St. Joseph Teen Ministry
Code of Conduct
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." John 13:34-35
Be respectful Treat people with charity, justice, and respect. I show my love for God in all that I say and do. Be ready to serve others. Welcome others like family, break the notions of popularity, and promote the idea of Love! This means that making fun of others and putting each other down is not acceptable. Students will address all adults by title and last name (e.g. “Yes, Mr. Perez” or “No, Mrs. Perez”). When the name of the adult is not known, the student will use “sir” or “ma’am” as appropriate. Students will extend appropriate courtesy to any youth ministry guest.
Be present Respect your brothers and sisters in Christ. Do not talk when someone else is talking. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited during youth nights. Cell phones will be collected upon arrival, placed in a basket, and returned once the gathering ends. Please note we are not responsible for any lost or stolen device. Cell phones can be used to communicate with a parent to arrange transportation or coordinate schedules at the close of an event or with permission. Cell phones may be confiscated and released to a parent at the discretion of the youth ministry team.
Respect our parish by keeping the facilities clean. Please clean up after yourself. Throw away your trash and avoid damaging church property.
Be appreciative Keep a positive attitude. Show gratitude to those around you and the adults who give up their time because they care about your faith journey.
Be appropriate Remember that you are an ambassador for Christ and this church and your actions and words can provide a good or bad example. Questions to presenters are welcome but need to be worded respectfully and with discretion. No obscene language or inappropriate displays of affection.
Have fun! Enjoy the company of those around you. God made us for abundant life!
Dress for Our Lord
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
We would like teens to dress in a manner reflecting the occasion. We are adoring God our King, and it is only fitting that we dress accordingly. Please remember to bring honor and attention to the Lord by dressing modestly. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting your outfit:
Tops
Must be modest, neat, and appropriate
Must cover undergarments, mid-drift, back, and cleavage at all times
No offensive, negative, or violent themes, words, or pictures
Hoods can be worn outside of the church
No words/wording that draws attention
No thin or transparent fabrics
Bottoms
Must be modest, neat, and appropriate
Must sit waist high (no sagging)
Must cover undergarments at all times
Skirts must be knee length or longer
No heavily faded or worn jeans
No holes above the knee
No writing on the backside
No tight, form-fitting clothing articles, such as bike shorts or yoga pants (wearing these under skirts/dresses is encouraged) Also, no tight-fitting clothing in general.
No thin or transparent fabrics
General
Keep in mind you will be visiting the Blessed Sacrament
Attire must support one's biological gender
Personal hygiene should be neat and clean. No strong or harsh perfumes.
Hair must be modest, neat, clean, and appropriate
We strongly encourage girls to wear a veil while in the presence of our Lord
Facial hair must be modest, neat, clean, and appropriate
Jewelry must be modest, neat, and appropriate
Shoes: no slippers, flip-flops, or casual sandals
*Teens not adhering to dress code rules, will not be permitted to participate in the youth night and will need to be picked up by their parents. Teens must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian at every youth night. Teens must be picked up by 9:00. If teens are not picked up by 9:00 and teen ministry coordinators have not been contacted, we will have to make arrangements with authorities for them. Please be on time or let us know you are on your way.*
As a member of the SJ teen ministry, I have prayerfully read and understand the codes of conduct and choose to adhere to it at all functions.