In the Holy Spirit upper room, high school students fill the room on Sunday nights to engage in an immersive experience where they are able to leave their worries at the door and explore their faith.
These are called Life Nights. On paper the program may seem like regular youth and faith formation classes, however, the unique structure provides a fun and meaningful experience for everyone.
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Louie Latina, explained that, “Life Nights have always followed a four-part structure that intentionally reflects the four parts of Mass. The four parts are Gather, Proclaim, Break, and Send. This structure invites teens into the night through the Gather, challenges teens through the message of the Proclaim, allows teens to discuss and ask questions in small groups through the Break, and provides an encounter with Jesus, through prayer, in the Send.”
Each year, there is a new theme made by Life Teen. This year’s theme is Radiant Hope. This year’s theme focuses on the Blessed Mother with the goal of helping teens see her strength and hope in trusting God.
These nights are open to anyone in high school, grades 9-10. Everyone is also able to invite a friend. There is a middle school program called Edge which follows a similar process.
The nights would not be able to run without the help of the high school leadership teen.
The Core Team is a group of teens and adults who have already been confirmed and are now volunteering their time to help the teens currently on their own journey. Core Team leader, Bella Stoppa ‘26, expressed that, “We are here to guide them with something that can seem so daunting at first but really is a beautiful process.”
Another Core Team leader, Kyrene Sideco ‘26, explained that, “We as servant leaders are given the opportunity to share our own testimonies and teach about God’s love and impact.” This guidance and leadership has a lasting and significant impact for the teens.
Year twos and Core Team members go on yearly retreats. The Core Team Zion retreat provides a time for new and existing members to learn more about each other and how they can better help the teens for the upcoming year. Stoppa ‘26 expressed that this has been one of her favorite memories, “It’s a great way for the new team to come together and just be ready to bond before we take on this new year.”
Later this month, Year twos will embark on their Confirmation Retreat to Alpine Retreat Center in Bluejay, CA.
With all that Holy Spirit does, the youth ministry program will “open your mind to a new side of church and faith in general. You will meet so many people with the same desire to have a relationship with God, and grow in your relationship with God in ways you never expected,” Sideco ‘26 said.
