Downtown Youth Ministry at the Basilica serves students in 6th through 12th grade. In the midst of the pandemic, our young people's lives have been drastically changed. We strive for our youth to have a visible presence at our parish. This communicates to them, and to the entire parish, that they are a part of this faith community. That they belong here. That even when the world seems to be falling apart, their church family is here for them. But with the current circumstances, it has not been as easy for DYM to have that visible presence at the Basilica. We have been meeting virtually each week since the start of the pandemic and gather once a month for socially distant, in-person fellowship. We are blessed by a dedicated team of volunteers who meet with these students every week to share our faith and accompany them. Thanks be to God, our ministry has been able to continue serving the youth of our parish throughout the pandemic. In years past you can probably recall the youth group asking for your help financially, and we have always been overwhelmed by your generosity. This Christmas, we are asking for your help in a different way. In the entrance to the church, we have set up a special DYM Christmas tree. Our students have decorated ornaments with their names and the names of other teenagers from the Chattanooga area. Please take one of these ornaments home with you and PRAY! Pray for the student you have selected every day during this Christmas season, and in your charity continue to pray for them regularly throughout the year. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy, Happy New Year! -Kalista Bartee