All youth are invited to be a part of the new alliance formed with St. Isaac Jogues parish and Young Life as together they serve the youth in our area. We are combining our youth ministries so that every young person can be a part of a faith community and grow their relationship with Jesus.
Scroll down for more details and Frequently Asked Questions.
All 6-8 grade youth are invited to be a part of WyldLife this year! What is it? Quite simply, it's a ministry that is all about caring adults relationally walking with junior high kids and introducing them to Jesus. We do that in a variety of ways and it's a little different than a typical 'youth group'. Here are the main things we offer with a brief explanation. Know that all 6-8 graders are welcome to join us for anything- we welcome kids from all schools, denominations, cities, etc. Here's how to get involved:
Club - Be ready to have the time of your life! This is on a Friday night from 4:30-5:45. They typically include lots of games and music, a talk about Jesus, and some small group discussion time.
Events- Because the ministry is focused on relationships, we want to get to know everyone and help them get used to being a part of the Body of Christ! These nights are solely focused on fun and relationship building- there will be little 'content' .
Camp- We get to go to camp every summer for the best week of their life! We usually find out around December when/where we're going.
Campaigners- Fancy word for bible study!Caring adults helping middle school students grow in their faith. By spending time in the Bible and having real-life conversation about what we just read.
Parent Support Team- We can't do this without you! We are looking to establish a parent support team- basically parents that want to help whenever they can! You'll receive an email once a month with things that we need help with- snack donations, parent support at Club running games or taking pictures, host an event, and simply supporting the ministry! Let us know if you want to be on our list!
Abide refers to the St. Isaac Jogues and Notre Dame combined youth program, and all those meetings will either be at Notre Dame or SIJ. Talks and discussions at Abide are Catholic focused.
Young Life is not a Catholic organization. It is a Christ-centered ministry that helps kids know Jesus, grow in their faith and serve Him.
You do not have to be Catholic – the meetings and events at St Isaac’s and Notre Dame are open to ALL young people.
Wyldlife is for 6, 7 & 8 grade youth. What is it? Wyldlife is ministry centered around helping young people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Play games, sing songs, and listen to one of our leaders share from the bible. Then meet with students from your grade and gender to talk about the bible.
Wyldlife meetings/events are hosted at people's houses within the community.
Yes! All are welcome!
Events/meetings at St Isaac’s/Notre Dame will lean into Catholic teachings and practices, i.e. apologetics, Adoration etc. with the end goal for youth to develop a better understanding of who Jesus is and grow into a deeper relationship with Him.
Yes!
Yes!
Erin grew up in Hinsdale and has been a part of Young Life Eastern Dupage for 15 years. Erin and her family have been parishioners of St. Isaac Jogues for over 50 years. She graduated from St. Isaac Jogues in 2005 and then went on to attend Hinsdale Central High School and graduated in 2009. Erin received a Bachelors degree from St. Ambrose University, and received a Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Young Life has had a big impact on her life from the community that was formed to the caring adult leaders that walked alongside her throughout her life. One of the many things she loves about Young Life is the community and deep real conversations you get to have with others about life and Jesus. Erin is so excited to walk alongside high school and middle school students, have meaningful conversations and help them deepen their faith life.
Contact Erin Buddig: erin@sijhinsdale.com