Welcome, to the youth page for St. Bernard’s Youth Ministry.  I am Jacob Rath the Youth Coordinator currently in my sixth year of working with the youth here at St. Bernard's.  It is been a great honor to work with the youth of St. Bernard’s in Thief River Falls. 

Our goal at St. Bernard's is to draw youth into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church by fellowship, catechesis, youth trips (NCYC, , Senior Ski Trip to Red Lodge, Montana, Frostfire Ski Trip, Minneapolis Fun Frip, Fargo Last Blast), monthly youth events, Diocesan offered retreats (Disciple Week, Steubenville North, Junior High Youth Rally, Senior High Youth Rally, TEC Retreats, John Paul II Junior High Leadership Camp) and Family Faith Night.  Social Justice is also important in our Mission.  Seniors travel to Mazatlan, MX where they serve the poor and orphanages.  The youth also participate in serving the poor at Northland Rescue Mission in Grand Forks, ND and St. Gianna's Maternity Home in Warsaw, ND.  The youth  can give thier input by being involved in the junior and senior high youth board.  We gather once a month to talk about and plan events for the coming year.  Parents help in suppling the youth with activities by taking part in the Youth Advisory Board.  They also help by chaperoning and attending events.  I have found it is exciting to watch the youth have an active participation and watch them grow closer to God through the many programs we offer.  We continue to develop new programs and are always looking for solid volunteers to help chaperone and be a part of the many activities.  If you feel called to volunteering and helping the youth grow closer to God please contact me.  God Bless all of you and I hope you enjoy the many pictures. 

General Information

Youth: If you are interested in being a part of the youth trips that we take to NCYC, Senior Mission Trip, Senior Ski Trip to Red Lodge, Montana, Frostfire Ski Trip, Minneapolis Fun trip, and Fargo Last Blast and any other trip, but are concerned about the money I am reminding you not to be.  St. Bernard’s offers excellent fundraising.  If you work the Fish Fry’s you will be paid an hourly rate (rate calculated after profits are figured) if you work and you can have one adult work for you.  We also offer butterbraids, pizza, bake sales, and many other fundraisers.  If you want to take part in this trip and give a little effort in fundraising you will easily raise the needed funds!