are you called?

Teens do not connect to programs; they connect to people! The most effective way to influence teens is through relationships. Our goal is to develop leaders who will walk the journey to Christ with teens.

what is required?

• A love for Christ and middle school youth.
• A desire to minister to middle school youth.
• A willingness to serve as a Christian role model.
• A weekly commitment to Sunday liturgy.
• 1-Day Training.

Societal shifts have made the middle school years more difficult than ever.  In addition, young people are also in the process of moving from being family-centered to friend-centered. Peers gain greater influence and parental authority is called into question. As they wade through all the difficulties of this time of life, they have real questions and need real answers. 

If parish leaders, parents, and parishioners ignore the unique challenges of middle school youth, they risk losing them forever.  According to the National Catholic Reporter, most Catholic youth stop identifying as Catholic at a median age of 13, long before they cease attending a parish; 80% of Catholic youth leave the Church by age 23!  

That's why WE NEED YOU to be a  Middle School Mentor!

Middle School Mentors are the heart and soul of the middle school youth ministry experience. With over 60 registered youth for our program, we require at least 10 - 12 men and women who are paired together and charged with leading a small group. Without faithful and willing mentors, our mission cannot succeed!  

Interested in learning more about this beautiful ministry?

Contact Christina Steele, Associate Director of Middle School Ministry
[email protected]
317.873.2885 x501

The main role of a Middle School Mentor is to attend weekly Edge/Rooted Nights as a small group leader. This is critical for relationships and will only be built if you come consistently.

Your role is a combination of relational ministry, catechesis, and youth ministry.

• Relational Minister is the bedrock of quality, transformational youth ministry. The concept is simple: relationships are the heart of true conversion.

• Catechist is someone who “echoes” the Catholic teachings. As a direct result of the trust built as a relational minister; the youth will be more receptive to truth you teach.

• Youth Minister means you are willing to mentor and hold teens accountable to the faith in which they are baptized and confirmed. 

• Rooted Mentor Training  (gr. 5/6) |  Sunday, August 21, 2022   | 6 - 7:30 pm
• Edge Mentor Training       (gr. 7/8) | Sunday, August 14, 2022  | 6 - 7:30 pm

Commit to attending every Rooted/Edge night.  2022-2023 calendar COMING SOON!

Commit to our weekly agenda:

• 5:40 – 5:50 – Quick mentor meeting to review evening and prayer.
• 5:50 – 6:00 – Welcome and greet youth
• 6:00 – 7:30 – Edge/Rooted Night
• 7:30 – 7:40 – Say good-bye, wait for parents and greet parents
• 7:40 – 7:50 – Review the night; discuss upcoming schedule, prayer

Come prepared in advance!

Have fun, but above all else, be the model of Christian faith – be authentic!

As a volunteer I will:

• Treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity, and consideration.

• Avoid situations where I am alone with children and/or youth at parish activities.

• Report suspected abuse to the pastor or appropriate supervisor and the local Child Protection Services agency or other civil authorities.

• Sustain an environment of hospitality and charity towards the youth.

• Open yourself up to the spiritual fruit you will find in your life through the gift of working with the youth of our parish.

I understand that as a volunteer working with youth, I am subject to a thorough background check, including criminal history. I understand that any action inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or failure to take any action as outlined in this Code of Conduct may result in my being asked to no longer volunteer in my parish.

Diocesan Safe Environment

Everyone who works with young people and/or vulnerable adults shares the responsibility of creating safe environments. We are all charged with treating life with the respect and dignity given to each of us by our God. 

All STAFF, CLERGY, RELIGIOUS & VOLUNTEERS WHO WORK DIRECTLY WITH CHILDREN must register and complete the diocesan safe environment training program every three years. Training can be found here:  https://dol-in.org/online-safe-environment-training