Click here to view a nine-minute video on our Church of St. Timothy YouTube channel featuring Rick Craig sharing all you need to know about high school youth group, confirmation preparation for high school youth, and opportunities high school youth to be a part of something bigger!

overview of Ministry with High School Youth At St. Tim's 

Faith formation, or catechesis, is one component of a comprehensive youth ministry.  You are invited to view our youth ministry page to see the full extent of the ministry to, with, by and for youth at St. Timothy’s.

When a young person feels ready to affirm the promises their parents made for them at baptism and to complete their initiation into full members of the Catholic Church, youth are encouraged to begin the preparation process for confirmation. Confirmation is celebrated annually every spring, generally during the Easter season. 

9th-12th graders participate in a weekly youth group meeting in which they learn faith experientially.  Using activities, games, small group conversations, music, prayer, and social time, this style of learning fosters an energetic atmosphere and allows students to fully engage with their Catholic faith.  Teens engage in guided conversations about living faith in today’s world on topics including justice and peace, morality, prayer, Bible studies, lifestyles, stewardship, leadership and current events. 
 
High school youth group meet weekly on most Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:15  p.m., September-April, at the Parish Center.
 

Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at the Basilica of St. Mary. For more information about preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation, contact Rick Craig at rcraig@churchofsttimothy.com. 

 Youth Group Leadership
 Small group leaders are adults who have received the sacrament of confirmation.  They assist people in participating in the large group activities as well as facilitate groups of 6-8 people through a discussion-based lesson plan.  Leaders make a commitment to be with their group for at least 15 weeks, the length of one topic unit.  11th-12th graders are welcome to facilitate their own groups if desired.  Pre-registration is requested, but not required.
 
 Weekend retreats
 A retreat is a time to step away from the daily routines and rigors of life to give you a chance to focus on your relationships with God, others and yourself.  Retreats include small group and large group activities, music, recreation time with friends, prayer and quiet time. Two or three retreats are offered annually for all 9th-12th graders on various themes. Retreats run from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon and are offered off-site at locations in Wisconsin and Minnesota. They are led by the parish youth ministry team. 
 
 Peer Ministry
 Peer Ministry is ministry to, with, by and for people your age. It is to you when others are able to minister to meet your needs. It is with you when you minister to others alongside your peers. It is by you when you are able to help fill the needs of your peers. It is for you when you act on behalf of people your own age. We are all called to minister to those around us. Peer ministry has components from basic leadership to advanced supervision and evangelization.  In addition to general leadership ministry, 9^th graders and older are needed as service leaders and confirmed 10^th graders and older are needed as group leaders for our entire middle school ministry.
 
 Mission Trips
 Mission trips offer an opportunity for high school youth to participate in week-long cross-cultural U.S.-based service every summer.  Mission trips are a launching pad for participants to deepen their identity as Christians. Youth explore and experience what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ to others both on mission and after returning home.
 
 Social Events
 Social events and activities are offered throughout the year as outreach and relationship-building opportunities to grow in community. Past youth group social events have included trips to Valleyfair, ski/snowboard outings, and a fall fun excursion with a hayride and bonfire.
 
 Living Stations of the Cross
 Middle and high school youth present the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday each year. Non-speaking actors, narrators, and singers are needed. Rehearsals are typically five Sunday afternoons leading up to Easter. To view the 2022 Stations of the Cross highlighting the talents of our parish youth, please click here to view the video on our St. Tim's YouTube channel. 
 
 Teens from St. Timothy’s are welcome to participate in youth activities throughout the Archdiocese such as Archdiocesan Youth Day, local concerts, or collaborative events between churches. These activities, along with service activities, will be announced in Fusion, the monthly youth newsletter. If you have ideas or suggestions for more youth ministry connections or events, please contact Rick Craig at rcraig@churchofsttimothy.com with your idea! Come join St. Tim's youth group and be a part of something bigger!