The USCCB has created a blueprint for the continued development of effective youth ministry and it takes the whole Church!
Renewing the Vision outlines what comprehensive youth ministry looks like. There are many resources throughout the Church that we can turn to in order to make this vision alive in our ministries. Here are some of those resources.
The ministry of advocacy engages the Church to examine its priorities and practices to determine how well young people are integrated into the life, mission, and work of the Catholic community.
The ministry of catechesis helps adolescents develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community, and increase their knowledge of the core content of the Catholic faith. The ministry of Catechesis also helps young people enrich and expand their understanding of the Scriptures and the sacred tradition and their application to life today, and live more faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ in their daily lives, especially through a life of prayer, justice, and loving service.
The ministry of community life builds an environment of love, support, appreciation for diversity, and judicious acceptance that models Catholic principles; develops meaningful relationships; and nurtures Catholic faith.
The ministry of evangelization shares the good news of the reign of God and invites young people to hear about the Word Made Flesh.
The ministry of justice and service nurtures in young people a social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and service rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ, in the Scriptures, and in Catholic social teaching; empowers young people to work for justice by concrete efforts to address the causes of human suffering; and infuses the concepts of justice, peace, and human dignity into all ministry efforts.
The ministry of Leadership Development calls forth, affirms, and empowers the diverse gifts, talents, and abilities of adults and young people in our faith communities for comprehensive ministry with adolescents.
The ministry of pastoral care is a compassionate presence in imitation of Jesus’ care of people, especially those who were hurting and in need.
The ministry of prayer and worship celebrates and deepens young people’s relationship with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace, communal prayer and liturgical experiences; it awakens their awareness of the spirit at work in their lives; it incorporates young people more fully into the sacramental life of the Church, especially eucharist; it nurtures the personal prayer life of young people; and it fosters family rituals and prayer.
We can help! Our staff is made up of experienced youth ministers. We’re available to share our knowledge with you.
We can help! Our staff is made up of experienced youth ministers. We’re available to share our knowledge with you.
