Teens invited to join groups

Heather Latter

Fort Youth Group (FYG) and the St. Mary’s Youth Group are two organizations offering young people in the area a positive outlet for friendship, fellowship, and fun.
Both groups, which are open to the public, have grown since their inception.
The St. Mary’s Youth Group began 12 years ago with a group of eight teens and now has 75-100 members in Grades 7-12.
“Even though it is Catholic, we have a lot of kids coming from different denominations,” noted youth minister Ken Desjardins.
“Even though we teach in the one form, it’s open for anyone to come,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, FYG, which began in 2007, also is for students in Grades 7-12.
It is supported by four Fort Frances churches: the Evangelical Fellowship Church, Evangelical Covenant Church, Bethel Baptist Church, and New Beginnings Fellowship.
“We thought we should connect outside the Christian sphere and have something based in Fort Frances,” explained FYG leader Debbie Pawluk.
The group holds three events each month—one large fun event and two more intimate Bible studies, called “Deeper.”
“‘Deeper’ is a Bible study focus,” noted Pawluk. “We’re going to be covering the Bible cover to cover, talking about the main point of the Bible and how it is connected to everyday life.”
During the fun event, which could be anything from bowling to sliding, there also is some “God talk” time where someone shares their spiritual story.
FYG also is planning a coffeehouse in November, where local musicians can perform and the teens will offer up a play.
Meanwhile, the St. Mary’s Youth Group also holds several events for its members, including similar extracurricular activities as FYG.
They also organize retreats, camps, and trips to Minneapolis or Thunder Bay, as well as a lunch once a week where the youth can enjoy fellowship and some teaching.
“We also do other events, such as the Christmas parade and various fundraising activities like making homemade salsa or pies,” said Desjardins.
One of their larger events is a soup-and-bun fundraiser in the spring where the youth bake the bread.
“The funds we make from that go to an organization that helps social justice in Third World nations,” Desjardins noted.
To get involved in the St. Mary’s Youth Group, contact the parish at 274-5233.
Information about Fort Youth Group can be found on Facebook by searching FYG or by calling Pawluk at 276-1059.