We thank you for your tireless commitment to the young people of our beloved Archdiocese! Our office, the Office of Faith Formation and Parish Life, knows the effort you put in daily to lead teens closer to Christ. That is why we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to assist you with the work you are doing. We are delighted to share a new initiative designed to help your high school seniors navigate the transition out of youth group and into the next phase of their faith journeys.
The Archdiocese of Hartford has partnered with Newman Connection to help young Catholics stay connected to their faith during one of life’s most difficult transitions: the move to college, military service or the workforce. This partnership is about building bridges to Christ-centered communities where students can grow in their faith and thrive. For this partnership to thrive, we need your help. Here is how you can connect your high school seniors to new Catholic communities:
- Share Partnership with Your Pastor: We have provided you with multiple resources for you to learn about Newman Connection, why the Archdiocese has partnered with this ministry and how parishes can take crucial steps to support their graduates. A Pastors blessing to bring Newman Connection to your parish is essential.
- Create a Plan: Whether during a youth group gathering, a senior night event, a baccalaureate mass or simply through personal invitations, find ways to reach as many seniors, and their parents, as possible.
- Collaborate with Staff: If you only have a handful of seniors in your program, chances are there are still many others in your parish. Working with a Faith Formation Director to identify seniors that were recently confirmed, talking with someone who coordinates an altar server schedule with seniors on their lists, are just a handful of ways to reach as many graduates as possible.
How Faith Forward Helps
By signing up through the Newman Connection’s Faith Forward initiative, your senior’s information is sent directly to the campus minister or military chaplain at their future location. This allows a representative from the Catholic community to personally reach out to them before they even arrive – helping them feel welcomed and known from day one. We strongly encourage you to speak with your seniors about the importance of finding their Catholic community and urge them to sign up for Faith Forward today.
Promotional Materials
Thank you for your help in bridging the gap between high school seniors and whatever exciting path they are choosing next (college, military service or a professional career)! This promotional kit is designed to help you make sure that all your soon-to-be graduates are set up for success in their next Catholic faith community. Below are instructions and suggestions for each of the linked documents:
- Letter of Endorsement from Archbishop Coyne – One of the best ways to inform your pastor/administrator about your intention to bring the partnership to your parish is by sharing this endorsement letter with him and any other staff member that may be able to help you. Having their support and blessing will make this partnership fruitful and effective. Please do not edit or change anything about this document.
- Faith Forward Presentation Guide – This guide will help you develop a plan for implementing the Faith Forward initiative from Newman Connection into your parish. Read through this document in its entirety to help you organize your plan for implementation.
- Slide Deck – Why Campus Ministry Matters – This useful tool goes hand in hand with the presentation guide. Once you have reviewed the slide deck and the presentation guide you should have some ideas on how to roll out this initiative in your youth group/parish.
- Faith Forward Parent Letter – This is an editable resource. Should you choose to send out a letter to parents, personalize this letter for your parish. Please do not edit or change the header and footer.
- Digital Banner 1×1 QR Code – a printable/digital graphic that is good to leave in pews or on bulletin boards.
- 6×4 Faith Forward Student Sign Up Card – a printable/digital graphic that is good for mailing, emailing or handing out at youth group.
- Campus Ministry – Keep Your Faith Handout – a printable/digital graphic that can be inserted into a bulletin or handed out at youth group.
- Bulletin Insert & Mass Announcement – These two files will help promote the initiative before and after your liturgies.
If there are any additional resources that may benefit you and your ministry, please do not hesitate to contact Joshua Kay, Associate Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, at Joshua.kay@aohct.org.