High School Wednesday Gatherings

 “Deepening Faith, Growing Community—Grades 9–12”

Our High School Religious Education Program welcomes all parish teens (including their non-Catholic friends)! Whether you are attending public school, private school, or homeschooled, we walk together in faith through engaging catechesis, meaningful service, and shared fellowship.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

At Christ the King Parish, our high school faith formation program uses YDisciple, a dynamic Catholic video-based curriculum developed by NET Ministries and Augustine Institute. But it’s more than just great content—it’s about building real relationships.


YDisciple is centered on a small group mentorship model, where teens meet weekly in gender-specific groups led by trained adult mentors. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for honest discussion, spiritual growth, and intentional discipleship rooted in the teachings of the Church.


Why does it work? Because faith is caught, not just taught. Teenagers are more likely to grow in their faith when they see it lived out in the lives of trusted adults. This model reflects the way Jesus formed His disciples—personally, consistently, and in community.


We invite you to watch the short video below to learn more about how this powerful approach is helping teens encounter Christ and walk with Him daily.


About Our Program

Where Community Begins

Faith grows best in community—and that starts with gathering together.


Each Wednesday evening, teens are invited to arrive starting at 7:15 PM at the Spiritual Life Center (Lower Level). This time before we begin is casual and intentional—designed to give teens space to catch up, connect with friends, and feel at home.


On the first Wednesday of each month, we celebrate community with “Feed the Teens” Night! Parish groups volunteer to prepare and serve a free meal in the Tretter Center, offering everything from pizza and walking tacos to pulled pork sandwiches. It’s a simple way to nourish both body and soul—and teens love it!


This weekly rhythm of gathering reminds our young Church that they belong here—and that joy, laughter, and shared meals are essential parts of Catholic life.

Discipleship, Not Just Classes

At the heart of our ministry is the call to discipleship—a personal, intentional response to Jesus Christ.


Each week, teens meet in small, same-gender groups led by trained adult mentors. These mentors walk with them, offering support, encouragement, and a consistent witness of faith.


Discipleship happens through prayer, Scripture, and honest conversation, helping teens discover who they are in Christ and how to live as His followers in daily life.



Rooted in Prayer and Scripture

Every gathering is grounded in the Word of God and a living relationship with Christ.


We begin each night together in the large gathering space, where teens are sprinkled with holy water—a reminder of their baptism and their identity as beloved children of God. Together, we pray the Hail Mary, the Our Father, and the Glory Be, invoking the Holy Spirit, St. Michael, and their guardian angels. Each night is consecrated to the care and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.


Throughout the year, teens will also encounter powerful moments of prayer through Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, Reconciliation, and Taizé prayer services. These experiences allow them to enter more deeply into the Church’s liturgical life and their personal relationship with Jesus.


A special prayer box is available at every session, where teens can write down their intentions anonymously. These prayer slips are collected and brought to the Spiritual Life Center Chapel, where volunteers are praying before the Blessed Sacrament during our youth sessions. These intercessors lift up the needs of the teens, their mentors, and their families in real time—reminding our young people that they are known, loved, and spiritually supported by their parish family.

Faith in Action

Discipleship isn’t just about learning the faith—it’s about living it!


While weekly sessions follow the YDisciple curriculum, our small groups are encouraged to put their faith into action. Mentors have the flexibility to meet outside of the classroom when appropriate, including in homes (following diocesan Safe Environment protocols, such as background checks and two-deep leadership) or on site at local service locations.


Groups have visited the nearby nursing home to pray with and visit residents, and each fall they join together to rake leaves for elderly parishioners in our neighborhood. These simple acts of love form hearts of service and strengthen bonds within the group.


By stepping out into the community, our teens begin to understand that faith isn’t something we just study—it’s something we embody, especially for those in need.

OVERVIEW AND VISION​

​The Diocese of Evansville works with parents, civil authorities, educators, and various organizations in the  community to make and maintain the safest environment for minors. The vision for our diocese is one wherein:


  • Youth are recognized and valued by all as true gifts from God
  • Safe environment training is mandatory for all clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers that have regular contact with minors
  • All clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers who have regular contact with children are  evaluated to determine their suitability for association with minors
  • All clergy, employees, candidates for ordination, and volunteers accept responsibility to report immediately any suspected acts of abuse or neglect of minors to appropriate civil and church authorities without concern for retribution from the accused or  employers/institution in whose name they minister
  • All who are willing to engage in ministry to minors as representatives of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville are also willing to agree to background checks and training programs designed to stem this heinous crime against children and young people
  • Age-appropriate training is provided for children/youth in regard to personal safety
  • The Catholic Diocese of Evansville will expend resources, both in personnel and finances, necessary to fulfill this vision and to maintain such programs appropriate to  accomplish this vision
  • At the Diocesan level, this work will be guided by the Safe Environment Coordinator  
  • At the Parish/School levels, this work will be guided by the Youth Protection Coordinator and Administrator.
  • The Diocese will provide a Victim Assistance Coordinator to support victims and their families

CIRCLE OF GRACE CURRICULUM FOR GRADES 9-12

"Circle of Grace" is a child and youth safety and abuse prevention program used in Catholic educational and religious settings, including schools and parishes. It aims to educate and empower children and young people to protect themselves by understanding healthy boundaries, recognizing potential dangers, and knowing how to respond to unsafe situations. The program is rooted in the Catholic faith, emphasizing God's love and presence in all aspects of life. The Diocese of Evansville has mandated that beginning of the 2025-2026 school all parishes and schools use this curriculum for all grades.