25 Years of Life Teen at St. Thomas the Apostle
As we reflect on the past 25 years, we celebrate not just the milestones, but the lasting impact this ministry has had on so many. On Sunday, May 18th, at the 5:30 PM Life Teen Mass, we will gather as a community to celebrate this incredible anniversary.
By Lisa Starita, Life Teen Core Team Member
Twenty-five years ago, Fr. Louis Lohan took a bold step in bringing a new and innovative youth ministry model to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Long Beach. In March of 2000, the parish launched its very first Life Teen Mass. Under the guidance of then-youth minister Ray Lacy, along with a dedicated group of adults willing to take this leap of faith, the Life Teen program began its transformative journey.
Over the past 25 years, Life Teen has impacted the lives of more than 1,500 middle and high school youth, shaping their Catholic faith and identity. This model of youth ministry has not only endured, but it has thrived—standing strong through both triumphs and challenges. Through dynamic Life Nights, meaningful relationships with faith-filled adults, and transformative experiences at conferences and camps, countless young people have encountered Christ in profound ways.
Life Teen at St. Thomas the Apostle has faced its fair share of challenges and obstacles since it’s beginning at St. Thomas. From the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed the church, to the transitions of youth ministers and pastors, the journey hasn’t always been easy. Yet, through every hardship and valley, the program has endured. Because, at the heart of it all, one young person coming to know Christ makes every challenge worth it.
Despite the trials, Life Teen has remained a beacon of faith, hope, and transformation—continually pointing teens toward Christ, no matter the storm. Each step of the way, we’ve seen the fruit of perseverance, and every teen who has encountered Christ through this ministry is a reminder that God’s work continues, even in the most difficult of times.
As we reflect on the past 25 years, we celebrate not just the milestones, but the lasting impact this ministry has had on so many. On Sunday, May 18th, at the 5:30 PM Life Teen Mass, we will gather as a community to celebrate this incredible anniversary—honoring all that has been and looking forward to all that God has yet to do.
We invite you, especially alumni of St. Thomas Life Teen and past core team members, to join us for this special moment as we give thanks for 25 years of faith, growth, community and friendship.
“Life Teen at St. Thomas had a profound impact on my faith life, providing a welcoming community where I could grow and deepen my relationship with God. The experiences, friendships, and teachings I encountered through Life Teen shaped my faith journey and continues to inspire me today.”
Ian Magandy, Class of 2013
“Life Teen at St. Thomas was the pivotal formation of my faith that I needed in high school. The community I built and the adults that mentored me, helped me learn to have unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and grow in relationship with Him. Life Teen helped me to become who I am and I am forever grateful.”
Mackenzie Lacy, Class of 2021
