YOUTH MINISTRY

• Youth Catechism - from October  to May, each Friday at 9:00am
• Youth Mass - from October to May, each Friday at 10:15am
• Youth Retreats
• Community Building Activities
• Service projects

Youth Ministry Outline
Many youth today are waiting to hear the Good News that is ours as Christ's disciples. Youth in our parish long to grow spiritually and to belong to their family, Church and the local community in meaningful ways.

Youth Christian Formation
Spreading the message of the Gospel through evangelization, Christian formation and personal example, Catechism, bible study, discussion groups, mini-courses, etc.

Faith Themes

• Catholic Beliefs
• The Church
• Sacraments
• Life in the Spirit
• Personal Growth and Relationships
• Social Justice and Service
• Scriptures
• Catholic Morality
• Prayer
• Active Learning
• Short lectures
• Activities
• Small group discussions

Youth Worship
Celebrating the life-giving exchange between the Sprit of Jesus and the faith community.

• Youth masses
• Youth prayer services
• Stations of the Cross
• Retreats

Youth Community Life
Growing in our common bond as members of God’s family, promoting Christian fellowship.

• Outdoor events
• Field trips
• Pizza parties
• Dinners
• Sports

Youth Justice and Service
Extending the Reign of God to all the world by our words and actions in the Sprit of Jesus.

• Baby-sitting
• Food or clothing drive
• Fund raising for charity
• Garage sale

VISION FOR YOUTH MINISTRY (CATECHISTS)
Introduction
As leaders in the field of the youth apostolate, your task will be to help your parishes, dioceses, associations, and movements to be truly open to the personal, social, and spiritual needs of young people. You will have to find ways of involving young people in projects and activities of formation, spirituality, and service, giving them responsibility for themselves and their work, and taking care to avoid isolating them and their apostolate from the rest of the ecclesial community. Young people need to be able to see the practical relevance of their efforts to meet the real needs of people, especially the poor and neglected. They should be able to see that their apostolate belongs fully to the Church’s mission in the world. (Pope John Paul II, Listen to the True Word of Life, 1993).

Guidelines & Resources for Youth Catechesis
Goals of Youth Ministry:

• To empower youth people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
• To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
• To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

Keys to Success

• Youth leaders who are passionate about their faith and youth.
• Catechists must be willing to make a significant commitment: for preparation time and class time.
• Catechesis methodology must be based on active learning principals: combining teacher lecture, small group discussion and activities.
• A youth friendly Church environment that is open to their talents, energy and enthusiasm.
• Comprehensive program including catechesis, liturgy, worship, community building and service.
• Catechesis grounded on the scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Ministry that is family friendly and that celebrates and appreciates diversity.
• Catechises who are flexible and can adapt to the needs of the program and the youth.

Catechism Resources
St. Mary’s Press Faith Initiative

• Four Core books on Catechesis based on the updated Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Creed; Liturgy & Sacraments; Christian Morality; and Christian Prayer.
• Six Youth Ministry Books focused on living the faith: Evangelization; Community Life; Pastoral Care; Justice & Service; Prayer & Worship; and Youth Leadership.
• Two additional resources are provided for the Catechist: The Catholic Faith Handbook & Catholic Youth Bible.
• Each of the books has 10 to 12 one hour sessions with additional optional session extensions.

St. Mary’s Press Horizons

• Seven Core Books (12 - 2 hour sessions) and 22 Mini-Series ( 6 – 2 hour sessions)
• Based on active learning
• Each session must be divided into two 1-hour classes
• Core Central religious themes are carefully integrated with prayer and examination of the Scriptures

Sadlier Faith and Witness

• Four books for the catechesis of younger teens in 9th Grade: New Testament; Church History; Morality; and Liturgy & Worship
• Each book has approximately 20 one hour sessions.