Novi Catholic Central High School’s Unique Program Sparks Faith Growth Among Students

Novi Students Find Their Faith at Catholic Central High School

In the bustling city of Novi, something exciting is happening at Catholic Central High School. Over the past six years, the school has cultivated a unique program that guides students wishing to embrace the Catholic faith, and it’s blossoming in a way few could have anticipated. Currently, about 50 students have been initiated into the Catholic Church through this initiative, with another 18 eagerly awaiting their turn this spring!

A Journey of Faith

Fr. Patrick Fulton, CSB, the principal of Catholic Central, couldn’t be more thrilled about the program’s success. “People might think the Church isn’t connecting with young folks, but that’s far from the truth,” he said. “We’re resonating with them right where they are on their faith journey.” Moreover, the buzz has reached the National Catholic Educational Association, with hopes of sharing their success story at an upcoming conference. Talk about making waves!

The program, originally established in 2018, started as a sacramental prep initiative tailored specifically for teens. Dubbed the Order of Christian Initiation of Teens (OCIT), it mirrors the adult conversion format, making it accessible and relatable for high school students.

A Growing Movement

When Fr. Fulton took the helm in 2019, he saw potential for growth and expansion, leading to formalization of the program during the 2021-22 academic year. And boom! Participation has skyrocketed since then. In 2022, only four students completed their sacraments; in 2023, that number bounced to 11. This spring, a whopping 22 students embraced their faith, marking a trend that truly fills Fr. Fulton with “a sense of awe.”

“These young individuals are planting seeds—not just for themselves but for their families and friends as well,” he added, revealing how emotional it can be to witness these transformations.

Learning the Ropes

Students diving into the OCIT program don’t just learn about faith in theology classes. They meet biweekly during lunch to explore the teachings, rites, and traditions of the Catholic Church in a relaxed setting. It’s a safe space to ask questions and spark conversations about faith. Senior Nick Leiter, who transitioned from a Protestant background to Catholic Central, reflects on his journey. Initially apprehensive, Nick found himself enamored with the theology lessons and began to reconsider his beliefs.

“Before I even knew it, I was reading scripture,” Nick shared. “By my junior year, I found that my earlier doubts were unfounded. Faith and reason intertwined beautifully.” In a eureka moment, he decided to join the OCIT program, marking a significant step toward his spiritual journey.

Community Support

The roots of the OCIT program run deep, stemming from a student’s inquiry about receiving missed sacraments. This nudged the administration to gauge interest across the student body, ultimately gaining permission from the Archbishop of Detroit to kick things off. Colin Whitehead, a theology teacher, led the charge, crafting a curriculum accessible for all grade levels. His passion blossomed through the archbishop’s call for innovative evangelization methods.

As interest continued to rise, a community emerged, where students began sharing their faith journeys with one another. Whitehead explained that personal connections are key to engagement: “If students don’t feel that connection, they won’t follow through.” By tackling theological discussions actively and personally, students felt empowered to explore their own beliefs.

An Inclusive Space

Students participating in the OCIT program remain engaged in daily theology classes, coupled with additional meetings to delve deeper into their faith. Plus, during the Easter season, there’s a special Mass where they wrap up their sacrament journey in the company of the entire school—a true celebration of community!

The Impact of Faith

Junior Levi Fleer, who transitioned from a non-denominational Christian background, felt a connection blossoming around him at Catholic Central. “When I saw friends getting baptized, it was like a light bulb clicked for me,” he said, reflecting on his initiation into the Church this spring. “The changes in my life have resonated within my family too.”

Fellow sophomore Jalen Montlouis echoed similar sentiments. Surrounded by his football teammates, he engaged in Mass before practice, strengthening bonds that led him to start his own OCIT journey. “Faith really is incorporated into every facet of our lives here,” he remarked.

With students becoming their own evangelists, sharing their journeys and experiences, Catholic Central’s OCIT program is not just a pathway to faith; it’s resulting in a ripple effect of positive growth throughout the community. Who would’ve thought that a high school could become such a vibrant hub for spiritual exploration? Only time will tell where this exciting journey leads!