Teen Religious Education

Grades 7 - 12

Pre-registration open until June 15!

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 required Mass attendance
  • Service to the parish and community
  •  Spiritual retreats and prayer experiences

We use a Combination of Purpose by Life Teen, Venture, and Foundations of Faith by Ascension Press, to speak directly to the heart of teenagers, 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 to support our students.

Small Group Meetings:
First Year Students

  • Monday 6-7PM
  • Wednesday 6-7PM
  • Saturday 3:30-4:30PM

Second Year Students

  • Tuesday 6-7PM
  • Thursday 6-7PM
  • Saturday 6:15-7:15PM

(Parents will be able to choose their preferred class time based on their 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 other extracurricular activities.)

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.
Jump to Curriculum Section

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 Faith Formation office at [email protected]

Important Dates

Parent Orientation

August 30th 9:30AM in English
August 30th 11:30AM in Spanish

Launch Night (Teens Only):

September 5th 4:45PM-8PM

Confirmation Mass (Pending Diocesan Approval)

Saturday, May 15th at 10AM

Retreats

October 17th
February 20th

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 Purpose by Lifeteen, a highly engaging, student-centered program designed to meet teens where they are and challenge them to grow in their faith, including games, and in depth discussions.

To enrich our Confirmation preparation, we also incorporate resources from Ascension press, including their Bible Timeline program for Teens and the Foundations of Faith Catechism study. 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.

Format

  • Small Group Sessions
    • 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.
  • Mandatory Mass
    • Students in our confirmation program are required to attend mass every Weekend. There will be a QR code posted in the church for them to check in with. Attendance requirements are the same as regular class attendance. If the family attends a different church, we will have an alternate attendance check-in available for them to utilize.
  • Monthly Service Saturdays
    • Every 3rd Saturday from October-April. Each student must attend a minimum of 5 Service Saturdays. Two opportunities each Service Saturday: 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.
    • ID Teens meets bi-weekly on Fridays for Lessons, Games and Community
    • We plan to 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.

FAQ

Any Questions?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Please check out our Catechist Volunteer Page!

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.

Click here or contact the parish office at 214-526-8555

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!

Questions?

Please Reach Out To

Bri Magro

Director of Religious School
[email protected]