Programs don't make disciples, disciples do.Small Discipleship Groups are transformative micro communities where teens can be authentic, dive deep, and get the support they need on their discipleship journey. The focus isn't on what is known, but who is known and followed (hint: Jesus). D-groups are about encouragement, mentorship, and community while navigating faith and life as a teen.
Small Discipleship Groups (or D-Groups) consist of groups of 5-8 high school students that meet with a Mentor, two or three times a month. It offers the flexibility to meet the needs of our busy teens, allowing each small group to choose the meeting day, time and place that works best for the group. After an initial four week introduction series, the groups will also have the option to select which topics or themes they want to to learn about and discuss next, but always within the context of our faith and Catholic Doctrine.
The small group concept is a key element in connecting our teens to their faith and church community. It allows the group members to foster a sense of belonging and community, with a positive adult to role model the faith in a relaxed setting. In addition to the small group meetings, there would also be occasional gatherings of all the small groups together for Social Nights, Service Projects, etc.
FAQWhen do groups start?
Small Groups can start at any time, so if you're interested in joining a Discipleship Group and/or just want more information, contact Chris Wibbenmeyer for details: [email protected] or 567-279-1430 (text okay).
How do I join/get started?
D-Groups meet year-round and can start anytime, but are typically most active from September thru May. While we work on getting the 2021-2022 registration up, contact our Youth Ministry Coordinator, Chris Wibbenmeyer ([email protected]) or 567-279-1430 [text okay]) to get started.
Can I invite my friends that don't go to church in the Marion Catholic Community?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it, especially as your group is forming! Discipleship is about going out as much as walking the faith journey together. Just connect with your small group leader and/or youth ministry coordinator so they know.
What's the time commitment? I'm really busy.
We ask all teens interested in small discipleship groups to do a 5 week series together before making a longer-term commitment to their group. After the initial 5 weeks, we ask groups to meet at least twice per month. The great thing is that your group (your peers and mentors) can work together to set the meetings that work best for everyone's busy schedules.
I'm a parent, do I need to be involved or do anything?
Yes! Whether your teen shows it or not, you're still the most important person and source of influence in your teen's life. We (the adult leaders and mentors) are here to be partners with you.
So, we urge parents to actively support your high school teen’s faith development, by:
We also strongly encourage parents to become actively involved in your high school teen's ministry by:
If you have any other questions or want to talk more about Small Discipleship Groups, contact Chris Wibbenmeyer.
Small Discipleship Groups (or D-Groups) consist of groups of 5-8 high school students that meet with a Mentor, two or three times a month. It offers the flexibility to meet the needs of our busy teens, allowing each small group to choose the meeting day, time and place that works best for the group. After an initial four week introduction series, the groups will also have the option to select which topics or themes they want to to learn about and discuss next, but always within the context of our faith and Catholic Doctrine.
The small group concept is a key element in connecting our teens to their faith and church community. It allows the group members to foster a sense of belonging and community, with a positive adult to role model the faith in a relaxed setting. In addition to the small group meetings, there would also be occasional gatherings of all the small groups together for Social Nights, Service Projects, etc.
FAQWhen do groups start?
Small Groups can start at any time, so if you're interested in joining a Discipleship Group and/or just want more information, contact Chris Wibbenmeyer for details: [email protected] or 567-279-1430 (text okay).
How do I join/get started?
D-Groups meet year-round and can start anytime, but are typically most active from September thru May. While we work on getting the 2021-2022 registration up, contact our Youth Ministry Coordinator, Chris Wibbenmeyer ([email protected]) or 567-279-1430 [text okay]) to get started.
Can I invite my friends that don't go to church in the Marion Catholic Community?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it, especially as your group is forming! Discipleship is about going out as much as walking the faith journey together. Just connect with your small group leader and/or youth ministry coordinator so they know.
What's the time commitment? I'm really busy.
We ask all teens interested in small discipleship groups to do a 5 week series together before making a longer-term commitment to their group. After the initial 5 weeks, we ask groups to meet at least twice per month. The great thing is that your group (your peers and mentors) can work together to set the meetings that work best for everyone's busy schedules.
I'm a parent, do I need to be involved or do anything?
Yes! Whether your teen shows it or not, you're still the most important person and source of influence in your teen's life. We (the adult leaders and mentors) are here to be partners with you.
So, we urge parents to actively support your high school teen’s faith development, by:
- Participating in occasional joint parent/HS teen group meetings and activities.
- Engaging in follow-up and ongoing dialogue with your teens on the issues addressed in the Small Discipleship Group (D-Group) meetings.
- Encouraging your teens to participate in all D-Group meetings and large group activities, regularly attend Mass, and otherwise practice their faith
- Working on your personal relationship with God through prayer, reading, and frequenting the Sacraments as a model and witness to your teen
- Praying daily for and with your teen (if you need some ideas on the how, we can help)
We also strongly encourage parents to become actively involved in your high school teen's ministry by:
- Providing food and refreshments for Small Discipleship Group (D-Group) meetings
- Hosting MYM meetings in their home **+
- Mentoring or leading a D-Group or sharing your personal life and faith experience(s) with a group ** (assuming their teen is OK with it)
- Providing transportation as needed for teens to attend meetings, events, and activities **
- Supporting and contributing to the periodic HS teen large group meetings and activities (e.g. provide food, help chaperone **, etc.)
- Praying on the prayer team - keeping all of the teens, leaders, and ministry in daily prayer as well as participating occasionally in special times of prayer for specific ministry needs (e.g. retreats or other events)
If you have any other questions or want to talk more about Small Discipleship Groups, contact Chris Wibbenmeyer.