Relationships are the building blocks of our lives. We move through life almost always in relation to someone else—as siblings, friends, colleagues, nieces, nephews, parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents. The best relationships help us feel good about who we are, because we know we are loved.

Rachel Fontanez says it is important for teens searching for a place to belong to know that. “They may seem disconnected because they are always on their phones and iPods, but they are really interested in people’s lives and the faith stories of their elders. Relationships are huge for youth culture today.”

She should know. She has been Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at St. Charles for three years and works with junior, senior high, college age and young adults. Each group builds friendships, and spiritual peace and strength through weekly gatherings, retreats, local service projects, and mission trips.

Junior high includes 6th – 8th graders and meets every Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. The evening can consist of games, trivia, and music video Bible studies. Rachel says she tries to choose games that give kids a chance to get up and move and she changes activities often. Finding something relevant to this age group’s life is important, and creativity is the key.

Every third Saturday, they do a service project. October 17th will be a trip to Villa Teresa to help with painting and other jobs. The first half of the day will be work and the second half they will visit Frightfest.
There are two high school groups. One meets Sunday night from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. This is a general meeting; a time to enjoy fellowship, get to know one another and talk about day to day life and its challenges.

The Dead Theologians Society is a more spiritual group, “for those who want to step it up a notch,” Rachel said. It is a national organization recognized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. They meet every 1st and 3rd Monday from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. in conjunction with Christ the King parish. The meetings are held at Christ the King, 8005 Dorset Drive, OKC.

This group is more structured. Rachel said, “We start every meeting with Adoration and Benediction. We spend time learning about a saint and their life and discover a different one each week and close with social time. It is for those who come to youth group for prayer.”
Last summer, the high school group went on a mission trip to San Antonio. The girls worked with the San Antonio AIDS Foundation and the guys worked with the ARC of San Antonio, a day camp for mentally disabled youth to adults. The location of next year’s mission trip will be announced after October.

On a weekly basis, the Sunday high school group has about 15 attendees, the junior high 20, and the Dead Theologians, 15.
In addition to these groups, Rachel plans the training to prepare 16-year olds for the sacrament of Confirmation. She also organizes four retreats a year and ND Vision, a one week retreat on the campus of Notre Dame for high school juniors and seniors to discern vocational choices. For college life and after, there is Young Adult Ministry. The best way to stay informed is to get on the e-mail list for events and meetings: rachel@minister.com

Rachel Fontanez received her undergraduate degree in Theology from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies from the Center of Ministry Development in Connecticut in 2004. She also spent a year in St. Louis through the Vincentian Service Corps teaching GED preparation.
She has high praise for those to whom she ministers in the youth groups. “They are wonderful, amazing, and have a heart on fire for God.” Anyone is welcome to come be a part of a fun and spiritually enriching evening; to meet new people, and to grow in Christ. Bring a friend!

For further information about any of these opportunities for youth, contact Rachel Fontanez at the Parish Office, 789-2595.