St. Joseph Catholic Church

Want to get a better sense of what L.I.F.T. is all about?  Take a look at what we've done so far this year...

 CLOSING THE YEAR OUT WITH THE L.I.F.T. BOX EVENT

This year’s LIFT Box Event was a wonderful experience of learning and service.  15 junior high teens learned a little about what it might be like to walk in the shoes of a homeless person.  They also learned what it means to answer God’s call to service and how that mission was passed on to us when Christ ascended into heaven.  2 high school students and 8 parents shared their gifts with the junior high students with the great help they provided so that this event was a success.  75 bagged lunches, entrance fee to the Box Event, were donated to the PADS Crisis Center in North Chicago to hand out to clients.

 WELCOME TO THE NEW CLASS OF 5TH GRADERS!

Another Broomball Event brings another year of L.I.F.T. to a close.  While saying "hello" to the new 5th/soon to be 6th graders L.I.F.T. also said "goodbye" to our graduating 8th graders.  Congratulations to everyone on another wonderful year of fun and service and God bless you as you continue forward in your faith journey.

HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS ON A SATURDAY NIGHT

L.I.F.T. got to spend a night playing on the rock climbing wall and dodgeball and basketball courts at the Libertyville Sports Complex.  It was a fun night of sports and teambuilding for teens from St. Joe's and their friends.

 KICKING BACK AND HAVING FUN WITH L.I.F.T.

Teens and adults had a great time playing cosmic bowling at the Brunswick Zone.  Sometimes all you need is a few friends and some fun!

CHRISTMAS LOVE SPREAD THROUGHOUT LAKE COUNTY

The Christmas season is not yet upon us and already L.I.F.T. has shared many gifts with those in need in the local community.  70 junior high students and dedicated adult helpers decorated 200 cookies for PADS, stuffed 100 stockings to be distributed to children through Catholic Charities, and created 100 Christmas ornaments for residents at the Winchester House.  Students also made a special little something for their teachers and catechists to show appreciation for the important role these adults play in the students' faith journeys.  Merry Christmas!

CLOTHING DRIVE HELPS MANY

Thank you to St. Joseph's parishioners and to the L.I.F.T. Junior High Youth Ministry for a successful Reach Out clothing drive.  50 youth helped sort, fold, and bag almost 100 bags of clothign for our neighbors at Holy Family in Waukegan.  The truck was filled!  The joy and warmth these clothes will bring to those less fortunate will be enjoyed because of your generosity.  You have planted the mustard seed that will grow and grow.  A special thanks to the parent volunteers who tirelessly assisted in folding, bagging, and organizing.

                                                               ~With Gratitude,

                                                                 The Reach Out Managing Committee

BAKE SALE A BIG SUCCESS!

Thank you to all of the families who shared their talents of baking, selling, and eating delicious goodies in support of the L.I.F.T. Bake Sale Fundraiser!  All of your efforts helped to raise $1,139 to offset costs of this year's L.I.F.T. programming.

More importantly, this bake sale proved to be an excellent example of parishioners of all ages teaming up in support of youth ministry. Congratulations to all involved!