Youth Ministry

WHAT IS CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY?

The Catholic bishops of the United States defined Catholic youth ministry in the 1997 document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (RTV). This document, printed in both English and Spanish, provides a structure for the ministry as well as a language, theology, and pastoral approach for responding to the personal and spiritual needs of today's adolescents.
Covers of Renewing the Vision Purchase
Renewing the Vision

“What is needed today is a church which knows how to respond to the expectations of young people. Jesus wants to enter into dialogue with them and, through his body, which is the church, to propose the possibility of a choice, which will require a commitment of their lives. As Jesus with the disciples of Emmaus, so the church must become the traveling companion of young people...” (Pope John Paul II, World Youth Day 1995, Philippines)

The church must become the traveling companion of young people—and that is what we mean by youth ministry. If, indeed, “it takes an entire village to raise a child,” then it certainly takes an entire church to journey with young people as they grapple with the Good News and respond in discipleship.

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, in their 1997 document, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, identified three goals and eight components which provide direction for this ministry. Youth ministry, at its best, is characterized by the following five hallmarks:

* Discipleship
* Connection
* Giftedness and growth
* Comprehensiveness
* Entire church (parish) involvement

(Information from National Federation from Catholic Youth Ministry): http://www.nfcym.org/catholicym/index.htm

NEW COORDINATOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY

Most of you who attend Mass regularly at St. Stephen know that for the last several weeks we have included a prayer for a person to bring energy, creativity and dedicated leadership to the position of Coordinator of Youth Ministry for our parish. Our prayers have been answered! St. Stephen has hired Kaitlin Roberts to assume that position.

Kaitlin completed her B.A. in Theology at Aquinas College this spring. During her college years she volunteered in the Youth Ministry and Religious Education programs at St. Anthony of Padua Parish. Over the years she has taken part in weekly gatherings of youth, retreats, service opportunities, mission trips, leadership development as well as serving as a catechist to help prepare 8th graders for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

In addition, she has served as a Staff Leader for DYMO (formerly Diocesan Youth Ministry Office) Camp for two years running, including this summer.

Kaitlin brings many gifts to her new position, including experience in directing a junior high school musical program! No doubt her enthusiasm and passion for ministering with youth will make an invaluable contribution to our parish. She will be starting July 25 after fulfilling some other summer responsibilities.

Welcome, Kaitlin!