Every ministry is driven by something. There is always some guiding force that determines the direction and goals of the individual or group. Strong parishes and ministries are not built on programs, personalities, or gimmicks. They are built on the eternal purposes of God. They are the foundations of our Youth Ministry here at St. John Neumann as well...
 
The five purposes of the Church and our Youth Ministry here at St. John Neumann can be found in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
 
The Great Commandment: “'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?' He said to them, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
 
The Great Commission: "Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
 
Our five purposes are found in these two passages:
 
1) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” - WORSHIP
We are called as Catholic Christians to gather together to worship our loving God as a faithful community at Mass, at our Youth Ministry gatherings, with fellow believers, and by ourselves.
 
2) “Love your neighbor as yourself” - SERVICE
We are called as Catholic Christians to serve others with great love, dignity, and passion. Jesus calls every one of us to make a difference in the world. In fact, He is counting on us! Mother Teresa once said, “God loves the world through you and me. We are the very hands and loving face of our God to the people we encounter through holy service.”
 
3) “Go and make disciples.” - EVANGELIZATION
We are called as Catholic Christians to communicate God’s love and the truth of His Church to every person we meet. We will show you how and help you share your faith. 
 
4) “Baptizing them” - FELLOWSHIP
We are called as Catholic Christians to bring all of God’s people into full communion with Him and His Church. Our job and ministry is to offer all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion) to every teen in our parish. We want you to be a fully initiated Catholic! We want you to be part of everything we are about!
 
5) “Teaching them to obey.” - DISCIPLESHIP
We are called as Catholic Christians to educate God’s family in all His ways. Do you have a question? Jesus and His Church have an answer. But Discipleship is not just about learning, it is about DOING too. We are ALL called to teach others about our Church’s teachings and traditions. It is not just the job of priests, nuns, and  Youth Ministers. You might think that you don’t have the knowledge or the skills to teach others about our faith - and maybe you don’t, but the Holy Spirit does! The Holy Spirit will provide you with the words to say and the actions to take.