The purpose of St. Peter's Youth Ministry is to empower the young people in our parish to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today by drawing them to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.   For youth in middle and high school it will foster development and growth in Christian discipleship and Catholic identity through faith formation sessions, service projects, social events and spiritual activities, such as retreats.

          Youth gather and meet on most Sunday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. throughout the year, and on one Saturday a month we have our Mass Appeal event from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. Some special events and sessions may be on a different day or at a different time.  Call the Office for Christian Formation at 301-843-9583 for more information about this vibrant ministry!

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Mount 2009 - Jesus Christ:  Rockstar!
... reflections from John Kennedy, Youth Leader

      Friday, February 13 through Sunday morning, February 15, ten high school teens from St. Peter’s Youth Ministry joined 1,600 other youth and adults from across the United States at Mount 2009 Retreat.  Mount 2009 is the 14th annual retreat hosted by Mount St. Mary's Seminary and University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It is a Eucharistic centered retreat that is designed for high school and college age Catholics.  This year’s theme, “Jesus Christ:  Rockstar!” sought to encourage the Church’s young people to see Jesus Christ as their true model, their example, their ROCKSTAR. (Rock = foundation, Star = letting His light shine).  
 
     From St Peter’s, Mike Bean, Will Coughlin, Kristi Davidson, Stephanie Pope, Lena Sciarratta, Angelica Treviso, Sean Ward , and Megan Ward, met former parishioners Andrey Mazuera and Dominic Mazuera in a happy reunion at “The Mount”.  
 
     In keeping with the Rockstar theme, they were entertained by the Matt Maher Band, with an exciting and deeply moving Christian rock concert on Saturday night.  Matt Maher and his band performed at St. Peter’s on January 23, following their perfor-mance at the National March for Life Rally the previous day. Matt and the band have performed at several World Youth Days.   A self-described "musical missionary,"
Maher is one of the most active and popular Catholic musicians working today.  He is applauded by fans for his deep love of Christ and his ability to convey that love in songs which grab young listeners. 
 
     Father Scott Courtney, thrilled the students with his exciting and inspirational presentations on Faith, Prayer, and the Eucharist.  (Ask any of the retreatants about what Heaven means to them!) Father Courtney is a graduate of Mount St. Mary's Seminary, and a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska.  He has taught high school religion for several years and has a sound, solid and inspirational way of engaging teens in faith formation.  Father Courtney taught us, “It’s cool to be Catholic!”
 
     Chris Padgett spoke on family and the vocation of married life.  He is an engaging Catholic speaker, author and musician.  In May 2008 he received his master's degree in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio .  He and his wife Linda are the parents of eight children and on many occasions minister together about the joys of the Catholic faith, parenthood and other topics.  A convert, Chris calls Roman Catholicism "the most amazing adventure" of his life. His humor-filled talks sparked outright belly-laughs among the teens and hit home with his observations on romance and family.  What a great way to spend Valentine’s Day!
 
     The retreatants from St. Peter’s and their adult chaperones also visited the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, and fulfilled the requirements to receive a Plenary Indulgence as declared by Pope Paul VI.

 
     The highlight of the retreat was the Eucharistic Procession and all-night adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  During the two-hour ceremony, the Holy Eucharist was processed through the assembly, illuminated by a spotlight on the sparkling Monstrance, while the seminarian Schola chanted prayers in Latin and English and incense wafted through the darkened hall. 
This incredibly moving ceremony revealed the true presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist.  
 
     This was a wonderful experience for youth and chaperones, alike.  We are already looking forward to next year! John Kennedy, Youth Leader