So you want to know more about St Jude Youth Ministry?…
You should know that these are the kind of people you will encounter:
But if you STILL think this is something you want to know more about, check out the information below. If you have any questions, please contact the Evangelization and Youth Coordinator, Sue Wuorinen, by EMAIL or phone (616)363-6885 ext 1166
There are many opportunities to serve the youth in our parish, both working directly and indirectly with them. We always need more help! Check out the list of opportunities at the bottom of the page.
Please consider contacting Sue for more information by clicking below.
Middle School Youth Ministry (6th- 8th Grade)
Michigan’s Adventure Trip
Join us for a fun trip to Michigan’s Adventure! This open to all outgoing 6-12th graders. Find out more info or sign up HERE!
This year’s trip: August 15, 2023
Fall Fest
This is open to all 6th thru 12th graders. We meet at St Jude for pizza and pop and then head to Heidi’s Farm Stand for the corn maze! After the maze we have cider and donuts.
Find out more info HERE!
If you have any questions, please contact Sue at St Jude, (616)560-8107 or email at swuorinen@stjudes.net
This year’s trip: October 20, 2023
6-8th Thrive Fall Retreat
This is a day-long retreat for 6-8th graders! It is held at Sts Peter & Paul from 9AM-5PM. This is a high energy retreat with something for everyone!
Find out more information HERE! (We are partnering with St Patrick in Parnell, so this will direct you to their site.)
Retreat date: November 19, 2023
Shine Rally
The diocesan-wide Shine Rally has been around since 1996. Deacon Ken Baldwin had a desire to create an event that appealed to middle school students and drew their attention to Jesus. It is an awesome day of speakers, music, games, skits, food, and faith. Contact Sue for more details, and check out Shine Rally FB Page and the Shine Rally website.
Shine Rally date: March 24
Service Hours Opportunities
Contact Sue Wuorinen for more information.
High School Youth Ministry (9th-12th Grade)
Michigan’s Adventure Trip
Join us for a fun trip to Michigan’s Adventure! This open to all outgoing 6-12th graders. Find out more info or sign up HERE!
This year’s trip: August 15, 2023
Antioch Retreat
These are held once a year. These retreats are perfect for the first time retreat go-er to the retreat veterans. They are filled with lots of different activities from talks to games to skits. They are incredibly fun and as Sue has said numerous times “I am terrible at describing this great weekend without making it sound incredibly lame.” Get more information HERE.
Retreat date: September 29-October 1, 2024
Refresh Retreat
We have attempted to create a much more laid back retreat than what you have likely experienced before. It is a very easy schedule, with lots of time for rest and hanging out with friends. It is all linked together with the chance to grow in your faith.
Find out more information HERE!
Retreat date: February 16-18, 2024 (Note: date changed)
Antioch Youth Group
All 9th-12th graders are welcome to join us for a meal, talk, discussion, and social/game time. This will be most 1st and 3rd Sundays from 5:30-7 PM in the Lisieux Room.
Register for youth group here!
This year’s dates:
October 15 & 29
November 5
December 3 & 17
January 21
February 4 & 18
March 3 & 17
April 21
May 19
June 9
Service Hours Opportunities
Young Adult (18-39)
Adopt a College Student
Students can sign up to be “adopted” by a parish family. The family will pray for them throughout the year, and possibly send cards and goodies! Find out more information about this program HERE.
You can sign them up HERE!
You can sign up to be a adopting family HERE!
Thaddeus Society
This is a cell group based ministry open to all 18-39 year olds. The idea is to create small communities to foster faith and friendships. You can find more about this program HERE.
Adult Volunteering Opportunities
Indirectly supporting youth
We need you! Check out some ways you can support the youth of the parish!
- HS Antioch Retreat (Sept 29 – Oct 1)
- Donate food
- Help make a meal
- Write notes of encouragement to be given to attendees
- Mother/Daughter Breakfast (Dec 10)
- Help make the breakfast
- Daddy Daughter Dance (Feb 3)
- Make baked goods
- HS Refresh Retreat (Feb 16-18)
- Donate food
- Help make a meal
- Exam Care Packages/Graduation Gifts (May 3-5)
- Donate supplies
- Deliver packages
- Adopt a College Student (Sept – April)
- Adopt a college student by praying for them throughout the year, send cards on holidays, and/or care packages.
Contact Sue by EMAIL or (616)560-8107 to get more information!
Directly working with youth
We need you! Check out some ways you can support the youth of the parish!
- HS Antioch Retreat (Sept 29 – Oct 1)
- Table Leader/Discussion Leader during the retreat
- Support Team throughout retreat
- HS Youth Group (1st & 3rd Sunday of the month from 5:30-7PM, Oct – May
- Meeting volunteer
- Daddy Daughter Dance (Feb 3)
- Volunteer in many areas during the retreat
Contact Sue by EMAIL or (616)560-8107 to get more information!
What is a Sue?
A Sue is a child-sized adult that has lots of energy and loves to spread the love of Jesus to youth!
I am a life-long member of St Jude parish. They just can’t get rid of me! My husband, Jordan, and I wrangle our small herd of 4 girls. They all attend All Saints Academy – and love it!
I attended my first Antioch high school retreat in high school and my life hasn’t been the same since. I knew after that experience I wouldn’t rest until I shared that experience and more for the rest of my life.
My goal is to teach the Truth of the Church in a relatable, loving way to everyone I meet – and that means YOU! You deserve the love and beauty that the Church has to offer. No matter what you have done or where you have gone in life.
If you ever have any questions or need anything – please don’t hesitate to EMAIL me or call me at (616)363-6885 ext 1166.