Youth Ministry 2026-2027

St. Thomas More Youth Ministry (STMYM) is the Parish's ministry to young people in grades PreK-12. This ministry includes age appropriate catechesis, prayer, formation, sacramental preparation, fellowship, and involvement in Parish community life. STMYM is organized into three main groups: 










We've updated our name from "Faith Development" to "Youth Ministry" to better communicate our mission. While our name has changed, our commitment to supporting the faith formation and sacramental preparation of young people and their families remains the same. Scroll down to learn more about sacramental preparation or click here.

REGISTRATION FOR 2026-2027 YOUTH MINISTRY OPENS JULY 1 AND CLOSES AUGUST 31.
Register for STM Youth Ministry
Volunteer with STM Youth Ministry

Calendars specific to each youth ministry program will be available at a later date.
Youth Ministry 2026 -2027 Dates
September 20 and 27
October 11, 18, and 25
November 8 and 15
December 6 and 13
January 10 and 24
February 7, 21, and 28
March 14* and 21
April 4, 11, and 25
May 2
*ESYM will meet.  MSYM and HSYM will not meet on March 14 as this is our annual HS Beach Retreat weekend!

 

In the Diocese of Raleigh First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are usually celebrated in Second Grade and Confirmation is usually celebrated in Tenth Grade. The Diocese requires that sacramental preparation last two years.  If in the previous year students have participated in Faith Development in another parish, they will be registered in the second year of the program upon receipt of a letter to this effect from their former parish. Children preparing to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation must be baptized. Evidence of Baptism (copy of the Baptismal Certificate) is required for sacramental preparation even if they have previously received sacraments at St. Thomas More. 

FIRST RECONCILIATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST 
Children should begin preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in First Grade (Year 1) to receive the sacraments in Second Grade (Year 2). Elementary School children older than First Grade who would like to receive these sacraments will be placed in the appropriate Sacramental Preparation program, with Elementary aged children meeting on Sunday mornings and Middle School and High School aged youth meeting on Sunday evenings. High School youth will also prepare to celebrate Confirmation. 

All children and youth will celebrate the sacraments only after completing their second year of sacramental preparation.  To receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, children must be in 2nd grade or above (at least 7 years old or older by January 1 of their second year of preparation), attend Mass weekly, attend Youth Ministry regularly, and participate in family retreats.  No more than 5 classes can be missed during each sacramental preparation year. 

If your child is enrolled in first and second grade at St. Thomas More School, sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is provided by the school and parish youth ministry is not required.  Children older than second grade will need to work with the parish youth ministry staff to develop a plan for sacramental preparation with their same age peers. 

CONFIRMATION 
The Confirmation program prepares candidates to fully understand the meaning of this Sacrament. It invites candidates to deepen their relationship with God, affirm their faith, and live their faith in the world. Sacramental preparation for Confirmation usually begins in 9th Grade (Year 1) to receive the sacrament in 10th Grade (Year 2 ). Preparation for confirmation does NOT occur at Catholic high school and must be done at the parish.  Youth older than 9th grade with no prior sacramental preparation for Confirmation will be placed with a Year 1 class. 

All youth will celebrate Confirmation only after their second year of sacramental preparation. To receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates must be in 10th grade or above, have a sincere desire to receive this sacrament, attend Mass weekly, attend Youth Ministry regularly, provide community and parish service, and participate in retreats and family meetings. No more than 5 classes can be missed during each sacramental preparation year.  

WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS NOT BEEN BAPTIZED OR WAS BAPTIZED IN ANOTHER CHRISTIAN CHURCH?
Parents of unbaptized children in 1st through 8th grade should contact Osely Velasquez to begin baptism preparation. At the same time, these children will join the sacramental preparation program that fits their age or grade.  Unbaptized youth in 9^th through 12^th grade are expected to approach the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. They will join the High School Youth Ministry sacramental preparation program, adapted to include the preparation necessary to receive the sacraments of initiation at Easter Vigil of their second year.  No more than 5 classes can be missed during each sacramental preparation year.  

If your child is over the age of seven and has already been baptized in another Christian tradition, they will need to participate in a two-year sacramental preparation program that is appropriate for their age or school grade.  No more than 5 classes can be missed during each sacramental preparation year.