When teens are surrounded by adults who practice the faith, they are much more likely to practice it themselves into adulthood. That’s part of why Cheyenne Secor, Director of Faith Formation: High School/Young Adult Ministry wants to get discipleship groups formed among the ninth to 12th-grade students at St. Francis of Assisi.
The current youth group meets about three times per month and follows the Life Teen format. This will continue, but Cheyenne is also looking to build discipleship groups for ninth- to 12th-grade students that meet once or twice weekly.
“It’s important that youth have healthy relationships with other Catholic adults besides their parents,” Cheyenne says. “I want them to have the chance to go deeper.”
Ideally, there would be a boys and girls group for each grade. Cheyenne hopes to have one youth take the lead on scheduling the group with an adult as the leader. Once groups are formed, Cheyenne knows it will help with attendance at Life Teen events.
“It’s easier to go when you know your friends will be there,” she says.
The ultimate goal of these discipleship groups and all Youth Ministry events is to form more disciples.
“I hope youth decide to join because it will offer them both fellowship and formation in the faith,” Cheyenne says. “In a world filled with so many things that are contrary to the faith, there is a lot of beauty in being able to be part of fellowship and formation that are faith-centered.”
Life Teen meetings on Sunday nights alternate between adoration, Reconciliation, movie nights, and social events.
Cheyenne has been with St. Francis of Assisi for about a year — she previously worked at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish.
“I really love youth ministry because when I was first able to partake in youth ministry, in high school, I couldn’t believe how many other people my age were passionate about the Catholic faith,” she says. “That really made me double down and recommit to my faith.”
The communal aspect of practicing the faith means the most to Cheyenne.
“It’s beautiful for high school youth to have that opportunity,” she says. “They are able to build those relationships with adults, and that’s important.”
Service opportunities are also an important part of teen youth ministry. In 2022, a group went on a mission trip to Peru. Cheyenne hopes to offer that opportunity again in 2024 for those entering their sophomore year and older, along with other local and state mission trips.
“There’s something in learning how to serve that really humbles a person,” Cheyenne says. “It’s recognizing that there is more in the world than ourselves. It also provides an opportunity to build deep community.”
Cheyenne looks forward to continuing the growth of our Youth Ministry for teens at the parish.
“I’d really love to have them form lasting fellowship to become lifelong disciples,” she says.
Parents are invited to an Aug. 13 meeting at the parish to learn more about the discipleship groups. For more information, contact Cheyenne Secor at 720-215-4526 or csecor@stfranciscr.org.