Junior & Senior EYC

The EYC at Saint Barnabas is our primary offering for the Youth (Grades 6-12) in our congregation. The EYC is divided into two subgroups: Juniors, in Grades 6-8, and Seniors, in Grades 9-12.  Throughout the Program Year (September through May), these groups gather each week school is in session (we follow the Lafayette Parish School Calendar) for fun, fellowship and a common meal. Special events are also scheduled to take advantage of service opportunities, to practice worship leadership, and to gather on a Diocesan level with youth groups from throughout Western Louisiana.
 
Each meeting is facilitated by the Youth Minister and another adult, usually the Priest for Youth & Family Ministry. All adults who work with Youth at Saint Barnabas have been trained through the Diocese of Western Louisiana’s program for child safety, Safeguarding God’s Children.

EYC is open to all Youth, and members are encouraged to bring friends, even those who may not be affiliated with The Episcopal Church.  There are no dues or requirements for membership. Members gather in the EYC Building, which boasts a lounge area with a ping pong table, a TV and DVD player, a stereo system, a loft area, and a kitchen.

Junior EYC meets on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:00p for supper and fellowship. Juniors are welcome to participate in many of our special events and educational adventures, this year including a trip to Heifer Ranch, and overnight retreats at Camp Hardtner.  Juniors can also participate in Diocesan events like JEYL (Junior Episcopal Youth Leaders), New Beginnings and MIQRA. Fun, local events for Juniors range from bowling to playing games and watching movies.

Kelly O’Reilly serves as the Minister to Junior EYC. She has grown up at St. B’s and is an alumna of its Youth programs. Kelly is a Junior at ULL studying secondary education with a concentration in English. She facilitates the Junior EYC’s Thursday meetings, and is excited to pass on her love for Christ and St. B’s. For more information about Junior EYC, contact Kelly: kelly@saintbarnabas.us

The Senior EYC is open to High School students and meets on Sunday nights from 6:30-8:00p for supper and program. Meals may be parent-supplied, or cooked by the Seniors themselves with ingredients provided by our parents. Seniors plan the calendar of events for their EYC, and investigate their faith more deeply through travel opportunities, recently including the Mystery Mission Trip and the National Cathedral Pilgrimage.  Many Senior EYC’rs are active on a Diocesan level, participating in High School student retreats like Happening and CLEY, staffing Diocesan events, and attending Winter Light, The Bishop’s Ball, the Episcopal Youth Event and Provincial Youth Event.

Brianne Barousse Lozier is the Minister to Senior EYC. She is married to Aaron Lozier and has two children. Brianne hosts the Senior’s weekly meetings with a creative energy, and she brings a young parent’s mature sensibilities to the Youth program while still being connected to our younger members. For more information about Senior EYC, contact Brianne: brianne@saintbarnabas.us