Discipleship

Cabrini Youth’s heartbeat is the “Discipleship model.” This model is inherited from the early Church and effectively forms men and women into devout Christians. The purpose of Discipleship is for a mentor, someone older and wiser in the faith, to walk with the teens in their journey to Christ. Along this journey, the teens grow with their peers and form intentional friendships that are founded on solid ground. This model spreads throughout the youth group, in the surrounding community, and creates a culture that is extremely attractive for the human person. Through discipleship the teen encounters the redemptive love of Christ, the authentic support of devoted friends, and fulfillment in the mission of the Church.

Discipleship groups meet once a week, and the whole youth group gathers for retreats and recreation. Discipleship is intentionally made to be organically relational and not programmed. Every group is different. Some will be more ordered to the academic, and some are more interested in hanging out. There’s a social dimension, and then there’s also an academic side. It’s a mix between a relationship and formation. When a high schooler walks into Cabrini Youth, there is an immediate sense of belonging due to this young adult who desires to disciple them and invest in their life. They do not have to ever wonder if they belong.

Mosh and Yak Nights

Yak and Mosh Nights are our high school community nights that follow 5:15PM Mass on Sundays during the academic year. “Yak” and “Mosh” nights look different but are correlated, and the names are purely just fun to say...there is no meaning behind them. 

In an attempt to stray away from superficial ministry, we have decided to teach our high schoolers important topics within the faith at our Mosh Nights, and then have them practice the teaching at Yak Nights. Mosh nights promote intellectual and spiritual formation, while Yak Nights promote fellowship and the building of practical skills.

The purpose behind this vision is for the teens to start asking “why.” By teaching a topic and then practicing it, this makes an individual’s Christian Faith more intentional. It reveals that our lives do have a purpose, and the Lord is behind all that we do. Every choice we make can be an opportunity to grow in virtue and deepen our faith. 

Men’s and Ladies Nights

Once or twice a semester we also hold a Men’s and Ladies Night. These events are made to strengthen brotherhood and sisterhood within the youth group, as well as address topics that are more specific to males and females. These nights begin with an activity and end with a talk.

Households

Each teen, starting their freshmen year of high school, is placed into a household. Cabrini Youth has six households, three male and three female. Each household has its own unique identity, brand, and culture associated with it. Households have freshmen through seniors which are divided into subsidiary Discipleship groups. High schoolers compete for their households throughout the year, as well as attend/coordinate events together. This creates a natural mentorship between upperclassmen and underclassmen, and allows for high schoolers to be a part of something greater than what the world currently offers them. Households also allow for healthy competition, which is one of the greatest ways to create a sense of identity and loyalty.