Youth Ministry

St. T's Youth Ministry serves two groups: Middle School students (Grades 6 - 8) and High School students (Grades 9 - 12)

The Middle School Monthly Game nights!

We like to get together in person in Avila Hall to play fun youth ministry games like  Fruit Basket, Elimination, Dodge Disks, S.P.U.D., "I'm Riding on a Train with..." the classic Hide & Seek and many more! It’s a good way to get together with our St. T’s friends for a fun Friday night!

Regularly Scheduled Middle School Youth Ministry Meetings!

We try to meet twice a month, on Sundays after Mass.  We meet from 11:30am-1:00pm in the Antioch Room.  We have discussions, learn about Saints, play games, pray together, have lunch and talk about life!  This is open for all middle schoolers in grades 6, 7, and 8. 


***Please join our Remind by texting @sta1511ms to 81010 to get up-to-date information about all things related to St. Teresa's Middle School meetings, game nights and more.***

High School Movie Nights!

Once a month - Usually after a Middle School Game Night.  High School students are invited to join the middle schoolers at their game night, but after that ends we go up to the Antioch room and settle in with snacks for a movie night from about 8pm-10:30pm.

Regularly Scheduled High School Youth Ministry Meetings!

We meet in the Living Room, twice a month on Tuesday nights from 7:30pm-9pm.  We play a game, have a discussion, talk about life, pray together, have snacks and enjoy each other's company.  This is open to all high school students in grades 9-12.

Inspire & Ice Cream – High School

Once a month, when Valparaiso University is in session, the Campus Ministry team puts on a beautiful night of Adoration, live music, an interesting life story (or witness or testimony) and has the sacrament of reconciliation available.  All community members are also invited!  So, the High School Youth Ministry takes advantage of this face time with Christ, and then afterward you can usually find us in the Antioch Room, debriefing if we need to, and games and treats until 10pm.  It starts in the Church at 7pm and all high schoolers are welcome to join whenever they can!  
***All events times/locations are subject to change, but if you would like to stay updated on the High School youth ministry, please join our Remind by texting @sta1511hs to 81010.  We try to limit how many text messages we send out, while also being informative.  Messaging and data rates may apply***

National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 2023 - November

The good folks that put on NCYC are moving forward in their planning for the National Catholic Youth Conference for November of 2023.  NCYC is a chance for High School youth (grades 9-12) to gather from around the country to grow & share in their faith through prayer experiences, dynamic talks and community.  2023 promises to yet again reenergize teens in their faith journey.  We will have more information as it comes out!

World Youth Day (WYD) - Lisbon Portugal - August 2023
General Information about World Youth Day:

Location: Our pilgrimage will center around Lisbon, Portugal. We will also spend some time in Fatima and the surrounding area. Check out our tentative itinerary here.

Age: The minimum age for pilgrims is 16. Young adults are especially invited (while in the U.S. “youth” is often associated with adolescents, it is more commonly used to identify college/20-somethings internationally). Youth under 18 must be under the guidance of a chaperone. Target age for WYD internationally: 18-35.

Estimated cost: Unfortunately, without the dates of WYD, we are unable to have a true cost estimate. Plan for the cost per person to be around $4,000-4,500.  This will include air travel, hotel, transportation, most meals, and all WYD credentials.  To help offset costs, St. Teresa's has already started fundraising for World Youth Day, 2023!  Please consider purchasing a Bible Diary for yourself or a loved one this holiday season.  Now available in the Office while supplies last.

Back on December 2nd, 2020 the Travel Agency that the Diocese of Gary works with, Dube Travel, held a very informational online meeting that was recorded for any potential pilgrims to view.  If you are interested in recieving a copy of this recording, please email Emily Sutton at emily.sutton@valpo.edu.

The Diocesan Youth Council is an advisory body to the Diocesan Office for Youth & Young Adults (OYYA). It is a group of high school-aged youth who represent the parishes and Catholic high schools in the Catholic Diocese of Gary. The members of this body will advise the Office in two ways. First, they act as a spokesperson for the needs of youth in their parishes and schools. Second, they are an integral part of the planning and implementation of youth activities that encourage and support total youth ministry in the diocese. The Youth Council consists of two representatives from parishes and Catholic high schools throughout the Diocese.

Introducing St. T's DYC Representative: 

Grace Klimczyk!