Devotions

Our Youth Group started in 1997 when Fr. Edmund Wolak became Pastor of St. Stephen’s Parish. There were a lot of skeptics during that time, however, Fr. Edmund told us that we have to be patient and with time we will have vibrant Youth Group.
Our Youth Group here at St. Stephen’s Parish currently has a Junior and Senior Youth Group. The Senior group is open to students in the 7th grade and higher. The Junior group is for those students at the elementary level. We hold both separate activities, as well as combined group activities.
    At the present time, there is a core group that is responsible for planning, preparing and finalizing events and activities. Fr. Grzegorz (Gregory) Golyzniak who is Parochial Vicar at our parish help us with many planning and activities. This “Planning Committee” meets monthly or bi-monthly, depending on the need. These meetings (including snacks!) are open to all youth. Please come and share your ideas!
    We have been involved in numerous projects and activities throughout the past few years. Our Youth Group began with a great trip to Darien Lake (which has occurred annually since then). We host many pancake breakfasts, ice skating and sledding gatherings and pumpkin-carving parties for all of our Parish members. Our youth dances are always a great success! Christmas and Easter are busy times for us to think of others as we sponsor a “Giving Tree”, visit local Nursing Homes and host an Easter-egg hunt for children. Our first Youth Mass was held on January 20, 2003. The community was quite impressed with our talents.
    Youth Group events are open to everyone. You do not need to be a member of the Planning Committee in order to join in the fun. St. Stephen’s Youth Group is a growing organization. It receives tremendous support from Fr. Edmund Wolak, our Pastor; Fr. Gregory Golyzniak, our Parochial Vicar; our organist, Ryan Schaffer and ALL of our parish family! We welcome you as we continue to plan our future fun activities!