Maybe it’s the bonfires. Or the s’mores and snacks. Or maybe it’s the fellowship, or the faith and life conversations — even about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Whatever the reason, a small but enthusiastic group of young people have been excited to mingle in the laid-back, faith-filled atmosphere of the Summer 2026 Youth Ministry Bonfires series. These events are held throughout the summer at the Rev. Twiggs Youth Ministry Center in the Stockholm neighborhood of Hardyston, N.J.
Alice Garcia, 13, enjoyed opening up to and bonding with fellow teens in the open space at the July 8 bonfire in the center’s driveway, amid the rustic beauty of Sussex County. The event starts with group lounging on comfy couches in the Twiggs Center for Lectio Divina — praying the Scriptures — then reflecting on what they read, guided by questions from an adult leader.
“I’m surprised by some of my peers’ answers. One of them said, ‘People take things for granted — both the good and bad, which we also can learn from,’” said Garcia, a first-time bonfire participant. “I enjoy talking and sharing with my peers. I want to learn more about everything — faith and life — and how to apply it to my life. I want to pray and connect with my peers and God,” she said.
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Garcia is a faithful churchgoer at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in the Oak Ridge neighborhood of Jefferson Township, N.J. The bonfire is an outreach of Youth Ministry at St. Thomas and St. John Vianney Parish in Stockholm.
The remaining bonfires will be held on Tuesday, July 21; Wednesday, Aug. 5; and Tuesday, Aug. 18, each at 7 p.m. On July 21, Deacon Kevin Combs of St. Thomas will lead the youth in a Eucharistic procession on the center’s property.
After Lectio Divina, the youth move outside to the bonfire in a fire pit used for St. John’s Easter Vigil. Conversation continues, sometimes in a spiritual vein and sometimes more social. Some participants play local soccer, so they talked about the World Cup.
Leading the Lectio Divina and the bonfire afterward is Alyssa Carolan, faith formation and youth ministry director of St. Thomas and St. John, with help from adult volunteers.
“The young people are open to sharing in a different space outside while they open their bag of Cheetos or sit next to each other making s’mores at the fire,” said Carolan, noting that participants can grab water, juice boxes and snacks in the Rev. Twiggs Center. “We wanted the bonfires to be fellowship-forward — social with a spiritual and faith component. It’s comfortable here. We want to be hospitable — to tell the youth we are glad they are here,” she said.
The bonfire attracted a small group of youth for each of the first two dates: June 30 and July 8. More middle schoolers have been attending — younger than the original target audience of rising ninth-graders to high schoolers. Also, some youth bring friends who aren’t active Catholics — further extending the reach of St. Thomas and St. John’s, Carolan said.
“I had so much fun talking to people at the bonfire, I invited a few of my friends to the next one,” Garcia said.
The bonfires was part of a larger vision for the Rev. Twiggs Center and Thrift Shop by Father Ben Williams, when he started as pastor of St. Thomas and St. John’s six years ago. The center was named for the late Father Matthew Twiggs, a beloved pastor of the two parishes.
“What was once a pretty dilapidated building has blossomed into a beautiful youth ministry and evangelization center which includes its own chapel,” said Father Williams, adding that Carolan quickly bought into the pastor’s vision. “That vision lives on and is thriving through Alyssa’s work and the volunteer efforts of so many wonderful volunteers that I cannot count them all,” he said.
During Lectio Divina, some youth share their insights with the group while others reflect in silence or write their thoughts in journals. They pray and enjoying talking about themselves as they share the recent “highs and lows” in their lives, Carolan said.
“The young people have great insights and self-awareness. For example, they admit they spend too much time on their cellphones,” Carolan said. “The youth want to know Jesus and why that matters for them and their lives,” she said.
Further information: Alyssa Carolan at alyssa@ststhomasjohn.org.
