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Discipleship Focused Ministry 2020-2021
​Teens 13-18 years of age

Three Life-Changing Nuggets from
​St. John Paul II

Becoming Disciples of Christ

"What are you looking for?"
• Jn 1:35-42
It is a question meant for all men of every time and in all places and situations. It is the question put to the two disciples by Jesus. What are you seeking? What is the purpose of your existence? Who are you looking for?  As a community,  teens are invited to explore their faith and grow in virtue through Christ's teachings.

Bishop Hying - Discipleship: Our Fundamental Catholic Identity
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2020-2021 High School Catholic Formation 9th-12th
We invite all teens from SMV parish to join a discipleship focused group to encounter Christ in each other, scripture, the sacraments and prayer. 

Each teen needs to sign up for a 15 minute online meeting with two parish members for a discussion after reading Matthew Chapter 10 and prior to being assigned to a discipleship group. 

9th-12th Discipleship Focused Ministry is not a program. It is an experience that clarifies our Catholic identity.  Registration for program will not make a teen a disciple of Christ.  God makes disciples, programs do not.  

We will ask that a registration form and payment be completed such that we cover costs and requirements by our parish and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.  

​The registration paperwork can be completed after the one on one discussion between two parish members and the teen.  The discussion is on their prayerful reading of Matthew Chapter 10 and Bishop Hying description of discipleship. 

Teen & Parent Resources

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​Finding Good Friends

​Friendship is one of the highest experiences of life. Yet sadly, while most of us have lots of "friends," few of us have the sorts of deep, true friendships we long for.  (Studies of Millennials and Gen Z'ers confirm that true friendship is among their most unmet needs.)

So, what is true friendship, and how do we find it?  What’s unique about Christian friendship?

In the latest episode of "The Burrowshire Podcast" my best friend, Fr. Blake, and I discuss:
  • What ancient thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Augustine said about friendship
  • Our own deep friendship, and how it evolved
  • Advice on how to find and develop profound friendships yourself
Watch here:  Episode #007 >> True Friendship
-- Brandon Vogt

CYM Volleyball and Basketball

​Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) volleyball and basketball is open to male and female high school-age parishioners at SMV.  
​Learn more >>>

The Word of God 
​Scripture readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
How do I apply these readings to my life?
A look at the weekly Sunday gospel

The Sacrament of Confirmation 

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2020 Confirmation Rescheduled
Saturday, September 26th, 4pm 
Father Peter Berger presiding  

Candidates and Sponsors are to arrive in church at 3:30pm.  We will review what candidates and sponsors need to do at different parts of the Mass.

Dress code for candidates and sponsors:
For the gentlemen:  Dress pants and shoes, shirt and tie.  A Sports jacket or suit is optional.

For the ladies:  A knee length or floor length dress, not form fitted/tight, covered shoulders, back, chest and mid drift.                  Dress slacks and a modest top that are not form fitted/tight are an option.

Attendance & Seating:  Candidates will sit with family and sponsor. 
Due to social distancing restrictions, attendance and seating is limited to candidates, sponsors, candidate's parents and siblings. Pews are not assigned or reserved.  Every other pew is marked with the number of family members allowed in a pew.  Candidates are to select the appropriate pew for their family by the marked pew capacity. 

After Mass:  Candidates are asked to pick up Confirmation certificates found on a table in alphabetical order in the parish atrium before leaving.  No social gathering is allowed in the atrium before or after Mass. 

Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation
​2020-2021

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Confirmation Preparation
The first step to preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation is to contemplate with Matthew Chapter 10 and then describe what Jesus was teaching his disciples.  What emerged from the contemplative time with Jesus?

The journey toward becoming a disciple of Jesus is ongoing from the time we are baptized.  It's beginning comes from God's choosing.  We do not choose to follow Jesus, He calls us by name.  Just as He did many years ago, He chooses His disciples from all walks of life into a NEW way of living. 

No matter how immersed we are in our studies of the faith in school, at home or in Catholic Formation sessions through our parish,  the disciple is the one who not only knows about Jesus, but knows Him personally! This is a life long pursuit that continues each day of our lives until we meet Him face to face!

Knowing Jesus personally requires alone time with him and turning off our own thoughts to be open to hearing his voice.  This requires daily practice.  Starting the day in silence with Jesus promises a day filled with grace.  Grace needed to see, hear and think with eyes, ears and mind of Jesus.  We embody His spirit as he intended for all his disciples. 

It is our decision to hear His voice and walk in His footsteps. It is a life-time commitment that is strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit.  We can not earn it.  We can not make it so by our own fruition.  Grace is God's gift that He gives freely to the hearts that desire Him.  He knows our hearts and what we truly desire. 

Possible Confirmation studies:
Chosen - Ascension Press presents material on what   Catholics believe and why.  This is a good study for those who are called to defend the faith.  Once in the study link, there is a free lesson sample offered for your review.  Please take time to pray and discern which study to select.

Decision Point - Dynamic Catholic presents ways to encounter Christ more intensely as you journey through life.  This is a good study for those who are called to evangelize the faith.  As soon as you click the link you are able to dive into the study material.  Please take time to pray and discern which study to select.   

​Study groups are formed with teens and two adult group leaders.  Teens need to be committed to attending all study group sessions agreed upon by their group.  The goal is to learn how to become true disciples of Christ

Links to Confirmation Materials given to teens on
                         August 29 and 30, 2020

​Confirmation Handbook- Complete with Sponsor Information
  1. Confirmation Registration Form- Due September 4, 2020
  2. Prerecorded Confirmation Talks -Coming in October
  3. Retreat Permission Form-  Due October 1, 2020
  4. Confirmation Name Form-  Due December 1, 2020
  5. Letter to the Bishop-No Later than January 20, 2021

Sponsor Forms: To be completed by Sponsor and dropped off via parish office mail slot or or mailed to:
                           St. Mary's Visitation Parish
                           Attention:  Elizabeth Harrison
                           1260 Church Street
                           Elm Grove, WI 53122
  1. Sponsor Certificate: Due December 1, 2020
  2. ​Record of 4 Meetings - Discuss Talks - Due February 1, 2021
  3. Letter of Recommendation: Due February 1st

Resources: