Trailblazer Confirmation Programs
Online Interest Form |
The Catholic Faith Handbook for YouthThe Catholic Youth Bible
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What is Trailblazers?
Billerica Catholic Religious Education offers an alternative track of Confirmation called Trailblazers. This separate class for teens relies more participation and discussion from the teen participants, and focuses more on the Bible and uses the Bible, the Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, some videos, and additional resources. Although Trailblazers will be a more challenging program, we expect that it will provide a deeper experience of faith for those who participate. Interested incoming Confirmation 1 students, who would like to be considered for the Trailblazers Confirmation 1 program, can simply indicate their interest with our brief Online Interest Form. Families may also contact Mr. Carbrello at the BCRE Office: 978-667-3733 x445.
During the 2018-2019 pilot year, we considered offering Trailblazers at each parish, but were only able to make all the logistics work at St. Theresa.
In 2019-2020 we are offering Trailblazers 1 during the 3:20-4:50pm Confirmation 1 time at St. Theresa in Billerica Center. Teens from any parish in our collaborative may attend Trailblazers as their Confirmation class. As 2019-2020 will only be the second school year of trying Trailblazers, this project is still a work in progress. We would be happy to answer any questions when you contact us.
The 2018-2019 Trailblazers group takes one minute to speak about their experience:
Who should sign up for Trailblazer Confirmation 1?
A teenager who does any of the following two items on this list could be a good candidate for Trailblazers:
Attends Mass regularly
Prays on their own
Reads the bible on their own
Asks spiritual questions
Regularly enjoys Catholic/Christian media (videos, music, etc.)
Is already involved in ministry, such as choir, altar server, religious education, helping at Church events, etc.
Is already involved in missions, such as serving those in need, the corporal/spiritual works of mercy, etc.
Makes an effort to share our Catholic faith with others
Attends a Catholic High School
Is a counselor for Summer Adventure Week (VBS)
Additional Expectations:
As part of the participation in Trailblazer Confirmation 1, each student will be expected to commit to being involved in one role in ministry. While we are open to exploring many options, some ideas we have brainstormed include:
Choir / Music Ministry
Altar Server
Religious Education – classroom aide, Small Group Leader, providing childcare for the younger children of catechists while they teach a class
Summer Adventure Week
Family Masses – greeters, taking pictures, hospitality, helping with the technology (slides)
Religious Education Media (video, social media, website)
As part of the experience in Trailblazer Confirmation 1, we will be encouraging each participant to have one or more experiences with Missions – to become involved, or continue being involved, in some type of work of mercy. This service work can vary greatly. Note: we will not be counting service hours for Trailblazer Confirmation students. Discussing what they are doing in Ministry and Missions will simply be part of the process. Examples of this service could include:
Helping with the monthly soup kitchen ministry
Assisting with St. Vincent de Paul
Helping a neighbor in need
Mentor Relationship
It is our hope to match each participant in Trailblazer Confirmation 1 with a recently confirmed teen mentor, who will commit to meeting with each student monthly. These monthly conversations would include sharing life and faith together, as well as discussing a scripture passage. These conversations could take place at Church hospitality times, in the community, online, or possibly at school.