St. Paul of the Cross Church

Mr. Rafael Torres

Coordinator of Youth Ministry

ABOUT ME:

A Lifelong Catholic Leader in Jersey City. The last 15 years, Torres has been an active member at St. Paul of The Cross Church. He is a 21 year veteran Firefighter and works as instructor/inspector when he is not performing his active firefighting duties at Engine Company Eight. The Archiocese has entered Torres in a Mentor Program for the Young Adult Youth Ministry and he is currently enrolled in this Youth Ministry at Seton Hall University.

What is Youth Ministry all about?

Youth Ministry invites and encourages youth to participate fully in the life of the parish community. As we support the total personal and spiritual growth of each person, youth ministry seeks to draw youth to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work as a member of the faith community. We hope to encourage the youth to be active disciples of Jesus Christ!

Through the concept of youth ministry, we strive to help the youth feel welcome at church, and beyond the actual lphysical building. 2000 years ago, Jesus invited 12 strangers to follow him and to share his love and his messages to others. Centuries later, here we are, continuing Jesus’ work – for, with, by and through youth!

ABOUT US . .

The Energies Youth Program's Mission is the get the Jersey City youth to communicate the Love of Jesus Christ through Art, Music, and related activities.

The first Stage and recruitment of 8th through 11th graders will be established while a working and protected environment is in place.

A series of Open House events will be offered to invite the Catholic Public to participate in this event which will be held at a Youth Building for this use.

Belonging - Community/Church
Belonging - Social Awareness
Becoming - Self/Spirituality

The building is used for a weekend project that is a safe haven for the youth of the three participating churches; St. Paul of the Cross, St. Nicholas, and St. Anne’s Church.

The project includes an inside basketball gym, and working area to enlighten our youth who are in need of our leadership.

Volunteers are recruited.

BECOMING A VOLUNTEER . .

If you are interested in becomina a volunteer please contact Mr. Torres at 201.222.33467 or call 201.798.7900.

We will help the youth develop a deeper and more personal relationship with Jesus Christ; experience a sense of personal well-being, security and peace; grow spiritually through study, reflection, prayer, and discussion with others; and develop a deeper understanding of the Scripture and Catholic Christian tradition and their applicability to life in today's complex society.

PART OF THE CHURCH FAMILY

We acknowledge that the youth are an important part of the larger church family. We encourage and provide opportunities for the youth to be involved in the weekly Masses and the other ministries at the Parish.