WHAT IS STAY CATHOLICS?
St. Thomas Aquinas Young Catholics ministry (STAY Catholics) seeks to form intentional disciples of Jesus Christ through building relationships with the youth of STA, partnering with families, and providing opportunities to encounter Christ and pursue a relationship with Him.
What We're About
St. Thomas Aquinas Young Catholics (STAY Catholics) seeks to form missionary disciples of Jesus Christ through building authentic relationships with the youth of St. Thomas Aquinas, partnering with families, and providing opportunities to encounter Christ and pursue a personal relationship with Him. STAY Catholics has a wide variety of activities and opportunities to engage the community throughout the year. STAY Catholics is for all public, private (both Catholic and non-Catholic), and home school students, in grades 7-12.
This year, we will be gather weekly, Sunday evenings at 6:00PM in St. Anne’s Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas. Dinner will be served each night. Each small group is led by two of our dedicated adult core team members, who are consistent and present with the teens every Sunday night. These groups are broken down by age and gender (i.e. 7th grade women, 8th grade boys, etc). Any teen from 7th-12th grade can come get plugged into a small group and begin growing with their STAY Catholics community.
Goals
DISCIPLESHIP: to equip young people to live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
EVANGELIZE: to journey with all young people and show them the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
CONNECT: to be a bridge for young people to participate responsibly in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic Church.
Our Nights
Pange Lingua: This night features a talk and discussion on a specific form of prayer as a large group, then we will join the rest of the parish for Pange Lingua for an hour of adoration and personal prayer.
Common Ground: This night allows a small group of teens to journey together in a common environment.
Equip: This night allows a community of teens to learn and be equipped with the teachings of our Catholic faith as a large group.
Connect: This night allows a small group of teens to journey together as they grow as disciples and evangelists.
Please see our downloadable calendar below for all event dates and times this year!
Our first Sunday is September 10, 2023.
To register with our program today and to be placed in a small group, Click here.
For more information, and if you have any questions, contact Evan Swindle at eswindle@stadallas.org.
Summer Camp 2023
confirmation
Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit and deepening of the baptismal graces needed to grow as mature disciples of Christ in the life of the Church. Here at St. Thomas, Confirmation is offered to teens 8th grade and older who have gone through preparation both formally and informally. Click the button below to learn more.
OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Who is the team?
Evan Swindle and Leilani Freites currently oversee Faith Formation for 7-12th grade at St. Thomas Aquinas.
Although there are many staff members supporting this ministry, the real team consists of the Parents, Family, Teachers, Priests, Volunteers, Small Group Leaders, and our Almighty God. You are the ministry. Thanks for all you do!