St. Joes Youth Columbia

05/22/2026

✨ Once a Saint, Always a Saint ✨
🐝 Bee the Light Retreat | St. Joseph Catholic School Class of 2026

Today our 6th graders gathered for a beautiful end-of-year retreat celebrating who they are as sons and daughters in Christ, gratitude for their time in Catholic school, and who God is calling them to be as they prepare for middle school. 💛

The day began with Mass and prayer. Students reflected on Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you…” reminding them that God walks with them into every new beginning.

Throughout the retreat, students:
🐝 Shared favorite St. Joseph memories through our “Memory Web” activity
🐝 Reflected on gratitude, courage, and identity in Christ through retreat stations
🐝 Encouraged one another through team challenges and faith discussions
🐝 Created a collaborative beehive of virtues representing the virtues they’ve grown in this year
🐝 Read heartfelt letters from their parents celebrating this important milestone
🐝 Learned about the beauty of beeswax candles, and made connections to Jesus Christ, the Paschal Candle, and listened to the words in the Exsultet to connect the work of bees to our Catholic faith. 🐝Students created their own candles as a reminder to “Bee the Light” of Christ in the world

Inspired by the words of Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, students were reminded that the Church is like a hive — every person matters and together we are building up the Church and community of believers. ✝️🐝

As these students leave elementary school behind, we pray they always remember:
Once a Saint, Always a Saint. 💛

05/12/2026

✨ SUMMER OF SERVICE IS HERE ✨

This is your invitation to a summer that’s more than just free time…it’s a chance to SERVE with your friends at St. Joseph Youth Ministry.

📍 Details, dates & sign-ups in our Youth Ministry Flocknote
👀 Stay ready! Spots will fill fast!

05/12/2026

✨ SAVE THE DATE ✨

This summer isn’t just another hangout… it’s an encounter.

🎬 Watch The Chosen
📖 Dive into the Gospel behind the story
🗣️ Break into middle & high school small groups🔥 Ask real questions. Grow in real faith.

📅 June 3, June 17, June 24 & July 22
⏰ 7-9 PM
📍 MAB

🍦 PLUS: Every night = a chance to win a 16 Handles gift card

Bring a friend.
Come hungry (yes, snacks 👀).
Leave different.

Because Jesus isn’t just a character on a screen…He’s calling you.

✝️ Encounter Him.
📖 Know Him.
➡️ Follow Him.

05/08/2026

05/04/2026

We wrapped up our middle school youth ministry year in the best way possible with our 2nd Annual Talent Show! 🎤✨

From singing and skits to creative performances that had us laughing and cheering, our teens didn’t hold back. Each act was a reminder of the incredible gifts God has placed within them.

This year, we held onto the words of St. Carlo Acutis: “All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies.” And last night, it was so clear our youth are choosing to be originals. They showed courage, joy, creativity, and the confidence to be exactly who God created them to be.

What a beautiful way to celebrate a year of faith, friendship, and growth. Keep shining, being bold, and living as the originals you were made to be. 💛

05/02/2026

Bel Canto Youth Choir sang beautifully at our two St. Joseph First Holy Communion Masses! Such a beautiful job seeing these youth serve our church and parish faithfully!!

05/02/2026

05/02/2026

🌿✨ Our 5th and 6th graders gathered at our After-School Pray & Play Club for an afternoon full of faith, creativity, and service.

Together, they lifted prayers, built beautiful mini Marian gardens as a loving gift for their mothers 🌹, and painted special rocks as part of a school service project for our 2nd graders preparing for their First Holy Communion. 🎨✝️

What a powerful witness of community—school and parish walking together, supporting one another, and helping our young disciples grow in love for Christ and His Sacraments. 💒

05/02/2026

See y’all Sunday Night!!!

04/28/2026

St. Joe’s Youth Ministry will collect items through July 30th
We are asking any interested parishioners to purchase one stylish and high-quality item that you would choose for your own child so every teen at Epworth Children's Home can feel confident, included, and ready for the new school year.

Some back to school brands and styles on their wish list include (but are not limited to):
Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Crocs, Kurt Geiger, Bath and Body Works, and Walmart, Target, and Starbucks gift cards
Shoe sizes: Women’s size 6-10 and Men’s size 7-13
Most needed Clothes sizes L-XXL (but all sizes are welcome)

Drop off any time to the Office of Youth Ministry in the Ministries & Administration Building

04/28/2026

Calling all teens! We need your help after all Masses on Mother’s Day weekend to hand out baby bottles for Birthright of Columbia’s Baby Bottle Campaign 🍼

The campaign kicks off on Mother’s Day Weekend (May 9 & 10). Parishioners can pick up a bottle at the church entrance, fill it with loose change (cash and checks welcome too!), and return it to the church Ministries and Administration building anytime before Father's Day weekend or return at any of the Masses by Father’s Day Weekend (June 20 & 21).

Every dollar raised helps Birthright volunteers provide hope, support, and resources to pregnant girls and women in need.

If you’re available to help pass out bottles after any Mother's Day weekend Masses, please reach out. Email [email protected] or RSVP on our youth ministry flocknote newsletter.