Gingerbread House Party

The joy of Christmas has truly been alive in our Youth Ministry, and the weeks leading up to Christmas were filled with laughter, service, and meaningful moments together.

On December 14, we hosted an amazing Youth Ministry Christmas Party, welcoming teens from 8th through 12th grade. Dressed in full holiday cheer, the night began with a delicious feast prepared by the one and only Mary Francis Malone. With bellies full, the teens jumped into a gingerbread house relay race and decorating contest, and the fun and friendly competition did not disappoint! The evening wrapped up with a lively gift exchange that had everyone laughing and celebrating together.

The following week, our teens gave the gift of service at the annual Babysitting Night, spending a Saturday evening caring for the younger children of our parish and greater Scotch Plains community. With plenty of food, fun, and friendship, it was a beautiful example of teens serving with joy and generosity.

As we share photos from these events, we end once again with deep gratitude and love. Thank you for helping make this Christmas season so special for our youth and our parish family.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, January 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night

Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – SERVICE: MLK Day of Service

Sunday, February 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Leadership Team Meeting

Sunday, February 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: Sandwich Making Night

Advent Week 4

As we celebrate the Fourth Week of Advent and prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas, we’re reflecting with deep gratitude on the incredible witness of our teens earlier this month. On December 7th, nearly 15 teens stepped up for a full day of service and community. They helped host the gift-wrapping table at the Christmas Market, spreading cheer through simple acts of kindness.

We also launched the IHM Kids News Network, with the youth filming fun interviews throughout the event. Be sure to check them out on Facebook! A heartfelt thank you to all the parishioners who generously donated gift-wrapping supplies. Your support made the wrapping station possible and helped our teens bring joy to so many shoppers.

The day concluded with the Youth Discipleship Award Ceremony, where we joyfully honored Thomas Riley and Julianna Abrantes for their commitment to our youth group, parish, and community. Their dedication is a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love at work among us.

As we enter Christmas week, these moments remind us of what Advent love truly looks like: showing up for others, sharing our gifts, and preparing our hearts by living our faith.

Our teens have embraced this spirit so well, inspiring our entire parish family. May their example help all of us welcome Christ with hearts full of love and joy this Christmas. Merry Christmas from the IHM Youth Ministry!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, January 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night

Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – SERVICE: MLK Day of Service

Sunday, February 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Leadership Team Meeting

Sunday, February 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: Sandwich Making Night

Advent: Week 3

As we enter the Third Week of Advent, we are reminded that true joy comes from Christ, who is near. This joy is reflected so clearly in the teens of our parish – their energy, generosity, and faith-filled participation bring such joy to our whole community.

Over the past few weeks, both Confirmation groups have gathered for meaningful sessions. Year 1 attended the Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception together and explored how to live Advent with hope, peace, joy, and love. Year 2 spent time reflecting on the theme of waiting – waiting during Advent as we prepare for Jesus’ birth and waiting with Christ during Eucharistic Adoration. Their reflections and conversations were truly inspiring.

As we continue through this joyful week of Advent, we look forward to celebrating together at our Youth Ministry Christmas Party on Sunday, December 14 th , supporting the Food Pantry with another delivery on December 17 th and serving our parish at Babysitting Night on Saturday, December 20 th .

May the joy of Christ fill the hearts of our teens and our entire parish this Advent season.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, January 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night

Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – SERVICE: MLK Day of Service

Sunday, February 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Leadership Team Meeting

Sunday, February 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: Sandwich Making Night

Youth Update: 2nd Week of Advent

As we enter the Second Week of Advent, we reflect on the theme of Peace. The second candle reminds us of the calm trust Mary and Joseph carried as they journeyed toward Bethlehem. For our teens, this week offers a chance to pause throughout school and holiday business and welcome Christ’s peace into their hearts.

This theme connected beautifully with our Year 2 Confirmation candidates, who recently completed a session on Eucharistic Adoration and Advent. They explored what it means to wait, not with impatience, but with hope and openness to God. Their time in Adoration offered quiet moments to sit with Jesus and recognize Him as the source of true peace.

Teens are encouraged this week to embrace simple practices of peace: offering a short prayer, lighting an Advent candle, or doing an act of kindness. These small steps help prepare their hearts for the joy of Christmas.

We look forward to celebrating together at our Youth Ministry Christmas Party on Sunday, December 14, and serving our parish at Babysitting Night on Saturday, December 20. May this week of Advent fill our hearts with Christ’s peace.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events
Sunday, January 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night
Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – SERVICE: MLK Day of Service
Sunday, February 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Leadership Team Meeting
Sunday, February 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: Sandwich Making Night

Advent Season is Here!

As we enter Advent, the Church invites us into a season of hope, preparation, and joyful expectation. Advent is a time to slow down, reflect, and ready our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas. For our teens, this season offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with their faith, practice intentional prayer, and look for Christ’s presence in everyday life. Through quiet reflection, acts of service, and time spent in community, our young people can prepare their hearts and minds to welcome Jesus with renewed joy.

In the spirit of Advent, our upcoming Youth Ministry gatherings continue to focus on service, fellowship, and growing in faith together. Next week, on December 7, teens will help support our parish’s IHM Christmas Market, offering their time and kindness as they assist with the festive wrapping station. Later in the season, on December 14, we will celebrate together with our Youth Ministry Christmas Party, followed by our cherished Babysitting Night on December 20, where teens give the gift of time and care to families in our parish community.

May this Advent be a season of peaceful preparation for all our teens as they open their hearts to the hope and joy of Christ’s coming. All teens are invited to join us as we journey through this beautiful season together!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, January 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night

Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – SERVICE: MLK Day of Service

Sunday, February 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Leadership Team Meeting

Sunday, February 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: Sandwich Making Night

The Joy of the Season

The next few weeks are filled with meaningful opportunities for our teens to both serve others and celebrate the joy of the season. In a time when our parish community comes together in gratitude and generosity, these events help our teens deepen their faith through action and fellowship.

On Sunday, December 7, we’ll support the IHM Christmas Market. Families are invited to donate Christmas wrapping paper so our teens can host a festive gift-wrapping station for all who attend. This is a simple but powerful way to spread kindness and holiday cheer.

On Sunday, December 14, we’ll gather for our Youth Ministry Christmas Party, a joyful evening of food, games, and Christmas fun that reminds us of the importance of celebrating together as a faith family.

Finally, on Saturday, December 20, we’ll host our annual Babysitting Night. This popular event gives parents a well-deserved night out while our teens offer their time and care to the youngest members of the parish. All teens are invited to join these wonderful opportunities to serve with joy and celebrate with faith!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, January 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night

Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – SERVICE: MLK Day of Service

Sunday, February 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Leadership Team Meeting

Sunday, February 8 | 6:30–8:00 PM – SERVICE: Sandwich Making Night

Celebrating the Gift of Baptism

We joyfully celebrate the Baptism of Penny Nelson, baptized on November 1. May God’s grace surround this little one as she begins her journey of faith. We warmly welcome the family into our parish community and offer our heartfelt congratulations. May the Lord continue to bless them with love, joy, and abundant peace.

Youth Holiday Update

The next few weeks are full of great opportunities for our teens to come together in faith, fellowship, and service! On Sunday, November 23, teens will help make the parish Friendsgiving warm and welcoming by greeting guests, serving food, and assisting with setup or cleanup while they give thanks, share fellowship, and continue growing together in faith.

In December, there are several ways to serve and celebrate as a Youth Ministry. On Sunday, December 7, we’ll support the IHM Christmas Market. All families are invited to donate Christmas wrapping paper so our teens can host a gift-wrapping station for all who attend. It’s a fun and festive way to spread Christmas cheer while serving our parish community!

Then on Sunday, December 14, we’ll celebrate with our Youth Ministry Christmas Party. An evening full of games, food, and holiday fun you won’t want to miss! It’s the perfect way to relax, laugh, and celebrate the season with friends.

Finally, on Saturday, December 20, we’ll host our annual Babysitting Night. This event was a big hit last year, and we’re excited to once again give parents a night out while our teens help care for the younger children of the parish.

All teens are invited to join in these wonderful opportunities to serve, connect, and celebrate as a parish family!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

 Sunday, January 11 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Night

 Monday, January 19 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – SERVICE: MLK Day of Service

 Sunday, February 1 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Leadership Team Meeting

 Sunday, February | 5:00–8:30 PM – Babysitting Night

Youth Ministry Service Project: College Care Packages

A group of IHM teens in 8th grade through high school gathered to assemble college care packages for the graduated members of our Youth Ministry. The event was filled with laughter, teamwork, and a genuine spirit of giving. Each box was packed with snacks, school supplies, and heartfelt notes to remind our college students that their parish family is praying for them as they approach finals.

Afterward, many of the teens stayed to attend the All Souls Remembrance Mass, taking time to pray for loved ones who have gone before us. It was a beautiful evening of faith, service, and community—living out what it means to care for others both near and far.

Up Next for Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry will next come together on Saturday, November 15, to support the Parish Retreat, offering their time and energy in service and hospitality.

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Sunday, November 16 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Disciples in Action Meeting (formerly the Peer Leadership Team)

Sunday, November 23 | 11:30–3:30 PM – SERVICE: Community Friendsgiving

Sunday, December 7 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM – SERVICE: Gift Wrapping at the Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 14 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Christmas Party

Saturday, December 20 | 5:00–8:30 PM – Babysitting Night

Trunk or Treat Weekend Fun!

Last weekend was full of faith, fun, and community spirit! Our IHM Trunk won first place at the Scotch Plains community Trunk or Treat on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who helped decorate and represent our parish so creatively!

On Sunday, the celebration continued at IHM with our indoor Table or Treat in the Nazareth Center. Hosted by Parish Life Ministry, families enjoyed candy, games, and plenty of smiles. Thank you to all who participated and volunteered to make both events such a success!

Up Next for Youth Ministry:

Join us on Sunday, November 2 nd to assemble college care packages for IHM graduates, and on Saturday, November 15 th to support the parish retreat. All teens are invited to join in these great opportunities to serve and grow in faith!

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Saturday, November 15 | SERVICE: Babysitting and Hospitality During the Parish Retreat

Sunday, November 16 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Disciples in Action Meeting (formerly the Peer Leadership Team)

Sunday, November 23 | 1:30–3:30 PM – SERVICE: Community Friendsgiving

Sunday, December 7 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM – SERVICE: Gift Wrapping at the Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 14 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Youth Ministry Christmas Party

Saturday, December 20 | 5:00–8:30 PM – Babysitting Night

Our Teens Are Amazing!

The teens of our parish continue to impress us with their openness, honesty, and faith. At our recent Youth Ministry Night, high school students gathered for snacks, games, and heartfelt discussion about how faith helps us handle life’s challenges. Together, we explored what it means to trust God through stress, family pressures, and the uncertainty of the future.

It was a night filled with laughter, real conversation, and reminders that God walks with us through every crossroads. Thank you for keeping our youth in your prayers and for supporting this ministry that helps them grow closer to Christ and one another.

We Need Your Help!

Our next Service Night will be focused on creating college care packages for the graduated members of our youth ministry. These packages will be sent to teens in their first years of college as a way to share love from our parish family and offer encouragement as they wrap up their first semester. Donations of snacks, small gifts, and handwritten notes are greatly appreciated!

Upcoming Events

Note: The schedule has changed. Our regular meeting time is now Sundays, 6:30–8:00 PM (unless otherwise noted), with new service opportunities added.

• Sunday, Nov 2 | 5:00–6:30 PM – SERVICE: College Care Packages o All High School Teens – Bring a Friend! o Attend All Souls Mass at 7:00pm together in the Church afterwards

• Saturday, November 15 | SERVICE: Babysitting and Hospitality During the Parish Retreat to All in 8th through 12th grade

• Sun, Nov 16 | 6:30–8:00 PM – Disciples in Action Meeting (formerly the Peer Leadership Team)

• Sun, Nov 23 | 1:30–3:30 PM – SERVICE: Community Friendsgiving o All High School Teens – Bring a Friend!