St. Mary’s Youth Ministry
The history of St. Mary’s youth ministry began shortly after the opening of the parish in Roselle, IL around the year 1997. During it’s inaugural year, the founding youth president was Adam Peera, the son of the late Esha Peera. Both Adam and his father Esha served tirelessly in the church and played a pivotal role in its early development; with the latter serving his Holy church until his final days. In it’s early to middle stages, the youth was overseen by then parish priest, Rev. Father Khoshaba Bouza.
Since the founding of the youth ministry at St. Mary’s parish, this parish has seen many serve the Holy church to the best of their abilities. These names include – but not limited to – Adam Peera, Simona Piro, Sarah Kando, Jackie Hermiz, Nina Audisho, Nina Tamras, Unleen Kiverkis, Paul Khio, Mary Mousheh, Albert Napoleon, and current President Sub Deacon David Marbina. In addition to the list of presidents is an even longer list of faithful supporting committees and volunteers who have kept the heartbeat of the youth ministry alive and well.
Over the years, we’ve seen members of the youth ministry grow up within the church and take on more prominent roles to carry on the Christian lifestyle. Many members have grown up to become members of the church committee, or ‘zeeta’, which includes positions such as ushers, kitchen auxiliary, weekly volunteers, choir members, Sunday and Friday schoolteachers, and even deacons.
The youth is known for helping with any and all church related events and activities such as the annual Soup Kitchen on Thanksgiving, as well as volunteering for the annual Feast of St. Mary, or ‘shara’t Mart Mariam’ every August 15th. In addition to this, the youth has worked tirelessly over the years to fundraise via youth breakfasts and raffles, as well as holiday themed parties in the church cafeteria to kickstart their annual youth conference campaigns. In addition to this, the youth group works tirelessly each summer to help serve as camp counselors for the younger generation. May God recognize all of their hard work and dedication to His holy church.
Join St. Mary’s Assyrian Youth Group on Facebook.