Youth Ministry Formation
Ministry Formation provides the basic theological understanding, spiritual formation, and methodology necessary for those who are appointed by their pastors to hand on the faith to young people in both catechetical and youth ministry settings. Training of youth ministry coordinators and team members (servers, core team, etc.) is necessary to ensure that the faith is handed on in its integrity and in a manner that responds to the needs, cultures, and other special characteristics of those in their care.
The Ministry Formation Program has two levels:
- Level One provides you with opportunities for growth as a person of faith; effective teaching/facilitating skills; and a plan for your ongoing training and developing a spiritual life.
- Level Two is divided into two tracks:
- Catechists – deepens the training by focusing on essential areas of theological training, such as scripture, the Creed, and morality for catechists.
- Youth Minister Team Member – To Be Announced
Basic Leadership Training Course for Faith Formation Leaders
The Basic Leadership Training Program program has been designed for new D/CRE or Youth Ministry Coordinator, to address certain ministerial/administrative expectations that are key to their success during their first year (and beyond) in their new role. The goal is to provide the foundational tools and accompaniment in the journey as a leader during this period of growth.
Level One
Required:
- PRAYER AND SPIRITUALITY: Call to be a Catechist; Faith and Discipleship; Christian Prayer
- METHODOLOGY: Planning a Lesson; Learning Environment; Understanding the Student; Media and Values; Guidelines and Culture.
- THE PROFESSION OF FAITH: God and Revelation; Jesus the Fullness of Revelation; Church, the Christian Community; Introduction to Scripture.
- CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERIES: Sacraments of Christian Initiation; Liturgy and Eucharist; Sacraments at the Service of Communion; Sacraments of Healing
- LIFE IN CHRIST: The Human Person: in the Image of God; The Human Community; Law, Grace and the Common Good; Love the Lord Your God: Commandments 1 -3; Love Your Neighbor: Commandments 4 – 10.
Level Two
In Development
Youth Ministry Team Formation
Called to Accompany invites youth ministry volunteers to learn and explore the many aspects that make a parish youth ministry successful. Through videos and reflection questions, volunteers are encouraged to respond to Pope Francis’ call to accompany youth toward a deep and fulfilling relationship with Christ and His Church.
Called to Accompany: Part One
- Deepen your understanding of youth ministry and its vision as found in the U.S. Bishops’ document, Renewing the Vision.
- Recognize the developmental and spiritual characteristics of today’s youth and facilitate encounters with God among young people.
- Understand what it means to evangelize and live as a disciple recognizing how this calls us to boldly form disciples.
- Define relational ministry and realize how it impacts our ministry with the young church through our pastoral care.
- Appreciate what it means to welcome and celebrate diversity by developing and promoting inclusive approaches.
Called to Accompany: Part Two
- Understand what it means to be a Christian leader and how to recognize the gifts you have to serve.
- Know how to call forth the giftedness of young people and the value of utilizing youth leaders.
- Be able to articulate the need for comprehensive approach to planning and preparation.
- Strengthen your ability to engage young people in liturgy and prayer.
- Be prepared to engage and empower youth to live out the social teachings of the Church and to be able to help them reflect and process these experiences.