Caldwell College Student Hired as Youth Minister for Two Parishes
Caldwell College student Michael Petrillo was hired last year to be the youth minister at Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Joseph's parishes in West Orange, New Jersey.
Petrillo, who is an Education major with a concentration in Social Studies, said the job has been a great experience. "I enjoy being able to listen to the youth, and combine their ideas with mine to form meetings, retreats and events." . The parish youth groups are open to students in grades 9 through 12.
The youth groups have been busy planning many events including: a food drive at St. Joseph's; a Midnight Run to reach out the homeless in New York City, a Secret Santa and a Giving Tree to benefit those in need at Christmas time. Petrillo said they are also planning an Antioch retreat, which is Christian spirit filled weekend run by teens for teens.
Petrillo would like to go into teaching on the middle or high school levels and possibly coach. He is currently coaching soccer, basketball and baseball for Pope John XXIII.