Adolescent Faith Formation

Faith formation in the Adolescent Program (7th – 8th) consists of formal religion lessons twice per week as well as daily prayer, service opportunities, and liturgical celebrations.

Lessons mirror the atrium experience and broaden the student’s experience and understanding of Church teaching. Lessons begin with a circle during which students gather to encounter Scripture or a sacred image connected to the weekly focus. For approximately 30 minutes, they enter into Lectio or Visio Divina—a contemplative practice of listening, seeing, wondering, sharing, and praying together in community.

Students then transition into a guided lesson designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of the week’s lesson. On a subsequent day, students have a one hour work cycle during which they select from shelf work that supports focused, hands-on exploration of the lesson theme.

Curriculum
The curriculum in 7^th grade is focused on Confirmation preparation and is intended to provide intellectual and spiritual catechesis. It covers topics that invite the student to hear and respond to the voice of God in their lives.

The curriculum in 8^th grade focuses on fundamental concepts such as Catholic Social Teaching and Theology of the Body. Students engage in lessons, prayer, discussion, and reflective writing. Students also develop an Apologetics project, designed to help them understand core tenets of the faith and equip them with the skills to articulate and defend those beliefs.

Community Service
Adolescent students are required to participate in 60 hours of community service over their 7^thand 8^thgrade years. Service hours may be completed in a variety of settings and can serve the family, the school, or the broader community.