Campus Ministry

The Campus Ministry program, through a variety of opportunities and activities, encourages and fosters all members, of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School community, in spirituality, service and community building.

Service at St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas High School encourages students to reach beyond themselves and render service to our brothers and sisters throughout the community and world. Service is a component of evangelization. As a Christian, living in a secular world, this is a critical facet of character. We cannot emphasize the Christian value of service enough.

So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. John 13:1217 NAB

Kairos and Class Retreats

Kairos and other class retreats are religious retreats that are grounded in the belief that God is very much a part of our world, especially through the continuing presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. These retreats are an experience of Christian community that centers on a series of talks given by students and adults. Class retreats hold a great importance to our staff and students, as they allow individuals to spend time and reflect with God, their classmates, and mentors.

St. Thomas students have multiple retreat opportunities (in addition to Kairos):
Freshman Retreat
Sophomore Retreat
Junior Retreat
Senior Retreat

Kairos

Kairos is a Greek word meaning “God-given or sacred time”. It is a time filled with meaning in which something sacred can happen. Prayer and celebration of the sacraments are an essential part of the program, as well as, the participants’ involvement in discussions and other exercises…and of course, a good dose of fun. This retreat will provide students with a special time to look deeply at the person he or she is and their relationship with the Lord, with other people, and with family.

For decades this program has been transformative for dozens of Catholic school communities throughout the United States and we are privileged to be the first school in the Diocese of Youngstown to offer it.

Senior class students have two opportunities to attend the retreat. The fall and spring retreats are held at Loyola of the lakes, in Clinton, Ohio. The fall Kairos is for seniors only. In order to become a member of the team during their upcoming Senior year, Junior class students are given the opportunity to share the spring retreat. Junior students, invited in the spring before their senior year, will be recommended by peers, faculty, administration and Kairos alumni only. Kairos student team leaders will commit to attending planning meetings and the entire retreat weekend.

Students should contact Mrs. May, Campus Minister at mmay@youngstowndiocese.org for clarification of the service requirements, advice in planning approved service or retreat information. Parents, too, should feel free to contact Mrs. May with their own questions or concerns.

Service

Retreats

Kairos

Kairos Permission Form