The program will be shaped by the following key publications:
 

	Renewing the Vision, USCCB, 1997.
	Resounding the Good News: Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines, Archdiocese of Baltimore, January 1999.
	Seal of the Spirit: Regulations and Guidelines for Confirmation, Archdiocese of Baltimore, March 2000.

The two primary goals of the program are to:
 

	Foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
	Draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community.

Confirmation Program

The Confirmation Program is separate from religious education classes. It provides immediate preparation for reception of the sacrament, and includes students from Saint Augustine Catholic School, and public school and home-schooled students from our parish.
 

	The Coordinator of Youth Ministry is responsible for the direction of the Confirmation Program, including development of schedules, selection of curriculum, and recruitment and training of teachers/aides.
	The program begins in the second semester of the 9th grade, usually in late January. Classes are generally held on two Sunday mornings per month, with a break during summer vacation. A retreat is held in September or October, with the Rite of Confirmation occurring in late October or early November of the 10th grade.
	Confirmation candidates are also required to participate in selected parish liturgies, service projects, and other activities.
	Young people desiring to enroll in the program must have attended religious education classes or attended Catholic school for the previous two years. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
	Class size averages 60-70.
	The fee for this program is $125.

Religious Education

The Coordinator of Youth Ministry is responsible for the direction of the Religious Education Program for grades 6-12, including development of schedules, selection of curriculum, and recruitment and training of teachers/aides.
 

	Religious education classes for Junior High (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12) meet on selected Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00pm during two terms: the Fall term (Sep-Nov) and the Winter Term (Jan-Mar). Enrollment in last year’s REP was approximately 145 students.
	Boys and girls in grades 6-8 are taught in separate classes. We have found that this avoids many common behavioral issues that we have encountered over the years within this age group.
	Tuition is $50 per student.

Following is the curriculum for the School Year 2005-2006:
 

Grade	Term	Course	Description
6	Fall	Understanding Myself	Enables youth to become aware of their personal identity, strengths, and forces that influence their lives.
6	Winter	Exploring the Bible	The history and structure of the Bible; roles in Catholic Church; themes and stories in the Old and New Testament.
7	Fall	Being Catholic	The symbols, traditions and customs of the Catholic Church; liturgy and prayer in the Church.
7	Winter	Morality	Formation of conscience; the cardinal and theological virtues; concept of sin; Church teachings on contemporary issues.
8	Fall	Meeting Jesus	Reflection of Jesus' ministry and teachings; challenges youth to consider a relationship with Jesus.
8	Winter	Praying	Focuses on type of prayers and different ways in which youth can incorporate prayer in daily life.
9-12	Fall/Winter	The Horizons Program	Courses deal with central and foundational themes.  Prayer, Scriptures, elements of Christian faith and less religious topics are integrated into each course.

Youth Group Program