Introducing Faith SQUADS -- A new, optional, and experimental concept, IN ADDITION to all the great things we already do at Holy Family Life Teen and EDGE.
The VISION:
A SQUAD is a focused community of teens, mentors, and supportive parents committed to growing together for a set period of time.
The CONCEPT:
A small group of 4-8 Youth (middle school through high school) sign up and agree to meet once a week with the same set of Leaders for a set period of time to journey together in Faith: through activity, bonding and conversations about our Catholic Faith. They may decide to do so in a variety of ways that interests the group, such as Bible Studies, Girls/Boys only groups, Rosary Hikes, etc. Regular meeting time will be about 1 hour- 2 hours, depending on the preferences of the SQUAD and schedule of their leaders. It's a commitment to the SQUAD to grow together. And it's temporary! 4-6 weeks for the duration of the squad. If the squad is fruitful, they can decide to make an additional commitment, or form a new squad.
Here's the cool thing. We want the YOUTH to decide what their squad looks like for this period of time. This includes:
- The list Youth who are committed to being in the SQUAD, who may be peers active in Life Teen/EDGE, friends from school, or neighbors. Ideally, the youth in the squad already know each other and are friends!
- The TIME and DAY during the week that SQUAD meets regularly.
- The LOCATION of the meeting (either onsite at HF, or hosted at one of the homes of our youth, in accordance with adult fingerprinting and Safe Environment training standards.)
- A shared INTEREST in the way the squad will grow together in Faith. Ex: Scripture study on a book or life theme. Hike/Bible discussion/ and Rosary. Baking and faith sharing. Crafts and led discussion. etc. Sport and prayer, etc.
WHO are our Leaders?
They will be comprised of amazing EDGE/Life Teen CORE Leaders and interested parents who can devote the time to lead a SQUAD. Interested parents can sign up here and begin the Safe Environment training process for our parish.
SUMMER SQUADS is a new concept that is NOT like our regular EDGE and LIFE Nights. It is an opportunity to go deeper within a specific community of youth. In other words, youth who sign up for SQUADS should WANT and COMMIT to participating in the group. If you have a teen who is not interested in joining a squad, please don't force them to do so.
A SQUAD will only be created when there are enough committed youth and leaders for the Squad to start gathering.
All interested youth of our community are welcome to try it out. Interested in starting a SQUAD? Fill out the interest form below!