St. James’ Youth Ministry (grades 6-12) seeks to create a space where youth know that wherever they are on their journey of faith, they are welcome at the table.
Christian youth formation at St James’ comes in various forms, including serving in leadership roles in the church, such as a lector, an intercessor, choir member, musician, or an acolyte during worship services, performing community service projects and mission work, and engaging with the traditions of our faith, and exploring the spiritual practices.
During Youth Group, we get together for study, prayer, service, social activities, worship, games, hands-on arts and music experiences, and gathering at the table.
We discuss topics from readings in the Bible, in the Book of Common Prayer, in the lectionary, or in other spiritual texts, current events, hot topics, or even those questions that you might be afraid are too irreverent, too basic, or too out-of-bounds, knowing that wherever youth are on their journey of faith, they are welcome at this table.
Youth Gatherings
During the school year, youth generally gather on Sundays between 12 pm and 1 pm at St James’ for formation, fellowship, and serving others.
Keep up with the latest plans for gathering youth through our e-newsletter.
High School New Orleans Mission Trip: May 31-June 5
This summer, youth ages 14 and up are invited to get in the van and go to New Orleans, where we will be working with LowerNine, rebuilding in the Ninth Ward.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AUSTIN MISSION TRIP: JULY 6-9
Middle School Austin Mission Trip: July 6-9
This summer, middle school youth (rising 6th-8th graders) are invited to get to come and stay at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church while we do some good and learn to see our city in a new way.
Confirmation
Confirmation will be celebrated on November 22 during the bishop’s visitation to St. James’ at 10:30 am or 1 pm. Our youth minister, youth sponsors, and St. James’ clergy, would love to support youth in grades 8 through 12 in their discernment and journey towards being confirmed in the Episcopal Church.
For more information, contact our Youth Minister Kennedy Thedford.
Youth Registration Forms
At the beginning of every school year, we register or re-register our youth and volunteers, and update our church records to reflect your current information, as well get renewed permissions for media release required annually. You will only need to submit this information once for the 2025-26 school year.
Safeguarding
We require all Youth Sponsors who volunteer to work with our youth to go through a screening process that includes an application form, reference checks, and a criminal/child abuse background check. Sponsors also take part in 3 hours of Safeguarding God’s Children training.
Safeguarding God’s Children policies of the Diocese of Texas states that two Safeguarded adults be present at all times when caring for children or youth. (Adults interested working with our children or youth, please submit this interest form.)
Youth (ages 12 and older) who are interested in volunteering as helpers with children’s activities must also participate in a Safeguarding process and annual training geared for adolescents and teens. Please contact our youth minister for more information.