All New – Coming This Fall:
Extreme Makeover:
Confirmation Edition
A New Confirmation Program for Sixth Graders
called Disciples Class
Get ready, Saint Michael for a New Fall Program: Disciples Class!
Beginning in September, the sixth grade Confirmation Class gets a new name, a new location, and a new curriculum.
The mission of this newly-designed Disciples Class is two-fold:
· To prepare the sixth graders to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in May; and
· To educate and inspire the students to be life-long Christian disciples.
In other words, the Disciples Class will guide the students - through education and inspiration - toward a relationship with God within the Episcopal Church.
The class begins with an encounter with Jesus. We then examine the New Testament, with studies of the four gospels, Peter, and Paul. Next, we shift gears to study the Old Testament and how these stories inform and guide our understanding of God, mankind, and our Christian heritage. We then explore how these texts support our faith by studies in prayer, service, and our Christian beliefs. Finally, we experience how the Episcopal Church provides comprehensive expression to our Christian discipleship through its sacraments, rituals, Prayer Book, and music.
Your sixth graders will participate in a combination of activities, including high-quality presentations, small group discussion, retreats, service projects, music, laughter, and prayer. And say good-by to the gym, the Disciples Class meets in the Theater every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. sharp!
The feature presentations will come from the best Saint Michael has to offer: The Rector and all the clergy, experienced adult teachers, dedicated parents, youth ministry staff, and our own resident experts. In short, the classes will be fun, entertaining, and interesting.
Why the Change?
This new program is designed to expand the focus from just getting confirmed to the inspiration and education of our youth toward life-long discipleship.
As in the past, the sixth grade class will culminate with our bishop’s laying on of hands at a sacramental ceremony we know as Confirmation. But this is just the beginning. Our newly-revamped and well-staffed Youth Ministry office is already planning more exciting programs for Seventh grade and beyond.
Stay Tuned!