Focus 11 is a unique vocations-related program which typically brings together 11-year-olds (5th or 6th graders) and 11th graders. As a group, these young students learn about vocations to holy orders and consecrated life. The program’s emphasis on these age groups is based on research showing that most religious and priests first considered ministry around age 11 and subsequently saw those thoughts bolstered as high school juniors.
At the start, the focus was on a program, systematic in nature, of vocation awareness and invitation. The program comprised exercises, lesson plans, and prayer services matched to the two age groups involved. Different formats were constructed so Focus 11 could be held in schools, youth ministry, CCD, and high school retreats.
Later, Focus 11 spread to other dioceses and took on new forms. For example, in 2000, the Diocese of St. Petersburg (FL) chose to bring about a centralized gathering for 6th graders (11-year-olds) and 11th graders. Local leaders of the program decided to make Focus 11 into a three-day event: the juniors would attend one day, while the 6th graders—split into two groups due to class size—would attend the other two days. It was also decided by the St. Petersburg diocese that all of the 6th-grade and 11th-grade students enrolled in diocesan elementary and high schools would be required to attend Focus 11. Plus, members of religious communities were invited to serve on panels and set up exhibits.
The St. Petersburg diocese has reported that Focus 11 “…has been so successful that it has actually sold itself” even to those who had misgivings about it at first.
6th-Grade Component
- Schools are responsible for transporting their students and providing chaperones
- Students are asked to bring their own lunches
- Lemonade is provided by the Serra Club and the Catholic Women’s Club provides cookies
- Live “Praise and Worship” Music and participatory music is provided to engage the students
- Opening session should include an explanation of the day, prayer, and a school roll call
- Priest or religious gives a keynote
- A vocation skit or video is used
- A presentation by the (arch)bishop
- Interactive vocation “game show”-type activity is utilized
- Rotation of groups into
- lunch
- panel discussion of priests/religious with questions
- exhibit area of religious communities, diocesan life, etc. [good to offer prizes]
- Closing prayer service in the church with reflective music
11th-Grade Component
- Schools are responsible for transporting their students and providing chaperones
- Students are asked to bring their own lunches
- Lemonade is provided by the Serra Club and the Catholic Women’s Club provides cookies
- Mass with the (arch)bishop
- Simultaneous panel discussions (one for boys; one for girls) with priests and/or religious
- Parents of priests and religious panel can also be used
- Priest or religious gives a keynote
- Exhibit area of religious communities, diocesan life, etc. [good to offer prizes]
- Closing prayer service
