Our Ministry
The first goal of our ministry is “to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.” Young people are “searching for a noble adventure,” a compelling and challenging vision of life, and a cause worth their commitment. They hunger to hear the Good News that finds response in discipleship.
 
Edge
Edge is a component of Life Teen and focuses on leading Middle School students closer to Christ. EDGE Nights are held on Thursdays from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Topically related games, informative talks, small group discussions, and a faith-based closing make up the evening’s format. Yearly activities include periodic social nights, participation in March for Life, retreats, our parish Living Stations, and summer camp at Camp Hidden Lake. Grades 6-8 comprise the EDGE program, and participation is part of the Confirmation program. 

LifeTeen
Saint Thomas the Apostle has been a LifeTeen parish since 2015. Life Teen Nights for our high school students meet Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to - 8:30 p.m. These Life Nights offer shared companionship, faith-filled talks, small-group discussions, prayer exercises, and Eucharistic Adoration. LifeTeen also provides social nights such as ice skating, bonfires, messy games, color wars, and Main Event nights. Service opportunities include clothing drives, food distribution in the homeless community, and assisted living visits. Our youth have also participated in N.C.Y.C, Steubenville/Atlanta, Catholic Heart Work Camp, LifeTeen Restore Camp, and LifeTeen Camp Covecrest. High School students preparing for Confirmation are expected to attend LifeTeen.

To register for Life Teen or Edge, complete the form listed below.

First Reconciliation and First Communion
Children seven years old and in Grade 2 or higher may receive the Sacraments of Confession and First Communion after faithful attendance at class and Mass. Students in Grades 6-12 should attend Edge (Middle School) or Life Teen (High School), and they will be prepared for First Communion during a special class, as listed on the Youth Ministry Calendar. As a rule, no child receiving sacramental preparation can be absent more than three times, and you must bring a copy of the child's baptism certificate to the Parish Office by January 5, 2026, unless the child was baptized at Saint Thomas the Apostle.  Please see the Parish Calendar or Parish Events on our website for important dates.

Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation may be received in fifth grade or higher.  Students in Grades 6-12 should attend Edge (Middle School) or Life Teen (High School), and they will be prepared for Confirmation during special classes, as listed on the Youth Ministry Calendar and Confirmation Calendar.  Edge and Life Teen members also must comply with the same guidelines as those in K-5. Please know that, as a rule, no child receiving sacramental instruction can be absent more than three times, and you must bring a copy of your child's baptism certificate to the Parish Office by January 5, 2026, unless the child was baptized at Saint Thomas the Apostle.