Youth Ministry

Hi! My name is Sarah Beaver, sometimes known as SB to the youth. I am the Coordinator of Youth Ministry for Our Lady of Peace Parish. Something special about our youth is that they come to us from all around the Erie area.

I have worked at OLP now for three years and I believe the Lord has begun a revival with the youth of the area. I hope and pray we can offer the resources and opportunities needed for the youth to follow God's will in their lives. If you are looking for a way to support our ministry, please reach out and I can offer a few opportunities. We are mostly looking for prayers, for continued growth and understanding of the Catholic faith!

What I see as most important for our ministry is that the youth know they belong here. There is a place for everyone here! :)

Looking to get involved in this ministry? I am looking to expand the adults on my core team!

Looking to get involved as a youth? If you're in 4th-12th grade, we have a youth group for you! For K-5th, we've got Kid's Night Out for you. Looking for something we don't currently offer? Let me know, and we will see what we can find!

Want to receive our text reminders, make sure you give us your cell phone number and you will never miss another event.

For more information contact Sarah Beaver at 814-833-7701, or sarah.beaver@olp.org.

Just remembered, you are L O V E D ! And we are here for Y O U !

God bless,

Sarah Beaver
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Our Lady of Peace Parish
sarah.beaver@olp.org

Steubenville Conference 2023 — Here's a picture from the Steubenville Youth Conference this past summer!

Hello Youth Group Families!

Below I have included some family activities for the week of Holy Week, all including some playlists that should be good for the respective days. This is the first time I am providing anything like this. But I am so excited to hear how it goes in your home! If at any point you have a question or something we can add to this, please reach out at sarah.beaver@olp.org, again, none of this is required, but I highly recommend this to ensure this Holy Week can be set a part from any other week in the year! All is a recommendation, you don’t have to listen to all the music, just a suggestion! God bless you!

Sarah Beaver : )

Palm Sunday Procession: Begin Holy Week by reenacting Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with a palm procession around your home or yard after Mass. Let the children wave palm branches they received during Mass or make their own from construction paper. Engage their senses by playing joyful music.
1. OLP Mass times: Saturday 5pm, Sunday 7:30am, 9am, 11am, 4:30pm
2. Playlists to look up-enter these words to find the exact playlist or similar ones:
  1. Spotify-Palm Sunday, Various Artists, 2022, 34 songs
  2. Youtube-Hosanna - Palm Sunday 2022 - Top Hillsong Praise and Worship Songs Playlist
Washing of the Feet Sensory Experience: Set up a sensory station to recreate the humility and service of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Fill a basin with warm water, add a few drops of scented oil (like lavender or rosemary), and let the children take turns washing each other’s feet. This tactile experience fosters understanding and empathy while reinforcing the importance of serving others.
1. Holy Thursday Mass at OLP 7pm
2. For those looking to visit other churches we will be taking a bus 8:30pm-11pm email Sarah for more details
3. Playlists to look up for foot washing:
  1. Spotify-Foot Washing April 2025, 21 songs
  2. Youtube-Holy Thursday Songs 2021 Hillsong United Songs Playlist, Taya Smith
Holy Thursday Last Supper Meal: Prepare a simple meal reminiscent of the Last Supper. Encourage the children to participate in meal preparation, setting the table, and sharing in the meal together. Use this time to discuss the significance of the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist. Include foods like bread and grape juice to symbolize the body and blood of Christ. Alternatively, recreate a Last Supper dramatic play opportunity for your children.
1. Details for a Passover Meal with your family:
  1. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1038
  2. Playlists can be found in #2
Garden of Gethsemane Sensory Meditation: Create a calming sensory space in your backyard or a quiet corner of your home to reflect on Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Scatter fragrant flowers or herbs, such as roses or lavender, for children to touch and smell while meditating on Jesus’ suffering. Play soft instrumental music and encourage them to close their eyes and pray. Read aloud passages from the Gospels recounting Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, such as Matthew 26:36-46 or Luke 22:39-46. Encourage children to listen attentively and reflect on the words, allowing them to deepen their understanding of Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice.
1. Playlists:
  1. Spotify-search Christian Music Instrumental Playlist-any of those should be good
  2. Youtube-Best Of Hillsong Instrumental Music 2020 Latest Christian Worship Instrumental Music Background
  3. Garden by Matt Maher-a song I would recommend
Stations of the Cross Sensory Walk: Set up a series of stations around your home or yard representing the Stations of the Cross. At each station, provide sensory elements related to the station’s theme. For example, at Station 3 (Jesus falls the first time), place soft pillows for children to kneel on, symbolizing Jesus’ pain and exhaustion. Encourage them to reflect quietly or say prayers as they move through each station. For older kids, use the Stations of The Cross cards from Catholic Family Crate or posters from Holy Heroes to pray the Stations of The Cross at home.
1. Playlists
  1. Spotify-Songs for Good Friday, Getty Music, 21 songs
  2. Youtube-Good Friday | Hillsong Christian Easter Worship Songs Playlist| Awesome Praise and Worship Songs
  3. Song I highly recommend-Wood and Nails, Porter Gate
Paschal Candle Making: Utilize a Paschal candle making kit from Holy Heroes to create your own Paschal candle (or even pinterest how to do that). Follow the instructions provided in the kit and involve the children in the process of decorating the candle. Discuss the symbolism of the Paschal candle as a representation of Christ, the Light of the World, and its significance in the Easter liturgy.
Holy Saturday Garden Tomb Sensory Bin: Create a miniature garden scene representing Jesus’ tomb. Use a shallow tray or container filled with soil, rocks, and small plants or flowers. Hide a small figurine of Jesus inside the tomb. Encourage children to build and explore the elements of the garden while discussing the anticipation and hope of Jesus’ resurrection.
Resurrection Egg Hunt: Host a Resurrection Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday to celebrate Jesus’ triumph over death. Fill plastic eggs with symbols representing different parts of the Easter story, such as a small cross, a piece of linen cloth, or a mini Bible verse. Hide the eggs around your home or yard and let the children hunt for them. Afterward, gather together to open the eggs and retell the story of Jesus’ resurrection.
1. Link regarding Resurrection Eggs: https://faithgateway.com/blogs/christian-books/making-resurrection-eggs-easter-story
2. Playlists for Holy Saturday
  1. Spotify-Songs for Good Friday and Holy Week, Salt of the Sound, 27 songs
  2. Youtube-Top Christian Music Playlist 2024 HOLY FOREVER
  3. Song-Sunday is Coming, Phil Whickham (my low key favorite)
Holy Week Sensory Bin: Create a Holy Week Sensory Bin incorporating purple elements to symbolize Lent. Use a variety of sensory materials such as lavender scented barley, purple loose parts, glass beads, rocks, and small crosses or religious figurines like Shining Light Dolls. Allow children to explore the textures and colors while discussing the significance of each item in the context of Holy Week.
Easter Sunday: Highly recommend checking out this post and picking a couple! https://www.hisgirlsunday.com/post/50easteractivities
1. Also to attend an Easter Mass-OLP Offers:
  1. Easter Vigil on Saturday 8:30pm
  2. Easter Sunday Masses 7:30am, 9am, 11am
  3. Playlists
    1. Spotify-Easter Worship 2025/ Easter Sunday Music 2025, Hillside Playlist, 64 songs
    2. Also (didn’t proof listen to this, so let me know if you do and it matches what we’re looking for): Easter Kids Christian, littlesea, 76 songs
    3. Youtube-Easter Medley : Living Hope / Because He Lives / O Praise the Name / Forever
    4. New Easter Songs 2025-New Easter Music 2025 Playlist (New Spring Music 2025-2026)