Youth

Trinity offers a wide variety of opportunities for our youth including our two youth groups, acolyting, singing in one of our choirs, youth mission trips, and confirmation program.   
 

Youth Groups at Trinity

The youth of Trinity and St. Paul and St. James Episcopal Church meet together most Sundays.

There are two youth groups at Trinity:

Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8)

Senior High Youth Group (grades 9-12)

Where we meet?

Due to Trinity's undercroft being remolded, we will be meeting at St. Paul & St. James Episcopal Church (Olive & Chapel Streets) until January.  

Both groups meet from 4:00 pm till 6:00 pm. 

 

Youth Mission Trip

This past summer youth group went on a mission trip will be to Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Stay tuned for details on this year's summer mission trip.

Past Mission Trips:
2008:  Shenandoah Valley in Virginia
2007:  Common Cathedral in Boston, MA
2006:  New Orleans
2005:  Appalachia Mountians, Tennessee
2004:  Puerto Rico
 

Confirmation

Youth over the age of fifteen wishing to explore making a commitment to the church are encouraged to attend confirmation classes. Trinity is meets with other Episcopal churches in New Haven and using the program Confirm not Conform. This program works to help youth develop their own mature foundation for their faith.

What is Confirm not Conform?

Our parish will again use a new confirmation program for youth. Called CnC: Confirm not Conform, this program takes an innovative approach to helping young people build their own spiritual lives.

The initial problem with most confirmation programs is that, from the moment a youth signs up, the assumption that they will be confirmed is in place. It is a done deal. No student would want to spend so much time in study and not reach the goal. But how can you confirm your faith without opening your heart and mind to ask what it is you really believe? The process is meant to be about exploration, not memorization.

CnC is focused on helping young people ask the tough questions and search out the answers. Through field trips, mentor relationships and the challenge to do a whole lot more than just learn a few facts, CnC lets kids take real responsibility for understanding their faith and its power. When they do - when they see the church and faith as something that truly belongs to them, rather than something they are forced to accept - it builds a bond that lasts.

At the end of the class, as a sign of their ability to take charge of their own spiritual life, each youth chooses whether or not to be confirmed. All participants, whatever their decision, are honored in a special service dedicated to their work, exploration and discoveries. In parishes which have used CnC, kids refer to the service as one of the most meaningful experiences they have had in church.

For more information about confirmation, contact: the Rev. Alex Dyer at adyer@trinitynewhaven.org or call the Parish Office at 624-3101.

Acolytes

Youth age 9 and older are encouraged to serve as acolytes at either the 9:00 or 11:00 service.  Being an acolyte provides children and young adults with the unique opportunity to more fully participate in the worship service. When looking for acolytes, we expect the following: 

COMMITMENT:  Acolytes understand and agree that they are expected to perform the duties of this ministry faithfully as a personal commitment of their time and talent.  This includes not only serving on the day they are scheduled but also learning about being an acolyte through reading and training and be willing to serve as a substitute, if needed. 

ATTENDANCE/PUNCTUALITY:  Acolytes serve when they are scheduled unless special circumstances (sickness, family emergency, etc.) prevent them from doing so.  If an acolyte cannot perform their scheduled duties they MUST find a replacement and inform the Acolyte Coordinator, Karrie Hendrickson.  It is possible, but unlikely, that an acolyte might get a call on Saturday night or Sunday morning to see if they can fill in. Acolytes need to be at the church and in full vestment (robe and cross) at least 20 minutes prior to the worship service.

APPEARANCE:  Acolytes should not wear open toed shoes or shoes with high heels.  Please wear socks.  Do not wear a shirt with writing on it since the words will show through the robe.  Do not wear a sweatshirt with a hood.  Do not wear a hat or a scarve.  Please do not wear a lot of jewelry.  Choose a vestment robe that hangs just below your ankles after the rope belt has been tied.  Please strive to keep the vestments clean and hang them up nicely after the service.

CONDUCT:  An acolyte is a leader in the service he/she is serving.  As such, they are expected to fully participate in the liturgy by responding to the prayers, reciting any creeds, listening to the readings, and singing the hymns.  Other worshipers can see you at all times so please act accordingly.

If you are interested in serving as an Acolyte, contact Karrie Hendrickson.