10. DEVELOP THE
GRAND ISLAND DIOCESE

The sad statistic barely changes year after year: 70-80% of high school students give up on the Catholic faith when they graduate and leave home. They make a leap ahead in growing up in life, but not in growing closer to the Source of life, Jesus. 

The obligation that those of us in ministry have is to do everything possible to prepare them for this leap. One thing that we know helps is youth witnessing to youth. For example, seeing a college sophomore on their knees in adoration and deep prayer is an unforgettable witness to a high school junior, and something maybe they have never even seen their parents do.

St. Teresa’s tiny and crumbling facilities have limited the number and type of activities over the years that could have been hosted to further youth ministry, but there is a great desire to use new facilities to serve youth from everywhere. 

St. T’s wants to function as a hub and source of energy for youth ministry for the whole Grand Island Diocese. Already we welcome high school students for campus visits at UNK and have historically sent missions of college students out to high school youth groups, but the wish is to do more. This potential has been included in the layout design of the proposed new St. Teresa’s facility.