James Youth Ministry empowers young people to BE the hands and feet of Christ, inviting them to embrace their baptismal priesthood, enter into the Paschal Mystery, and build the Kingdom of God. This is achieved through several justice-oriented activities, events, and programs designed to increase faith, promote sacrifice, and inspire joyful service, particularly with the poor. Our comprehensive de
partment seeks to meet the spiritual needs of young people in several areas including:
Catechesis & Evangelization
Service & Justice
Leadership Development
Community Life
Pastoral Care
Prayer & Worship
Advocacy
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Some of the many opportunities to live your faith via St. James Youth Ministry include:
Youth Nights (Grades 8-12):
Join your peers for a weekly gathering filled with prayer, catechesis, and lively activities designed to integrate faith into everyday life. Youth Nights occur every SUNDAY evening from 6:30 – 8:30 PM in the Pastoral Outreach Center. (Oct.-June)
Retreats:
Get out of town for reflective weekends filled with fun, faith, and friends. Cathedral Service Immersion:
A justice-oriented service retreat for 7th grade classes in Catholic schools. This immersion experience is part of the year-long Missionary Discipleship Institute, a partnership between the archdiocesan Missions Office, Catholic Schools, and Maryknoll. Students will host a dinner for homeless guests at the Cathedral Kitchen and reflect on the mission of our Catholic Church. The immersion experience includes a tour of the cathedral and the following three group sessions: (1) Jesus’ Dream, (2) Solidarity with the Poor, and (3) The Body of Christ. Archdiocesan Events:
Join with the larger Church for gatherings such as Youth Convention, Junior High Rally, and Ascend, which energize faith and develop leadership. Service Projects:
BE the hands and feet of Christ and actively serve others in need. We partner with several local social service agencies including Northwest Harvest, Tri-Parish Food Bank, St. Martin de Porres, Volunteer Chore Services (CCS), YouthCare, NPH USA, St. Vincent de Paul, etc. As Rabindranath Tagore once said, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.”
Pastoral Care Meetings:
The St. James youth minister is available to provide emotional and spiritual support whenever difficult life circumstances cause young people to hurt. If you need someone to talk to, our youth minister will simply listen without judgment and offer a compassionate presence. Whether you’re struggling or celebrating, please feel free talk with the youth minister. Burdens will be cut in half and joys will be doubled. Social Activities:
Sometimes you just gotta have fun! Join us for community life activities such as bowling, skating, movies, cultural immersion experiences, etc. Mass Participation:
The source and summit of our faith! The youth ministry community will often sit together and actively participate in the Mass. Youth Confirmation:
St. James Youth Ministry offers a 10-week preparation process for teenagers seeking the sacrament of Confirmation, which completes the grace received at Baptism and fully initiates a person into the Catholic Church. To participate, candidates must turn 16 by the date of the sacrament. Summer Mission Program:
As a means to address both local and global justice issues, the summer is reserved for longer term mission projects that allow for direct service and increased education. Participants can serve migrant families in the Skagit Valley during the Youth Migrant Project or travel abroad during one of our mission trips. Youth Leadership Team:
Members play an active role in the design and implementation of the overall youth ministry program. All grade levels are represented. Special Needs Faith Mentors:
Trained teenage faith mentors offer one-on-one faith formation to children with special needs, allowing for individualized instruction and full inclusion. This model was developed by Deacon Larry Sutton, a psychologist who specializes in autism. We partner with the archdiocesan Special Needs Ministry and the St. James Faith Formation Department. Juvenile Justice Commission:
A team of parishioners and community members committed to developing chaplaincy services, re-entry support, and restorative justice opportunities for at-risk youth involved in the King County juvenile justice system. Safe Place Site:
We are officially part of the King County SAFE PLACE network for homeless and runaway youth. Youth in crisis receive on-site hospitality while waiting for the arrival of a YouthCare counselor who will connect them to services.
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Our department cannot thrive without the support of dedicated and caring adult volunteers. Please take a moment to explore some of our volunteer opportunities:
Youth Ministry Team Member:
Attend weekly Youth Nights and assist with program facilitation, including small group leadership. Provide supervision and guidance during events, outings, and activities. Support and empower youth leaders to design and implement the overall youth ministry program. Adult Chaperone:
Attend youth events and provide necessary supervision and support, ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences for participants.
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“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
(Matthew 25:35-36)
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction.”
(James 1:27)
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Please join us as a St. James Youth Ministry participant! All are welcome!
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To learn more, please contact:
Joe Cotton
Director of Youth Ministry
[email protected]
(206) 264-2082
Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cathedral.youth
Twitter: www.twitter.com/saintjamesyouth
St. James Youth Ministry
Pouring our lives out for others – and finding life in doing so!
