Are You Keeping Students Connected After Graduation? 3 Tips To Let Them Know The Church Still Cares

I hate when I don’t get to say goodbye. It leaves loose ends that can create awkwardness next time you see them. When it comes to students who have just graduated high school how you say goodbye is important. It’s an opportunity to affirm the last four years (Or more) that you’ve had with the students. By saying goodbye properly you let them know that the relationship isn’t done even though it might change.

Before the summer ends and all those graduated seniors move on to the next phase of life, make sure you help them with the transition by:

RECAPPING THE JOURNEY

Many of them are ready to be done with their teen years, even if they are nervous about the road ahead. before they dismiss everything give them a chance to reflect and celebrate what was good.

A tradition I hold is meeting with graduated seniors for breakfast at the end of the summer, right before they go to college. It gives them a little separation from their graduation so they are thinking a little more clearly. We talk about the past four years, I share with them stories I don’t think they’ve ever heard before and I give them some last bits of advice.

It brings closure to the last couple of years. It let’s them know that I’m not done being a part of their life and that if they need anything they can reach out. Having a chance to reflect and recap also gives them the opportunity to embrace the path God has put them on.

GIVING THEIR SMALL GROUP LEADERS OVERTIME

I heard about another church doing this and thought it was awesome. Instead of asking your small group leaders to commit for 4 years of high school, ask them for 6 more. Those 2 additional years would be different because the conversation would probably happen over video chat, but it would be worth it.

Those first two years of college are so tulmultous and having their small group can help the students adapt and adjust to the year ahead. If doing weekly meetings is tough, adjust to monthly ones. No matter how frequently knowing that they are not alone going into the next phase of life will give them the confidence to adjust.

SEND THEM OFF AS A COMMUNITY

As you get closer to the beginning of the school year designate a Mass or service to commissioning high school and college grads. It can be done during the closing prayer, at the beginning or even during the message.

Have the congregation pray over them and if possible hold a reception in their honor. After all you have been forming them as disciples and this is your opportunity to commission them to go and make other disciples.

Saying goodbye to students isn’t fun. You’ve seen most of your students grow from small kids into young men and women. But, don’t let them just wander off into the world. Be intentional with the transition and you’ll let them know that they’ll always be a part of the church.

How do you prepare graduates for the next phase of life?

Join the Conversation on Facebook