In 2009, our group’s founder, Fr. Marek Stybor OFM Conv., established the three pillars of the San Damiano Group.  These are, Eucharist, Adoration, and Formation.  It is through these three pillars that young people can deepen the roots of their faith.  

    Jesus says, "If you know me, then you too know the Father.”  To better know Jesus, one must not look any farther than the Holy Eucharist.  In adoration and at Mass, we as Catholics are granted the greatest gift of faith by being completely in the presence of Christ.  It is group formation that helps us to learn more about our faith and understand the mysteries more deeply.  

    Every Saturday at 6 PM, our youth group gathers in the Upper Basilica of St. Stanislaus to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  Our group also provides three important ministries to be more involved with the Mass.  These are our Music Ministry, our Lectors, and our Ushers.  In addition, we encourage all the young people to sit at the front of the church in order to be more fully involved with the celebration.  Usually after our Mass, we celebrate as a community the continuation of the Eucharist by enjoying each other’s company through some sort of fellowship.

    The pillar of Adoration is a special opportunity for our group to enter into prayer together.  Once a month, on the third Thursday of every month, our group joins the parish in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 7:30 PM.  The evening consists of singing, silent prayer, rosary and concludes with Night Prayer and Benediction.  It is at this monthly adoration that our group also prays for an increase in vocations and sometimes has the opportunity to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.

    Finally, the most important way our group grows together is through Formation.  Formation is a chance for dialogue, contemplation, and learning.  Formation happens in a number of different ways, but most regularly, our group meets for a monthly formation meeting on the last Friday of every month.  During this formation meeting, our group’s spiritual leaders, Fr. Pedro and Deacon Joe, lead us in discussion of various topics.  We also have two retreats for our group, one marking the start of Advent, and the other Lent. 

Eucharist, Adoration, and Formation