Gone are the days of signing up for a "Confirmation Program" with hundreds of teens grouped together in a hall or church. Through much prayer, collaboration and discernment we have come to adopt the model of small group discipleship. Instead of signing up for a big Confirmation Program, teens sign up for a small discipleship group of their own choosing. Their discipleship group will journey together in faith towards confirmation and beyond. Together we will grow to be life long disciples of Jesus Christ and form habits that will carry us through the Christian life.

YOUTH ALPHA

Purpose

After Youth Alpha your discipleship group will transition into Purpose. Here you will learn all about our faith and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

FOCUS Bible Studies

Finally, in the weeks leading up to Confirmation Day your small group will begin studying the bible directly, using FOCUS Bible Studies. The time you spend with a bible in your hands will shape who you are as a follower of Jesus. We will give you everything you need to study the bible, even after Confirmation Day. 

Our hope is that your small group will continue to meet and study the bible together as long as you are in the area (so like, all of high school and beyond). This is your church family, after all. It doesn't end on Confirmation Day. 

Is this a Confirmation program or not? 
Yes, teens in a discipleship group will be throughouly prepared for Confirmation and will receive confirmation in Spring of Year 2, just as they did under the old model. 

What is the main difference between Discipleship Groups and the old model? 
The biggest difference is that we are prioritizing the small group. Nearly everything we do will take place in the context of the small group, and we will really strive to make that small group feel like a family. Teens will get to choose their small group, and eventually have the option to meet off site if their group meets certain criteria. 

Meeting offsite? Like, not at St. Bonaventure?
Correct. But only if they have two fingerprinted and safe environment trained adults, and an appropriate place to meet near St. B's. 

Are you crazy? 
Maybe, lol. But we are not reinventing the wheel here (it's what Jesus did!).  Other parishes continue under this model with great success. 

Will every group meet off site?   
All teens will meet on site for Youth Alpha. After that, small groups can opt for meeting off site if they meet all the requirements. Remember, our goal is to grow life long disciples. This happens when friendships become Christian friendships. That's what we're trying to accomplish here by letting them be in a group with their friends and meet somewhere that feels like a chill place hang out (not a classroom!) 

Do these groups continue after Confirmation Day? 
Yes! We will continue to provide everything your discipleship group needs to continue doing new bible studies even after Confirmation Day. Our hope is that teens will walk together in faith, with their friends, through all of high school and beyond. 

When does registration begin? 
Registration begins August 14, 2022. Watch our Faith Connections (email newsletter) or Sunday Bulletin for more information.

When do discipleship groups start to meet? 
September 11, 2022

How often do groups meet? 
Usually twice a month, on Sundays 3:00-6:00pm.

I still have more questions!
No worries! If you have any other questions just reach out to Anastasia at aharkevich@stbonaventure.net