High School Faith Formation Brief Overview
A High School youth here at SS. Peter & Paul has many opportunities for faith formation:
- Religious Education (learning about their faith)
- Service (practicing their faith)
- Confirmation Formation (confirming & celebrating their faith)
- Click Here to download an overview brochure
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Within the parish’s religious education program for high school youth there are 3 options:
- Focus Groups
- Weekend Sessions
- Independent Study
Typically each high school person registered in the religious education program enrolls in one (1) option from the three different types of options offered each semester.
Special Events:
In addition, each semester we offer two special events. During the fall semester we offer a parish-wide youth rally and special Mass and dinner to celebrate World Youth Day. In the winter semester we offer an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and a parish-wide youth rally.
Focus Groups:
These small groups meet on the campus of SS. Peter & Paul Parish from 6:30-8:30pm for five Sunday evenings. All of these groups explore a particular issue (focus) relevant to the life of a young person. To these issues we bring the Good News of Jesus Christ and the wisdom and support of our Catholic teachings and faith community. Each semester there are at least a dozen different Focus Groups from which to choose. Click here for a list of this semester’s Focus Groups.
Weekend Sessions:
These sessions are over a single weekend (2-3 days, some overnight.) They are held on the parish campus or at an off-site location. The weekend sessions may be facilitated by the Director of Youth Ministry with a team of parishioners, or may be led by an outside group. They vary in size from 20-80 participants (depending on the focus of the session and the facilities.) Click here for a list of this semester’s Weekend Sessions.
Independent Study:
Each Independent Study option is unique and allows young people to do guided study at his/her own pace. Some involve one-on-one mentoring, some involve completing a workbook, and some are in small groups working on Scouting religious awards. If there is a particular church topic in which a young person is very interested, and there is not currently a focus group being offered that explores that issue, we are willing to work with him/her to design an independent study option to meet their interest. Click here for this semester’s 2011 Independent Study options.
Because of the respect we have for our youth and their growing maturity, we allow them to choose their faith formation options. We recognize:
- Everyone is at a different place in their faith journey and has different needs and interests.
- As young people mature they should practice making choices, including choices about what and when they learn.
- Young people are busier than ever and the variety of options we offer accommodates a variety of schedules.
- Most youth really do discuss with their parents and friends what options they are considering and can make informed decisions on what they choose.
Youth pick their options at Class Enrollment Night at the beginning of each semester. Click here for information and procedures for Class Enrollment Night for this semester.
Religious Education & Confirmation Formation:
SS. Peter & Paul Parish celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation with our young people at the end of sophomore year in high school or older.
Young people wishing to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation complete four (4) Religious Education options(either in the parish’s program or in a Catholic High School religion class), do service, and simultaneously participate in the Confirmation Formation Process.
Registration Process
Registration for high school Faith Formation options begins by attending a Religious Education Registration Meeting. This registration process allows the religious education department to make appropriate plans for the number of participants, budgets and facilities. It also is an annual opportunity to communicate face-to-face with parents.
All high school youth who have been registered through one of these meetings receive information about the various options available for the upcoming semester(s) and information about Class Enrollment Night, where youth can enroll in Faith Formation options, Discipleship Groups, and Service projects. Click here for Class Enrollment Night Procedures. (Since over 300 high school youth participate in this event, you might want to also click on Hints for Surviving Class Enrollment Night.)
High School Confirmation Formation Process Calendar 2011
For additional information on High School Faith Formation please contact the Youth Ministry Office at 847-639-0414 or the Director of Youth Ministry, Chris Semmel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
