Launched in the fall of 2020, Montini Catholic's Peer Ministry mentorship program is well underway for the 2023-24 school year. The program is an advisory one, facilitated by Montini's Peer Ministry team*, and extends throughout freshman year focusing on helping the newest Broncos create new connections to their classmates. Upperclassmen act as 'trusted guides' by helping the mentees become familiar with the high school atmosphere (policies, procedures, traditions etc.) and encouraging them to get involved and to develop new relationships in the process.

(*Montini Catholic's Peer Ministry Team is a faith-based ministry group whose mission is to inspire and motivate by example and to encourage students to engage in faith-based activities at Montini and in their communities.)

"We want to welcome them and provide them with a mentor to help navigate through the numerous difficulties that come with beginning a new school, especially when it's high school," explained Campus Minister Michael Blanchette. The Peer Ministers were assigned to lead a small group of freshmen. "They will be with the same group of students all year, so that they can bond and get to know them and journey alongside them throughout the school year."

On Thursday, August 24th, the groups got together for the first time since Freshman Step-Up Day (in June). They plan to do this type of activity at least once a quarter throughout the year during Freshman Theology classes. "We want them to be a constant source of information and support," informed Blanchette. During this first session, the mentors brought up specific 'ice-breaker' topics for discussion and freshmen were given the chance to get to know one another better and ask questions if desired. "Our ministers will also give witness talks and lead team building activities throughout the year," added Blanchette. 

"The first freshman group meetings went really well," added Katie Miller, Assistant Campus Minister and moderator of the Peer Ministry program.  "Our senior and junior ministers really enjoyed getting to know the freshmen and they are excited to continue working with the class throughout the year!"

The Peer Ministers will also take on leadership roles during Montini Catholic's much anticipated, annual Freshman Retreat Day which will take place later this school year.

Mr. Blanchette is confident that the mentorship program will benefit the school community as a whole. "We are a family oriented community. The freshmen look up to the Peer Ministers as older brothers/sisters," he said. "While at the same time, our Peer Ministers are being challenged to grow their leadership skills and to become inspirations within their school and local communities."