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We, the Board of Education of St. Thomas Aquinas, believe that
Christian formation is a life-long process.
We believe that PARENTS have the primary responsibility for nurturing the faith
life of their children.
The parish community shares that responsibility by:
- Proclaiming in word and deed the gospel message of Jesus Christ
- Providing formal instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice
- Liturgical, sacramental, and prayer experiences for youth
- Encouraging youth to participate in parish worship, community building and service activities
- Supporting and fostering in all parish members a growing relationship with
and commitment to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- In addition, our parish community's commitment to students at Iowa State University challenges
us to train college students in catechetical ministry.
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As is stated in the Renewing the Vision, the three goals of youth ministry are to:
- Empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
- Draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
- Foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
The Church is provided with eight fundamental ways to minister effectively with youth. These eight ways or components provide a framework for the Catholic community to respond to the needs of young people and to involve young people in sharing their unique gifts with the large community. A comprehensive ministry with youth provides balance among all eight components.
Advocacy—To interpret the needs of youth and to advocate their concerns to the Church and community.
Catechesis—To guide the young person’s growth in faith and spirituality through formal and informal catechesis.
Community Life—To provide opportunities for young people to share the questions, joys and struggles of their lives with other youth, their families, and adults, in the context of Christian community.
Evangelization—To reach out to young people who are uninvolved in the life of the community and invite them into a relationship with Jesus and the Christian community.
Justice & Service—To witness the Church’s active concern for those who suffer from poverty, handicaps, and injustice, and to sponsor programs for youth that involve service, reflection, and education for justice.
Leadership Development—To develop support and utilize the leadership abilities and personal gifts of youth and adults, encouraging their active participation in the responsibilities of ministry to other youth and adults.
Pastoral Care—To provide youth with sources of support and counsel as they face personal, spiritual and vocational decisions, and to foster healing and reconciliation in their lives and relationships.
Prayer & Worship—To promote liturgies and prayer experiences for young people and to encourage the participation of youth in liturgical ministries.
Youth ministry is a collaborative, team effort that blends the giftedness of our teens with adult leadership. A Youth Ministry Team of adults and youth at STA meets monthly to provide the direction for youth ministry for middle school and high school at STA.
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