MADISON — Our middle and high school students are at a critical age in which formation is key.
On this part of their faith journey, it is crucial that with all of the distractions, they are guided to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Within the Diocese of Madison, there is a team dedicated specifically to serving our middle and high school youth through education while equipping them to become leaders in their faith.
Whether you have children, grandchildren, or youth from your parish, you know how important this ministry can be both now in the lives of these teens and for the future of the Catholic faith as a whole.
Some of the youth formation efforts that occur through our diocese include:
- Supporting parish youth ministers and formation workers in their work with teens.
- Helping parishes through the transitioning Confirmation ages.
- Organizing formation opportunities for those who work with high school teens
- Producing the Freshly Brewed podcast for high school teens
- Running Love Begins Here — where youth experience local, life-changing mission trips
- Planning Frassati Fest — a weekend for teens to dive deeper into their faith
- Collaborating with Camp Gray and co-hosting Camp Gray Adventure Days
- Hosting high school formation nights
As you can see, there are many areas for the youth to get involved.
If you know someone who has utilized or been a part of any of the above areas, then I am sure you have been able to see the benefits of them.
In order to provide these different ministries to our youth though, the formation team depends on the support of generous donors to the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA).
Through your support of the appeal, many more are invited into and are able to more deeply develop their relationship with Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate the start of a new year and kick off the 2022 Annual Catholic Appeal, we want to take a moment to thank all of those who have made a gift to the 2021 ACA. Your gift has touched the lives of many.
Within the next few weeks, you will receive a letter from Bishop Hying asking you to consider making a gift to this year’s appeal, or if you prefer to give online, you can visit madisondiocese.org/acagive
You will also have the opportunity to learn more about all of the ministries that the ACA supports in the February 24 issue of the Catholic Herald.
Kristen Beckett is the director of annual appeals for the Office of Stewardship and Development in the Diocese of Madison.