Several people have asked about Il-Shim for their children and if there is a program available for them. I have been told that there is an update under development that will be released sometime soon. When that happens we will be sure to make it available to all of our members.

Until then, I have attached a document to this article that outlines a program that was developed in New Jersey. We have been using this and earlier versions of this program in the Pocono Family Camp community for several years.

I believe that it gives our teen aged children a firm footing in their faith and marks a key place in time in their decision to remain pure. It reminds me of the experience of being confirmed as a young Catholic. The faith begins to become mine and not just that of my parents.

I have included a few paragraphs of the guide below to give you an idea of the goals of Il-Shim. Feel free to select the link below to get a copy of the program for yourself.

We have found that by having the Il-Shim ceremony in a community setting of many supportive families it encourages the teens to keep the commitment knowing they have the support of others. It also allows the younger children to see their older siblings participate and gives them a vision for the future.

Blessings to your family.
Bruce Bonini

Welcome to the IL Shim Preparation Program! As a teenager, you are growing closer to becoming an adult with each passing year. You are entering a time in your life when you are freer to make your own decisions and determine your own destiny. So, what future will you choose? What role will God and True Parents have in your life? How will you balance your personal goals and ambitions with church and parental expectations? How you answer these questions depends upon your level of faith and your personal understanding of your unique position as second generation.

As a child, you were born into the faith tradition of your parents, and you have grown up in your parent’s church. As a teenager, however, you have reached a point where you need to define your own faith. You need to sort out what you believe and why you believe it. This means that you need to take ownership of your faith tradition. Taking ownership means building your own personal relationship with God and True Parents. The IL Shim program is designed to help you begin this process.

As a teenager, you are capable of assuming more responsibility for your life of faith, and you are able to take a greater role in the daily activities of your church. The question is, however, do you want to? Are you trying to rise to a new level of faith, or are you content to stay where you are? Only you control this decision. The IL Shim program is designed to help you recognize your unique potential and support your efforts to grow in both the knowledge and practice of your faith. Through your participation in the IL Shim program, you will be challenged to rise to a new level of faith by to putting your faith into practice on a daily basis. By doing this, you will naturally begin to assume a greater ownership and understanding of your position as second-generation.

Il-Shim Study Guide, 2005

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