At Saint Stephen’s Church, youth are a joyful and essential part of our faith community.
We seek to create meaningful opportunities where teens can connect with their peers and grow in their faith. In all we do, youth programs are intended to help teens explore spirituality and notice the many ways God shows up in our lives. Our programs focus on learning, service and experiencing what it means to belong with purpose to a faith community, in today’s complicated world.
Confirmation: 9th grade students gather twice a month to explore their Christian faith and prepare for the rite of confirmation in the Spring. Service to others is central to the confirmation year experience.
Click here for the Confirmation Registration form:
Confirmation Registration Form 2022-23
Global Philanthropy Leaders:
New members of Global Philanthropy Leaders will learn how to help improve the lives of the global poor, using micro-loans. St Stephen’s provides each teen with funds to lend on kiva.org. Students commit to attending GPL meetings one Sunday each month, generally at 11.30am-12.30pm. Each GPL makes and independently tracks 10 micro-loans throughout the school year, and participates in group reports to the parish.
PeaceMakers: Youth participate in leadership of intergenerational events that increase understanding of differences in culture, religion, race and resources that affect society today.
Community Service: Our youth support the homeless in New Haven by sponsoring meals and clothing drives twice a year. Students also participate in year-round service to our parish community through acolyting and in efforts to meet the needs of neighbors who lack food, clothing and school supplies
Contact Sue Vogelman at svogelman@ststephens-ridgefield.org for information on any of these programs.
