SHYP with CityReach Boston

Unitarian Universalist sources inspire us, across time and tradition, to be people of good faith and right action.

High-school-age UUs put faith into action every day by daring to be real, showing acceptance and support, leading with courage, and acting for justice. They change their lives—and change the world—for the better. Faith development at UUCR for students in Grades 9 to 12 means learning about the sacred, about others, and about themselves–discovering what it means to have a personal faith that is anchored by diversity and acceptance.

In response to the pandemic-necessitated program gaps that our youth experienced through the church years of 2020-2022, we are adjusting our 2022-2023 offerings to meet youth along their paths. Programs may be offered to age groupings that differ from past years.

8th & 9th Graders are invited to join Building Bridges.

Building Bridges In this world religions program youth study the tenets and practices of other faiths, with guided visits to houses of worship and religious settings. At the same time, they broaden their knowledge of humanity, embolden their spiritual search, and find a connection with others who may be different from themselves.

10th, 11th & 12th Graders are invited to their Coming of Age year. 

Coming of Age (COA) This milestone program invites youth to identify and articulate their own beliefs, acknowledging that faith development is a fluid and lifelong process. In small groups, youth meet throughout the year with adult volunteer mentors and UUCR staff members for discussion about their own religious history–drawing on personal experiences, knowledge, and understanding. With the guidance of trusted adults, youth reflect on spiritual questions and explore such concepts as the nature of creation, the existence of good and evil, a purposeful life, and the nature of death and everlasting life. Youth are encouraged to identify where, and with whom, they find comfort, meaning, and inspiration. Each participant is encouraged to create a Credo Statement (a statement of faith), and all are invited to present their statements to the congregation during UUCR’s traditional Coming of Age worship service at the end of the church year. 

Grades 7-12 are invited to participate together in Youth Group.

Youth Group–Sometimes on Sundays (SOS) SOS provides a safe and nurturing space for youth to form friendships, engage in service work, and have fun together. Members create their own covenant to affirm the value of their relationship, community, and interdependence. The grade 7-12 model includes youth-led worship and relationship-building with peers and trusted adult staff and volunteers. The group meets once each month.

Participation in Church Community Many high school youth enhance their church life by helping lead younger children’s classrooms, leading components of Sunday service, participating in church events, and joining church committees.

Registration
Thank you for being part of our community as we move forward with enthusiasm! We will link to a registration form when registration is open for the 2025-2026 school year.

Our programming is designed to strengthen and sustain connection. A mix of in-person and online programs are offered. Please let us know if there’s something further we can do to meet your needs.

We’re glad you’re interested in our program. For information or to chat, you are invited to contact the Religious Education Coordinator –we look forward to hearing from you!