For Students

Where can I get info and permission slips for youth ministry events?

You can find info and forms here on the website, in our LIFE Mass flier, and in the flier rack located in the church.

Where do I turn in permission slips?

Drop off forms and permission slips to the Ministry Center (the farthest north building on the church campus) or in the drop box in the church.

Who can participate in youth ministry?

Middle School Youth Ministry is for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.  High School Youth Ministry is for freshmen through seniors.

Can we bring friends to the Walk and other events?  What if my friend isn’t Catholic?

Yes!  Friends are welcome at any event, and they don’t need to be St. James parishoners or even Catholic to attend.

What if I can’ t afford an event?

Money should never prevent you from coming to an event.  We have partial scholarships available for all events.  Applications are available by talking to Laura or Christine.

What is Wyldlife?

Wyldlife is an extra night of games, music, skits, and activities for all 7th & 8th graders twice a month at students’ houses around Glen Ellyn.  Click here for more info.

Why is our youth group called “the Walk”?

The name of our youth group is based on a Bible verse, Galatians 5:25 – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”  We think of life as a journey or a walk, and together we want to learn how to take that walk with God.

For Parents

Why should my student participate in youth ministry?

Youth ministry rounds out the influence of religious education or Catholic schools by giving students a community of same-age believers.  With all the pressures that students are facing during these difficult years, we want to redefine what “normal” is, giving students a space to explore who they are and who they can be, so that together with you, their parents, we can build a foundation of faith for your students’ future.

How can I encourage my student to attend youth ministry events?

You as a parent are the single biggest influence on if a student will attend or not.  Make our Sunday nights part of your regular routine.  Let your students bring friends if they want.

What if my student doesn’t like St. James’ youth ministry program?

Let us know!  Knowing what students like and dislike helps us to make the changes our program needs.

Why do youth ministry’s leaders want to spend time with my student?

We want to meet students where they are, and our Sunday nights don’t give us a lot of time to get to know them.  Spending time with students outside youth ministry events (at sports games, coffee shops, etc.) gives us the opportunity to get to know students better so that we can serve them better.

How can I find out about youth ministry events and news?

Info on upcoming events is available in the fliers passed out at LIFE Mass and in periodic mailings.  You can get permission slips in the youth ministry flier rack or on this website.

How can I get in touch with the youth ministers?

Feel free to call or email Laura or Christine at any time.  We are here to answer your questions about our events and as a resource to you for anything related to your student.

Does youth ministry require students to complete service hours?

NO.  St. James School and Religious Ed both require service hours for Confirmation programs, but this is not a requirement of youth ministry.  We do however provide service opportunities that can count as service hours for these programs.  Check out our recommended service projects here.

What is Middle School Youth Ministry’s connection to Wyldlife?

MSYM partners with Wyldlife (the middle school version of Younglife) as an opportunity to reach our students on a more consistent basis.  All 7th & 8th graders are invited to Wyldife meetings (Club); visit the Wyldlife website for more info.   *Younglife is not officially sanctioned by St. James or the Diocese of Joliet.