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June 1, 2022Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Indian Mission Parish has initiated a Faith Formation Program for teenagers, especially those who want to celebrate their Quinceañera (15th birthday) or Sweet Sixteen with a Mass at the parish. This program is designed to accompany the teens on their spiritual journey. Many families make it a year-long prepareation.
"The Quinceañera is often misunderstood as an alternative to a wedding," said St. Kateri Pastor, Father Aro Varnabas, ST. "That's why the teenage girls who see their Quinceañera as their wedding are under the impression that they are ready to have babies. This is one of the main reasons why there are many teen pregnancies and high school drop outs in our Tribal communities."
The families who prepare for Quinceañera seldom spend their time on the spiritual aspect of the celebration. On seeing the need for guidance and support for the teens in Tribal communities, Fr. Aro has developed this Faith Formation Program.
The program has four sections: Sacred Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer and Life, and Missionary Disciples. Each section has four classes and the cohort meets once a week. Currently, there are nine girls who attend the program.
"The hope of this program is to keep the teenagers engaged in their faith, to keep them away from drugs, and to foster their relationship with God and the Church," said Fr. Aro. "We also believe that this program will help these teenagers to see life differently, value Christian Marriage, and respect life from the moment of conception to natural death."
