Youth Ministry – 6th to 12th graders

Hi there! Welcome to the Youth Ministry of St. James’s Episcopal Church. We strive faithfully to love and support middle and high school youth through joyful community as they explore a relationship with Christ and serve God as Doers of the Word.

It’s our desire and passion for youth to build authentic relationships with other students and leaders so they can discover what it looks like to live a life of faith. We take our faith seriously but have a ton of fun along the way. No matter who you are, or where you are in your spiritual journey, you are welcome here!

The Youth Ministry at St. James’s is so much more than just a ‚Äúyouth group‚Äù (although we have that too). We help engage 6th – 12th graders and their families in all aspects of church life, in addition to providing service projects, programs, and retreats specifically for youth. Check out the details below.

And please reach out to our Director of Youth Ministry, Katie Ricard, to introduce yourself and get involved. We’re eager to get to know you!

For up-to-the-minute information about new activities and upcoming events – follow us on Instagram: @youthofsjecrichmond, and on Facebook: St. James’s Youth Ministry.¬†¬†

Acolyte Ministry

Becoming an acolyte is a great way to serve others, grow in your faith, and learn leadership skills within The Episcopal Church. We are so grateful to all our acolytes for serving in this important ministry. And we welcome any 6^th-12^th grader who is interested to be trained to become and acolyte.

This Acolyte Ministry Flyer will provide more information.

To become an acolyte, fill out this Acolyte Information Form

Fall 2021 Acolyte Trainings:

• Sunday, October 3, 2021:¬†10:00-10:45 am
• Wednesday, October 6, 2021: 5:30-6:15 pm

The Acolyte Ministry Leaders are Anne Marie Elles, (804) 314-7988, and Sarah Hubard, (804) 334-1946.

Milestone Ministries

Fifth Grade Bridge Ceremony

St. James’s 5th graders and their parents are invited to participate in this ceremony each spring.¬† We celebrate and honor these children as they move from the children’s ministry into the Youth Ministry, and begin middle school.

Confirmation

The clergy and Youth Ministry are honored and excited to walk with youth through their confirmation preparation process. We like to think of Confirmation as ‚Äúbase camp‚Äù on your spiritual journey. It’s neither your point of origin, nor your destination, but a place to rest, grow, and be equipped for your spiritual journey.

Registration for our youth confirmation process is now open for the for the 2021-2022 program year.¬† Students, beginning in 9th grade, are eligible to participate accompanied by at least one parent. If 9th grade doesn’t feel like a good fit, you’re welcome to come back any time later in high school.

Click here for detailed information about confirmation and to register online. Registration will close on September 27. For more information about Youth Confirmation at St. James’s, please contact our Director of Youth Ministry, Katie Ricard.

Blessing of the Keys – Fall

In tenth grade, many youth take on increased responsibility at home, begin to drive, or even gain part-time employment. And for their parents, we recognize this is a significant, exciting, and sometimes challenging time, as they learn to trust their child with more autonomy. St. James’s offers our 10^th grader gifts and prayers for this moment in their lives, as a reminder that God and your church family love you dearly and are here to support you as you grow.

Senior Blessing – Spring
We celebrate, recognize, and bless our graduating high school seniors and their parents with a special milestone liturgy and reception. Unlike a formal graduation ceremony, this is a relaxed but important opportunity to thank God for all that has been and to offer prayers for your entire family as you enter a new season of life.

Missions

Creation Care Pilgrimage

Ninth through twelfth grade youth can participate in a new youth mission and pilgrimage focused on creation care and raising awareness about the critical role our oceans play in sustaining life on our planet. We will travel to Central and South Florida from July 7-16, 2022.  Our travel group will visit the Marine Lab in Key Largo, Florida.  Watch this space for details and registration.

Support and Prayer Requests

The clergy and church staff are here to support you and your entire family.¬† Please let us know how we can be praying for you and supporting the needs of your family.¬† We’re never too busy for a pastoral call.

Recent Youth Ministry Offerings