Firmandia: Young people explore faith and community in the Ostalbkreis!

Firmandia: Young people explore faith and community in the Ostalbkreis!

From May 16th to 18th, 2025, a preparation weekend for confirmations in the Ostalbkreis took place in the Rötenbach leisure home near Bartholomä. A total of 37 young people between the ages of 13 and 15 from seven different pastoral care units took part. Under the motto “Firmandia – what is your stage?” The young participants were warmly welcomed by a dedicated team of volunteers and full-time team members from the Ostalb-Heidenheim Youth Department.

During the weekend, the young people had the opportunity to choose from a total of nine topics in three rounds of workshops. The workshops covered a wide range, including creative activities such as batiks, discussions about one's own life path and beliefs, diversity in society, critical consumption as well as cooperation and simulation games. This format promoted both the exchange and the acquisition of new experiences with peers.

Graduation and blessings

The team members said goodbye to the prospective candidates with final wishes for a wonderful celebration and God’s blessing. The exchange and experiences during the weekend helped to increase anticipation for the upcoming confirmations. The articles about this event were written by various clubs, parishes, schools and kindergartens and then checked by the editorial team. However, the publisher took no responsibility for the accuracy of the information, as Schwäbische.de reports.

The preparation weekend for confirmation is part of a larger program that the Ostalb deanery organizes for young people. In this context, the diverse training program should also be mentioned, which provides information about various aspects of youth work. This includes, among other things, the offers for youth leader training as well as special courses for the further training of volunteers.

Youth work as a foundation

Practical youth work in the regional church is promoted by various organizations such as the CVJM, the CPD or the EC. These associations form the Evangelical Youth of the regional church and are also involved in the organization of events such as the confirmation weekend. The Landesjugendpfarramt supports this work through further training and advice, which ensures the quality and relevance of the offers.

Youth work encompasses many facets, from support with leisure activities and project work to international youth encounters to spirituality and religious education. Through workshops and further training courses, the young people are not only encouraged, but also supported in their personal development. These offers are essential to form a strong community among young people and to promote their integration into the church community.