| S03 E13 | Deacon Eric Gurash and guest, Michelle Braden from the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry unveil an exciting new teen sacramental preparation initiative—designed for young people who previously missed Baptism, Confirmation, or other sacraments. This episode explores how monthly gatherings, community-building, team-building, and flexible catechesis create a welcoming environment where teens can grow in faith, build relationships, and prepare for the sacraments in a supportive, belonging-focused setting. Contact Michelle Braden at [email protected] to learn more! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:54 Introducing Michelle Braden and the New Initiative 02:11 Challenges and Reasons for the New Program 04:32 Program Structure and Goals 05:55 Community Building and Sacramental Preparation 10:14 Parish Involvement and Mentorship 17:31 Call for Volunteers and Conclusion 17:44 Introduction to the New Program 18:03 Monthly Meetings and Source Event Integration 19:30 Initial Sessions and Getting to Know Each Other 20:52 Building Community and Fun Activities 21:39 Importance of Personal Connections 23:44 Flexibility and Adapting to Group Dynamics 29:19 Encouraging Participation and Open Invitation 29:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information