Totus Tuus offers instruction in the evening for junior and senior high school youth. Junior High youth are those entering the 7th or 8th grades, and Senior High youth are those entering grades 9-12 for the 2010-11 school year. These “twilight retreats” meet Sunday through Thursday.

We have found that vibrant, faithful, college-aged teachers can effectively impact the youth at this age. Two reasons for this have been noticed: the close proximity of age and the ability to establish mentor relationships, i.e., big brother or big sister.

The Totus Tuus Junior and Senior High School Program comprises instruction, small group discussions, quiet meditation, prayer, and fellowship. The team teaches in such a way as to offer a dialogue in which each person feels respected in his or her most basic dignity.

The junior high students will join the senior high students for the evening program; however, their classes will remain separate to maintain an atmosphere and discussion that is appropriate for both age groups.

Facilities

Similar to the Grade School Program, the team needs one large hall or room for their main assemblies. If the group is large, it is helpful to provide a microphone for the main speaker.

The size of the student body and number of teachers assigned to each parish will determine how much classroom space is needed. Generally, the team will need two classrooms available for use.

The church needs to be available for Adoration and Confessions one evening of the week, usually Tuesday.

Supplies

It would be helpful to have the following supplies for the high school sessions: a chalkboard/dry erase board, CD player, Bibles, 5-7 votive candles, a large crucifix, and a decorative cloth.

Schedule

Each retreat session runs from 7:30 p.m. until 9:40 p.m. There will be time for fellowship, snacks, and instructional sessions most evenings. The schedule varies, as described below, on Tuesday and Thursday.

Snacks

There is a 15-minute refreshment break at 8:30 p.m. We ask the parish to supply the refreshments Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday evenings. No snacks are needed Tuesday or Thursday evening.

Adoration and Confession

On Tuesday evening, the youth adore Christ face-to-face during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. During the same time, the youth are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Confession. Thus confessors will be needed from 8:30-9:30 p.m. If your parish has many young people involved in the program, the pastor may find it helpful to invite a fellow priest to assist.

Thursday Evening Social

On Thursday evening, the last night of retreat sessions, the team will spend time in fellowship with the youth. Activities for Thursday evening may include anything that allow the team member and youth to interact on a social basis, e.g., a barbecue at the lake, going out for pizza and bowling, going to a parishioner’s home for a cookout and swimming, etc. This is a great chance for the teachers to make a personal connection with the youth. The youth are responsible for the cost of the outing, usually no more than $5.