Youth Confirmation, or Catechism Instruction, is provided to students in 7th and 8th grade to prepare them for their earthly life as well as eternity in heaven.
Youth members receive pastoral instruction during the school year (September through May). Parents are encouraged to participate in instruction by providing support and guidance for homework assignments and memory work.
For instruction, Good Shepherd utilizes the new edition of Luther’s Catechism (2011 NIV), which is designed to engage and equip generations, today and in the future, with the basic truths of God’s Holy Word. Developed in collaboration with the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary education department, this catechism includes Luther’s enchiridion and exposition on the six chief parts: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, the Use of Keys and Confession, and the Lord’s Supper. The highlights of this edition include:
- A question-and-answer approach that develops students’ ability to discover truths directly from the Bible
- A “Connections” section at the end of each unit that introduces a Bible history or other larger section from Scripture, together with thought questions to elicit discussion
- Quotes from Luther and hymn verses at the end of each unit that encourage use as a devotional tool
- Fresh readability that engages verbal learners
- Full-color layout and engaging diagrams that aid visual learners
Luther’s Catechism is paired with The Catechism Connections: Expressions of My Faith workbook for instruction. This indispensable workbook works in tandem with Luther’s Catechism and offers space for students to record Bible passages. Lined sections on each page allow students to take notes on the six chief parts, the questions from the exposition, the “Connections” section, and the Bible memory work, making this a valuable keepsake as students grow in faith. A commemorative page is also included in the front, providing space for confirmation date, place, pastors, and verse.