Youth Faith Formation

Confirmation Ceremony

Praying shapes believing...believing shapes praying...How many times did I hear this phrase repeated over and over again during my coursework in seminary? On Saturday, though, these words became flesh as each of our candidates for Confirmation made their way to stand or kneel in front of Bishop Brian. Lay and ordained people, 4 year olds to almost 90 years, parents, grandparents, godparents, sponsors, catechists, other candidates...gathered to lay hands on each person as they were confirmed. There was a palpable sense of god's Spirit in our midst as we circled around each candidate...in silent and soft spoken prayer. The candidates spontaneously moved forward when the first person walked forward from the congregations of St. Peter's and St. Luke's...and they remained throughout the laying on of hands by Bishop Brian...making room for others who came forward from the assembly.

Where did they learn to do this? How were they compelled? What kind of theology of the Church is this proclaiming? These candidates from St. Luke's and St. Peter's have been together in the formation process...from the beginning. On Ash Wednesday, it was they who imposed ashes on those who came forward, having promised that evening to set an example for us of the turning towards Jesus Christ which marks true conversion. On Maundy Thursday, they washed the feet of those who came forward, which is a sign of the servanthood to which all Disciples of Christ are called. They've learned this theology of church when a sick or ill person comes forward for anointing and the laying on of hands and the members of the assembly are invited to come and pray with and for them.

What a wonderful witness these young people are, who made a mature public affirmation of the promises made for them at Baptism. The church of our present and future will grow and thrive to the extent that this theology of Church is born out againg and again in every Faith Community. These 18 young people who were confirmed on Saturday and The Episcopal Church in Minnesota...along with bishop Brian...and the young people from Messiah in St. Paul and Calvary in Rocheater and those older adults who were received into the Episcopal Church from other traditions...along with their parents and godparents and siblings and mentors and everyone else gathered to witness and uphold them in their life in Christ!

Praying shapes believing...and most importantly...believing shapes the way we pray as Faith Communities in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota!

Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks

Youth Ministry at St. Luke's provides a space for young people to gather and share themselves with peers in a faith community setting along with the youth from People of Hope Church in Rochester. We teach and encourage growth in faith through worship, service, daily life concerns, fun, and to be faithful ministers of the church. Come join us!

Grades 6 - 8 / Youth Group

Middle School meets on Wednesdays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at People of Hope Church.

Grades 9 - 12 / Fellowship & Bible Study

High School meets the 2nd Sunday of the month from 6:30 - 8:00 at St. Luke's Church.

Diocesan Activites

The Diocese of Minnesota sponsors events for the youth. Youth gatherings are held in spring and fall, and events in conjunction with the Diocesan Convention held in October and TEC Weekends. TEC "Teens Encounter Christ," plans weekends for young people to grow in faith and fellowship through worship, prayer, music, and sharing their faith stories with other teens.