ChrisTeen Youth Ministry (Grades 6-12)
ChrisTeen’s Mission
ChrisTeen is a comprehensive youth ministry seeking to engage the emotional, spiritual, and physical growth of our teens. Teens have a real voice at Transfiguration, where youth ministry is to youth, with youth, for youth, and by youth. Our vision of ChrisTeen at Transfiguration is to Lead with Love in order to build a strong community. We will accompany ALL the youth of the parish as they fall in love with God and with their faith.
A place for Catholic teens to deepen their Faith, Fellowship with their community, and have Fun! The teens are involved in our church and our community. From small group gatherings, service projects, and social activities, ChrisTeen actively works to “Show Our Jesus” in all we do.
We are excited about Family Faith for children in Grades K-12 with their parents. Select the time that works best for your family. Every other week, families will gather at Church, share a light meal, pray together and share the Gospel message. Children and teens will go to age level small groups, adults will have their own study groups. Catechists & Small Group Leaders will facilitate the sessions. On the weeks we do not meet at Church, materials and activities will be provided to share at home.
In the age level small groups, ChrisTeen uses lectionary based learning to engage, explore, reflect and respond to the teachings of our Catholic faith.
- Sunday 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
- Sunday 12:35 – 1:50 p.m. (Adult Small Groups in Spanish available)
- Sunday 6:15-7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
- Wednesday 6:15-7:30 p.m. (Adult Small Groups in Spanish available)
ChrisTeen Youth Group will meet 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the evenings we do not have Family Faith.
Please RSVP HERE so we know how much food to get!
Resources for Parents
ChrisTeen Youth Retreats
Retreats offer an opportunity to get away from the busyness of life and relax with your Church family! We all need a chance to disconnect, be still, feel God’s love, listen…and have fun!
Discovering the Real You (Grades 6, 7 & Parents)
Parents meet in the Parish Center (English – Adult Lounge; Spanish – Adult Ed).
Teens meet at the Family Life Center.
This workshop is designed to address teen sexuality, self confidence, self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression. We ask a parent to attend the Friday evening meeting in order to encourage effective communication between you and your teen. We want you to be fully informed of everything that we are going to cover with your teen on Saturday and we encourage you to have open communication with your child about any and all of the subjects that we cover.
We will spend time focusing on positive self-image and the importance of having self confidence while making decisions. The more our teens know that they are perfectly loved by our Lord, the more they will have the confidence to follow Him in their decision making.
- January 26, 2024 7:00 – 9:00pm (Parents & Teens) and
- January 27, 2024 9:30am – 3:00pm (Teens Only)
- Includes: Snacks & Lunch, Materials, Large & Small Group Time (divided by grade), Activities, Faith Sharing, and Friends
Anchored in Christ / Who Do You Say That I Am? (Grades 8, 9)
About this Retreat
The journey may be smooth sailing or a bit rocky, but either way, they are held down by Christ. In Matthew 16:15 Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” As modern day disciples, we are asked the same question by Jesus. How do you respond? This retreat will help the teens to answer this question. On the retreat the teens will have opportunities to explore their views of Jesus. They will be challenged to grow in the way they understand and relate to Jesus. This retreat will help them to see that the life and lessons of Jesus are relevant to their needs and concerns. Each of us will be encouraged to develop a closer personal relationship with Jesus and to explore the amazing difference he can make in our life. We invite the teens to come with an open heart and mind and be ready to be moved by the wonderful ways of the Holy Spirit. The retreat is facilitated by a group of our high school students who vividly remember what it was like to embark on this new phase in life. They have generously given time out of their busy schedules because they feel they have learned so much along the way and want to share their experiences with our upcoming freshmen. This retreat is part of our 8th & 9th grade curriculum. We ask that you and your teen strongly consider this retreat. We encourage students to attend with an open mind and heart. Often teens are hesitant about participating in their first overnight retreat, but they quickly relax and have a great weekend. Many of them volunteer to facilitate the next year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the cost of the retreat include?
The cost includes food, lodging, materials, activities, supplies, and a retreat t-shirt.
Q: How do I register my teen?
Click HERE to register.
Q: Where is the retreat?
The retreat takes place at Cherokee Retreat Center in White, Georgia.
Q: What time is the retreat?
All teens must arrive at the Retreat Center by 9:00am on Saturday. We will celebrate mass or have time for Adoration on Saturday evening! We will conclude our retreat on Sunday at 12:00pm.
Q: What happens if I have to cancel?
If you need to cancel from the retreat for any reason prior to 7 days before the retreat, you will be refunded your retreat fee minus a $5 processing fee. If you withdraw within a week of the retreat date, we will not be able to offer you a refund.
Q: What will my teen do at the retreat?
Our goal at Transfig is share the Word of God, to Praise & Worship with one another, and to walk with the teens on their Journey towards a lifelong relationship with Christ so that they will know Him, love Him and constantly seek Him. We believe that retreats offer a unique opportunity to leave the distractions of their world behind and focus on experiencing and encountering Jesus Christ.
Through personal testimonies, intimate small group time, powerful adoration and prayer experiences, games, and activities our goal is to build a strong community of faith.
Q: Can my teen bring a non-Catholic friend to the retreat?
Absolutely! Our retreats are open to all teens, regardless of their religion. We will cover subject matter that is Catholic in nature, but we believe that the Holy Spirit will move in each individual and reach each teen exactly where they are.
Q: Can my teen be in a small group with their friends?
The retreat team works very hard to group teens purposefully. Please contact Theresa at tbrader@transfiguration.com for any special requests. We cannot promise that all requests will be met.
Q: What if my teen has any special needs or allergies?
Please contact Theresa at tbrader@transfiguration.com for any special needs.
Q: What if my teen has to arrive late or leave early?
If your teen has to arrive late or leave early we will work with you! Please contact Theresa at tbrader@transfiguration.com at least 2 weeks before the retreat to make arrangements. An adult driver must drop off the teen or pick the teen up at the retreat center.
Q: What not to bring to the retreat?
Drugs, alcohol, vape pens, juuls, e-cigarettes, cigarettes and all other illegal substances. If your teen is found with any illegal substances, the authorities will be notified first, then the parents and guardians will be called to come and pick up your teen immediately. ALL electronics, including cell phones, should be left at home. If the teens do bring a devise and it is being used during the retreat time, the devise will be secured by a leader and returned to the parent upon pick-up.
Q: What does my teen need to bring?
Clothing for 2 days
Jacket/Sweatshirt
Outdoor shoes
Toiletries: Medicine, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
Twin-Size Sheet & Sleeping Bag or Blanket
Pillow
Towel
Bible & Journal
Snack to Share
- January 26, 2024 7:00 – 9:00pm (Parents & Teens) and
- January 27, 2024 9:30am – 3:00pm (Teens Only)
- Includes: Snacks & Lunch, Materials, Large & Small Group Time (divided by grade), Activities, Faith Sharing, and Friends
Antioch (10th Grade & Older)
Of all the retreats we offer each year, Antioch always has the most profound effect on our teens. The retreat leaders are 11th and 12th grade past retreatants who meet with adult advisors for two months of prayer and preparation. Your teens will hear deep personal talks from their peers sharing how God is working in their lives. They will also enjoy small-group sharing, food and fun. The retreat involves the commitment of the entire weekend.
FAQ
Q: What does the cost of the retreat include?
The cost includes food, lodging, materials, activities, supplies, and a retreat t-shirt.
Q: How do I register my teen?
Click HERE to register.
Q: What happens if I have to cancel?
This retreat is required prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact Karen at kpaonessa@transfiguration.com if you are unable to attend this retreat.
Q: What will my teen do at the retreat?
Our goal at Transfig is share the Word of God, to Praise & Worship with one another, and to walk with the teens on their Journey towards a lifelong relationship with Christ so that they will know Him, love Him and constantly seek Him. We believe that retreats offer a unique opportunity to leave the distractions of their world behind and focus on experiencing and encountering Jesus Christ.
Through personal testimonies, intimate small group time, powerful adoration and prayer experiences, games, and activities our goal is to build a strong community of faith.
Q: Can my teen bring a non-Catholic friend to the retreat?
This retreat is open to all teens preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. If you have a teen interested in attending this retreat but is not preparing for the sacrament, please contact Karen at kpaonessa@transfiguration.com to discuss options.
Q: Can my teen be in a small group with their friends?
The retreat team works very hard to group teens purposefully. Please trust that the team is relying on the Holy Spirit to group the teens appropriately.
Q: What if my teen has any special needs or allergies?
Please contact Theresa at tbrader@transfiguration.com for any special needs.
Q: What if my teen has to arrive late or leave early?
We require full participation at this retreat. Because of the nature and schedule that is in place, we do not accept late arrivals or early dismissals.
Q: What not to bring to the retreat?
Drugs, alcohol, vape pens, juuls, e-cigaretts, cigarettes and all other illegal substances. If your teen is found with any illegal substances, the authorities will be notified first, then the parents and guardians will be called to come and pick up your teen immediately. ALL electronics, including cell phones, should be left at home. If the teens do bring a devise and it is being used during the retreat time, the devise will be secured by a leader and returned to the parent upon pick-up.
Q: What does my teen need to bring?
Clothing for 3 days
Jacket/Sweatshirt
Outdoor shoes
Toiletries: Medicine, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
Twin-Size Sheet & Sleeping Bag or Blanket
Pillow
Towel
Bible & Journal
Snack to Share
- January 17-19, 2025 Required for Confirmation Preparation
- The retreat closes after 5 PM Mass on Sunday.
- Cost is included in Sacrament Preparation Fee
11th/12th Grade Retreat
Dates for 2024-25 coming soon.
No matter the obstacle or setback, no matter what our life looks like to the world, we must understand that God has claimed up as His own. We belong because of our baptism, we believe when we open our heart to allow God’s claim on us to turn into our “yes”, we behave as Catholics when we have chosen a way of life that flows from a living relationship with our loving Father who claims us proudly as a son or daughter. This retreat is a wonderful way to begin the year together focusing on Our Savior and getting to know each other as a Young Church Community!
FAQ
F.A.Q.
Q: What does the cost of the retreat include?
The cost includes food, lodging, materials, activities, supplies, and a retreat t-shirt.
Q: How do I register my teen?
Click HERE to register.
Q: Where is the retreat?
The retreat takes place at Cherokee Retreat Center in White, GA.
Q: What time is the retreat?
All teens must arrive at the Retreat Center by 7:00pm on Friday. We will celebrate mass or have Adoration on Saturday evening! We will conclude our retreat on Sunday at 12:00pm.
Q: What happens if I have to cancel?
If you need to cancel from the retreat for any reason prior to 7 days before the retreat, you will be refunded your retreat fee minus a $5 processing fee. If you withdraw within a week of the retreat date, we will not be able to offer you a refund.
Q: What will my teen do at the retreat?
Our goal at Transfig is share the Word of God, to Praise & Worship with one another, and to walk with the teens on their Journey towards a lifelong relationship with Christ so that they will know Him, love Him and constantly seek Him. We believe that retreats offer a unique opportunity to leave the distractions of their world behind and focus on experiencing and encountering Jesus Christ.
Through personal testimonies, intimate small group time, powerful adoration and prayer experiences, games, and activities our goal is to build a strong community of faith.
Q: Can my teen bring a non-Catholic friend to the retreat?
Absolutely! Our retreats are open to all teens, regardless of their religion. We will cover subject matter that is Catholic in nature, but we believe that the Holy Spirit will move in each individual and reach each teen exactly where they are.
Q: Can my teen be in a small group with their friends?
The retreat team works very hard to group teens purposefully. Please contact Theresa at tbrader@transfiguration.com for any special requests. We cannot promise that all requests will be met.
Q: What if my teen has any special needs or allergies?
Please contact Theresa at tbrader@transfiguration.com for any special needs.
Q: What if my teen has to arrive late or leave early?
If your teen has to arrive late or leave early we will work with you! Please contact Theresa at tbrader@transfiguration.com at least 2 weeks before the retreat to make arrangements. An adult driver must drop off the teen or pick the teen up at the retreat center.
Q: What not to bring to the retreat?
Drugs, alcohol, vape pens, juuls, e-cigarettes, cigarettes and all other illegal substances. If your teen is found with any illegal substances, the authorities will be notified first, then the parents and guardians will be called to come and pick up your teen immediately. ALL electronics, including cell phones, should be left at home. If the teens do bring a devise and it is being used during the retreat time, the devise will be secured by a leader and returned to the parent upon pick-up.
Q: What does my teen need to bring?
Water Bottle
Clothing for 2 days
Jacket/Sweatshirt
Outdoor shoes
Toiletries: Medicine, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
Twin-Size Sheet & Sleeping Bag or Blanket
Pillow
Towel
Bible & Journal
Snack to Share