Welcome

A special welcome to those teens who are shy, outgoing, nervous, short, tall or big!   There is a place for you if you are told “you need to grow up” or are a teen growing up too fast.  That place is Saint Michaels Youth Ministry Program! 

We welcome teens that are athletes, artists, actors, nerds, and more!   We welcome those who are just browsing, your parents made you go, or your friend dragged you here.  

We don’t care if you can’t remember the last time you’ve been to church or if you’ve been to Church more times than the Pope. We welcome you if you're having problems, feeling overwhelmed, or if you don’t like “organized religion.”  If you are looking for a fresh start, or a hug from a new friend, there is a place for you here at St. Mikes.  We welcome all teens on Sunday nights who are wearing “church clothes”, their PJ’s and those who are wearing their only clothes.

​Whether you're someone who could use a prayer right now, haven’t been to church since your Confirmation or since your Uncle Joe’s funeral, we welcome you with open arms.  We welcome seekers and doubters, bleeding hearts and jaded cynics, the lost, the found…but most importantly we welcome YOU!  


Just Come As You Are
Saint Michaels Youth Ministry offers a reliably casual environment where you and your friends will feel welcomed and at home. Our friendly Leadership TEAM comprised of 18 teens will help you find your way around, starting from the moment you arrive at St. Mikes School.  


What should I wear?
What you wear when you want to be casual and relaxed! 

The only dress code is wear clothes. In other words, you’ll see all styles of dress at St. Mikes YM which means you should feel comfortable regardless of the way you are dressed.  Come dressed as you like- in jeans and t-shirt , PJ’s, or sweats.

Don't forget to bring a face covering and a chair or blanket - the first few weeks we are going to be outside!
 

So what is Youth Ministry?
The first goal of youth ministry is "to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today."   The second goal is "to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community."   The third goal of youth ministry is "to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.  WE try to all this by our events, service opportunities, trips, and things we offer here at St. Mikes.  

Youth Ministry is one of the solutions to the bigness of our culture and to the size of our church. This group is a great way to connect with other young people and develop friendships with those who are trying to grow in their relationship with God.

Our dream is that every young person who comes to Saints Michael's Youth Ministry on a Sunday can call it their home and will know they are welcome at Youth Group and will leave Sunday nights having heard a relevant message that relates the good news of the Gospel to your life.

The comprehensive program is coordinated by the Youth Minister and Associate Youth Minister, along with a group of adults and teens called the TEAM.  The program uses the recommendations outlined by the National  Conference of Catholic Bishops through the "Renewing the Vision" document to create a program that tries to address all the needs of today’s Catholic teens.


When and where does Saint Michael's Youth Ministry meet?
St Michaels Youth Ministry gathers each Sunday night during the school year (September to June) on Sunday nights at St. Michaels School in Cranford – 100 Alden Street.  

During these Covid-19 times our format has changed a bit.  Due to social distancing we are NOT meeting in our Youth Room in the school for the time being.   We will be meeting outside in the back parking lot of the school during October and early November.  Then we will meet in the gym.  

Entrance for Youth Ministry is from St. Michaels Lane - located on Miln Street - at the end of the School (directly across from Cleveland Plaza) .

Our staggered arrival is from 7:30pm to 8pm ... and we get started at 8pm.   Our gathering which includes activities to get to know each other, a topic discussion/ message, small group discussion time and prayer typically goes til about 9pm.  Then from 9pm to 9:30pm members can relax and hang out.  We close at 9:30pm.


OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Our program has developed a mission statement.. It reads….
"We, the members of Saints Michaels High School Youth Ministry, come together to unify the youth of our communities.  We look to make a difference by encouraging teens to live, understand, and enjoy their faith each and every day.  We are “Today’s youth making an impact on the world of tomorrow.”