High School Youth Ministry

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Service Opportunities

More details coming soon!

Youth Group Meetings

Monthly Next Level Youth Group Gatherings

Next Level is a collaborative high school youth ministry effort of East Metro Catholic Churches. Every month, a different parish will host a gathering for all the teens from all these parishes. Check out our fall schedule below!

Small Groups

St. Mary’s is doing something new for high school students – a model known as small group discipleship. Small groups are

small groups of teens (generally 6-8 total) that meet on a regular basis with adult mentors who lead them in conversation about their faith and how we live it out. Groups are flexible, parent-partnered, Catholic, and the next level. Each group will choose when and where they meet on a schedule that works best for them and decide together what topics they want to explore. We hope this flexibility and opportunity for mentorship, discussion, and prayer will allow young people to become disciples of Christ in our world today.

If you are interested in having your teen join a small group, contact Michelle Boris at [email protected].

Leadership

Youth & Young Adult Marketing Team

High schoolers and young adults – are you looking for ways to use your talents and interests to help evangelize St. Mary’s in our digital world? Interested in learning new skills that can be useful in the work world or college?

We’re looking for high schoolers and young adults with imagination, creativity and prayerfulness to be part of our new volunteer Youth Ministry Marketing Team. As part of the team, you’ll work with members of St. Mary’s Media and Marketing Committee to digitally communicate all the exciting things happening in our parish.

The time commitment is minimal and very flexible to your school and work schedules. Questions or want more information? Contact Michelle Boris at [email protected] or Anne Simons at [email protected].

Note: We are also looking for mature, Confirmed high school teens to serve as peer ministers by helping lead Confirmation small group discussions for 8th grade Confirmation candidates on Tuesday evenings this year.

Summer Trips

We are partnering with the Next Level parishes from around the area to offer three incredible summer experiences for high schoolers. Read on to learn more about each opportunity. St. Mary of the Lake parishioners will be able to participate in fundraising opportunities at the parish and earn funds toward whatever trip they attend.

We want all teens to be able to participate in these life-changing experiences. Financial support is available; please reach out to Michelle Boris at [email protected].

Poland Pilgrimage

When: May, 2026

Where: Poland

What: A 7-9 day pilgrimage to Poland, following St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. John Paul II, St. Faustina, and Divine Mercy.

Who: Current 8th-12th graders and parents

Cost: Estimated between $4,500 and $5,500*

Poland Pilgrimage Form

*Note: St. John’s in Little Canada is working on a fundraising plan that would allow each student to fundraise their own cost, with the amount fundraised dependent on the work of the individual.

Catholic Heart Workcamp Mission Trip

Registration open until spots filled

When: June 21-26, 2026

Where: Champaign, IL

What: Serve those in need while growing in your faith. Daily worksites, nightly programs, friends, faith, and fun! See the detailed information sheet attached.

Who: Current 8th-12th graders and young adults ages 18-20

Cost: $900 – Fundraising Available. A nonrefundable $100 deposit due with registration. Please do not let cost be an impediment – please reach out for options!

Catholic Heart Workcamp Mission Trip Information Sheet 2026

St. Mary’s, St. Bridget’s, St. Gregory’s (our partner parishes) during the 2025 CHWC trip to Billings, MT. We will share a bus with them again in 2026!

Steubenville Youth Conference (Mid-America)

Registration open until spots filled.

When: June 16-19, 2026

Where: Springfield, MO

What: A weekend conference full of prayer, sacraments, and speakers where teens experience a life-changing encounter with Christ and leave as transformed disciple-makers.

Who: Current 8th-12th graders

Cost: TBD but less than $600

Pre-register for Steubenville

Next Level group at the 2025 Steubenville Conference in Denver, CO.

Stay Connected!

Questions about high school youth ministry? Please contact Coordinator of Young Adult Ministries, Michelle Boris at [email protected] or (651) 429-7771, Option 1.

Stay in touch for all updates and announcements about high school youth ministry opportunities by joining Flocknote or GroupMe.

Join GroupMe Here

Join email updates Here

Parents and guardians, please complete the following forms for your youth to participate in these groups and/or be featured in photos from youth events.

Electronic Communications Disclosure Form

Photo Release Form for Minors

Upcoming Events & Service Opportunities

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Sacramental Preparation

Preparation for the Sacraments is separate from our four Faith Formation programs. Learn more about the Sacraments Here.