Fiat Ventures is a Catholic organization that provides ministry programs and resources to deaneries, parishes, schools and other organizations. Fiat Ventures’ three main programs are its Not Too YoungConfirmation Retreat Program, BOLD Youth Ministry and Evangelization First. See www.fiatventures.com for more information about the organization and its team.

The traditional model of parish religious education tries to catechize students who have no spiritual foundation or relationship with God. By taking a ministry-based approach, students’ education is more effective because they are led to encounter Christ as they learn about the faith.

After six or seven hours in the classroom (not to mention hours of homework) students can be burnt out.“Switching it up” makes youth more receptive to the message; large group presentations prevent them from putting up walls, and small group discussions and activities (which can be held in a classroom) help unpack the content.

Evangelization First is integrated into the parish’s religious education program. On one end of the spectrum, Fiat Ventures can supply the religious education curricula and personnel to administer an entire middle school or Confirmation program. On the other, Fiat Ventures provides individual Evangelization First sessions to supplement current religious education programs. This could be one or more sessions per grade each year. No matter the level of involvement, Evangelization First is always integrated into the parish’s religious education program including textbooks, themes and schedules, as needed.

Yes. One of the ways Evangelization First is integrated into the parish is that the small group facilitators who lead discussions and activities and reinforce content are recruited from within the community. Current teachers and catechists make great facilitators.

Fiat Ventures’ philosophy is that all interaction youth have with their church is “youth ministry.” So-called “youth ministry” events and activities, however, tend to be optional and attract those from a stronger faith formation and participation background (for a sustainable, relational parish youth ministry program, see boldym.com). Evangelization First integrates ministry techniques into religious education, and uniquely engages all students whether they come from families who practice the faith or not.

In a full program, each grade level has its own curriculum. However, in the standard middle school program, two grade levels can still meet at the same time. Individual Evangelization First sessions can be for a single grade level or multiple grades.

The pricing listed on this website serves as a general guide.The compensation will be affected by the specific needs of the parish

Evangelization First programs can include a curriculum for students in 5th grade, but Fiat Ventures does not currently offer programs for 4th grade and younger. Feel free to contact us for recommendations.

Evangelization First, like all of Fiat Ventures’ programs, is subject to the Bishop’s and Pastor’s authorities in each parish in which the program exists. Thus, Fiat Ventures’ takes care that each program is in accordance with the policies, and regulations of both the diocese and parish. This includes the content presented, calendar of programming, etc.

Yes. All of Fiat Ventures’ personnel involved in Evangelization First conform to the strictest standards of Safe Environment procedures, and comply with the specific diocesan policies. This information is provided to the parish before the program begins. See also the above question regarding approval.