“Instead of just dropping my kids off at the church, YDisciple helped me work with the parish to form a small group for both my son and my daughter. Working with my teens to form a discipleship group gave me an opportunity to talk with them about faithful friends and evangelization. This is just what they needed after Confirmation. They look forward to meeting each week, asking questions, and getting answers they can trust. Discipleship gives them a solid foundation as they step into adult life in the Church.”
– Stephanie, parent, Minnesota
“YDisciple has been a tremendous blessing for our parish. We tried other methods of youth ministry for several years. Over time the teens drifted away and we had difficulty finding a volunteer coordinator for the program. A big part of why we felt called to YDisciple was the wonderful format YDisciple provides. Because YDisciple provides excellent video content and discussion guides, most of our time could be focused on small group discipleship instead of preparing a talk or a teaching. The Holy Spirit is really moving here in West Point. I think it shows that small groups meet fundamental needs that teenagers do not always get met in the home, school or by modern culture. Small group discipleship provides a great environment for teens to grow in their self-esteem and faith. The exercises, videos and discussion questions in the YDisciple lessons really help the teens feel known, loved, and cared for by their mentors, peers and parents. Our teens are meeting Jesus as a person, not just a subject.”
– Andy & Cassie, Volunteer Leaders, Nebraska
“YDisciple gives me as a parish priest the ability to offer high quality catechetical formation through lay leadership. It is is an exceptional model for youth formation at the parish level. The process shows parents how to form their teens as disciples of Jesus Christ and teens are given an opportunity to enter into friendship with Christ and one another. In just a short time after launching YDisciple, we have approximately 85 teens with 16 adult mentors. We also have 5 Adult Mentors ready to take on new groups as they form.”
– Fr. Jason, Pastor, Pennsylvania
“When our youngest son came home for his first summer break from University at the age of 19, We felt the need to remind him about what was important. I discovered that the program addressed many of the real challenges our youth struggle with everyday. We prayed he would be open to discussing some of the videos with me, but he was initially reluctant. However, after we had done a couple of sessions, we found him waiting for me to get home from work so we could continue with our sessions. Those videos and discussions had really caught his attention. The day before he returned to University, he asked if it was okay to share these sessions with his friends. I was amazed and could only thank God for his mercy. My only regret was not inviting his friends into the conversation sooner.”
– Diana & Jose, parents, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
“My initial response when my parents told me about YDisciple was far from excitement. I’m a senior, life is busier than ever. I didn’t see how I was possibly going to fit another weekly commitment on top of my already impossible load. My attitude changed very quickly. The videos were great, the small group discussion was inspiring, and the fellowship was exactly what my friends and I needed. We spent a lot of time discussing topics that stretched me, and I am thankful for that. Every week I am moved to spend more time with my Savior and less time with the worldly things that I was previously overwhelmed with. Because of the witness of my mentors and the chance to grow in my relationship with God, my heart is full of joy; and I have YDisciple to thank for that.”
– McKenzie, high school senior, Alabama