, we'll learn

What are these 3 callings?
Why each is so special?
How to begin listening to which one God is calling you.

After our chat, and by popular demand, we'll be headed over to South Windsor for Monster Mini Golf. We plan to leave around 7:00 and return around 9:30.

Please RSVP ASAP (no later than Thursday) so we can coordinate transportation to ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net. We expect the cost to be approximately $12, but we'll let you know for sure once we have a final head count.

Finaly, as a preview, for the month of February (and in honor of Valentine's Day) our topic for our next month's youth chat will be: "Red Zone/Green Zone: Can I really date someone AND be a Christian?" Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb 13th for a very memorable night!

Hope to see you all this weekend!

The Blind Side

2009-12-05T15:16:00.002-05:00

Following 5:00 Youth Mass on 12/12, we will go see the (almost) new Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw movie, The Blind Side.

Because the movie schedule won't be posted until later in the week, we won't know the exact time until later. However, we are planning to get as close as we can to a 7-8 start time. We'll try for the theaters in Colchester, but will go to Manchester if the offer better times.

We will purchase tickets in advance to make sure we have enough for anyone who lets us know by Wednesday they plan to come. If you don't RSVP by then, you are still welcome to come--but you may have to arrange for your own transportation and we can't promise the movie won't be sold out.

So, if you are planning on attending, email ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net to reserve your spot.

Let's be Nomads...

2009-11-07T18:26:00.004-05:00

We always say that Youth Group has something for every teen in our parish. At this month's Youth Night, that will be especially true...

Following Youth Mass on 11/14, we will meet downstairs from 6-7 for our Youth Chat as we continue celebrating our theme of "My Place In This World: How to Hear God's Call." Last month, we talked about how to get those things out of our life that get between us and God. This month, we'll talk about places we can go to hear God. What do YOU think God's voice sounds like?

After that, we'll be trying something new. We'll head to Nomand's Adventure Quest in South Windsor where they have mini bowling, mini golf, laser tag, basketball arena, climbing wall and bumper cars. We'll plan to be there from 7:45-9:45 and then return to the Church.

This promises to be lots of fun---but there is a catch. Because space is limited and we must coordinate transportation, you MUST RSVP by Wednesday. So, if you are planning on attending, email ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net to reserve your spot. We expect the cost to be approximately $25.

Also, if you have a parent who can help drive, please let us know. Hope to see you there! As always, if you have any questions you can call or text Michael and Lisa at 860-501-9258.

Youth Kick-Off Weekend Saturday, 10/10

2009-10-04T17:03:00.014-04:00

IT'S TIME TO KICKOFF THE 2009-2010 YOUTH PROGRAM

Join us this Saturday night as we start another year of fun and fellowship as we grow in our relationship with God and each other.

Youth group members Colin Davis and Lauren Lagassie will be introduced by Father Michael to speak during Mass about their relationship with God, the importance of Church of the Holy Family, and the fun they have at Youth Group. Afterwards, we will go downstairs for our 2009-2010 Kickoff event.

Earlier this summer many of you voted on the theme for our Youth Programs this year. The winner was "My Place in this World" which is about how teens can hear God's voice and do what He calls you to do in life. Come downstairs for a few activities and small group discussions that will help kick-off this year's theme.

Following the kickoff, we'll end with Game Night. Popular vote will win---but we bet Catch Phrase will make an appearance!

Don't forget to RSVP at ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net or text/call 501-9258 so we can have enough food for you.

Hebron Harvest Fair Challenge

2009-09-07T09:11:00.002-04:00

What better way to follow a Youth Mass then going to eat funnel cake?

Following Youth Mass at 5, we're going to head over to the Hebron Harvest Fair. There, we'll have a scavenger hunt and a competition to see who can score the highest on the carnival games.

Please be sure to bring $ for Fair Admission and some games (we won't go too crazy). If you need a ride, please let us know quickly and we'll try to arrange carpooling for anyone who needs it.

Also, if you will already be over at the Fair and won't be at Mass, let us know. We can meet up once we get there. RSVP to ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net or call or text 860-754-7851.

Game Night This Friday

2009-08-19T07:46:00.003-04:00

We've gone the whole summer without a game night! It's time we fixed that. Join us this Friday night (Aug 21) at 7:00 at Mike and Lisa's House for Game Night.

We'll be sure to bring out the favorites (Catch Phrase, Taboo), and maybe even introduce you to a few new ones.

Please bring a snack to share with the group. For directions and to RSVP, please email ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net

Hope to see you there!

Youth Ministry Fair and Cake Challenge!

2009-07-10T08:53:00.002-04:00

Following July's 5:00 Youth Mass on July 11th, join us downstairs for the first ever Youth Ministry Fair. Representatives from our Church ministries are coming with information and games all geared toward our Youth Group. They will be setting up tables to tell you about their ministries and tell you how you can get involved.

This is in response to the many requests from you about wanting to get more active in the Church. It is being coordinated by the teen members of our Youth Group. So, please be sure to come out and support them.

Following our Fair, we'll be having our first ever Cake Challenge: Compete in teams to see who can decorate the cake that best represents our "surprise theme."

It'll be messy---but you'll have a blast! PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS.

Mini Mission Trip

2009-06-13T13:36:00.010-04:00

For months, many of you have asked how we could get involved in a Mission Trip. God has provided us with the perfect opportunity to help out. Now, we need volunteers to come forward and commit to serving nearly 100 individuals who do not have enough to eat.

Working with the Social Outreach Committee at Church, we have been given the opportunity to run the Church's June Soup Kitchen mission trip. On Saturday, June 27th from 10-1 we will be serving a picnic lunch at the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic. Here's where we need volunteers:

 We need volunteers to donate some of the food (like baked beans) in the next 2 weeks

 Thursday afternoon/evening, June 25^th to help prepare the meals

 Saturday morning from 10-1 we need volunteers to go to the Soup Kitchen and help us serve the picnic lunch

Please consider volunteering in one of the ways listed above and let me know by
this Tuesday July 16th. If you have any questions, feel free to email at ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net.

Update: Hurry up and sign up before the slots run out. The following people have already signed up:

Serving and cooking:

Adam P
Adam P (the other one)
Adam M
Lauren
Andrew
Mrs. Taylor

Cooking

Ashely
Val
Mrs. Roy
Mike P
Liv

“Up” and Away!

2009-06-12T14:54:00.001-04:00

It's time again for our monthly Youth Event. We thought we'd try something a little bit different this time. We're going to go see Pixar's "Up!" Join us for 5:00 Mass on Saturday, June 13^th. Then, we will see the 6:40 showing of "Up!" at Gallery Theaters in Colchester.

Hope we can see each of you! To RSVP or if you have questions, email ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net

Back by Popular Demand: It's Laser Quest

2009-05-03T12:49:00.000-04:00

Did you ever want to shoot people with lasers and say you were doing it for Church? Here's your chance!

By popular demand, we're headed back to Laser Quest.

Join the Holy Family Youth Group on Saturday, May 9th at 5:00 for this month's Youth Mass followed by Laser Quest. We will be leaving the Church promptly after Mass to arrive by 6:40. The cost of $20 will include two games plus food. Space is limited and reservations are a must, so please RSVP to Michael & Lisa Ciarrocchi (Ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net) by Wednesday 5/6 to confirm your spot.

Last Call for Steubenville Trip

2009-04-18T11:45:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

We need to get our final list in for our Steubenville trip July 29th-August 1st. Below is the current list of confirmed attendees.
Sabrina H
Michelle B
Val C
Bree B
Colin
Kaitlynn V
Kristen B
Nicole P
Rochelle R
Darci H
Marie C

I know that others have expressed interest, but the above list are the only ones we have confirmed. So, if you want to go, you must let us know by May 7th (your $40 deposit will be due by end of the month) . After that, we cannot be sure that we'll have enough slots available. We should have enough slots for approximately 15 kids in total, but we'll try to get more if there are enough people who want to go. We'll confirm the slots on a "first-come, first-serve" basis.

For details, costs, and eligibility, feel free to check out our blog post at http://cothfyouth.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-evening-holy-family-youth-youth.html .

Also, for those college-aged students who have been on a Steubenville trip before, don't forget to email Ed Bernier (ebernier@netezza.com) as their deadline will be coming up soon for SoulFest. It's going to be a blast!

IHL,

Michael

Game Night This Friday

2009-04-15T21:05:00.001-04:00

Hey there Gamers---join us for another Game Night at Michael and Lisa Ciarrocchi's house this Friday night (April 17^th) from 7:00-9:00. We'll start our meeting by doing a little bit of planning for our spring and summer activities. Then, it's on to Catch Phrase, Rock Band II; and whatever other game you're up for. Please bring a snack to share, and ALL are welcome.

Prizes will be offered for: most creative Catch Phrase clue; most "awkward" Catch Phrase clue; and best Rock Band solo.

Please RSVP by calling, texting or email to 754-7851 or ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net. Or, to make it REALLY easy, go to the invite on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=94562142008

In His love,

Michael and Lisa

Summer Retreat Trips Announced!

2009-04-01T21:40:00.001-04:00

Good evening Holy Family Youth, Youth volunteers, and parents,

We've received lots of inquiries about our Church of the Holy Family summer trip for youth and we wanted to give you updates on our plans. After learning about which events were available, the adult volunteers decided on two separate trips which will take place on the same weekend in July.

Steubenville East: Michael and Lisa Ciarrocchi will coordinate the trip to Steubenville East from July 31st to August 2nd. This trip is open to all high school students including those entering high school in the fall '09 or who have just graduated high school. For the first time, the conference will be held at the University of Rhode Island. We'll say good-bye to the circus tents this year, and be staying in URI dorm rooms with conference sessions on campus. The cost of the trip is $210 per person plus travel expenses, but we will do some fund raising to help defer those costs. If you think cost of the trip would prevent you from going, please let us know and we'll seek financial a.ssistance.

Steubenville East is an amazing Catholic Teen weekend retreat featuring lots of talks, music, Mass, Adoration and small group time with over 2,000 youth. You can get more info from the website by visiting www.steubenvilleeast.org. Or feel free to email me at ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net.

Soulfest: Ed Bernier will coordinate the trip to Soulfest from July 29-August 1^st at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Guilford, NH. This trip is open only to college aged students who have attended at least one Steubenville or other extended trip with the Church. Soufest celebrates the love of God and love for neighbor through an annual festival of Music, Love and Action. It is a 4-day Christian Music Festival featuring 5 stages and over 100 Christian artists and speakers. This year will include Casting Crowns, Third Day, Newboys, Skillet and many more . The cost of the trip is $120 plus travel and camping expenses. Those details will be determined depending on how many sign up.

You can learn more about Soulfest by visiting their website at www.thesoulfest.com. Or, feel free to email Ed at ebernier@netezza.com. He can also fill you in on details about the camping experience while at the festival.

Timing: Unfortunately, our timing is very tight. We need a good idea of who will be going so we can begin to reserve tickets. There is a chance we won’t be able to reserve enough spots if we don’t reserve soon. A $40 non-refundable deposit will be required for Steubenville and the $120 ticket cost of Soulfest will be required within the next few weeks. Please email Ed and me with any questions you may have, and to let us know if you’d like to join.

Please try to let us know as soon as possible! Either trip is sure to be an AMAZING weekend. Please feel free to pass on to your friends--especially those who went on Confirmation retreat last weekend.

Hello Confirmation Retreaters!

2009-03-29T14:44:00.000-04:00

What an amazing weekend you had! Congratulations on a successful weekend, and for doing such a great job on being open to the Lord. Your participation made the retreat a truly amazing success. The entire retreat team is rejoicing in your joy of the Lord.

Subscribe to this blog by clicking "follow" under the heading "Subscribe to the COTHF Youth Blog." You'll be notified everytime a new post is made.
Feel free to live all the fun and see pictures and video (yes, even the Rules Video shown at the beginning of the retreat) at the retreat website at http://hfretreat.blogspot.com/
Join our Holy Family Youth Facebook Group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3339568887
Watch for our April event to be announced here.
See you at Mass as we prepare to celebrate the risen Lord

Thanksgiving Week Activities

2008-11-23T23:27:00.001-05:00

As you get ready for a mercifully SHORT week at school, we wanted to give everyone an update on some upcoming activities for this week. Don't forget to read all the way through for our Bible Trivia Question. All correct answers will be put into a drawing for a free iTunes gift certificate. And, those of you who have seen us at Mass can tell you that we actually have them now in our possession...so you don't have to wait for delivery!

Friday through Sunday (11/28-30): Open House at the Ciarrocchi's. Feel free to stop by at our house (62 Roberts Road in Marlborough). Several of you have already asked to stop by this week while you are off from school. You are more than welcome to drop in for some fun. .
Saturday Night (11/29): Game Night at the Ciarrocchi's. You had asked us for a few more game nights. So, we thought we'd have an informal one to anyone who wants to join us Saturday night. We'll start at 7 and go until whenever
Sunday Morning following the 9:30 Mass (11/30): Advent Small Group Discussion. Don't you hate it on Christmas Eve when you realize you didn't do A THING for Advent to prepare for the coming of Jesus? Avoid that problem this year with a small group discussion where we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ's birth. PLEASE RSVP ASAP to ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net. These small group discussions will be similar to those we had in Steubenville and those we have after the monthly Youth Mass

December Activities

Youth Night: following the 5:00 Youth Mass on December 13^th, we'll be having bowling night
Christmas Lights at La Salette: One night in December (date TBD) we'll be going to Attleboro Mass to look at the Amazing Christmas and Light Display at Our Lady of La Salette Shrine. PLEASE RSVP if you are interested in going to ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net

…and now for some Bible Trivia

What is the first word in the Bible?
What is the last word in the Bible?

Responders to ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net who get both questions right will be entered into a drawing for the iTunes gift card. Contest ends at midnight on Saturday, 11/29.

Above all, don't forget your own prayers of thanksgiving in your daily conversations with God this week.

In His love,

Your COTHF Youth Team

More Fun With Dodgeball…

2008-11-14T00:28:00.001-05:00

November 8^th was Youth Night once again at COTHF. Following the 5:00 Mass, over 20 teens gathered together for Youth Night which started with pizza and a small group discussion with Father Michael. We discussed "temples" and how they are used throughout the Bible to represent many things. We also discussed how the Church should not just be limited to a building where we come to worship. Instead, we should remember that we are God's temples and that He dwells in us no matter where we are. It is a great honor and responsibility as Christians for us to remember that we must worship God no matter where we are—in or out of church.

For the rest of the night, we pounded each other with rubber balls during Dodgeball.

NEXT EVENT: Church Cleanup: Saturday, November 15^th from 9-2 at the Church. To RSVP, please email ciarrocchim@sbcglobal.net

Upcoming COTHF Youth Events

2008-10-20T21:25:00.001-04:00

11/7: Adoration!!!! (yay!)
11/8: Youth Mass and TNT Night featuring Dodgeball: Following the November 8th Youth Mass at 5:00 will be our monthly Youth Night. After Mass, we will meet in the basement for dinner and a brief discussion before the much requested return of Dodgeball!
11/9: Teen Bible Study Formation Meeting November 9th from Noon-1 p.m. in the parish house: Have you ever wanted to read and understand how God speaks to you through your Bible, but weren't sure where to begin? Join us to learn how to get started. This will be an informal discussion group which will meet for 4 weeks to discuss the Bible, it's stories and the letters written Christ's apostles. At this meeting, we will discuss our format and schedule the upcoming dates and times for the study.
11/15: Service Project Meeting

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