YOUTH MINISTRY AT OLIH!
Youth Ministry offers opportunities for our young church to form friendships, serve others and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Throughout the year there are monthly gatherings for grades 6-12 as well as events that are specifically for those youth in grades 6-8 and 9-12 respectively. Check back here monthly as our youth council and staff plan more as the year progresses. All are welcome! Please contact our Coordinators McKenna Smith or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information!
We Are The Fishers Of Men - Back to School Fishing Trip - Saturday, August 22, 2026
Youth Ministry Monthly Gatherings (gr. 6-12):
Meet in the youth room. There is a different focus for every month, with games, activities, food, and prayer, all designed to help grow our young disciples. Friends are always welcome and we love having parent helpers!
These gatherings are generally held on Sundays from 5:30pm-8pm with the exception of a few events.
Christ Our Life - Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, at the Casey's Center. Purchase tickets here
Tie Blanket Making - Sunday, November 8 in the Social Hall at OLIH
Live Nativity - Friday, December 18, at OLIH, time is TBD - if you/your child would like to participate please email McKenna Smith
GLUE - GOD, LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING - GRADES 9-12
Scheduled on Wednesdays, 8:15-9:30pm in between Faith Formation Sessions, these gatherings take place in the youth room for any youth in grades 9-12. During these gatherings there is an exploration of a topic of interest usually featuring a guest speaker, time to ask questions, pray with one another, have fun, enjoy a snack and pray together! New this year we will have "Worship & Talk" nights that will feature a speaker and a time for adoration and prayer. These will typically take place in the Church or the Chapel.
September 30 - Ask a Priest Night (with Fr. Ambrose Daniel & Fr. James Ahenkora)
October 14- Worship & Talk (Eucharistic Miracles)
October 28 - Making Luminaria
November 11 - Veterans Day Panel (featuring Dwight Whitlatch & Chris Silver)
December 9 - Worship & Talk (Why is Advent important? With Fr. Ambrose Daniel)
January 13 - Exorcisms & Spiritual Battles (with Jackie King, Deacon Randy Kiel, and hopefully Fr. Fleming)
January 27 - Worship & Talk (Preparing for Lent with Deacon Greg Kolbinger)
February 17 - How to Bring Friends to Christ (with students from ISU Campus Ministry)
March 3 - Making Prayer Journals (with Mary Riester)
April 7 - Vocations Panel (with Fr. Flood & Fr. Smith)
April 21 - Worship & Talk (Keeping Our Faith with Fr. James Ahenkora)
MORE YOUTH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES BEING PLANNED
Local Mission Trip: In High school, during Spring Break, we offer “Faith In Action,” that draws 60-80 youth and adults in small groups for a 4 day-overnight that pairs a mission trip approach to local agencies in need with a Retreat atmosphere to help build our faith. This takes place every Spring Break.
National Mission Trips: Our mission trips are a fantastic opportunity for nurturing our heart of service, awakening for us Jesus’ compassion, and often inspiring continued outreach after the trip is completed. We have went through Catholic Heart Work Camp, Catholic Mission Trips, or have organized our own mission trips in response to needs such as tornado impact.
Wilderness Retreats: OLIH has taken adults & youth to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for close to 20 years. On these trips we’ve witnessed youth and adults “awaken” to God within them, stretch beyond their comfort, and bond in a way that is only achieved through overcoming challenges, talking about life, and supporting each other as people of faith.
NCYC/Steubenville Conferences: The national Catholic Youth Conference & Steubenville Conferences bring youth and adults in touch with the universal Catholic community of believers in a profound way. These conferences offer talented speakers, musicians, beautiful and engaging liturgy, and seek to equip our young church with new vigor to share Jesus with people in their lives.
Local Retreats: Both at OLIH and as a Diocese, there are retreats available to meet youth where they are, even retreats aimed at various life stages (retreat for seniors only, or retreat for new disciples) Whether they are timid and unsure of their life, or ready to go deep, there is virtually a retreat for everybody.