Handbook - Planning for Excellence

What is comprehensive youth ministry?

Youth ministry is more than programming and events. It is “the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people, and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community.” (A Vision of Youth Ministry, p. 6, quoted in RTV). It is a ministry that is to, with and for young people that involves the larger community, parish community and their families. At the center of ministry with young people are relationships that are supportive and caring where the real presence of Christ can be experienced. 

Using the eight components identified in Renewing the Vision creates a comprehensive approach to youth ministry. The eight components are advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. These components should be used to guide efforts in proclaiming the Good News, connecting young people with the faith community, and calling young people to the challenge of discipleship.

  • Ministry of Advocacy
    “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” and within society. (RTV, p. 27) The ministry of advocacy includes protecting the sanctity of human life, standing with and speaking on behalf of young people and their families, empowering the voice of young people, and developing partnerships and initiatives in building a healthy community.

  • Ministry of Catechesis
    "The Ministry of Catechesis most effectively promotes the faith development of young and older adolescents when the curriculum is focused on important faith themes of the Church and on the developmental needs and life experiences of adolescents.” (RTV, p. 30) It helps young people enrich and expand their understanding of the Scriptures and the sacred tradition, developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community. It fosters growth in the Catholic faith the three dimensions of - trusting (heart), knowing and believing (mind,) and doing (will).
    Here are some more resources on the Ministry of Catechesis
    Integrating catechesis in youth ministry
    Adolescent Catechesis (USCCB)
    Adolescent Catechesis (NFCYM)

  • Ministry of Community Life 
    “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.” (RTV, p. 34) This included relationships between youth and caring adults, in an environment where community life is not only what we do (activity), but who we are (identity) and how we interact (relationships).
    Here is an article on how community is essential to youth ministry.
    Community is Essential to Youth Ministry

  • Ministry of Evangelization 
    “The Ministry of Evangelization shares the good news of the reign of God and invites young people to hear about the Word Made Flesh.” (RTV, p. 36) Evangelization is the core of all ministry with youth, calling all components, relationships and programming to proclaim the Good News. The ministry of evangelization incorporates several essential elements: witness, outreach, proclamation, invitation, conversion, and discipleship.
    Here is a video featuring Doug Tooke on Evangelization
    Ministry of Evangelization
     
  • Ministry of Justice and Service 
    “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.” (RTV, p. 38) Justice and service with young people engages, involves, develops assets and skills, incorporates doing the right thing with attention to why and how we do what we do, involves a supportive community and nurtures a lifelong commitment to service and justice within young people.
    Here is a video of Augusto Michael Trujillo sharing his expertise on the Ministry of Justice and Serive
    Called to Serve
     
  • Ministry of Leadership Development 
    “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.” (RTV, p. 40) This includes but is not limited to developing leadership systems that nurtures and empowers adults and young people for ministry within their parish communities and beyond.
    Here is a video of Lenny DeLorenzo sharing his expertise on leadership
    Christian Leadership
     
  • Ministry of Pastoral Care 
    “The Ministry of Pastoral Care is a compassionate presence in imitation of Jesus’ care for people, especially those who were hurting and in need.” (RTV, p. 42) It involves promoting positive adolescent and family development through a variety of positive (preventive) strategies, caring for adolescents and families in crisis through support, counseling, and referral to appropriate community agencies; providing guidance as young people face life decisions and make moral choices, and challenging systems that are obstacles to positive development.
    Here is a video of Doug Tooke and Tom East discussing pastoral care.
    Pastoral Care to Youth
     
  • Ministry of Prayer and Worship 
    “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 in the sacramental life of the Church, especially Eucharist; it nurtures the personal prayer life of young people, and it fosters family rituals and prayer.” (RTV, p. 44) This includes but is not limited to apprenticing and promotes the authentic participation of youth in liturgy, attends to the diversity of the cultures and ages in the assembly, provides opportunities for creative prayer with young people in peer, family, and intergenerational settings, and develops the interpersonal and communal dimensions of the liturgy.
    Here is a video of Fr. Abraham Feliciano, SDB on Liturgy and Worship
    Guidance on Liturgy and Worship with Youth

Here are some more resources on understanding and preparing for comprehensive youth ministry:

Building a Strong Core Team

Creating a Youth Night/Gathering

Best Practices in Small Groups

Planning for Prayer and Worship

Planning Retreats 

Planning Service

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OYYA Handbook Table of Contents

OYYA Handbook Home
OYYA Mission and Values
What We Do
Christus Vivit
Renewing the Vision: Youth Ministry
Sons & Daughters of the Light: Young Adults
Empowered by the Spirit: Campus Ministry
Start Here
Planning for Excellence
Keys to Success
Effective Administration
Forms, Policies, and Guidelines
Suggested Resources