Junior High Youth Ministry
Giving our youth an edge in life!!!
St. Thomas More
's Junior High Youth Ministry’s (JYM) program goal is to give your Middle School youth an edge in life, a Catholic edge, the Jesus edge, as they go through this time of remarkable change in their lives.
In many respects middle school youth are on the edge because so much is going on in their lives physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. It can be a very stressful and difficult time for them and their parents but can also be a time of great growth, understanding and maturity.
We want Jesus to be a big part of what makes your child successful in Middle School, so we invite any Junior High youth (Grades 6-8) to register TODAY for our active Junior High Youth Ministry Program.
Junior High Youth Ministry (JYM)
Q and A
(Questions you've always had but were to afraid to ask!)
What is Junior High Youth Ministry or JYM for short?
JYM is a growing and vibrant Catholic youth program specifically tailored for youth in grades 6 through 8 who attend any of the area public or private schools. Currently, over 160 youth participate in the program from over 8 area middle schools with the majority coming from the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School systems. The ministry emphasizes the building of a Christ-centered foundation using strong Catholic principles to meet the goal of evangelizing young adolescents while supporting them in their walk with Jesus. Included in the program are ways to foster communication between teens and parents, developmental issues of high interest to youth, monthly service projects, prayer activities, saint night potluck, retreats, community building activities in addition to teaching the Catholic faith in a relevant, interesting way.
Where and when does the group meet?
JYM meets, on average, three times a month. Sunday nights from 6:30-8:00 in the lower school at STM. The 2007-2008 Faith Development program begins on September 16th.
Where do I sign up?
You can pick up a registration form in the Narthex of the church or download a registration form from our website and deliver it to the Office of faith Development located in the Parish Office. Office hours are between 8:30-4:30. The deadline for registration without a late fee is September 7th, but you can register at any time of year. How about now?
What is the cost?
$100.00 per youth per year with a limit of $250.00 for families with three or more children enrolled in Faith Development. It includes all materials as well as including many of the additional spiritual/social/service projects. NO child will be turned away due to an inability to pay. Scholarships are available as are payment plans available upon request.
How can I help?
JYM would be useless without its Christ-centered parental support! There are many ways you can be of assistance, which will soon be listed on our Volunteer Opportunities page. Here are a few suggestions:
- Become a JYM catechist (we really, really need you. No experience necessary, just a love of youth! Plus your child’s tuition will be waived if you volunteer.)
- Traffic Supervisor (a.k.a. human traffic cones)
- Chaperone for JYM events (You get first access to all the food!)
- Secretarial help (stuff envelopes, make calls)
- Drive, Cook, Make Snacks (any and all items are welcome. These kids eat everything in sight!)
However you plan to participate, we welcome and appreciate your time. We promise you will get more out of it than expected!
Will my child be bored?
NO! Learning about Jesus has never been more fun! Junior High Youth have reached an age where they want more than just “Sunday School”. These youth have a need and a desire to spend time together in a safe place where they can be themselves. JYM provides numerous outlets for fun and socializing in addition to spiritual formation. Youth may select from a side array of social activities such as movie nights, parks and rec nights, ski trip, whitewater rafting, Busch Gardens, Family Potlucks, bowling Mardi Gras dance, Family Trivia Night and Christian Concert events. These events are scheduled at various times and places. When you register your youth, you will be given an events calendar. Keep it nearby or on the fridge. You may also check the bulletin for upcoming events and our JYM social events webpage.
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