“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” —Timothy 4:12
A Place to Belong
At Our Lady of the Blessed Sa, you’re not just a face in the crowd—you’re family! Dive into a world where faith comes alive, friendships are forged, teens make an impact—and Jesus Christ is at the center of it all! Whether you’re looking to grow spiritually, make a difference in the community or just find a place to belong, we’ve got something for you. Join us for worship, lifelong learning and tons of fun as we journey together in faith, friendship and service. And hey, don’t keep all the good stuff to yourself—invite your friends to come along for the ride! The more, the merrier!
FAITH
Faith is like a compass that always points you in the right direction, no matter how wild the adventure!
Totus Tuus, meaning "totally yours," is an unforgettable week-long summer youth retreat that runs Sunday through Thursday evenings. Led by dynamic missionaries, this program is packed with new friends, fun games and meaningful experiences. Highlights include an evening of Adoration with our Lord, engaging conversations about living out your faith in high school and college, shaving cream wiffle ball and a Thursday night social to wrap it all up! Teens participating in the evening program can also volunteer during the day program, which serves students entering 1st to 6th grades. Totus Tuus is usually scheduled for late June or early July. Registration is required, check the bulletin and eNews for registration links. Dive in for a week of faith, fun, and friendship!
Kairos, meaning "God's Time," is a special retreat designed for high school Juniors and Seniors. It's your chance to step away from the daily grind and focus on who you are, who you want to be, where you believe your life is headed and most importantly, where your relationship with God fits into that picture. Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience many interesting and exciting activities and even a few fun surprises. Led by teens and guided by adults, this retreat offers a unique and powerful experience that will transform your spiritual journey and change how you think about your life in ways you never thought possible. Retreats are usually scheduled in January over Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend so teens don't have to miss any school. Prior registration required, please contact Mr. Van to register.
Experience a life-changing week at Catholic Heart Work Camp! Our Summer mission trips are all about meaningful service projects, spiritual growth and building lifelong friendships. Through hands-on work and heartfelt connection, you'll make a real impact on the world around you while deepening your relationship with God. It's an incredible opportunity to live out your faith, serve others and return home with unforgettable memories and a stronger sense of purpose. Join us and discover how you can make a difference! Teens heading to Catholic Heart Work Camp must pay a $100 deposit to reserve their spot, and commit to helping at the Fundraisers leading up to the trip. Teens travel 6-8 away for Catholic Heart Work Camp, and mission trips are usually scheduled for mid-June to early-July while students are on Summer break. Recently teens have visited Steubenville, Ohio, Marshalltown, Iowa and Louisville, Kentucky and have plans to visit Newcastle, Pennsylvania for an upcoming trip. Follow this link to reserve your spot for the next trip!
Join us on a powerful Lenten journey as we walk the Way of the Cross with our Lord. Every Friday during Lent, a different ministry leads the Stations of the Cross, each bringing a unique perspective to this sacred tradition. On Good Friday evening at 7 PM, our Youth Ministry takes the lead with a visceral and moving Living Stations of the Cross. This profound experience brings the Passion of Christ to life in a way that touches hearts and deepens faith. Come and be part of this special reflection during the Paschal Triduum. Rehearsals are at St. Julian Eymard Church on Sundays at 3pm and generally begin right after Ash Wednesday.
FRIENDSHIP
Friendship is the ultimate team-up, making every adventure cooler and every challenge easier to tackle together!
Welcome to the ultimate teen hangout! Whether you're into ping-pong, video games, pool, foosball, or just chilling with a good movie, our Teen Center has it all. Need a quiet spot to catch up on homework? We've got you covered. Designed with teens in mind, this space is all yours. Join us for Youth Ministry meetings on the third Sunday of every month and Small Group Discussions every other Wednesday. Plus, feel free to drop in anytime between 2 and 5 PM, Tuesday through Friday, to unwind and make new friends. Your space, your vibe—come make it your own!
Looking to dive deeper into your faith and connect with others? Our Teen Small Group Discussion meets every other Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 PM. These discussions are teen-led and adult-guided, giving you the chance to explore your faith, share your thoughts and grow together in a supportive environment. Whether in the Teen Center or offsite, Teen Small Group Discussion is a relaxed, welcoming space where you can be yourself, ask questions and find answers with friends who are on the same journey. Come join us and discover the power of community and shared faith! Please contact Mr. Van for upcoming dates and locations or to suggest discussion topics.
Our monthly Youth Ministry Meetings, generally on the third Sunday of the month, are all about blending faith formation with fellowship and fun! While we delve into spiritual growth, we also make sure to enjoy ourselves. All of our gatherings offer snacks and some of our gatherings feature exciting activities like playing Wii and other games, roasting marshmallows at our fire pit or ice cream socials. And you don’t want to miss our famed December gathering with a lively white elephant gift exchange—the only time “stealing” (of gifts during the exchange only) is legal! Join us for a great mix of faith, friendship and fantastic fun!
Join us for a range of exciting fellowship opportunities beyond our regular activities like Teen Center Hours, Youth Ministry Meetings and Small Group Discussions. Teens are invited to participate in or even help out at parish and school celebrations, including:
Plus, Youth Ministry hosts its own fun events, such as Game Night, Movie Night and concerts featuring guests like PJ Anderson. Stay tuned to Mr. Van’s Newsletter and parish communication channels for all the latest updates. Got an event idea? We’d love to hear it—suggest away!
SERVICE
Service is the superpower that turns everyday actions into extraordinary impacts!
Plus, service hours are available for these activities—just check in with Mr. Van or the activity coordinator to get credit.
Bring joy and companionship to our senior residents by joining us for visits to nearby Victory Centre (formerly known as Alexian Village)! As a teen, you'll help lead games, crafts and other fun activities that brighten their day and make a real difference. These visits generally take place on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month, but be sure to check the weekly bulletin or parish calendar for exact dates. It's a rewarding way to connect with the community and spread some cheer!
Join us as we make a global impact! Twice a year, usually during Advent or Lent, our teens visit Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg to pack meals that bring not just food, but hope, to underprivileged children in remote or underserved areas around the world. It’s a powerful way to serve others and make a difference, all while working together as a team. Come be part of these meaningful mission trips and help us share love and support with those who need it most! Please contact Mr. Van for upcoming dates or check the weekly bulletin or parish calendar.
We put the FUN in fundraising! All teens are invited to join in the excitement as we gear up for Catholic Heart Work Camp. In addition to a $100 deposit, teens heading to the camp must participate in our fundraising events, which include Pasta Dinners, Pancake Breakfasts, a Fall Rake 'n Run and a Spring/Summer Car Wash. These activities are not only a blast but also essential for making the trip happen. Your involvement helps support the mission and ensures a memorable experience for everyone! Please contact Mr. Van for upcoming dates or check the weekly bulletin or parish calendar.
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer at our Kids Christmas Film Night! Teens will help lead kids aged 4 and up in festive fun, including cookie decorating, Christmas games and watching favorite holiday movies. We’ll also have a cool selfie station/photo booth for capturing these joyful moments. It’s the perfect way to give parents a well-deserved night off while we all get into the Christmas spirit. Come join the fun and help make this a magical evening for everyone! Kids Christmas Film Night is typically scheduled in early December. Please contact Mr. Van for this year's date or check the weekly bulletin or parish calendar.
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with Christmas Angels and Christmas Elves! Teens from Youth Ministry team up with St. Nick and other parish ministries to bring joy to underprivileged families.
Christmas Elves: While everyone else is recovering from Thanksgiving or hitting the mall for sales, we’re delivering toys and stocking stuffers to Mission Our Lady of Angels on Black Friday.
Christmas Angels: Join the Women's Club to help load the "sleigh" with gifts for “adopted" families from our Angel Trees. It's a heartwarming way to give back and make the season brighter for those in need! The sleigh typically pulls up in mid-December. Watch Mr. Van's e-mails and parish communications for signups.
Teens are warmly invited to join our Good Samaritan Ministry in providing hearty, home-cooked meals for people in our parish and the greater community. Whether you're interested in shopping for ingredients, cooking up a storm or serving in the kitchen or dining room, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a positive impact. Your participation helps bring comfort and nourishment to those in need, strengthening our community one meal at a time. Come be a part of this meaningful ministry! Follow the weekly bulletin or parish calendar for links to signups throughout the year.
Join us! For teens, stop by any of our events and bring a friend, or two, drop-ins always welcome! Follow the parish calendar, eNews or bulletin for upcoming dates or please contact the Parish Office for more information today (847) 979-0901 or pvanlysebettens@archchicago.org.
To learn more about becoming an adult volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at (847) 979-0901 or sgoranson@archchicago.org.