The Parish of St. Theresa STAY program is facilitated by our Youth Minister and several Adult leaders. This team of Adult Facilitators has established clear standards by which all members of STAY are expected uphold. These Standards are the guides by which the teens follow at every meeting and give them moral principles that will follow them throughout their lives.
Respect: Respecting others is the beginning of friendship. It helps us to make things happen between people. It allows us the freedom to disagree with the ideas of someone else while still respecting their personhood. Respecting property is another issue. If we leave this place and all the things in it better than we found it than we are more likely to be welcome to come again. Also, what is here can continue to be shared and enjoyed by many more groups.
Try: At first you may be hesitant when activities are unfamiliar or even appear difficult. All we ask is that you try.
Listen: Listen to what people are saying, to what your heart and head are telling you, and to what God is saying to you. One of the greatest ways to show respect for another person is to listen to what they say.
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Relax: STAY isn’t school and there are no tests. The atmosphere is informal and casual. You are invited to be yourself and not worry about what others will say or think.
Here & Now: It is important for us to be present to the moment, situation and to those around us. We don’t focus on the things waiting for us once we go home. What is said within STAY stays in STAY. Out of respect for others, nothing should be repeated outside of small group. The only exception to this rule is if someone says or indicates that they may cause harm to themselves or to others. Then the Adult Facilitators will step in to help the individual in question.
Share Tasks: There is no “I” in team so don’t be afraid to ask for help. We STAY together. Success or failure is all our responsibility.
Have Fun: Don’t take everything so serious, sit back and have fun, smile and laugh.
Freedom to Make Mistakes: No one is perfect, except God. It’s okay to make mistakes, we don’t judge.
No Put Downs: Name calling, bullying, or negative things said to or about a person is never tolerated at STAY.
Be Honest: We invite you to be open to others and open with yourself as you share in the group. When we are sincere and honest about our opinions and beliefs, we may find that others feel the same way we do. Don’t tell us what you think we want to hear, speak from your heart.