Teen Religious Education
Grades 7 - 12
Our Teen Religious Education program is more than just a class—it’s an opportunity for your teen to grow in their Catholic faith, build lasting friendships, and discover their identity in Christ. During these formative years, we aim to provide a safe, supportive space where teens can encounter Jesus, wrestle with big questions, and form a faith that will last a lifetime.
Confirmation is a two-year process. Most students begin in 7th grade and complete the Sacrament of Confirmation in 8th grade, though students joining later are welcome, as are students who have already been confirmed.
Candidates grow in faith through:
- Small group catechesis
- Regular Mass attendance
- Service to the parish and community
- Spiritual retreats and prayer experiences
We use the a Combination of Decision Point from Dynamic Catholic and Purpose by Life Teen, designed to speak directly to the heart of teenagers and rooted in Scripture and the Catechism.
Program Overview
Our Teen classes center on Small Groups where teens meet once a week with their Catechists. In these groups, they pray, learn, and discuss the content further in gender-specific breakout sessions. Designed to embrace diversity, these small groups include participants of mixed ages, backgrounds, and languages. Each night, there will be between 2 and 4 Catechists available, with at least one Spanish-speaking volunteer to support our students.
- Small Group Meetings: Weekday of their choice from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
(Students will be assigned to a group based on availability and are expected to remain with that group throughout the semester. Please note that small group adjustments can be made during winter break to accommodate changes due to sports or extracurricular activities.) - Large Group Sessions: Once a month, all teens will come together. During these sessions, the entire group prays and learns together before breaking out into age-specific groups to share insights from their weeknight discussions. On these weeks, no small group meetings are held.
Teen Formation Enrollment Requirements
To enroll your teen in the Teen Formation program:
- Parish Registration: Parents must be registered at a Catholic Parish.
If your home parish is not Holy Trinity, written permission from your home parish is required. - Age/Grade Requirement: The student must be entering 7th grade, or be under the age of 18 at the start of class.
Confirmation Requirements
For teens preparing for Confirmation who have already completed their first year of Teen Formation:
- Baptism: The student must be baptized Catholic.
- Sponsor/Godparent: Must have a sponsor or Godparent who is a Confirmed Catholic and a registered parishioner at their home parish.
- Age/Grade Requirement: The student must be in at least 7th grade, or be under the age of 18 at the start of class.
- Experience: The student must have participated in at least two years of Teen Formation by the end of their Confirmation year.
- Service Hours: The student must complete 40 hours of documented service over the course of their formation.
- Completed Forms Submitted to the Religious Education Office:
- Confirmation Saints Form (Due January 4th, 2026)
- Godparent/Sponsor Form (Due February 8th, 2026)
- Letter to the Pastor (Due March 8th, 2026)
- Retreat Attendance: The student must have attended two retreats during the two years of formation.
- Attendance: The student may not miss more than 5 classes (either Small Group or Sunday Large Group) in each of their Formation years. Makeup options can be discussed with the Director of the School of Religious Education if necessary.
For any questions please check out our FAQ Section down below or contact Bri Magro at [email protected]
Class Schedule
Small Groups
- When: Monday – Thursday
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Class day is assigned based on Student availability.
Sunday Large Groups (Once a Month)
- Session A (English): 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
- Session B (Spanish): 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Important Dates
- First Day of Class (Large Group Sunday): September 14
(Parents and/or Godparents are encouraged to attend with their students.) - First Day of Small Groups: September 22
Confirmation Mass (Pending Diocesan Approval)
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2025
Sunday Large Group Meetings Schedule
(Small Groups will not meet on the week following a Large Group Sunday.)
- September 14
- October 5
- November 16
- January 4
- February 8
- March 8
- April 19
Holiday Weeks- No Classes or Small Groups
- October 12
- November 23 & 30
- All of December (Winter Break)
- January 18
- February 15
- March 15
- April 5
Retreats
We are offering special retreats for both the parents of our Confirmation students and for the teens who are not being confirmed this year as part of their first year of formation:
- Confirmation Parent Retreats (No Students):
- October 4
- February 7
- Confirmation Student Retreats (Exclusively For Students Being Confirmed):
- October 11
- February 14
- Teen Retreat (For Students not Being Confirmed This Year):
- October 25
- February 28
(Students who missed their confirmation retreat may attend this one as a makeup opportunity.)
Additional Activities
We believe in fostering a sense of community beyond the classroom. Here are some exciting additional activities for our teens:
- Launch Night:
Kick off the year with a fun evening of prayer, ice breakers, live music, food, and end in adoration on Saturday, September 6, from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. - ENCOUNTER Bible Timeline Study:
Starting on September 26, join us every Friday (except November 28th) through December 19th from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. This 12-week series will deepen your student’s understanding of the Bible in an engaging format. - Teen Service Saturdays:
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, join us from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM to serve the community. Activities include packing care packages for our food pantry clients, cleaning at the parish, event decorating, and more.
(Alternatively, students may volunteer for the monthly Kid Zone from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.) - Caffeinated Catholics for Teens:
A bi-monthly small group designed to dive into weekend readings through discussion and reflection. Meetings will be held on Saturday mornings from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM.
For more details, please visit our <<IDTeens page.>>
Curriculum
Our Teen Religious Education program is built on a strong, flexible foundation that empowers both students and Catechists. The core of our curriculum is Decision Point by Dynamic Catholic, a highly engaging, student-centered program designed to meet teens where they are and challenge them to grow in their faith.
To enrich our Confirmation preparation, we also incorporate resources from LifeTeen’s Purpose Confirmation program and Our Sunday Visitor’s Faith Fusion. These trusted resources ensure that our Catechists have the tools they need to reach students in a variety of ways and allow each Small Group to thrive according to its unique dynamic.
We know that every group is different—what resonates with one student might not click with another. That’s the beauty of Small Groups: they provide space for individualized conversation, exploration, and mentorship. By equipping our Catechists with multiple tools, we can better support the teens entrusted to us.
- Decision Point and Faith Fusion are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for our diverse parish family.
- Decision Point is also available for home use, and parents can sign up to receive weekly emails that mirror what their teens are learning in class. These bite-sized insights are a great way to support continued faith formation at home.
Format
- Large Group Gatherings
- Once Monthly with speakers, worship, and guided sessions
- Small Group Breakouts
- Weekly, led by our Catechists. Students will choose which night works best for them Monday-Thursday. Please see the [Calendar] for weeks we won’t have class.
- Monthly Service Saturdays
- Every 3rd Saturday from October-April. Each student must attend a minimum of 5 Service Saturdays. Either 9AM-12PM or 12PM-3PM.
- Retreats
- There will be two retreat opportunities during the year. Please see the calendar for more information. Students are required to attend at least 1.
- Optional Bible Studies
- Caffeinated Catholics meet bi-weekly for coffee and scripture on 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 10AM-11AM starting September.
- We will host two 8 week bible studies that meet on Friday night from 6PM-7:30PM.
Beyond the Classroom
Teenagers need connection as much as content. That’s why our program includes:
- Peer socials and game nights
- Opportunities to serve and lead within the parish
- Mentorship from faithful adults who care
Our mission is to walk with them as they discover their identity in Christ—and to help them know they belong in the Church now, not just someday.
Why Small Groups Matter for Your Teen
An Invitation to Partner in Their Faith Journey
At Holy Trinity, we’ve intentionally built our Teen Faith Formation program around small groups—and that decision has everything to do with what we believe your child truly needs.
Because Faith Isn’t Just Taught—It’s Caught
Teens learn best through connection. While textbooks and lessons are helpful, what really sticks with them is what they experience: being seen, heard, and loved by people who live out their faith in real life. That’s why our small group model centers on relationships, not lectures.
Each week, your teen will meet with a consistent group of peers and a team of caring adult leaders who are there not to preach, but to walk alongside them. This kind of spiritual mentorship helps teens feel safe to be themselves, open up, and grow in a faith that’s personal and lasting.
Because Teenagers Need More Than Just Answers—They Need Belonging
Let’s face it: the teen years are hard. Social pressures, school stress, identity questions, and big doubts about faith are all part of the journey. In a small group, your teen isn’t alone. They get a space where they can ask tough questions, wrestle with Scripture, and support one another in a way that a classroom just can’t replicate.
And because our small groups are intentionally diverse in age, background, and language, your teen is exposed to a rich mix of perspectives and stories that reflect the beauty of the Church.
Because Trust Builds Faith
Showing up matters. When a teen sees the same group of people every week—peers and leaders who are consistent, caring, and committed—it creates trust. That trust becomes the foundation for real transformation.
In our small group tests with Teen Bible studies, we’ve seen teens move from quiet observation to bold participation. We’ve watched them pray out loud for the first time, share struggles, celebrate victories, and take ownership of their faith. That kind of growth doesn’t happen overnight—but it starts with being known and loved.
Because This Isn’t Just About Confirmation—It’s About a Lifelong Faith
The small group model isn’t just how we prepare students for a sacrament—it’s how we help them grow as disciples. These relationships and conversations become anchors as your teen navigates middle and high school, college, and beyond.
When teens are connected to faith-filled peers and supported by adults who genuinely care, they’re far more likely to stay engaged with the Church. These small groups don’t just serve the present moment—they help build the Church of tomorrow.
As a parent, you are your teen’s first and most important catechist—and we’re here to support you every step of the way. The small group model allows your child to not only learn about Jesus but to encounter Him through community, conversation, and consistency.
Thank you for trusting us to walk with your family. We promise: this investment in your child’s faith is one that will bear fruit for years to come.
Important Things You Should Know
What if my child cannot attend every class?
For Confirmation students can miss up to 5 classes in the year. If they miss more than 5 classes there will be makeup days available.
What if our chosen Godparent/Sponsor is not a Confirmed Catholic?
A Godparent or Sponsor is a person meant to walk with your child through their life in faith. They’re the person your teen can turn to when they are doubting their faith or scared to go to confession. They’re the personal role model for how faith is not just claimed but lived. If your chosen person is not Confirmed you will need to seek another
What if our chosen Godparent/Sponsor is a Confirmed Catholic, but not registered at a parish?
Registration is usually really easy! Contact their home parish’s office to find out the process for their specific parish. We will not accept sponsors or Godparents who are not registered, and you will be asked to find someone else if they refuse to register.
What is the dress code for Confirmation?
This is a sacred and special occasion, and we ask all students to dress in Sunday Best attire following these guidelines:
For Boys:
- White, button-down shirt (clean and pressed)
- Dress pants (preferably khaki)
- Dress shoes
- Ties, suit jackets, and/or sports coats are optional
- No jeans – this is a sacred occasion; formal attire is required
For Girls:
- Modest white dress or outfit with sleeves
- Dress must be at least knee-length
- Flats or low-heeled dress shoes
- No high heels, gloves, or jeans – formal attire is required
When should my teen start Confirmation prep?
Most students begin in 7th grade, but teens in grades 8–12 who have not been Confirmed are encouraged to start as soon as possible. All students must complete two consecutive years of formation before receiving the Sacrament.
What if my teen is unsure about Confirmation?
That’s okay! Our program is designed to help teens explore their faith without pressure. Participation in small groups and events often helps them become more confident in their journey, and if at the end of it they decide they aren’t ready we will support their decision.
Do parents need to attend anything?
While the core program is for teens, we offer parent retreats, resources, and optional gatherings to help families grow in faith together. We also encourage parents to attend Mass and pray with their teens throughout the year. The first Parent retreat is mandatory for at least one of the parents to attend if their student is scheduled to be Confirmed in 2026.
What if we have to miss a retreat?
Confirmation parents are not required to attend the retreats for the parents though we highly encourage it. Students must attend at least one retreat per year. If the dates at Holy Trinity cannot be attended we encourage you to contact other churches in the region to request your student’s participation. We will not be offering makeup retreats as we offer 4 opportunities per year.
Who will be teaching my child?
A Catechist is a lay-person who has been Confirmed Catholic and feels called to pass on their faith to the next generation. These teachers are incredible volunteers who are active in the Sacramental Life of the Church, and possess a joy and excitement for their faith. We offer considerable training opportunities and resources to support our Catechists in developing each student’s relationship with God.
What if my child was baptized Catholic but did not receive First Communion before 7th grade?
During their first year of formation in the Teen Program they will join the other students on May 3rd for First Holy Communion. They will then continue their Sacramental preparation to be Confirmed the following year.
How can I volunteer to be part of this program?
Please check out our Catechist Volunteer Page!
What if my student has not started Confirmation Prep and they’re going into 12th grade?
If they are going to be 18 by the end of the year we would encourage you to consider our OCIA program. It is a 1 year Sacramental program for adults who wish to join the church. If you do not wish to go that route please contact the Office or email Bri Magro [email protected] we will work with you to find the best solution for your situation.
How do I register my teen?
Click here to register now or contact our office with any questions.
Does Holy Trinity provide the resources or are parents/guardians expected to purchase them?
We provide all of the necessary textbook materials for the classes in addition to pencils, notebooks and a Bible for each teen. If you wish to make a donation towards this we would be incredibly grateful as the average cost per student is $55 before we factor in retreats, lunches, events and everything else that makes our program great!