St. Therese youth group learns about each other, selves

Intermountain Catholic

+ Enlarge

Alejandra Arévalo is one of the two coordinators of the Saint Therese Hispanic youth group. She is also a Eucharist minister.

MIDVALE — At the beginning of their youth group meeting at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus parish, five teenagers argued about who would start with a prayer. Finally, Lupita Reyes convinced herself and opened the session with a brief plea.

After an activity about reflecting on different events of their lives, the scene was different, and they were willing to participate and share intimacies.

"Some of the kids know each other because their parents are part of the prayer group that also meets on Mondays at 7 p.m.," said Alejandra Arévalo, coordinator of the youth group, along with Janette Yedra. "Sometimes this makes them not pay attention because they talk to each other," she said.

However, these friendships can also motivate them to go to the group and participate once they are there.

"I like to come to the youth group to learn more about God. I also come to see my friends, and to have a good time," said Reyes, who was a little nervous because she and her best friend Lupita Gutiérrez were going to give a presentation in front of the group.

"She is like my cousin. My parents are her confirmation godparents," said Reyes. "Our presentation will be on how we can see things in a different way," she added.

Arévalo hopes these presentations become the foundation for the members of the group to continue serving the Church. "We want to create leaders," she said.

But for now, part of the group’s mission is to attract more members. "This group is for young people who want to come closer to God, learn about their religion, and have fun. We want them to know we are not serious all the time," said Arévalo.

Juan Salvador Tlaxcala said the Saint Therese youth group is different from other groups he has been a part of because it includes more activities and games.

"The group is fun because we have cool activities and we listen to presentations about abuse, responsibility, and obeying our parents," said Stephany Román.

"We also want to have activities outside the classroom; but before that, we need to meet with the parents to get their support," said Arévalo.

Meanwhile, Arévalo and Yedra have the support of the few, but constant, members of the group. "The coordinators are nice. You can trust them," said Reyes.