SCDA Youth Ministry serves
6th grade through 12th grade and is made up of:
Middle School Youth Ministry (6th-8th grade); and High School Youth Ministry (9th – 12th grade)
High School Youth Ministry
Youth Nights take place on Sundays and Fridays and are for High School Students. They include opportunities for community-building, faith-building, and fun through large group programs, Bible study, catechetical activities, and small group experiences. These are special evenings for our high school students to fellowship together, with caring mentors. We often have a theme and guest speakers to help foster fellowship and faith amongst our teens, as well as small groups and ample opportunities for faith responses that fit the many personalities of our teens. A committed team of adults and young adults work together to vision, plan, and provide an exciting and welcoming environment, to help compliment the faith formation that takes place in the home.
Confirmation
The path to Confirmation at Santa Clara takes place in the context of Youth Ministry. Readiness for the sacrament of Confirmation is determined by the engagement of the youth in the life of the parish for a minimum of two years. Teens 9th grade and above seeking the sacrament of Confirmation are expected, with their families, to be weekly participants at weekend Mass, tithing (documented through use of envelopes or Parish Pay) for a minimum of 2 years. Parent Ministry nights and family formation is offered and encouraged throughout the year. The primary faith teachers are the parents… we are here to support what is already occurring in the homes. Please read the “Sacrament of Confirmation Requirements” (found under High School Documents) to determine if your teen and family are ready for that journey.
Middle School Youth Ministry
Our 6th – 8th grade students meet throughout the year on Friday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 pm for a fun and safe time of fellowship, games, worship, teaching, and small group discussion. Middle School youth nights begin in late August 2019 and run through May 2020 of this upcoming year.
Parents of the children in ministry are actively involved as volunteers throughout the year and leaders help make this a fun, safe, and dynamic way to grow in the faith, in concert with the formation that takes place in the home. Registration for Middle School is ongoing throughout the year, but the earlier you register, the more your child will benefit from the program.
Youth Leadership
Youth Leadership is an opportunity for Confirmed teens to serve the community of Santa Clara by exercising their gifts, time, talents, and acquired skills. Our commitment is to help continue to identify and grow those gifts, while pursuing Jesus’ vision of leadership as service not personal power or attention. As they help participate in planning, executing, and visioning for Youth Ministry at Santa Clara, youth leaders are given ample opportunities for growth in leadership skills with an eye for becoming a leader not just at church but in their family, school, community, and life as well. We meet twice a month on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. as well as supplemental events, conventions, leadership retreat days and workshops.
Registration Timeline:
High School Youth Ministry:
Registration is open from July 1 – July 31, 2019
**Registration for HSYM closes early due to Kirsten’s maternity leave
Middle School Youth Ministry:
Registration is ongoing throughout the year and opens July 1, 2019. If possible, please register by July 31st.
**Contact Kirsten directly for late Baptism/First Eucharist preparation if your child/teen falls within the age range of 6th-12th grade.
Please note these important dates:
(Note: Event calendars are shown below or they can be downloaded by
clicking the link under “documents” on the right side of this page)
High School Youth Ministry
Sunday, August 11, 2019:
4:00-5:30 p.m. – High School YM Parent/Teen Program and Retreat Meeting in the church. All Year 1 and Year 2 teens and at least one parent must attend.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Youth Night #1 and Parent Ministry Night #1: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at church
Friday, November 8th – Sunday, November 10th, 2019
Fall Retreat
Middle School Youth Ministry
Sunday, August 11, 2019
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Middle School Youth Ministry Parent/Child Kick off Meeting in the church.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Youth Night #1: 6:30-8:30 p.m. at church
