Welcome to the Youth Ministry program of St. Stephen Parish. The following is the Diocese of Knoxville's Code of Conduct for Youth Ministry. The rules here are expected to be followed at all youth events and meetings at St. Stephen.

While participating in any youth ministry program sponsored by us we ask that you remember you are representatives of one of the largest and most respected Catholic Youth Organizations, the Catholic Church. We expect you will represent your parish, school, and diocese well during all programs and gatherings. Recall that you are a witness for your church to all who will attend; we ask you to project an image of Christian consideration, sensitivity, and respect to everyone and to the property around you. We are confident you will display the maturity, responsible leadership & character, which have become the trademark qualities of Catholic youth. Thank You!

In General

Youth Ministry leaders are responsible for the actions of the members of their group. Each parish accepts full responsibility for any damage or theft caused by members of their group while attending any event. Adult chaperones from the parish are to help enforce this Code of Behavior (the Code) and to set an example for their youth. In addition, the Diocese of Knoxville may arrange to have local volunteers and professionals to serve as specialty staff in order to insure adherence to this Code. They have been given the authority to reprimand those in violation. These individuals will be made know to you in advance. Please give them your respect and cooperation.

Some Rules

1. Remember that any disruptive behavior can result in serious injury to persons and/or property, and you could be asked to leave the activity for such behavior.
2. Once you arrive at a program the parish assumes responsibility for its participants therefore you must attend all scheduled activities for that event and may not leave early without prior written approval by a parent or guardian.
3. Socializing prior to curfew should be done in the public areas. Remember to keep noise levels down in the sleeping areas; especially later in the evenings. This guarantees the right to privacy and quiet times for other overnight attendees and other guests. All participants must be in their assigned rooms or areas by curfew. No visiting is permitted in areas occupied by members of the opposite sex.
4. Participants who are of legal drinking age (21) in Tennessee are expected to be leaders and set examples to younger attendees. Therefore, all participants must refrain from drinking during youth ministry activities. The purchase, possession, or consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages by minors and the possession or use of illegal drugs by any individual will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with these rules will mean immediate dismissal from the program.
5. All scheduled programs will start and end on time. To prevent being excluded from any activity, be on time. When exiting the building, parish, prayer, mass and other activities, please keep noise to a minimum so that other activities still in session will not be disturbed. Please keep in mind that this event is smoke free and we need to honor that request.
6. A Youth Ministry participant may not possess weapons of any kind.

Lastly, by participating in youth events and meetings, you understand that there may be photos, videos, or audio recordings taken of these events that may include you in them, and that these photos, videos, and audio recordings may be published.