More Than Words

More Than Words is a social justice and community service group, an extension of STAP Youth. Its mission is to grow together, in community, as women and men for others through a process of action and reflection. Team members are dedicated to making Tucson a better place through discussions of complex issues and real-world application by sending our teens out into the Tucson community, and beyond, to demonstrate that following God’s teachings involves more than just reading words. Grades 6-12.

During the COVID-19 situation, many parishioners have asked Deacon Ed how they and/or their families might serve in the community and yet practice safe social spacing. 

Deacon asked our More Than Words social justice ministry to compile a list of things that can realistically be done. The list appears under "Documents" on this page. 

There is empirical evidence that giving to others helps protect one's mental and physical health. It reduces stress, combats depression, keeps humans mentally stimulated and adds purpose to their lives. Happiness comes from giving and joy stems from being grateful that one can give.

Check out some of the suggested offerings. And accept Youth Ministry's challenge to try one or more!  

St. Thomas the Apostle’s More Than Words Ministry is a way for teens to actually touch and feel the social justice work of our Church. Created by our own parishioner, Jessica Luebbering, and continued on by Martha Luebbering, this ministry is truly home-grown and pertinent to our community! Every month, attendees will explore an aspect of Catholic Social Teaching cumulating with a service project taking those teens to put what they've learned into action...literally becoming More Than Words. Our goal is for every participant to better understand what our Church teaches and to better love as Jesus does.