Every year, youth ministry leaders watch their seniors graduate… and quietly wonder:
Will they stay connected to their faith?
The reality is this: Most young adults don’t leave the Church because they stop believing. They leave because they lose connection.
Faith Forward, powered by Newman Connection, is the national movement making this possible.
Because of generous donors, every connection, tool, and resource is provided free—so no student is missed, and no ministry is left on its own.
This guide will walk you through how to intentionally connect your students to a Catholic community after graduation, using a simple, proven process that works inside your parish.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
The transition out of high school is one of the most vulnerable moments in a young person’s faith life.
- They lose routine
- They lose community
- They lose accountability
But here’s the opportunity: You can bridge that gap before they ever leave.
When students are connected to a Catholic campus ministry before they arrive, they are significantly more likely to stay engaged in their faith.
That’s the mission of Faith Forward:
To ensure every graduating senior is personally connected to their next Catholic community.
Step 1: Set the Environment (Before You Ask Them to Sign Up)
If you want students to take action, the environment matters just as much as the ask. This is where most ministries miss it—they announce instead of prepare.
Create a moment, not just a mention
Instead of:
- “Hey, fill this out sometime…”
Create:
- A dedicated moment during youth group, retreat, or senior night
What this looks like:
- Build in 5–10 minutes of intentional time
- Frame it as part of their next step in their faith journey
- Make it feel personal, not administrative
Language that works:
- “This is how we make sure you’re not alone next year.”
- “Your future campus ministry is already waiting for you.”
- “This is your bridge from here to what’s next.”
You’re not just sharing a form. You’re casting vision for their future.
Step 2: Cast Vision Before You Give Instructions
Students don’t respond to logistics. They respond to meaning.
Before showing the Faith Forward form, take 2–3 minutes to explain:
What happens after they fill it out?
- They’ll be personally connected to a Catholic community
- A campus minister will reach out to them directly
- They’ll already know someone before they arrive
Help them picture it:
- Walking into campus and seeing a familiar face
- Getting invited to a welcome event
- Having a place to belong from day one
When students understand the why, the yes comes easier.
Step 3: Have Them Fill It Out On the Spot (This Is Critical)
If students leave the room without completing the form, most won’t come back to it.
The best practice:
Do it together. Right there. In the room.
How to execute:
- Ask students to take out their phones
- Share the Faith Forward link (QR code works best)
- Walk through it briefly while they complete it
- Give them 2–3 minutes of silence to submit
Pro tip:
Don’t rush this moment. This is the most important step in the entire process.
Step 4: Remove Friction and Increase Completion
Make it as easy as possible for students to say yes.
Simple ways to improve completion:
- Put the QR code on a slide or printed card
- Have leaders available to help if questions come up
- Play quiet music to create a focused moment
- Encourage everyone to submit before moving on
What to avoid:
- “Fill this out later”
- Posting a link in a group chat without context
- Assuming they’ll remember
If it’s not immediate, it’s unlikely.
Step 5: Follow Up Like It Matters (Because It Does)
Connection doesn’t end when the form is submitted.
As a youth ministry leader, you can:
- Remind students: “You should hear from someone soon.”
- Celebrate it: “You’re officially connected!”
- Encourage them to respond when campus ministers reach out
Bonus idea:
Create a “Faith Forward Sunday” or Senior Blessing moment where you publicly affirm students taking this step.
This reinforces:
- Their identity as young adults in the Church
- That they are being sent, not just leaving
Step 6: Build This Into Your Annual Ministry Rhythm
The most effective ministries don’t treat this as a one-time push.
They build it into their system.
Ideal touchpoints:
- Senior night
- Graduation Mass
- Retreats
- End-of-year youth group gatherings
Consistency creates culture, and culture creates lasting impact.
What Happens Next for Your Students
When a student fills out the Faith Forward form through Newman Connection:
- Their information is securely shared with their next Catholic community
- A campus minister or local Catholic leader reaches out
- They receive a personal invitation into community
This is how the Church becomes: connected, intentional, and relational—before students ever arrive.
You’re Not Just Sending Them Off—You’re Sending Them Forward
Youth ministry isn’t just about what happens in high school.
It’s about what happens after.
Faith Forward gives you a simple, powerful way to ensure your students:
- Stay connected
- Feel known
- Continue growing in their faith
Because no student should have to figure it out alone.
Ready to Get Your Students Connected?
Faith Forward gives you a simple, powerful way to ensure your students stay connected, feel known, and continue growing in their faith.
And because of Newman Connection and the generosity of donors, everything you need is already built—and completely free to use.
The only thing left is your yes. Make Faith Forward part of your ministry this graduation season.
Help your seniors take their next step today with these pre-made resources made just for you.
Want Help Implementing This in Your Parish?
If you’d like:
- Ready-to-use slides
- QR code handouts
- Messaging templates for students and parents