Verso L’alto Youth Ministry (Grades 6-8)

Verso L’alto is out Catholic Middle School youth ministry program. It provides a safe, fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith, and most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way.

Verso L’alto Youth Night

Our Verso L’alto Youth Nights are on Monday nights starting with extra hangout time at 5:45pm, then the actual Youth Night from 6:00-7:30pm. We have time for games, snack, a talk, small group to discuss and ask the questions you really want answers to. It’s a safe place to come, make friends and grow in our faith. Come join us on Monday nights and don’t forget to invite your friends!

Middle School Sacrament Preparation

If your youth is in need of any Sacraments, please contact Katherine Buckley at kbuckley@sfdaparish.org or 928-779-1341 ext 112.

The Meaning Behind Our Name

Verso L’alto is Italian for “Into the heights”. This phrase is famously connected to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati was born April 6, 1901 in Turin, Italy. He was an incredible young man who loved those around him and gave all he had of himself to others. He loved mountains and spending time with his friends. He had a deep spiritual relationship with God and he wasn’t afraid to share it with his friends. On the back of a picture a fellow climber took of him he wrote ‘Verso L’alto’. This phrase shows the emphasis of his life – always striving, reaching towards others, seeking the ultimate heights of eternal life in Heaven with God.

Importance of Middle School Youth Group

We all remember that middle school was awkward and difficult. That hasn’t changed. However, societal shifts have made the middle school years more difficult than ever. Today, middle school youth are having experiences that were common only with high school students just 15 years ago. Threats of violence, availability of drugs and alcohol, and pervasiveness of sex and pornography are the new norm. Not only are they faced with these tough realities but they are also in the process of moving from being family-centered to friend-centered.

Peers gain greater influence and parental authority is called into question. As they shift socially they are also experiencing tremendous changes emotionally and intellectually. As they wade through all the difficulties of this time of life, they have real questions and need real answers. If parish leaders ignore the unique challenges of their middle school youth, they risk losing them forever.