The Way
The Way Program
Adolescent catechesis is like an apprenticeship into the Christian community – and apprenticeship requires opportunities, experiences, and strategies that foster both knowledge and skills. Through The Way, we integrate an intentional catechetical dimension; e.g., youth gatherings on Sunday evenings, prayer experiences, annual retreats, and on-going service projects, while also providing specific catechetical opportunities that utilize methodology appropriate and effective with young people.
The Way is a youth faith formation program open to teens in grades 9th-12th who are looking for community and also for those seeking the sacrament of Confirmation. At STMM we confirm in Spring of 10th grade. The Way meets every Sunday from 7:15pm-8:30pm. Youth Mass will be held on Sundays at 6pm in the church. The Way topics—broken open by adult CORE team leaders—use different forms of media and instruction to teach teens the importance of their Catholic faith during their often times tumultuous high school years. The program schedule rotates through catechetical topics, service projects, social nights, and social justice issues. For the beginning of the year, all of this will be taught only in a small group environment.
It doesn't take a village to run our programs, it takes an army! We humbly ask for you to consider volunteering in some capacity. We need you. There are many opportunities to assist with youth mass, small group leaders at The Way, service projects, and more! If you can volunteer please email Niki Bordelon at bordelon@stmm.net.
The program is entitled 'The Way' because Christ tells us in the Gospel of John, 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one shall come to my father except through me."
Confirmation preparation is part of The Way at St. Mary Magdalene. Our program is designed to help our young people come to a deeper understanding of how the Holy Spirit works in their lives and in the life of our Church. We teach teens how to interact with that Spirit to lead a life that will draw them into a closer relationship with Jesus. Confirmation seals our Baptism and confirms our commitment both to the Church and to the work of Christ in the world.
The Diocese of Raleigh requires that Confirmation preparation occur over a two-year period. Please see the information below for timing and Religious Education requirements.
Confirmation for a teen who attends public high school
To receive Confirmation in May of Sophomore year: Teen is expected to regularly attend 9th grade (Year 1) faith formation and 10th grade (Year 2) faith formation at The Way. Confirmation sessions will be part of the curriculum each year.
To receive Confirmation in May of Junior year: Teen is expected to regularly attend 10th grade (Year 1) and 11th grade (Year 2) faith formation at The Way. Confirmation sessions will be part of the curriculum each year.
To receive Confirmation in May of Senior year: Teen is expected to regularly attend 11th grade (Year 1) faith formation and 12th grade (Year 2) faith formation at The Way. Confirmation sessions will be part of the curriculum each year.
Confirmation for a teen who attends Catholic high school
Choice A: Attend The Way every Sunday from 7:15pm - 8:30pm for Year 1 and Year 2 of Confirmation preparation. (same path as a teen who attends public high school)
Choice B: During Year 2, the candidate attends 8 Confirmation sessions during the school year. These sessions will be held at StMM on Sundays starting with Mass from 6pm - 8:30pm.
Confirmation requirements for all teens regardless of where they go to high school
A teen attending the Catholic High School sessions (Choice B) can miss 1 of the 8 sessions. If they miss more than 1 of the 8 sessions they will be placed in a 'deferred' status & repeat the missed sessions the following year & then receive the sacrament the following year.
In year 2 of Confirmation preparation, the Candidate will need to provide information and documents (referred to as paperwork) related to Confirmation. This paperwork is an integral part of Confirmation preparation and must be completed on a timely basis.
We now have an online Confirmation website where the paperwork is completed or uploaded.
Sometime in the September/October timeframe, you will receive an email from the Confirmation website with some initial instructions and a link to confirm that you received the email.
Once you have confirmed the first email, a second email will be sent with a link to the Confirmation website so that you can setup your own password. This email will also contain your username and the website link.
ADULT CONFIRMATION
Adult Confirmation at St. Mary Magdalene is for Catholics over the age of 18 who did not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at an earlier age and who approach the Church as adults seeking reception of Confirmation are welcomed with great joy. Their desire for Confirmation will allow them to complete their initiation into Christian life. In the Diocese of Raleigh, the Bishop will ordinarily confirm all Catholic adults at diocesan celebrations.