Participation in Worship and Service
We believe strongly that religious education involves more than learning Bible stories and the doctrines of our faith. It is just as important to learn the values and virtues of a Christian life, and share in community worship and service. Therefore we expect all middle school and confirmation candidates to join some form of worship ministry, whether as acolyte, choir member, lay reader, or usher. And we expect all youth members also to participate in community service projects, whether through the community suppers we serve at Calvary/St George’s, or in other forms.
Middle School
Christian Faith &
Formation Class (CF2)
This year the Monday afternoon Christian Faith and Formation (CF2) class for middle school children at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Fairfield, will focus on a series of universal human values and virtues. These include tolerance and understanding, friendship and love, community and generosity, integrity and trust, simplicity and cooperation. Open to all middle-school children in Fairfield, the program combines readings from the Bible as well as excerpts from contemporary literature, film clips, skits and topics for debate. The program is co-taught by Fr. Matthew Calkins and Richard Worth, an author and communications trainer. Classes meet on Monday afternoons from 5:30-6:30 in the Floecker Room, on the second floor of Moffitt Hall. See schedule for details.
High School
Confirmation
Confirmation is "a mature public affirmation of faith," the deciding for oneself that the baptismal vows made on one’s behalf when an infant are vows to live by as an adult. Since 2005 the Diocese of Connecticut has instituted a policy of expecting candidates for confirmation to be 16 years of age or older (generally, sophomores in high school). To prepare for confirmation we expect all ninth and tenth grade students to participate in worship, to attend regular monthly class meetings with Father Calkins, and to serve at least twenty hours per year in some form of community service. They are also expected to find an adult mentor who will help them prepare through shared discussion and study, through visits to worship services, including at least three of other Christian or non-Christian denominations, and through prayer. See schedule for details.
Middle and High School
DEANERY YOUTH PROGRAM
For the past two years we have been part of a growing group of greater Bridgeport Deanery parishes that meet approximately once a month in a shared youth program for both middle and high school students. All are welcome to join and to help lead, whether members of this parish or not. Our purpose is to make friends among Episcopalian youth in the greater Bridgeport area, to share resources and develop young leaders, and to go on mission in the name of Christ. This year we will go on a canopy obstacle course at Catamount, do community service projects, attend special events and go on a short-term mission trip. Details may be found on our website.
The Bridgeport Deanery Youth Program committee:
Fr. Matthew Calkins, St Timothy’s, Fairfield, chair
Eric Jeuland, Trinity, Southport,
Raymond Panther, St John’s, Bridgeport
Antonio Villanueva, St Luke’s and St Paul’s, Bridgeport
Kristin Miles, St Paul’s, Fairfield
