2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
-Matthew 18:2-4
College sophomores-seniors, young adults, adults, parents, and grandparents open to growing closer to Christ. Your invitation awaits you! Please contact:
Mark Hawkins, Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation Preparation Phone: 815-385-4254 Email: mhawkins@tcoha.org or complete the interest form
7 CORE VALUES OF TCOHA YOUTH MINISTRY
Love
“We Love because He first Loved us” – 1 John 4:19. We must strive in all moments and circumstances to love others as Christ Loved. This foundation, simple in premise and command, serves as the basis for our ministry.
Authenticity
We live authentically, not denying our human weakness or shying away from the need for personal improvement, but working toward holiness, with resolve. The world needs quality examples of Catholic men and women who live out their faith. As leaders in ministry, we live our faith authentically, providing the living example of a Christian and giving hope that others, too, can follow Christ.
Joy
We live by an unrelenting belief in the goodness of God, and in His desire not for our momentary happiness, but our everlasting life. The spirit of our Youth and Worship ministries is one of pure joy, keeping life in perspective and allowing the peace of God to reign in our hearts, regardless of what the world might bring at any given moment.
Affirmation
We refuse to be overwhelmed by the negativity pervading our culture. Words and actions are designed by the Creator to bring life to creation, not death. We make every effort and take every opportunity to build up the Kingdom on Earth, rather than tear it down.
Evangelization
We speak truth to God’s people, inviting them to know Him more deeply. Driven by a desire for all to know the mercy and Love of God the Father.
Vocation
We maintain openness to the call of God in our lives and a willingness to discern, respond and prioritize our lives according to that call. Whether designed for the religious, married, or single life, we not only embrace the vocation we were designed for, but insure that it remains primary, not allowing God’s work in ministry to overtake God’s call to holiness.
A Eucharistic Spirituality
We seek to become one with Christ in all ways. Through a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother, we develop a more profound understanding of Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Scriptures, we grow in sanctity through the Incarnate Word. Through openness to the Charisms of the Holy Spirit, we allow God’s love to permeate this world. Through adherence to the Church that our Lord established, we act in obedience and humility. Through our frequenting of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist in Most Holy Communion, we become one with the living God. These intimate experiences with Christ are unmistakable signs of His Love.