YOUTH GROUP Announcements
Sr - High School students Jr - 6th through 8th grades

 Upcoming Events  

• Teen Pool Party, June 28th (see Flyer below)

The Courtyard was ROCKIN’ Saturday night, May 31^st as over 50 teens were entertained by local High School bands led by parishioners Ryan Bleaken and John Arnold of “Later City” and Phil Hengy’s “Smiting Shillelagh”. Special thanks to Ryan Bleaken for organizing the bands, the adult chaperons and Monsignor Morgan.

 “Educational Visit to a Mosque”

On a cold winter afternoon, the St. Thomas More Youth Group received a warm welcome from members of the South Jersey Islamic Mosque in Palmyra , NJ . The Youth Group in coordination with the Council of Islamic Relations and escorted by Monsignor Thomas Morgan visited the Mosque and listened to a presentation on Islam and its similarities to Christianity. The presentation included the meaning of Islam, the Qur’an, and the importance of Jesus and Mary to the Muslim Faith. The Youth Group heard many similar names and stories they learned about in their religious education classes: Adam & Eve, Moses, Noah, the Angel Gabriel and John the Baptist. The Presenter, Mrs. Naseem Badat, emphasized the importance of dialogue with the “People of the Book” (what the Qur’an calls People whose belief is based on the Bible or Torah). The St. Thomas More YG left with a new understanding and respect of the Islam Faith. (Below are the two Youth Groups) 

Lenten Team Work

The Ronald McDonald House is a non-profit facility that houses families of children from all over the world who require long-term medical care. The RMcDH is a home away from home for these families, providing a cheerful environment during a very difficult time. This is the second year that St. Thomas More has volunteered to make and serve breakfast at the facility next to Cooper Hospital.

The Women’s Club made breakfast; the Youth Group served it and entertained the children the St. Vincent DePaul Society men assisted with chaperoning and driving. Very early on a Saturday morning we began a three-hour whirlwind of activity with nearly 40 volunteers (some from neighboring parishes). We were reminded of our many blessings as we visited with an Iraqi girl awaiting surgery on her legs, or the two pregnant women whose babies would require surgery immediately after their birth. Adult and youth volunteers sat with the residents to lend a sympathetic ear or share some laughs. After the residents returned to their rooms, or to the Hospital, the St. Thomas More Team cleaned up and was given a tour of the House.

As many of us give something up for Lent these St. Thomas More Parishioners gave their time. Individually the Youth Group, Women’s Club and St. Vincent DePaul Society are wonderful organizations. Once again working together they were true examples of Christ. 

Youth Group Stirring Up a SOUPER Project

On Super Bowl Weekend, a record 20 Youth organizations throughout the Diocese participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring project. The Souper Bowl of Caring, spelled S-O-U-P-E-R, is a non-profit national organization that “Stirs-up” the Youth of the country to help the less fortunate. Contributions totaling $13,706 were given to various charities in the Diocese of which St. Vincent DePaul Chapters received nearly $7,000 and the Cathedral Kitchen $2,000. St. Thomas More’s Youth Group led all participants by collecting $1,908; all donated to their Parish’s St. Vincent DePaul Society. Nationally, over $9 million dollars of contributions were collected. St. Thomas More’s efforts were shown on Channel 6 Action News and mentioned on KYW New Radio.

Pictured below are some members of the St. Thomas More (Cherry Hill) Youth Group.

St. Thomas More Youth Group – Delivering Smiles

Their parents’ minivans loaded with toys, party supplies and breakfasts the St. Thomas More Youth Group made their annual trip from Cherry Hill to Holy Name in Camden to throw a Christmas party for the 1^st and 2^nd grade Religious Ed. children.  The Youth Group played games, made crafts, read stories and spent time with the Holy Name children.  Santa Claus even made an appearance. The children left with a new toy, party favors, and big smiles.

The Youth Group has visited Holy Name five times in the last four years. When the children of Holy Name were told that the Youth Group was coming according to Sister Claire Sullivan (Holy Name’s DRE) the children were so excited. Before the Youth Group embarked on their trip they discussed their plans to make this a special day for the Holy Name children. Sister Claire told the Youth Group that the children will remember this day because of the time they spent with them.

After many laughs, thank you’s and hugs the Youth Group, through the generosity of St. Thomas More’s Religious Education program was able to leave behind enough food and party supplies for Holy Name to have another party for children in the other grades. Youth Group President Chip Tagland, VP Ryan Bleaken (both have made this trip five times) and Jr. YG President Stan Thompson III stated how rewarding and fun it was to just to hang out with the children knowing that it made them smile.

PRESS RELEASE:

It was a dark and not so lonely night when the St. Thomas More (Cherry Hill) Youth Group visited Indian Acres in Medford for the annual Scary Hayride. Nearly 30 Jr. & Sr. Youth Group kids were driven through the haunted tree farm and came upon witches, chainsaw wheeling ghouls and UFO’s. That was just the beginning of the unusually warm evening’s adventures. The tractor pulled cart stopped to let the kids out and into the Farm’s eerie cornfield for many more surprises. The walk included a stroll through a not so peaceful graveyard, a spine-chilling boat junk yard and many lively ghosts waiting for our arrival. Then it was back on the hayride for a variety of performances by magicians, dancers and musically talented skeletons. The evening ended with hot dogs and snacks (too warm for a bonfire).

  This was the first event for many Junior Youth Groupers and the third visit for the High School students who enjoyed the new attractions the Farms provided. Funds raised at the September YG Car Wash deferred some of the evening’s cost. Thanks go out the adult chaperones Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Tagland, and the Thompson’s. If you could not make it you missed a screaming good time, don’t miss out on future Youth Group events.