VERSO L’ALTO YOUTH GROUP

Join at any time, and bring a friend!

“Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

The Meaning Behind Our Name

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a vibrant and passionate young man born April 6, 1901 in Turin, Italy, exemplified the power of living with purpose and faith. His life, marked by deep prayer, tireless service to the poor, and a love for adventure, is a beacon of hope for today’s youth. Frassati’s motto, Verso l’Alto—“To the heights”—captures his unwavering desire to aim higher, always striving for the greater good and the divine, no matter the obstacles. For young people today, Pier Giorgio’s example calls us to live with boldness, to seek not only worldly success but the heights of holiness, compassion, and integrity. He reminds us that true greatness is found in giving of oneself, in reaching upward and outward, and in having the courage to dream of something greater than ourselves, always with faith and love leading the way.

About Verso L’Alto Youth Group: Middle School & High School

At St. John’s, our vision for the Verso L’Alto Youth Group is to integrate our youth into the life of the Church, encouraging their active participation in Mass and parish events. We believe that each member of the parish has a role in ministering to the youth through meaningful interactions, fostering a vibrant Catholic atmosphere where teens can grow in fellowship, deepen their faith, and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to help teens develop a closer relationship with Christ, explore the richness of the Catholic faith, and understand how it applies to their everyday lives. We do this in a fun and engaging way, offering activities and events that invite participation and foster spiritual growth, with pizza always provided! Whether you’re new or have been with us for a while, you’re always welcome to join us at any time! And we encourage you to bring friends along – we would love to meet you! The group is open to all middle school and high school students, and it’s completely free. While attendance is encouraged, it’s not obligatory – come when you can! We draw inspiration from the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, born on April 6, 1901, in Turin, Italy, whose life was a testament to faith, service, and adventure. His motto, Verso l’Alto – “To the Heights” – encourages us to aim higher, striving for holiness, compassion, and integrity, no matter the challenges we may face. Pier Giorgio’s legacy reminds us that true greatness lies not in worldly success, but in giving of ourselves, reaching upward and outward with faith and love. Join us on this journey of faith, fun, and fellowship as we aspire to live Verso l’Alto—always seeking the heights of holiness and love!

Combining Middle School & High School

After many prayers and careful consideration, we decided that our High School Youth Group will no longer meet on Wednesdays. Instead, we will combine the middle school and high school youth groups into one gathering, which will take place on Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This change will allow us to create more opportunities for fellowship, discussion, and games in a larger group setting, enhancing the experience for everyone involved. Please note the new time and date, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We also ask for your prayers that our high school and middle school students will seek to grow in their faith through this new format. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in guiding our youth.

Meet Our Youth Ministers

From Sept. 2025 to Dec. 2025, our Asst. Youth Minister will be taking over until Juliana returns in January 2026. In the meantime, please send all completed registration packets (found below) to Max Berman at Max@sjecc.com. We meet in the Alexandria Room, which is located in the Claussen Center, on specific Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please see the campus map below for the location. We hope to see you there!