Life Teen is more than a youth group—it’s a movement that leads teens closer to Christ through faith, friendship, and service. Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, Life Teen follows a four-year catechetical cycle, ensuring teens encounter new and relevant topics each year. Whether you're new, preparing for sacraments, or already confirmed, Life Teen is for you!

📅 Sundays at 6 PM – A dynamic encounter with Christ!

The Life Teen Mass is a celebration for the whole family—not just teens. It’s a powerful experience where teens actively participate as readers, altar servers, greeters, musicians, and more!

The highlight of every Mass? The Eucharist. Just as the Apostles were transformed at Pentecost, the Eucharist strengthens us to live our faith boldly.

WEEKLY MEETING - FORMATION
Sunday Life Night — 7:00 PM and/or
Wednesday MidWeek — 7:00 PM

Your teen does NOT have to attend both days each week.
Each phase requires attendance of at least 30 approved meetings.

SUPER SUNDAY
Super Sunday is also required. It is in addition to regular Sunday/Wednesday meetings.

Teens complete at least 1 Super Sunday during the Disciples Phase and at least 1 during the Purpose Phase.

Each phase receives different teaching. Four Super Sundays are offered each year and is a full day commitment from 8:00am to 7:00pm.

Life Teen is a year-round ministry, so parents and teens are responsible for staying informed about meetings, events, requirements, deadlines, and schedule changes.

The Church Center website and app are the primary sources for official Life Teen information. Families should regularly check Church Center for the official Life Teen calendar, event and practicum signups, attendance and formation progress, and links to important Youth Ministry resources. Parents and teens can also use Church Center to keep their contact and household information current.

Church Center Website: staynm.churchcenter.com

Official Youth Ministry announcements, reminders, schedule changes, and other important information may also be sent through email and text message and published in the weekly St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Bulletin. Parents and teens are responsible for providing and maintaining a current email address and phone number and for regularly reviewing these communications.

LTConnect is the primary resource page for Life Teen and Confirmation formation. It contains forms, uploads, Confirmation requirements and deadlines, formation resources, helpful links, and a current copy of this Parent/Student Handbook. The LTConnect page can be accessed through the Church Center website or app.
Parents and teens share responsibility for staying informed and should regularly review Church Center, LTConnect, Flocknote, and other official parish communications.

Update your email or phone number here

Confirmation preparation happens within our Life Teen program, which all high school teens are encouraged to attend. Our goal is for teens to know their Catholic faith, understand it, and learn how to live it.
 
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Teens begin in the phase that fits where they are in their sacramental journey.

Most teens begin in Phase 1 – Disciples, move to Phase 2 – Purpose, receive their Sacraments, and then continue into Phase 3 – Apostles.

Teens who have already received all three Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion - begin in Phase 3 - Apostles and continue growing in their faith through high school in Life Teen.

Need Baptism or First Communion too? No problem. Your teen will also begin in Phase 1 - Disciples and participate in Life Teen with their peers. Depending on their sacramental needs and their interview, they may also need additional sessions or special ceremonies as they prepare for the sacraments they need.

1️⃣ Disciples Phase – Laying the Foundation
Build the Foundation Learn the basics of the faith and build Catholic habits.

2️⃣ Purpose Phase – Living the Faith
Prepare for Confirmation Build on the foundation and learn to live the faith.

3️⃣ Apostles Phase – Faith in Action
Live & Share Your Faith After receiving the Sacraments of Initiation, continue growing through faith, service, community, and leadership.

PHASE 1 – DISCIPLES PHASE — BUILD THE FOUNDATION

Teens learn about God, Jesus, the Bible, Jesus' Death and Resurrection, the Catholic Church, the Sacraments, Mass and Confession, prayer, Catholic morality, loving and serving others, and foundational Catholic knowledge.

DISCIPLES REQUIREMENTS	WHAT IS NEEDED
Meetings	At least 30 Life Nights / MidWeeks
Super Sunday	At least 1 Disciples Super Sunday
Practicums	At least 6
Sunday Mass	Attending Weekly
Retreat	At least 1 one-day retreat
Interview	With Deacon Leyba
Paperwork due by September 1	Who I Am – Online Form Baptism Certificate  Uploaded Sponsor Affidavit Uploaded Confirmation Saint Essay – Submit Online
Faith Knowledge	92 Questions and Prayers Every Catholic Should Know (Testing in February) Prayers: -Apostles Creed -Act of Contrition -The Lords Prayer (Our Father) – English & Latin -Hail Mary -Glory Be -Prayer before Meals -Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel -Fatima Prayer
DISCIPLES PHASE DEADLINE — September 1 All Disciples requirements must be completed by September 1 to move into Purpose.   To move from Disciples into Purpose, all Disciples Phase requirements must be completed by September 1 of the year before the teen hopes to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. For example, a teen hoping to receive Confirmation during the 2028 Easter Season must complete all Disciples requirements and be ready to enter the Purpose Phase by September 1, 2027. September 1 is not a deadline based on when a teen registers or begins Life Teen. Teens may begin formation at any time and remain in the Disciples Phase until all requirements are completed. Once the requirements are completed, the teen may advance to Purpose according to the next sacramental preparation cycle.

Not finished by September 1? Your teen stays in the Disciples phase and continues formation until all requirements are completed. This will delay reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation by one year.

PHASE 2 - PURPOSE PHASE — PREPARE FOR CONFIRMATION

Purpose builds on Disciples. Teens learn why the Catholic Church matters, how the Holy Spirit works in our lives, what Confirmation means, how to live the Sacraments, Catholic morality, vocation, prayer, service, and how to take ownership of their Catholic faith.

PURPOSE REQUIREMENTS	WHAT IS NEEDED / DUE DATE
Meetings	At least 30 Life Nights / MidWeeks
Super Sunday	At least 1 Purpose Super Sunday
Practicums	At least 8
Sunday Mass	Attending Weekly
Retreat	At least 1 one-day retreat
Interview	With Fr. Garcia
Sponsor Outing Reflection	Due January 31
Letter to the Archbishop	First Draft Due December 1 Second Draft Due Jan 10 Final Letter Due February 1
Faith Knowledge	92 Questions and Prayers Every Catholic Should Know (Testing in February) Prayers: Hail Holy Queen The Magnificat The Memorare Prayer St. Joseph’s Memore
PURPOSE FINAL DEADLINE — APRIL 1 All Purpose Phase requirements must be completed by April 1 to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during that Easter season.

Not finished by April 1? Confirmation will be delayed until the next Easter season. Teens should continue attending Life Teen—not only to complete any remaining requirements, but to continue growing in their faith and stay connected to their parish community.

“Faith without works is dead.” – James 2:26

Service is at the heart of our Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2447) teaches that acts of charity—feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and comforting the afflicted—are essential expressions of our love for Christ. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Faith in action is love, and love in action is service.”

At Life Teen, we believe that serving is more than just volunteering—it’s a sign of spiritual growth and a way to live out Christ’s call to love our neighbor. Many saints grew in holiness through serving others, and we invite every teen to do the same.

📖 What Are Practicums?
A practicum is hands-on participation in the life of the parish and to the larger community. Teens put their faith into practice by serving and participating in parish events, liturgies, service opportunities, or other approved activities.
 
Disciples Phase: At least 6 practicums
Purpose Phase: At least 8 practicums

WHAT IS SUPER SUNDAY?
Super Sunday is a required extended formation session offered four times each year. It gives us more time to teach and discuss important Catholic topics. Teens attend at least 1 Super Sunday during Disciples and at least 1 during

 Purpose. Each phase receives different teaching. Super Sundays start at 8:00 AM and finish after the 6:00 PM Mass.
 
The Disciples phase focus on: Why God? & Why Jesus?
The Purpose phase focus on: Why the Church? & Who is the Holy Spirit?

“Parents are the primary educators in the faith.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2223)

Parents play the most important role in their teen’s faith journey. Teens may attend Life Teen, but their strongest example of faith starts at home. When parents actively support their teen’s spiritual growth, it reinforces that faith isn’t just something for Sundays—it’s a way of life.

🙌 How Can Parents Get Involved?

📌 Encourage & Support Your Teen:
✔ Encourage attendance at Life Teen and Life Teen Mass (Sundays at 6 PM).
✔ Talk with them about what they’re learning—faith grows through conversation!
✔ Sign them up for retreats, service projects, and mission trips.

📌 Help With Events & Gatherings:
✔ Cook or sponsor meals for Life Teen meetings or special events.
✔ Decorate & set up for retreats, parties, and parish celebrations.
✔ Build & create—help construct props, design banners, or organize supplies.
✔ Plan & organize events—assist with logistics, hospitality, and behind-the-scenes tasks.

📌 Give & Support:
✔ Provide snacks, drinks, or small gifts for special occasions.
✔ Donate items from our Begging List to support youth ministry.
✔ Offer rides for teens who need transportation.

📌 Join Our Parent Community:
✔ Attend the Quarterly Parent Advisory Meetings to share ideas and feedback.
✔ Be a Life Teen advocate in the parish—invite other families to join!

"Your child will follow your example more than your advice." – St. Charles Borromeo

A Quinceañera is more than a party—it’s a sacred moment of renewal and consecration in a young woman’s faith journey. This beautiful tradition is an opportunity for her to recommit to her baptismal promises, receive a special blessing, and celebrate her faith with family and friends.

📌 What’s Involved in the Preparation?
✔ Spiritual formation to help the young woman deepen her understanding of faith.
✔ Attending Mass and Life Teen to strengthen her relationship with Christ.


📍 For details on scheduling and preparation, visit: https://www.stanm.org/Quinceanera.

Life Teen is completely free for all high school teens, but it takes a community to make it possible! While there are no attendance fees, we rely on generous parishioners, parents, and volunteers to keep our program running.
📌 Ways to Support Life Teen:
✔ In-Kind Donations – Provide snacks, drinks, supplies, or needed items from our Begging List.
✔ Sponsor a Meal – Help feed teens at a Life Night or retreat.
✔ Volunteer Your Time – Assist with events, decorations, set-up, or hospitality.
✔ Donate Gift Cards – Used for event supplies, prizes, and special needs.
✔ Spread the Word – Invite other families to join and support Life Teen!
📍 Want to help? Click here to support Life Teen! [#]

As Christians, we are called to respect the dignity of ourselves and others. All participants are expected to dress modestly and appropriately for all religious education classes, retreats, service projects, and parish events.

The following guidelines apply to both teens and adults:
​

• No short shorts- All shorts must cover your thighs. If you place your hands at your sides, your shorts should be at least as long as your fingertips & must be visible from under your shirt (no lampshading).
• No thin-strapped tank tops- Shirts must cover your chest and undergarments. “Bro tanks” with thicker straps are allowed as long as the chest cannot be seen through the open arm holes and undergarments are covered.
• No crop-tops - Please make sure your shirt covers your entire stomach and back while sitting and with your arms raised above your head.
• Clothing that is excessively tight, revealing, or see-through, including leggings or form-fitting athletic wear worn as outerwear, is not permitted.
• Clothing with inappropriate language, images, symbols, or messages that are offensive, vulgar, or contrary to Catholic values is not permitted.
• Undergarments will not be worn as outer garments and may not be seen.
• If Clothing does not meet the above requirements students may be asked to not attend that class, meeting, retreat or activity or wear a choir robe, cassock. If there is any question on whether a student dress is inappropriate, we will err on the side of modesty.

The celebration of the Holy Mass and the reception of the sacraments are sacred encounters with Jesus Christ. The way we dress is one outward expression of the reverence, dignity, and respect we bring to these holy moments. While God looks first upon the heart, our clothing can reflect the importance of the occasion and our desire to honor His presence.

Teens are encouraged to wear attire that is modest, respectful, and appropriate for worship, avoiding clothing that is overly revealing, contains offensive language or images, or distracts from the sacredness of the liturgy. Dressing appropriately is not about fashion or financial means, but about recognizing that we are coming before God and participating in the worship of the Church. For the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, participants should wear clothing that reflects the joy, dignity, and solemnity of this important milestone in their faith journey.

View of appropriate dress for both male and females

Christian Charity is the rule in all our classes.

All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects Christian charity, respect, and discipleship. By participating in any Religious Education program, retreat, service project, or parish-sponsored activity, participants agree to follow this Code of Conduct.

Participants are expected to:

• Treat all clergy, staff, catechists, Core Team members, volunteers, chaperones, and fellow participants with respect, courtesy, and Christian charity.
• Arrive on time, participate fully, remain with the assigned class or group, and follow the directions of Clergy, Parish staff, Core and volunteers at all times.
• Use respectful and appropriate language. Profanity, abusive language, vulgar gestures, or inappropriate conversations will not be tolerated.
• Respect parish and retreat facilities by caring for property and refraining from vandalism or other destructive behavior.
• Dress modestly and appropriately for all Parish activities and events.  Short skirts and shorts and tight-fitting clothes is not appropriate during religious education classes and activities.

The following specific behaviors are prohibited:

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation, hazing, discrimination, or violence of any kind, including verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, or online/social media harassment.
• Possession or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco products, nicotine products, vaping devices, e-cigarettes, fireworks, weapons, or any dangerous or illegal items.
• Possession or misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Leaving assigned meeting areas, classroom, or event locations without permission.
• Possession or use of radios, speakers, laser pointers, toys, knives, skates, Heelys, or other items deemed inappropriate by parish staff.
• Possession or use of THC/Marijuana products in any form.

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including removal from an event, class, meeting and suspension or dismissal from the religious education program, and delay sacramental reception.  Parents or guardians will be notified and may be required to immediately pick up their child from an event or meeting. Illegal activity or conduct that endangers the safety of others may be reported to law enforcement, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, or other appropriate civil authorities.

To promote a respectful and distraction-free environment, all cell phones and personal electronic devices must be silenced and put away from the beginning to the conclusion of each meeting or activity unless their use is authorized by Youth Ministry staff for a ministry-related purpose.

For Life Teen, teens are expected to check in their cell phones at the beginning of the meeting or activity. Phones will be returned at the conclusion of the session.
Texting, phone calls, gaming, social media, or other personal use of electronic devices during meetings or activities is not permitted. If a teen is found using a cell phone or other electronic device without permission, attendance credit for that meeting may be revoked.
Teens are encouraged to leave unnecessary electronic devices at home or secured in their vehicle. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish assumes no responsibility or liability for the loss, theft, or damage of any electronic device brought onto parish property, including while a device is temporarily in the possession of Youth Ministry staff or volunteers.

To receive sacraments at St. Thomas Aquinas, your family must be registered with the parish. Registration is free; simply complete the form provided in the link.

Click here to Register in the Parish

Registered at another Parish?  If your family is registered at another parish and would not like to move your registration to St. Thomas, you will need to complete the following:

• Receive written permission from your pastor, this letter will need the parish seal and be given to Dcn. Ed.

First Step:

The "Who I Am" form allows us to know more about you and the way you learn.  It helps us to establish a baseline of where you are in your formation that helps us to measure progress.

Be Honest when filling out this form

Click the link below to complete the form:

• Who I am Form

1st Communion, Confession and Confirmation require the Sacrament of Baptism before they can take place.  If you do not have the certificate please contact the parish that you were baptized at for a replacement.  Please ensure that they have the parish seal on the certificate.

Please upload a copy or photo of your baptism certificate as a PDF or JPG file and keep the original document in a secure place. Ensure that the parish seal can be seen on the copy/photo.  To submit the copy, please click on the button below and follow the instructions.

Please note that you should not submit the original document to the office or the Deacon, as uploading the copy is sufficient.

 Click Here to upload the Baptism Certificate

Baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas?
If you were baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas, and need to obtain a copy of your baptism certificate, please complete the form by clicking on the button below. we will conduct the necessary research of the sacramental logs to provide you with a copy of your certificate.

Click Here to Request Sacramental Records Search from STA

As part of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, each candidate will select a canonized Catholic saint whose name will become his or her Confirmation name. This is not simply an academic assignment. Candidates should choose a saint they genuinely admire and whose faith, virtues, and relationship with Jesus they desire to imitate.

Selecting a Saint

• Male candidates are to select a male saint; 
• Female candidates are to select a female saint.
• The saint must be a canonized saint of the Catholic Church.
• Saints should be chosen because of their faith, virtues, and example of Christian life, not simply because they are patrons of a favorite hobby, sport, career, or interest.
• Saints from the 20th and 21st centuries are preferred, although saints from any period may be selected.
• Candidates should select a saint they can look to as a model of Christian life and an intercessor in prayer.
• Candidates should know their saint and Confirmation name by the end of their first year of preparation.

Saint Report
The report must be completed by the teen in his or her own words. Parents should not complete the report for the candidate. Parents may assist with research and discussion.

Candidates will provide basic information about their saint, including the saint’s name, birth and death dates, feast day, and when and where the saint lived.

Candidates must also respond to questions concerning:

• Important events in the saint’s life and why the saint was canonized.
• The saint’s prayer and spiritual life.
• Why the candidate selected this saint and Confirmation name.
• The saint’s virtues and how the candidate can imitate them.
• Struggles the saint experienced and how faith helped the saint respond.
• Similarities between the saint’s struggles and challenges faced by the candidate.
• How following the saint’s example could affect the candidate’s family, parish, and community.

Written responses must contain at least four complete sentences where indicated.

Responses should demonstrate genuine thought and reflection. Copied material or responses that do not adequately address the questions may be returned for revision.

The purpose of this requirement is not simply to learn about a saint, but to choose a saint whose example and intercession can help the candidate grow in holiness and become a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.

Possible saints include:
St. Carlo Acutis • St. Gianna Beretta Molla • St. Faustina Kowalska • St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) • St. John Paul II • St. John XXIII • St. Pius X • St. Philip Neri • St. Francis of Assisi • St. Isidore • St. Juan Diego • St. Dominic Savio • St. Pier Giorgio Frassati • St. Thérèse of Lisieux • St. Josemaría Escrivá • St. Teresa of Calcutta • St. Maria Goretti • St. Kateri Tekakwitha • St. Ignatius of Loyola

This list is provided only as a starting point and is not intended to limit the candidate’s selection.
Final Approval

The selection of a Confirmation saint and completion of the Confirmation Saint Report are part of the candidate’s preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Youth Ministry Director may request additional information, clarification, or revision when necessary to ensure that the candidate understands the saint selected and the spiritual significance of choosing a Confirmation name.

The ultimate purpose of this requirement is not simply for the candidate to know information about a saint, but to identify a faithful Catholic witness whose example can assist the candidate in answering his or her own call to holiness and lifelong discipleship in Jesus Christ.
 
Click the links below for more info:

• Confirmation Saint Booklet
• Submit - Patron Saint Report Submission Form online

“Insofar as possible, there is to be a sponsor for the person to be confirmed; the sponsor is to take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament.”

§2. It is desirable to choose as sponsor the one who undertook the same function in baptism.” (Code of Canon Law, 892)
 
The Church requires each candidate for Baptism or Confirmation to have a qualified sponsor who will accompany them in their journey of faith. The Sponsor Affidavit verifies that the chosen sponsor meets the qualifications established by the Church and has been approved by their home parish.
 
Beyond fulfilling a canonical requirement, the sponsor serves as a spiritual mentor who encourages, prays for, corrects, and walks alongside the candidate before, during, and after the celebration of the sacrament. Sponsors are chosen not because of family relationship, but because they are practicing Catholics who can provide an authentic witness of Christian life and help the teen do the same.
Each student must choose a sponsor for Confirmation. This form can be picked up at the information table at Life Teen.

The following applies to sponsors for Confirmation:

• Each candidate may only have one sponsor. However, if the sponsors from Baptism are available and they are eligible to be a sponsor at the time of Confirmation, they should be asked to be sponsors for Confirmation and both sponsors may be the sponsors for Confirmation. 
• Sponsors must be in good standing in the Catholic Church and must be practicing their Catholic faith, receiving Communion, and going to confession on a regular basis. 
• Sponsors must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. 
• Sponsors must be at least 16 years old
• If married, the sponsor; he/she must be married in the Catholic Church.
• Sponsors may not be cohabiting with another person.
• Males must choose a male sponsor 
• Females must choose female sponsor 
• Parents MAY NOT serve as sponsors for their children
• Every Sponsor must provide an Affidavit of Eligibility signed by his/her pastor by date

Parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish must make an appointment with the pastor to obtain the affidavit of eligibility.

Sponsors from other parishes must make an appointment with their pastors to obtain the standard affidavit of eligibility used in the Archdiocese.

View the following Documents To help you:

• How to Select a Sponsor
• The Sponsor Affidavit Can be Picked up from Deacon Ed

After prayerfully discerning the documents and when you made the choice, upload the sponsor affidavit

Upload the Sponsor Affidavit from the sponsor parish

Discover the essential prayers that pave the way for a profound connection with your faith. Mastering these prayers marks a significant step toward entering the final stage of Sacrament preparation and will be tested. Remember, it's not just about memorization; it's about embracing the power of prayer. Engaging with these prayers is vital, and what better way to immerse yourself than by practicing through the beautiful act of praying the rosary.

Teens should know these prayers but more importantly, they need to be praying them daily.

Click the links below for the document:

• 92 Things Every Catholic Should Know

To test your knowledge of the 92 Things that Every Catholic Should Know play these Kahoots

Schedule a time to spend together (in person), be specific and intentional. The duration could be anywhere from an hour to all day, it is up to the Sponsor and Candidate.

Candidates and Sponsors should participate in at least one outing throughout the teens formation, but are encouraged to do an outing one-time at least every four months.

Choose a place and/or an activity to participate in during the outing. We realize that some things may be limited by the sponsor living out of town and unable to travel. But feel free to be creative. This could simply be: 

• Meeting for coffee 
• Going to a movie (or watching one at home) 
• Taking a hike 
• Going out to dinner 
• Going to some type of religious event or concert
• Participating in a Charity walk/run
• Volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen
• Anything else that may interest both the Sponsor and Candidate
• During this outing, the sponsor is encouraged to share some part of their Faith Story with the Candidate.
• Complete this form

This form is due by Jan 31 of the year you will be receiving sacraments.

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