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YOUTH
GROUP Announcements
Sr
- High School students Jr - 6th through
8th grades
Upcoming
Events
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The
Courtyard was ROCKIN’ Saturday
night, May 31st 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.
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“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)
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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.
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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.

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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 1st and 2nd
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.


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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.
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