About the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More.
The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More is the mother parish for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington (VA) and serves approximately 3,800 parishioners in central Arlington and serves the Madison, Gates of Ballston and the Arlington Boulevard Corridor. St. Thomas More Cathedral School is one of the largest Metro Schools in the Diocese of Arlington, serving over 350 students in grades Kindergarten – 8th Grade.
The parish is led by the Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, and the Reverend Robert J. Rippy, Rector of the Cathedral. The Cathedral’s youth ministry was established with the help of volunteers and Father Rippy in 2005 to minister to the youth of the parish and school communities, as well as alumni of the Cathedral School.
Mission & Vision for Youth Ministry
The mission of Youth Ministry at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More is to equip and build up youth with the truth to live extraordinary lives beyond the Cathedral’s walls and our parish boundaries. The goal to evangelize the youth of the St. Thomas More community is not limited to “social” meetings, but through building strong Christian friendships and deepening your prayer life.
The vision for ministering to the youth includes:
- Foster a safe, welcoming atmosphere to all youth, regardless of ethnicity, language or socioeconomic status, and their families at the parish.
- Incorporate young people into the life and mission of the Roman Catholic Church and the local parish community.
- Provide direct opportunities for catechesis and formation through meetings and bible studies.
- Train all parishioners to be ministers to the youth by being the person of Christ to all young people through action and word.
- Support parents and guardians in their mission to teach their children the faith, as the primary and chief catechists, through providing resources and inservice opportunities.
The Current Programming
The focus of youth ministry is not necessarily placed solely on events or meetings. Rather, events and meetings are meant to enrich the true goal of youth ministry: building up the faith and the personal relationship with Christ and sharing the fullness of the Church with others. All people are welcomed to attend any programming:
- High School Youth Ministry Meetings on Sunday Nights, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (for ages 13-18 years old)
- Eucharistic Adoration & Praise and Worship Opportunities
- Regular Field Trips for Senior and Junior High Youth
- Junior High Youth Ministry Meetings on Friday Nights, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (for ages 10-14 years old)
- Diocesan Events (Senior High RALLY, Junior High BASH, WorkCamp)
- Fall (November) & Spring Retreats (March) (for ages 13-18 years old)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Cathedral’s Office of Youth Ministry, 703-525-1300 x25 or ym@cathedralstm.org.
Directors of Youth Ministry
Mr. Ronnel A. Cristobal, 2008-Present
Mr. Tom Svercl (acting coordinator), 2005-2008
Ms. Lauren Proshek, 2007-2008
Ms. Emily Diaz, 2006-2007
