Disciple (Mentor)Groups

What are Disciple (Mentor) Groups?

Disciple Groups include 4-7 young people with one or two adult mentors to help plan and carry out service projects with them. Disciple Groups should complete three different service activities (1 “In Parish” and 2 “out of parish”) each year (a total of 6 by the end of the second year) as part of the 2 year Confirmation program. More projects are encouraged if you have time!

Who Mentors the Disciple Groups?

Mentors for these groups come from the entire St. Paul Parish Community. Parents can participate as well as aunts, uncles, grandparents, sponsors, and young adult and senior members of our community. Usually a Disciple Group finds its own mentor. If a group needs a mentor, the Section Head Tricia Kesteloot will assist them.

Why Participate in a Disciple Group?

A goal of the Confirmation program is that the students not only understand the meaning of being a disciple of Christ, but that they also become disciples. We would really like the groups to learn that serving others is exactly what Christ calls us to do, not only as preparation for confirmation, but throughout the rest of our lives. Every person we help is Jesus Christ; would we dare turn away?

Where Can We Find Ideas for Service?

We encourage you to brainstorm with your disciples to decide on a service project that is near and dear to them. A list of community service projects that we have been involved with in the past will be provided to you as possible project ideas. You are invited to come up with service projects that are not on this list as well if you desire.

How Do the Students Keep Track of Service Hours?

The students are given a “reflection” sheet to fill out and return to their mentor at the end of each service project. The mentor or student must turn it in to the St. Paul R.E. Office at the end of each semester.

How Are the Mentor Groups Formed?

Students are given the opportunity to name three friends and a mentor with whom they would like to do service. Parents will be asked to give written permission for each ‘field trip’. It is a challenging process to coordinate all the names and form the groups. The purpose of the program is to make these service experiences worthwhile and enjoyable. Sometimes students are not placed in a group with all of their choices. It is a goal to place them with at least one of the names on the card.

Are There Deadlines for Completing the Service Projects?

Yes, at least one service project should be completed by January 1, 2011 and a Student “Reflection” form should be completed and submitted after each activity. The deadline for the mentors/students to return the completed forms to our R.E. Office is May 6, 2011. Thank you to everyone involved in the St. Paul Parish Mentor program!