Lighthouse Confirmation Peer Ministry Program Introduction

The Lighthouse Program forms older, previously Confirmed high school students as peer ministers to accompany younger candidates (ages 10-16) to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation as part of a broader preparation process. It is about befriending, caring for, and helping Confirmation candidates celebrate their Confirmation in ways that encourage them to begin their journey into adult faith.

It offers a compelling model for preparing older teens for ministry leadership, helping them transition into an adult role in the church. It can especially help dioceses that are lowering the age of confirmation to continue to engage older youth in ministry. 

Note that this is not a comprehensive preparation program, but is meant to be used as part of a wider Confirmation program. Learn more about the program at this link.

This book provides program directors and adult leaders with detailed guidance for setting up the program in your church or school. It includes:

• Introducing the Lighthouse Program
  • A rationale: Evangelization, leadership, and learning.
  • High school student participation: A pathway for leadership training.
  • Confirmation candidate participation: Engagement through the Spirit.
• Setting up the Lighthouse Program
  • Organizing participation, step-by-step.
  • Using the program in a school setting.
  • Meeting times & calendar scheduling.
• Lighthouse Leadership Training: What Is Involved
• Peer Ministry: What Is Involved
• Practical Elements
  • Spaces for leadership and peer ministry sessions
  • Prayer services
  • Responding to youth answers (and questions)
• Appendices
  • Letter to Partner School/Parish template
  • Letter to Families template
  • Program registration