Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love faith, and purity, show yourself and example of those who believe.  I Timothy 4:12

The purpose of Youth Ministry at St. Jude’s is to provide a secure, faithful and joyful atmosphere in which our own youth and youth beyond our parish can discover and grow in the love of God and the abundant life found in following Jesus Christ. The ministry is meant to make disciples who ultimately see themselves as ministers, drawing others to experience the love of Christ they themselves have known through this parish. Discipleship is the essence of the Church’s mission and, therefore, at the heart of Youth Ministry. Young disciples should be balanced, consistent and committed in their prayer life, study of the Scripture, Christian fellowship, and leading their peers to Christ. This is our desire for our youth through Youth Ministry.

Our youth minister develops, organizes, and leads our active youth program with the help of youth advisors and volunteers. Our youth events take place throughout the week and generally fall into one of the following categories:

F.Y.I.- Families with youth interacting. These events, held monthly, are times for the entire family to fellowship together and to focus on relationships. Visitors are welcome and we also encourage the youth to bring their friends.

Service Events: We serve in a variety of ways, and teach the duty and rewards of service. This is an opportunity for our youth to be involved in ministry. From helping with Habitat for Humanity to serving meals at a homeless shelter, we encourage our youth to serve their community.

Sunday School: Each Sunday morning the Middle School and High School students meet for Bible Study and practical lessons on becoming adults. These classes, based on the curriculum of Journey to Adulthood, teach important principles on understanding the Bible and applying it to daily life. Current grade levels are as follows:

Rite 13:  6^th to 8^th grades

J2A:    9^th and 10 grades

YAC:    11^th and 12^th grades

Wednesday Evening Programs- Accountability, spiritual maturity, and communication are the core values for this program. This has evolved into a group of committed youth who are studying how to communicate their faith.

Diocesan Events- these retreats, held about every three months, focus on renewal, fellowship and building a community of believers. These can be some of the most memorable events in the lives of our youth.

Junior High Blast:   6^th to 8^th grades

Jumpstart:        8^th and 9^th grades

Happening:       10^th to 12^th grades

Mission Trip- Our youth have the opportunity to participate in an annual mission trip along with the youth groups of several of our ‘sister’ churches. Activities include ministering to the lonely and repair houses for the poor as well as evangelism.