It’s time to sign up for Living Stations!

Living Stations is a prayer service that is conducted by teens in the 8^th through 12^th grades during the Lenten season. We are currently looking for youth that would like to be a part of this beautiful prayer.

Rehearsals begin on January 3, but our role selections will take place earlier than that…so you need to sign up now if you are interested in participating! The deadline to register is November 15. (Please see the following letter for changes to this year’s season.)

There is a set application process for registration. This packet contains all of the information and forms you will need to register. Make sure you read it carefully and follow the instructions! You can drop off completed forms at the Youth Ministry Office in the Education Building.

If you have any questions, please call the Youth Office at 724-776-1920.

CROSS

WALK

Joining Together to Help Teens along Life’s Journey


October 25, 2020

                                                                                                               

Dear teens,

     So you are interested in signing up for Living Stations? We’re so glad that you chose to join us for our 38^th year. Things will be a little different this year due to travel restrictions, but we are hoping to have several prayer services at St. Ferdinand and possibly one at Holy Redeemer. Dates might be on Friday and/or Sunday evenings. There is also a possibility of a summer outdoor date. Masks are required.

     To sign up for Living Stations, you are required to complete the attached packet of information and return it to the office on or before November 15. The Selection Committee will be meeting shortly after that date, so please make sure that all of your paperwork is in on time if you want to be considered for a role, reader, or crew member. There is also a place where you can indicate if you are interested in trying out as one of our singers.

     Below is a checklist of items you will need to complete to be officially registered for Living Stations:

17. Parent/Youth Agreement
17. Selection Form
17. Permission/Medical Form
17. Code of Conduct
17. T-shirt Form (with check attached)

Please be advised again that you will not be considered for a role, reader or crew member until all of your paperwork is completed and returned to the Youth Ministry Office. And please remember that the deadline is Sunday, November 15, 2020. If you miss the deadline, you will be assigned to the crowd or crew.

     Now, some of you may be new to all of this and might want to know a few things before you consider signing up. If you have any questions, we would be happy to answer them for you. Please contact the Youth Office at 724-776-1920. We can discuss with you the sign-up procedure, our selection process, the schedule, and other information regarding Living Stations.

     Thanks for dedicating your time and talents to this prayer service. We love you for it, the people love you for it, and above all God loves you for it!


                                                                                                            Together in Christ,
                                                                                                                        The Stations Adult Team

CROSS

WALK

Joining Together to Help Teens along Life’s Journey


                                                                                                            October 25, 2020

Dear Living Stations participants and parents,

     The role selection for the various parts within the Living Stations Prayer Service is one of the most difficult tasks we as adult leaders must undertake. With a limited number of roles and so many deserving students, the selection must be completed with as much objectivity and fairness as possible. It is with these goals in mind that the committee has created a set of criteria to determine what teen should be “assigned” to the role…so it really is not a “selection process” at all.

     A panel of adults will conduct the role assignment by checking each student’s grade, past participation in Stations, past and present attendance at the Youth Ministry’s education programs, and service project involvement. Each item is awarded a number value, and then all are added up to give each student a total. The student with the higher score is then chosen for the role. In other words, each teen is directly responsible for his/her own fate. Please note that readers are not a part of this process, but are determined strictly by auditions. We believe this process is the most objective method for selection developed to date.

     In the past, there have been issues with teens and parents stating that they did not know how the process works. To assure that you are aware of the selection process and that you agree to the terms, please make sure that you and your child read, sign, and date the bottom of this letter. As with the other forms in the packet, I ask that you return this form to the Youth Ministry Office by Nov. 15, 2020. Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please call the Youth Office at 724-776-1920 before signing this form!!!!

     Living Stations is a prayer service during the most holy time of our Catholic year. The gift of God’s grace given to students in Living Stations is not determined by which role or task they did, but rather by their service to the church and our community.

                                                                                                                        Yours in Christ,
               

                                                                                                                        Mike Stack & Andrea Wheeler
                                                                                                Stations Team Coordinators

I understand and accept the terms of this selection process:                                                                         
                                                                                                                        (Parent Signature)

                                                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                            (Student Signature)

                                                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                    (Date)



Selection Form

Please clearly print the following information:

NAME                                                                                                                                    

STREET                                                                                                                                

CITY/STATE/ZIP                                                                                                                   

PHONE                                                                CELL                                                         

E-MAIL ADDRESS                                                                                                               

GRADE                         HEIGHT                                            SHIRT SIZE                           

Narrow these choices down to your top five. Once you have done that, please mark them from #1 to #5 (#1 being your top choice.) Do NOT list singer as one of your 5 choices. If you are interested in singing, just check that box.
 

Permission Form
            

                                                                                                           
NAME                                                BIRTHDATE                             AGE                      SEX

                                                                                                                                               
ADDRESS                                CITY                              STATE        ZIP              PHONE

                                                                                                                                               
SCHOOL               GRADE (2020-21)  E-MAIL ADDRESS                   STUDENT CELL PHONE
PERMISSION
I/we the parents or guardians of the above mentioned child, for myself/ourselves and for my/our child, give permission for my/our child to participate in Living Stations to be held from January 3, 2021 through August 30, 2021.
INDEMNIFICATION
In consideration of the St. Ferdinand Youth Ministry's agreement to allow my/our child to participate in Living Stations and intending to be legally bound, hereby, I/we agree to indemnify and hold harmless, the St. Ferdinand Youth Ministry, the Catholic Institute of Pittsburgh, their agents, successors and legal representatives, against any loss from any and all claims, demands, and actions at law or in equity that may hereafter at any time be brought by myself/ourselves, my/our child, or anyone of his/her behalf, for the purpose of enforcing a claim for damages because of any injury or property damages sustained by my/our child as a result of, or in any way related to his/her participation in the above mentioned event. I/we also give permission for my/our child’s pictures to be published in the bulletin, social media, or website.

MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION
In the event of any injury or illness to my/our child during his/her participation in this program, I/we hereby give my/our permission for the necessary medical treatment to be given to my/our child.  I/we, for myself/ourselves, for my/our child, our respective heirs, and my/our respective legal representatives, do hereby indemnify and hold harmless any representative of the St. Ferdinand Youth Ministry and from any and all claims, demands, and courses /of action of whatever kind and nature for their actions taken pursuant to this authority.

I/we agree that in case of injury to my/our child, I/we will apply my/our hospitalization and/or accident insurance toward payment of the expenses incurred and will not look to St. Ferdinand's, the Catholic Institute or the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh for the payment of any medical costs or injury related costs.

                                                                                                                                                                                   
Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                                           Phone Number

                                                                                                                                                                                   
Insurance Company                                                      Policy Number                          Group Number

                                                                                                                                                                                   
Special Instructions (For example: Let us know if pre-authorization is needed for medical illness or emergency)

                                                                                                                                                                                   
Name & Phone number of a person to notify if parent or guardian is not available.




BOTH SIDES OF THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE ACCEPTED!
CONSENT TO TREAT

I/we the undersigned parent(s)/guardian(s) of                                                                                                           
hereby authorize treatment of my/our child by a licensed medical physician in case of any accident or illness that may so arise, or any hospitalization necessary.

                                                                                                                                                                                   
Father/Legal Guardian Signature                                             Mother/Legal Guardian Signature

Today' Date                             .  This consent form will remain in effect until August 30, 2021.

Medical Matters: I hereby warrant that to the best of my knowledge, my child is in good health, and I assume all responsibility for health of my child.  Of the following statements pertaining to medical matters, sign only those in accordance with your wishes.

1) Medications by prescription: My child is taking medication at present.  My child will bring all such medication necessary, and such medication will be well labeled.  Names of medications and concise directions for seeing that the child takes such medications, including dosage and frequency of dosage are as follows:

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Signature:                                                                                                                    Date:                                       

2) Over the counter medications: I hereby grant permission for non-prescription medication (such as Tylenol, throat lozenges, cough syrup, etc.) to be given to my child, if deemed advisable.

Signature:                                                                                                                    Date:                                       

3) No medications.  No medication of any type whether prescription or non-prescription may be administered to my child unless the situation is life threatening and emergency treatment is required.

Signature:                                                                                                                    Date:                                       

Any known allergies to foods or medications?                                                                                                             

Any physical limitations?                                                                                                                                             

Any dietary needs? (For example: Let us know if you are a diabetic, vegetarian, etc.)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Is child subject to chronic homesickness, emotional reactions to new situations, sleepwalking, or fainting?
                                                                        Yes                                                       No

If yes, please explain.                                                                                                                                                 


BOTH SIDES OF THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED TO BE ACCEPTED!




Welcome to Living Stations! We are so glad to have you with us. Please remember that "Living Stations" is not a play, but a prayer service. Your commitment is to be taken very seriously. It doesn't matter if you are the person who portrays Jesus, a cripple, a member of the crowd, a reader, or crew person. It is all of you, and all of your talents that make this so special. We need everyone’s cooperation! It is very important that we are all on time, that each of us helps to set up and clean up, and that we are willing to work together as a team.

The following is a list of courtesies that are expected to be adhered to by all participants...youth and adults! Please read it carefully. Once you and your parents have read and agree to abide by this code, please sign, date, and return the attached sheet by Sunday, November 15, 2020. (Please keep this copy for future reference.)

1)         "Living Stations" is a meditative prayer, not only for the viewers, but for the participants as well. Please keep this in mind while the service is being conducted. We all have plenty of time to socialize before and after the service. Please take that hour to spend in silent prayer.

2)         The church is God's house and should be treated with respect. Please do not bring food, drinks, or chewing gum into the church. Remember to take your hats off too. Cell phones and personal listening devices are prohibited in church and will be taken until the end of the night if we see them.

3)         ALL CAST MEMBERS must participate in the entire run-through at each of the churches. ALL CREW MEMBERS must participate in set-up and clean up. ALL READERS must participate in practice before the service. If someone chooses not to fully participate, that person will not be permitted to join in the service that evening. In other words…they’ll sit out! If this would take place twice, that person would not be permitted to remain on the Living Stations team. There are NO exceptions!

4)         Treat everyone with respect. Make sure that everyone, especially new members are included and feel welcome. Listen when others are speaking and they will afford you the same courtesy. Avoid the use of abusive language. PDAs are not permitted. Arguing, gossip, bad attitudes, and rejecting others are not acceptable behaviors and will not be tolerated. If any of these become an issue, the parties involved will be asked to leave the team.

5)         We will depart, participate, and return to our church as a group. NO ONE UNDER 21 IS PERMITTED TO PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN TRANSPORTATION,.. NOT EVEN IF A PARENT IS DRIVING. IF YOU DO NOT RIDE THE BUS WITH THE GROUP, YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE THAT EVENING. IF YOU DO NOT RIDE THE BUS BACK TO ST. FERDINAND'S WITH THE GROUP, YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BE PART OF "LIVING STATIONS" FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. This rule was put in place to protect the participants and to avoid possible legal issues. This regulation was adopted by the Youth Ministry Board and is backed by the Living Stations Adult Team.

6)         Be on time. We don’t want to leave without you, and it’s not fair to those who were on time to have to wait for you.

7)         Teens and adults must wear his/her T-shirt or they will not be permitted to board the bus. Crew and Readers must wear closed-toe shoes. No one is permitted to wear shorts. Nothing is to be worn over the T-shirts during the prayer service. Cast should bring their entire costume with them…cleaned and pressed please!

8)         We are permitted to bring snacks with us, but remember that we are responsible to clean up when finished! If we don’t keep the buses clean we will lose this privilege, so please do your part to help. We’ll provide water bottles.

9)         Remember that we are guests at the other parishes. Be courteous representatives of St. Ferdinand. Be sure to respect people and their property. Music will only be allowed if it is kept at a very quiet level…adult’s discretion!

10)        Please take care of the make-up, costumes, and equipment. Remember to clean up after yourself too!

11)        For safety and liability reasons, no one is permitted off of the church grounds at any time, at any parish including ours. The adults on the team are not authorized to give you permission to leave the grounds so please don’t ask.

12)        Please refrain from smoking while at rehearsals, while traveling with the Youth Ministry, and at our services.

13)        The possession of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. It is our duty that if anyone is caught with an illegal substance, we are responsible by law to call the police. Please don’t put yourself or us in that position!

14)        If you are not able to make it to practice/service, you are required to call 724-776-1920 and leave a message on the machine. Do not send a message with a friend! You should not miss more than two practices or services.


15)        In case of inclement weather, we will notify you by text or e-mail. We will also place an announcement on the voice mail at the Youth Office and on the website. If there is any question about having a practice or service, please check before you travel to the church.

16)        If you have a problem, please talk to the person in charge of that area. Working out a dispute is always better than letting it grow into a really big problem. Gossip can only take away from the “prayerfulness” of our service.

17)        You are strictly prohibited from using any pictures or video without the consent of the Youth Ministry Office. If you wish to post pictures on the internet (facebook, YouTube, etc.), you need to have approval from Andrea before doing so. Even with approval, full names should never be posted with his/her picture.





“LIVING STATIONS” – CODE OF CONDUCT

1)         "Living Stations" is a meditative prayer, not only for the viewers, but for the participants as well. Please keep this in mind while the service is being conducted. We all have plenty of time to socialize before and after the service. Please take that hour to spend in silent prayer.

2)         The church is God's house and should be treated with respect. Please do not bring food, drinks, or chewing gum into the church. Remember to take your hats off too. Cell phones and personal listening devices are prohibited in church and will be taken until the end of the night if we see them.

3)         ALL CAST MEMBERS must participate in the entire run-through at each of the churches. ALL CREW MEMBERS must participate in set-up and clean up. ALL READERS must participate in practice before the service. If someone chooses not to fully participate, that person will not be permitted to join in the service that evening. In other words…they’ll sit out! If this would take place twice, that person would not be permitted to remain on the Living Stations team. There are NO exceptions!

4)         Treat everyone with respect. Make sure that everyone, especially new members are included and feel welcome. Listen when others are speaking and they will afford you the same courtesy. Avoid the use of abusive language. PDAs are not permitted. Arguing, gossip, bad attitudes, and rejecting others are not acceptable behaviors and will not be tolerated. If any of these become an issue, the parties involved will be asked to leave the team.

5)         We will depart, participate, and return to our church as a group. NO ONE UNDER 21 IS PERMITTED TO PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN TRANSPORTATION,.. NOT EVEN IF A PARENT IS DRIVING. IF YOU DO NOT RIDE THE BUS WITH THE GROUP, YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE THAT EVENING. IF YOU DO NOT RIDE THE BUS BACK TO ST. FERDINAND'S WITH THE GROUP, YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BE PART OF "LIVING STATIONS" FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. This rule was put in place to protect the participants and to avoid possible legal issues. This regulation was adopted by the Youth Ministry Board and is backed by the Living Stations Adult Team. (NOT APPLICABLE THIS YEAR!)

6)         Be on time. We don’t want to leave without you, and it’s not fair to those who were on time to have to wait for you.

7)         Teens and adults must wear his/her T-shirt or they will not be permitted to board the bus. Crew and Readers must wear closed-toe shoes. No one is permitted to wear shorts. Nothing is to be worn over the T-shirts during the prayer service. Cast should bring their entire costume with them…cleaned and pressed please!

8)         We are permitted to bring snacks with us, but remember that we are responsible to clean up when finished! If we don’t keep the buses clean we will lose this privilege, so please do your part to help. We’ll provide water bottles.

9)         Remember that we are guests at the other parishes. Be courteous representatives of St. Ferdinand. Be sure to respect people and their property. Music will only be allowed if it is kept at a very quiet level…adult’s discretion!

10)        Please take care of the make-up, costumes and equipment. Remember to clean up after yourself too!

11)        For safety and liability reasons, no one is permitted off of the church grounds at any time, at any parish including ours. The adults on the team are not authorized to give you permission to leave the grounds so please don’t ask.

12)        Please refrain from smoking while at rehearsals, while traveling with the Youth Ministry, and at our services.

13)        The possession of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. It is our duty that if anyone is caught with an illegal substance, we are responsible by law to call the police. Please don’t put yourself or us in that position!

14)        If you are not able to make it to practice/service, you are required to call 724-776-1920 and leave a message on the machine. Do not send a message with a friend! You should not miss more than two practices or services.

15)        In case of inclement weather, we will notify you by text or e-mail. We will also place an announcement on the voice mail at the Youth Office and on the website. If there is any question about having a practice or service, please check before you travel to the church.

16)        If you have a problem, please talk to the person in charge of that area. Working out a dispute is always better than letting it grow into a really big problem. Gossip can only take away from the “prayerfulness” of our service.

17)        You are strictly prohibited from using any pictures or video without the consent of the Youth Ministry Office. If you wish to post pictures on the internet (facebook, YouTube, etc.), you need to have approval from Andrea before doing so. Even with approval, full names should never be posted with his/her picture.

BY SIGNING THIS, WE AGREE THAT WE HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND ARE WILLING TO ABIDE BY THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE ST. FERDINAND YOUTH MINISTRY’S “LIVING STATIONS” FROM JANUARY 3, 2021 THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2021.

Parent’s Signature                                                                                                         Date                            

Youth Signature                                                                                                            Date                            
Dear Students and Parents,

          Each year we purchase T-shirts for our group. These shirts will help us to look like a “team” when we are traveling. They also provide consistency for the crew and readers when they participate in the “Resurrection Scene” and help other parishes in recognize our adult leaders.

          We are fortunate to have so many young people and adults who dedicate their time for this service. However due to the large number or participants, we are unable to meet the costs necessary to provide these shirts for everybody.

          The tradition of designing and wearing our own shirts is one that we do not want to abandon, so we ask that each member covers the cost of his/her own shirt. Please fill out the form on the bottom of this letter and return it and your money in an envelope marked “T-shirt Order”. All forms and money should be returned no later than November 15, 2020.

          All teens and adults who are involved in Living Stations are required to wear these shirts every Sunday, so we are asking everyone to purchase one. If this cost is a hardship for your family, please let us know so that we can help.

          Thanks for your continued support. We could never provide this beautiful prayer service to so many people if it weren't for the dedication of our youth, adults and their families.

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                The Living Stations Committee

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name                                                                     Cell                                                             


T-shirt Size (Please circle one)                     S ($10.00)                      M ($10.00)  
                            
                                                          L ($10.00)                       XL ($10.00)          

                                                          XXL (12.00)                    XXXL ($14.00)

Payment Method    (Please check one)           Cash                                Check                            

                                                                                                           Check Number