We are using the Chosen Confirmation Program from Ascension Press in combination with the Lifeteen Youth Ministry Program for much of our Confirmation Preparation. Youth who have already been confirmed, enjoy the WIRED program.
The Chosen program is a catechetical program for teenaged Confirmation candidates that are usually in the 9-10th grades. This curriculum is designed to provide the essential intellectual and spiritual catechesis that is critical to Sacramental Preparation. The goal of this kind of catechesis is to bring about a personal encounter with Jesus. It is teaching for conversion (GDC), 59. The final result is not a classroom full of smart students, but a peer group full of followers of Christ. Each lesson has been carefully designed with this aim in mind. Please familiarize yourself with this curriculum by clicking on the Chosen Trailer below.
In addition to classroom catechesis nights, sessions are enhanced with whole group sessions on various "real world" topics that apply to the modern teen (ie: drinking, gossip, chastity, respect life, etc.) and are held in the Friends and Family Hall using the Lifeteen resounce. These large group sessions help teens see how their Catholic faith is relevant to every aspect of their lives. One or two times a year, we invite nationally known youth ministry speakers like Doug Tooke, Mike Patin, Roy Petitfils and Katie Prejean ; made possible through our speaker series fund. Finally, three Sundays a year, we hold Social nights that form friendships in faith, which are valuable in keeping kids grounded in healthy Catholic relationships.
The curriculum is fluid and dynamic in order to make room for current events and to engage the faith-life of today's Catholic teen.
Want to check out the Chosen DVD’s? We have copies of the Chosen DVD’s for parents to view right along with their teens. Come to the Youth Ministry Office and check out the series. Or you can contact Georgie Clemens, Director of Youth Ministry, if you have questions about the curriculum used at St. Thomas More.