My name is Phil Malloy and it’s my pleasure and privilege to announce that I’m the new Youth Minister here at St. Joseph’s Parish. I’d like to tell you a little about myself. I’ve been married to my wife, Paula, for almost 23 years and we have 2 daughters, ages 16 and 20. We are lifelong members of St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Franklin Square where we have assisted with the Youth Community for the last 16 years. I’m a graduate of PFI, the lay ministry training program run by the diocese. I’m retired from the NYC Police Department and have been a volunteer firefighter for over 27 years where I have served as line officer, chief and am currently a district Commissioner. I’ve also coached girls’ softball for both Little League and H. Frank Carey High School. I enjoy working with teens and find that I often learn as much from them as they do from me.

I firmly believe that Youth Ministry is one of the most important ministries in today’s Church. These kids are our future, so we need to give them something to believe in and nurture their spirituality. We need to respect their talents and their needs. They need to stay connected to the parish and learn about their faith and how it relates to their lives. The challenge is to make it fun and keep them interested. Teens today have many influences pulling them in different directions, most of them not very good. That’s where Youth Ministry comes in. We offer a place for them to hang out and be themselves while gently bringing them closer to Christ. They can make friends with others who have the same beliefs and values. I will be organizing social, spiritual and service events, as well as a weekly program in order to achieve these goals. I’m the Youth Minister at St. Agnes Cathedral Parish is Rockville Center. I’ll be introducing the two groups and planning some events together, so their circle of support and friendship can expand.

Parishioners, I ask for your prayers and support. Parents, I ask you to encourage your teens to join us and offer your assistance when needed. Teens, I ask you to come on down and experience what we have to offer. You’ll be so glad you did!

We’ll be getting started in January, so please watch for details of our new program in the Bulletin. As plans get underway, I’ll keep you posted here. I look forward to meeting you all and beginning this exciting journey with your teens!