Discipleship Group FAQ

Have questions about joining a discipleship group? We’re here to help!

 
What is a discipleship group?

• A discipleship group is a small group of 6 – 10 high school teens of the same gender. Groups meet at least twice a month throughout the school year. Each group will have two adult leaders to plan each meeting and help the teens become better disciples.

 When and where do groups meet?

• Groups meet whenever and wherever is best for the group.  You will indicate the best days and times for your child when you register. Each group will have a “Lead Parent” who coordinates when and where the group will meet.

How do I sign-up my teen for a group?

• Go to smgparish.org/hsyouth to register. And thanks to the “Investing in Our Youth” campaign, registration is completely free.

My teen doesn’t have any Catholic friends. How does he/she join a group?

• When you sign-up your child, please note this on your registration. We’d be happy to contact you and learn more about your child in order to place him/her in the group that is the best possible fit.

My child’s closest Catholic friends are of the opposite gender. Can we have a mixed gender group?

• In general, same-gender groups provide a deeper level of safety, vulnerability, and trust during small group discussions and limit potential issues with romantic relationships between teens during group time. However, if you believe your child would have a stronger sense of belonging in a mixed gender group, please contact Ali Poteet at apoteet@smgparish.org. 

• We are committed to creating a safe environment for all of our teens. Any adults hosting groups in homes (or present during meetings) must be current with the Fort Worth Diocese Safe Environment requirements. Please contact Bradford Downs for next steps in completing these requirements.

• If you are the parent of a teen who will be participating in a discipleship group, simply indicate your interest in his/her registration. Other adults interested in serving should contact Bradford Downs via email.

I’d like to be a small group leader for my child’s group. Is that okay?

• It is preferred that small group leaders are not the parent of a child in the group. Should your child request you to be a leader for his/her group, please contact Ali Poteet at apoteet@smgparish.org.

Have more questions or want to help?

• Contact Bradford Downs, our High School Youth Ministry Coordinator, at bdowns@smgparish.org.