Mission Statement...We are a Catholic family,
living our awareness of Christ’s presence through worship, service, evangelization and community
for the benefit of all.
Jr. High and High School Youth Ministry
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St. Thomas the Apostle Jr. high and high school youth ministry
St. Thomas the Apostle Youth Ministry strives to be a place of belonging for all our Jr. High and High School students. Being a young person today is a challenge and we strive to give you a safe place to be, hang out with your friends and encounter Christ in all we do.
We believe that God loves you and that He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) and we desire to bring fun into everything we do - through Summer Camp, Steubenville HS Youth Conference, Retreats, Social and Service Events, Road Trips, and regular youth events. Saint Paul was pretty clear in his message to Saint Timothy, "Let no one look down on you because of your youth..." (1 Tim 4:12) Sign-ups are available for each event and will be posted on our website and emailed out. No worries if you just show up too! Friends are always welcome. Hope you can make it.
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Througout the school year, our youth ministry meets:
High School Youth Ministry: Wednesdays from 7 - 8:30 in the Community Room at the Oak Street Church
Jr High Youth Ministry: Thursdays from 7 - 8:30 in the Community Room at the Oak Street Church
These are weekly fun opportunities to grow in our faith, community, and friendships. Come as you are able and you can bring friends, whether they are from St Thomas or not! Each week has a variety of themes and activities. Emails are sent out typically once a week, to keep you up to date.
How do I get on the email list? Text: YMEVENT to 84576
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Do you have questions about Theology of the Body or dating relationships?Consider attending a retreat double-feature at St. Mary Catholic Church - Huntley, IL.Tickets for this event at St. Mary Catholic Church - Huntley, IL with Jason Evert are limited.Grab your tickets today and prepare to have your tough questions about love, dating, and relationships discussed ~ in a double-feature intended for teens and adults, ages 13+
Early Bird Pricing through October 16: $22
Click Here to Order Tickets
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High School Winter RetreatJanuary 24-25, 2026
Join us for an awesome weekend away for our High School Winter Retreat. This is an overnight opportunity to grow in faith and friendship. We are heading to Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford. Friends are welcome.
Winter Retreat Registration Link
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Camp wow 2026
Registration is Now Open!
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Camp WOW is an amazing 4-day, 3-night Catholic Faith-Based Summer camp put on by St. Thomas with some area parishes. Definitely, a highlight of the summer! We will have all the fun of camp with swimming, lots of games, team building, zip line, Wacky Olympics, a No Talent Talent show, Mass each day, Reconciliation, small groups, awesome music, inspiring talks, prayer, Adoration, community, friends, bonfires, great food, and more! This is open to current grades 6-8 as campers and grades 9-12 to apply as counselors.
Camp WOW Camper Registration Link
Camp WOW Counselor Application Link
Camp WOW Counselor Application - Parent Form
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Registration for the Stuebenville Youth conference 2026 is now open!!We are heading back to Franciscan University - June 19-21, 2026
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Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Our costs include registration for the conference, transportation by charter bus, a retreat shirt, and meals during the conference.
The cost to participants will not exceed $275 through various fundraising efforts. If you wish to donate further, you can donate through this registration or reach out to the YM Office. We are partnering with St. Mary in Huntly. We hope you will join us!
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Adult Leader Help
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We need you
Our youth ministry program includes many different opportunities throughout the year to encounter Jesus and accompany our young people in their walk of faith and includes small groups, large groups, games, bonfires, prayer opportunities, community building, a winter retreat, Steubenville Youth Conference, Camp WOW, and much more! Please consider offering some of your time and talent to our young people! You won't regret it!
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