Adolescent Catechesis
The Ministry of Catechesis
“The heart of catechesis is the explicit proposal of Christ to the young man in the Gospel (Mt 19:16-22); it is a direct proposal to all young people in terms appropriate to young people, and with considered understanding of their problems” (GDC, #183). “Genuine faith is a total response of the whole person-mind, heart and will. The ministry of catechesis fosters growth in Catholic faith in all three dimensions- trusting (heart), knowing and believing (mind), and doing (will)” (RTV, p. 29).
“The heart of catechesis is the explicit proposal of Christ to the young man in the Gospel (Mt 19:16-22); it is a direct proposal to all young people in terms appropriate to young people, and with considered understanding of their problems” (GDC, #183). “Genuine faith is a total response of the whole person-mind, heart and will. The ministry of catechesis fosters growth in Catholic faith in all three dimensions- trusting (heart), knowing and believing (mind), and doing (will)” (RTV, p. 29).
National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis
The rationale behind the National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis is to create a new paradigm for how the Catholic Church effectively forms the faith of young people and to assist parishes and schools across the country in assessing and re-thinking their methods and structures in this new light.
The rationale behind the National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis is to create a new paradigm for how the Catholic Church effectively forms the faith of young people and to assist parishes and schools across the country in assessing and re-thinking their methods and structures in this new light.
Click on the button above to watch a webinar on which the primary writers of the document
offer a few insights into and highlights from the 2017 document
Order "The Joy of Adolescent Catechesis" at:
http://store.nfcym.org/shop/pc/The-Joy-of-Adolescent-Catechesis-25p903.htm
Be sure to review the High School Learning Objectives in the Curriculum
and incorporate them into your teaching plans so that each objective is covered
AT LEAST ONCE within a four-year cycle (in 3 years if preferred.)
and incorporate them into your teaching plans so that each objective is covered
AT LEAST ONCE within a four-year cycle (in 3 years if preferred.)
This list has resources that have been reviewed by the Office of Religious Education
and are approved for usage in the Diocese of Youngstown.
and are approved for usage in the Diocese of Youngstown.
Read an overview of Comprehensive Youth Ministry followed by the full guidelines for
adolescent catechesis (an except can be found below.)
adolescent catechesis (an except can be found below.)
All ministry with adolescents must be directed toward presenting young people with the Good News of Jesus Christ and inviting and challenging them to become his disciples. For this reason, catechesis is an essential component of youth ministry and one that needs renewed emphasis."
Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997, p. 10
Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997, p. 10
THE OFFICE OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
AND THE OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RECOMMEND:
A. Parishes develop a comprehensive youth ministry integrating the goals and components of Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry and reflecting the cultural, social, and economic demographics of the local community.
B. Ministry with adolescents reflects a spirit of Christian welcome, acceptance in all areas and ministries of parish life, and incorporates the following themes: developmental appropriateness, family friendly, intergenerational, multicultural, community-wide collaboration, flexible and adaptable programming.
C. Youth have the opportunity to participate in all ministries of the local parish including the development and planning of the parish youth ministry; and in inter-parish, deanery, diocesan, and national activities.
D. Comprehensive youth ministry utilizes a variety of models, formats, schedules, and environments based on the needs and interests of young people and their families.
E. Parishes utilize the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Office of Religious Education for assistance in leadership training, selection of resources, and program development.
GUIDELINES FOR YOUTH MINISTRY PARISH ADMINISTRATION
Use standardized parent authorization and medical release forms.
Insure that chaperones are at least 21 years old, and at a ratio of 1 adult to 10 youths for parish activities and 1 adult to 6 youths for overnights and trips.
Require that an insured adult driver provide transportation for youth.
Implement the Diocese of Youngstown Child Protection Policy.
o Provide regular in-service on the policy.
o Maintain required records.
Maintain permanent records for youth participants and adult leaders.
Maintain financial records and prepare annual budget.
Design and develop youth ministry with:
o Short and long-range planning over a 12-month calendar that provides regular youth ministry opportunities.
o 30% of all youth ministry programs and activities to include a catechetical dimension.
o Comprehensive and substantive catechesis.
o The learning objectives of the Curriculum for Catechesis (grades 9-12) integrated into all aspects of youth ministry.
o Approved texts and other resources.
o A variety of learning methods and activities.
o A variety of programs, i.e. parish, home, small group, large group, etc.
Provide regular evaluation and update of youth ministry.
o Include parish staff, adult leaders, parents and youth in the evaluation process.
AND THE OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION RECOMMEND:
A. Parishes develop a comprehensive youth ministry integrating the goals and components of Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry and reflecting the cultural, social, and economic demographics of the local community.
B. Ministry with adolescents reflects a spirit of Christian welcome, acceptance in all areas and ministries of parish life, and incorporates the following themes: developmental appropriateness, family friendly, intergenerational, multicultural, community-wide collaboration, flexible and adaptable programming.
C. Youth have the opportunity to participate in all ministries of the local parish including the development and planning of the parish youth ministry; and in inter-parish, deanery, diocesan, and national activities.
D. Comprehensive youth ministry utilizes a variety of models, formats, schedules, and environments based on the needs and interests of young people and their families.
E. Parishes utilize the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Office of Religious Education for assistance in leadership training, selection of resources, and program development.
GUIDELINES FOR YOUTH MINISTRY PARISH ADMINISTRATION
Use standardized parent authorization and medical release forms.
Insure that chaperones are at least 21 years old, and at a ratio of 1 adult to 10 youths for parish activities and 1 adult to 6 youths for overnights and trips.
Require that an insured adult driver provide transportation for youth.
Implement the Diocese of Youngstown Child Protection Policy.
o Provide regular in-service on the policy.
o Maintain required records.
Maintain permanent records for youth participants and adult leaders.
Maintain financial records and prepare annual budget.
Design and develop youth ministry with:
o Short and long-range planning over a 12-month calendar that provides regular youth ministry opportunities.
o 30% of all youth ministry programs and activities to include a catechetical dimension.
o Comprehensive and substantive catechesis.
o The learning objectives of the Curriculum for Catechesis (grades 9-12) integrated into all aspects of youth ministry.
o Approved texts and other resources.
o A variety of learning methods and activities.
o A variety of programs, i.e. parish, home, small group, large group, etc.
Provide regular evaluation and update of youth ministry.
o Include parish staff, adult leaders, parents and youth in the evaluation process.
...adolescent catechesis is most effective when situated within a comprehensive program of youth ministry that includes social, liturgical, and catechetical components as well as opportunities for service."
National Directory for Catechesis
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005, p. 264
National Directory for Catechesis
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2005, p. 264
RESOURCES: |
Publishing Companies (For Purchase): |
Sample job description for a Catechist:
Name of Catholic Parish) YOUTH MINISTRY CATECHISTS
Catechists are responsible for planning and implementing a session or mini-course which fosters the religious education
and faith formation of our young people.
Catechists have the following responsibilities:
Choose an appropriate topic (in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator).
Decide on the length of the mini-course (1, 2 or 3 sessions).
Plan each session with a balance of presentation, group sharing, group activity and questions/answers.
Design appropriate handouts and activities.
Plan an opening and/or closing prayer.
Plan a simple ice breaker or introduction activity.
Arrange for refreshments (if appropriate).
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up and greet the young people.
Arrange with the Youth Ministry Coordinator for appropriate publicity.·
Catechists have the following qualities:
Like young people and can enable them to share their faith stories.
Willing and able to share their personal faith story and journey.
Willing and able to present religious education and faith topics in a way that involves young people and relates to their life experiences.
Knows the Church Teachings and is able to present them in an appropriate manner.
Mini-courses can be planned in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator, who has access to a variety of resources,
text books and mini-courses.
Catechists can work in teams in order to divide the responsibilities of hospitality, session presentations and prayer.
Term: Catechists serve for the duration of their mini-course and the term is renewable for other courses.
Support: Catechists are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry/ Coordinator of Religious Education.
Name of Catholic Parish) YOUTH MINISTRY CATECHISTS
Catechists are responsible for planning and implementing a session or mini-course which fosters the religious education
and faith formation of our young people.
Catechists have the following responsibilities:
Choose an appropriate topic (in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator).
Decide on the length of the mini-course (1, 2 or 3 sessions).
Plan each session with a balance of presentation, group sharing, group activity and questions/answers.
Design appropriate handouts and activities.
Plan an opening and/or closing prayer.
Plan a simple ice breaker or introduction activity.
Arrange for refreshments (if appropriate).
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up and greet the young people.
Arrange with the Youth Ministry Coordinator for appropriate publicity.·
Catechists have the following qualities:
Like young people and can enable them to share their faith stories.
Willing and able to share their personal faith story and journey.
Willing and able to present religious education and faith topics in a way that involves young people and relates to their life experiences.
Knows the Church Teachings and is able to present them in an appropriate manner.
Mini-courses can be planned in consultation with the Youth Ministry Coordinator, who has access to a variety of resources,
text books and mini-courses.
Catechists can work in teams in order to divide the responsibilities of hospitality, session presentations and prayer.
Term: Catechists serve for the duration of their mini-course and the term is renewable for other courses.
Support: Catechists are supported by the Coordinator for Youth Ministry/ Coordinator of Religious Education.
