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NEXT GENERATION OF DISCIPLES
Our Youth Ministry program, the Next Generation of Disciples (NGD), seeks to bring teens to a closer relationship with Christ through fellowship, fun activities, and faith-building.
Our program incorporates monthly meetings, service opportunities, and parish involvement. We welcome all middle and high schoolers, regardless of their level of experience with Catholicism.
Christ opened His arms for any who would come to Him, and so do we.
OUR MEETINGS
Our Middle School Youth Group meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month, from 4:30pm-5:30pm.
Our High School Youth Group meets the LAST WEDNESDAY of EVERY MONTH.
WHO WE ARE... WHAT WE DO
Our Youth Ministry is an active and welcoming community for middle and high school students who are looking to grow in faith, serve others, and have fun along the way. We believe that encountering Christ can happen anywhere - whether in prayer, through service, or in joyful community with one another.
One of the core focuses of our ministry is service. Our youth regularly participate in outreach projects throughout the greater community. One of our ongoing partnerships is with Connecticut FoodShare, a mobile food pantry based in Wallingford, where our students help distribute food to families in need. We also work alongside other ministries within Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish, offering our hands and hearts wherever support is needed - from helping with parish events to lending assistance to elderly parishioners or those in need.
For our middle schoolers, we offer the "Adventure Club" - a dynamic program that helps young people discover that faith can be both exciting and deeply meaningful. Through games, service, and age-appropriate discussions, Adventure Club helps kids build a personal relationship with Jesus while having a lot of fun. This program also serves as a natural bridge to our high school group, Next Generation of Disciples, where older students deepen their commitment to faith and leadership within the Church and beyond, through events like our annual mission trip (please contact us for more info!)
Together, we are forming young disciples who not only know about Jesus, but walk with Him - in their homes, schools, communities, and hearts. We welcome all middle and high school students, regardless of their background, experience with Catholicism, or affiliation with our parish. Whether you’ve been raised in the Church or are just beginning to explore your faith, there is a place for you here.
Mission Trip 2025 - Harrisburg PA
In the summer of 2025, sixteen school students, three adult chaperones, one deacon and one priest embarked on what was now our second mission trip for the Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish, in order to serve the community of Harrisburg, PA!
Despite being of different age groups (ranging from grades 8 through 12), the students proved they were dedicated to one another, and their purpose. They participated in various service projects, such as:
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Volunteering for food sorting and organizing at a local food pantry
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Distribution of clothing to the underprivileged
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Painting one of the community’s facilities
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Assisting with a Boys and Girls Club camp
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Volunteering at the Allison Hill Community Camp for city kids
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Community cleanup
This mission trip was not only about serving others — it was also a journey of spiritual growth. The group came together through daily worship and prayer, all led by our wonderful Parochial Vicar, Father Yates, who provided opportunities for Mass, Adoration, and Confession.
Alongside their service work, the group enjoyed several recreational activities, including a scavenger hunt in downtown Harrisburg, a visit to the popular Riverwalk, an ice cream stop, and opportunities to hear inspiring speakers. One particularly moving testimony came from a presenter who shared how an encounter with Jesus Christ transformed his life from crime and chaos to becoming a passionate pastor.
This experience not only strengthened the bonds among the participants but also deepened their faith, revealing the profound connection between service and God's presence in our lives. The group worked together with joy and unity, forming strong connections with each other and those they met along the way.
We are grateful to Father Romans, Joseph Gagliardi, Father Yates, the chaperones, and our entire parish community for their generous support in making this trip possible! We look forward to what next year’s mission trip will bring!
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
Our Amazing Youth Ministry Leaders!
Anthony Niglio –
Youth Ministry Leader
Anthony Niglio, affectionately known as “Mr. N,” brings energy, faith, and a deep sense of purpose to his role as Youth Ministry Leader at Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish. A lifelong “Cradle Catholic,” Anthony was born into the faith and has lived it fully ever since.
He is a proud graduate of Assumption College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Social Rehabilitation Services. He later earned his master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven, with a concentration in Forensics and Criminal Investigations.
After retiring as a Probation Officer for the State of Connecticut, Anthony felt called to a new path—one centered on service, faith, and youth. That calling led him to St Bridget School, where he now serves as the beloved Physical Education teacher—well known for his tough workouts and great sense of humor—and to Cheshire High School, where he also works as a paraeducator.
Anthony plays a vital role in the Archdiocese of Hartford, serving on the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and actively participating in numerous ministries at Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish. His passion lies in leading Youth and Young Adult Services, where he focuses on empowering teens through faith-based mental health training and mentorship.
Outside of ministry, Anthony is a husband, father of five, and proud grandfather. He’s also a dedicated long-distance runner of over 20 years and works once a week at the local YMCA.
With a powerhouse presence and a gentle spirit, Anthony’s mission in youth ministry is clear:
“I want to help teenagers grow closer to Christ, and maybe save some souls along the way.”
Well said, Mr. N!
Joe Gagliardi –
Youth Ministry Leader
Joe Gagliardi became part of the Pastoral Team of Saint Bridget of Sweden Parish in the fall of 2023.
He began as a Confirmation teacher and now serves a wide range of parishioners — from young children in kindergarten to adults preparing to enter the Catholic Church. Joe is deeply grateful for the support of the Faith Formation staff and the incredible dedication of over 115+ volunteers who help bring the program to life.
Outside of ministry, Joe enjoys fishing, watching soccer, and going on adventures with his young children — no matter what they dream up next!
