The Faith Formation Program for High School Students consists of the following activities:

· Faith Festivals (Required)

· LifeTeen (Required)

· Retreats

· Service Opportunities

· Deanery and Archdiocesan Events

· Parish Mission (See Page 7 for details)

Faith Festivals

Life Teen

Students in 9^th-12^th Grade will participate in LifeTeen on Sunday evenings from 6:15PM – 8:00PM.  Attendance at both Faith Festivals and LifeTeen is a required part of the Faith Formation Program.  Students are encouraged to participate in the LifeTeen Mass at 5:00PM on Sunday evenings.  Students have the opportunity to serve as Greeters and Ushers at this Mass. In addition, those students who have been confirmed may serve as Lectors, following a training session.

LifeTeen is a comprehensive Faith Formation and Youth Ministry program.  The Sunday evening gatherings contain both catechetical components and LifeNight activities.

The catechetical component for the program will come from a Faith Handbook which has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and approved by Archbishop Rodi for use in the Archdiocese of Mobile.  This Faith Handbook, Catholic Essentials: An Overview of the Faith, published by Ave Maria Press, offers a comprehensive program to help students strengthen their Catholic faith and identity, while helping them make connections between their faith and daily life. 

In addition, LifeNight components will be drawn from LifeTeen materials, the Center for Ministry Development’s Youth Ministry Access program, The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth published by St. Mary’s Press and other resources.

Students will engage in prayer experiences, service opportunities, seasonal themes, and other activities to enrich their faith formation. 

Service Opportunities

High School Students have the opportunity to help with several of the activities planned for the Elementary Students throughout the year.  In particular, their assistance at Vacation Bible School is greatly appreciated. 

Every Summer the youth go on a mission trip with the Catholic Heart Work Camp organization.  CHWC is a mission trip to cities in the US where 300 teens come together to do projects and service in communities that need help.  This year our youth will be going to Memphis, TN June 5-11, 2011.  Youth who are going into the eighth grade and up are eligible to attend.

Retreats

High School Students are invited to participate in several retreat activities throughout the year.  Retreats are an opportunity for students to build community and develop friendships with their peers.  They are also times in which in-depth discussion and activities invite students into a deeper relationship with God.

Deanery and Archdiocesan Events

Students are encouraged to participate in Deanery and Diocesan Youth Ministry and Catechetical Events which will be scheduled throughout the year.  More information on these Events will be forthcoming as details are made available from the Office of Religious Education and Office of Youth Ministry.