We, as a community of young people, have been called by God to respond to the needs of our parish and to use and share the gifts that God has given us with the larger community. We will empower and welcome all those willing to do the same.

So, if you are looking for a place to meet some new friends, if you are looking to have a great time, if you want to try something different and get involved with a group of people who might turn out to be just like you…stop on by and check us out. We can't wait to meet you!

It is my privlege to be selected as the Director of Youth Ministry for St. Thomas a’Becket.  I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to the parish and those whose children will be attending the High School and Middle School Youth Groups.

I grew up in a small farming community 25 miles south of Canton, called Newport, MI, along Swan Creek with my parents and two younger brothers.  I attended St. Charles Catholic Church and School, where I was an Altar Server for 9 years and a student during my elementary years.  I then attended St. Mary Catholic Central High School, Monroe, where I ran cross country and track, served as Student Council President, was awarded Top 10 Honors and the Christian Man of the Year award.  After Graduation, I commuted to Wayne State University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Mathematics Education, which began my love for teaching and working with the youth.

I have worked with middle school and high school students for the past 30 years through four different parish youth groups - coaching sports (soccer/volleyball/basketball), Den Leader/Cubmaster, along with being a Catechist for the past 13 years. I have volunteered as a Confirmation Prep teacher, Coordinator of Altar Servers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, RCIA sponsor, Men’s Club member, Strawberry Festival Chairperson, and Belleville Band Booster officer. My wife, Angela, and I also assisted locally with two different marriage groups (St. Anthony Marriage Enrichment and Retrouvaille).

Angela and I moved to Van Buren Township in 2001.  We will be celebrating our 28th Anniversary in October. We have three children: Andrew (married, 2019 Graduate of Wayne State University), Karissa (2020 Graduate of Grand Valley State University), and  Collin  (a Sophomore at Michigan Technological University).  We live with our two cats and 18 fish.

After working as an Office Manager for a Fire/Security Company for 28 years, I changed careers and became a Substitute Teacher for four local school districts, along with being a Hungry Howie’s delivery driver.  In my youth, I also worked in grocery stores stocking shelves and at a cemetery.

Through a lifetime of experience, I have found a love for working with children and fostering their social, physical, and spiritual growth.  I am looking forward to continuing the great work that this program is known for and cultivating a safe environment where kids can learn more about God’s love.  I am looking for many young adults to assist in this adventure, so please feel free to contact me at tony.attard@abecket.org if you know anyone interested.  I will have a table at the Parish Picnic, so I hope to meet a lot of you then!
 
“The future starts today,
not tomorrow.” 
Saint John Paul II