Mrs. (Miss Debbie) Cowman, Youth Minister
Office Number: 215-646-0494
Youth Ministry meets twice a month on Sunday afternoons from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM in the Religious Education Room
Gathering Schedule:
December 9, 2007 - Pizza Party Welcoming our New "Jesus" Friends and opening our faith sharing with "The Oz and God"
December 16, 2007 - Exchanging Pollyanna’s, our Favorite Christmas Stories and the poster for Church
January 13, 2008 - Come join us as we explore "Where is Jesus in your New Year"
January 27, 2008 - Movie day "The Ultimate Gift" (time change 12:30PM - 3:00PM for this gathering only)
February 10, 2008 - Youth Ministry T-shirt day (come and make your own T-shirt to show our "Jesus Spirit")
February 27, 2008- Making cards and gifts for our visit to Artman and Brighton Nursing Homes
March 9, 2008- Visit Artman and Brighton Nursing Homes (time change 12:30 - 3:30PM for this gathering only)
Witnesses from Some of our Youth Group Members
Why I Love Youth Group by Kate Frame
I've been attending youth group for five years now and have seen firsthand, the magic we create in that room. Each chair
holds a unique mind and soul and when we come together under Miss. Debbie's leadership, you can see the Holy Spirit
come alive. It is an opportunity to build new relationships and strengthen old ones, especially with God. It is a time to
make friends with those you might not otherwise be drawn to. It is a time of acceptance, of firsts, of adventures, of
laughs as well as tears as we share our hardships.
You are surrounded by people who care, where you can talk without judgment. And when you're talking, you can see in everyone's eyes that they are actually listening. Some stories you hear in Youth Group will allow you to see Him all over again. We change from thinking concretely to thinking abstractly. St. Joseph's Youth Group is a family of love and joy. If you love God, come. If you know God, come. If you want to know and love God, come. If you are skeptical, come. And if you love to eat, come. I can tell you this; Youth Ministry is never boring because it is completely real.
Youth Group Witness by Rachel-Marie Layden
I've been a member of St. Joseph’s youth group for a little over 4 years.
Youth Group is a place where you are not judged when you talk about God.
We talk about the Gospel and homily and how it applies to everyday life. In the
past we've done some fun things such as dances, bake sales, helping out with bingo,
vacation bible school and more. But the best part is being with people with the same
values, morals, and beliefs. The members of youth group are very understanding and
helpful. The members of youth group will be friends that will always be there. I love
youth group. It's a place where you can talk about God, meet new people, make new
friends and A LOT more. So, if you like to make friends, if you love God....Come
check it out!!!
Youth Group Witness by Connie Collins
Hi, my name is Connie Collins. I am a member of St. Joseph's Church.
I am also the wife of Bob Collins and the mother of our two children, Anna and Michael. As with everything and all
that I do, joining St. Joseph's youth group was motivated by the love for my children. As a parent I want to give our
children the gift of faith; the faith that we both grew up with. Finding that faith, that foundation, that core sense of
being called a child of God has more competition today than years gone by. Jesus has to compete with the volume
of TVs, cell phones, ipods, celebrity worship and a world on the brink of disaster.
What to do? Fortunately, our parish has a place under the guidance of Miss Debbie Cowman where our
children meet with Jesus and other youths their age. Anna and I joined the group about a year and a half ago.
There is no pressure. We meet and talk about our lives and always with a focus on Christ and one another.
We call ourselves Jesus Friends. The group is encouraged to express their feelings and or concerns in their
lives. Miss Debbie always has words of wisdom, stories to tell, knowledge to share. We may share food,
watch Christian movies, do community service or just talk. All the time we are teaching the teens to turn up
the volume of Jesus' voice in their hearts and minds. It's His voice I want Anna and Michael to hear when
they are making choices, taking action or moving on to their next stage of development. I want it to be His
voice they hear long after mine is gone. St. Joseph’s youth group is providing just that and we are so thankful.
Youth Group Witness by Caitlin Gailey
Some people are probably wondering, what is youth group? Youth
Group is a wonderful opportunity that kids who have received Confirmation
can experience. I have been so fortunate to experience first hand all that youth
group has to offer. From the fun activities to the serious open hearted talks that
we share, Youth Group is a great experience that I would advise to anyone.
Before Youth Group, Sunday was just a day for church and hanging out with
friends. Now Sundays are lke a day to reflect on all the graces that God has
given to me and all others. Also, I have made some great friends who always
cheer me up. During the summer there is Bible Camp which anyone can go to.
I had the best time doing this and I have even met some pretty amazing little kids
along the way. I would definitely advise people to join youth group. We have a
lot of fun while making others and ourselves feel better.
Youth Group Witness by Mary Lawnicki
Several years ago, I was lucky to hear Miss Debbie Cowman speak after mass.
I had no idea how my life would change. I only knew that I like her style and her
gumption to get up and speak to the congregation about starting a youth group here in St.
Joseph's parish.
I knew that I owed God a great deal for all the opportunities He had given me and I
somehow wanted to repay Him; but little did I know, that it was I who would be repaid
in spirit when I decided to help out in Youth Ministry.
I have been amazed, humbled and grateful to partake in our "ALIVE" Jesus group!
All are welcomed and encouraged to just be yourself as we all interact.
I have seen the best in kids as they develop. They express, share, comfort and
encourage one another. The kids’ wisdom and love for each other astonishes me.
If only I had a group like this one. I seriously doubt that I could have been as fortunate
to have had a teacher like Miss Debbie. She is a little statue of spirit herself. She
opens her arms and accepts all and leads lively discussions. She lovingly leads the
kids to Jesus. You can't help but notice how special St. Joseph’s Youth Group is.
Won't you come and experience the joy and wonder? Oh, by the way, my name is Mary
Lawnicki and I am truly graced to be part.
Youth Group Witness by Elizabeth Witlin-Roberts
Dear Miss Debbie, For my turn, I would like to take the time to express my
gratitude, for youth group makes me thankful for so many reasons. I think my
first thank you should be to you for donating your time and full attention to
these young people. But, that one needs to also include your helpers (Connie,
Lisa, Margie & Mary), because without all of you there is no way this group
could continue. Next, I'd like to acknowledge you for "walking the walk, and
talking the talk". In this day and age, you are a rarity, if you weren't blazing
the trail, we couldn't stand behind you mirroring your example. It is such a
relief to drop those kids off at youth group KNOWING they are safe, supported,
and cared about. I don't know how you and your posse managed it, but you made
the most unlikely group of kids, friends. Many say faith starts at home, but I
wholeheartedly believe that it takes a village to continue that strength of
faith. That's what youth group means to me. Debbie, you and I have been
friends for a while, and you have always had a kind word, settling thought, or
"love note" for those Jesus friends of yours, and I am proud to say I count
myself among them. So, in conclusion, I'd like to share something with you:
Sometimes, I get to church before you, but the building doesn't light up til you
get there. Must be that fire you are always talking about. Thank you for ALL
you do! Most Sincerely, Elizabeth Witlin-Roberts