Got big questions? Wondering about what your purpose is or what you are meant to do with your life? Trying to figure out how to listen for God in your life?
Great - us too!
Join us for a weekend of prayer, community, and rest as we work to build some skills in prayerful listening and mutual support as you and other participants thoughtfully consider your lives and futures!
The schedule is likely to change, but here's an idea of what you can expect the weekend to look like. Lots of intentional time as a community and plenty of free time to rest, catch up on some schoolwork, or whatever else you need to do!
Lots of people of all ages struggle with those same questions, but for youth and young adults, this stuff feels extra urgent and important. Trying to figure out how to navigate and make sense of all of that can feel overwhelming and confusing, so we've got a plan to support you through it!
Finding Our Paths Together is a six-month long small-group discernment program for youth and young adults aged 16 to 21, beginning with an in-person weekend focused on community building, learning what discernment is, and learning some prayerful listening practices together. From there, participants and leaders will meet monthly in small groups for group discernment and prayer, wrapping up with an in-person celebration in the spring.
Participation in this program is totally free. We'll even do our best to arrange transportation to get you to Tatamagouche for the retreat - that's how important we think this is!
To apply to join this cohort, click here!
If you've got questions, check out our FAQs below, or contact Allie at youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca.
These aren't in any particular order, so you can take a look through all of them, or use "control+F" to search the page for what you are looking for. If you can't find the info here, get in touch with Allie (902-789-3481 or youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca).
What is this?
Finding Our Paths Together is an a six-month long cohort of youth and young adutls ages 16 to 21 who are trying to figure out their life and purpose! We'll start things off with a weekend-long, in-person retreat, and will continue with monthly small group calls for the next coupole of months, wrapping up with an in-person celebration in the spring. Of course there will be lots of learning and prayer, but also we will relax, get to know each other, worship together – and have a lot of fun!
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of people participating in something together or sharing in an experience with one another.
Who is this cohort for?
This cohort is for youth and young adults ages 16 to 21 If you've been Anglican your whole life, are brand new to the church, are part of another church, a skeptic, or have no idea at all what you believe, you are welcome here!
But I’m not an Anglican.
You really don’t have to be - we promise! We've had people from all kinds of different denominations (and no denomination at all!) participate in Youth and Family Minsitry programs.
But what will we actually be doing?
For the weekend retreat, we will travel to Tatamagouche together (we'll rent some vans and do our very best to drive everyone there!), and then spend the weekend preparing meals togther, getting to know one another, leaning and experiencing a variety of prayer practices, taking time and space for quiet, contemplation, and rest, and probably polaying a game or two along the way!
Who are the leaders?
Leaders for Finding Our Paths Together are all clergy or lay leaders who are connected to the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Some of our leaders grew up in this diocese and participated in programs for youth and young adults and others are people who are just enthusiastic about helping young people learn and grow. All of our leaders are screened according to the Diocesan Screening Policy, which includes a Police Records Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and training on Healthy Boundaries.
How much does this program cost?
We are so grateful to have received a grant from the Growth for Ministry Fund, which is covering all costs associated with the program - which means there is NO COST for participants!
What happens if I get sick and am unable to attend?
If you develop any symptoms of any communicable disease in the leadup to the retreat, we ask that you please stay home. If you are not able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible, as there may be a waitlist of people hoping to participate. Participation in the remainder of the cohort will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.