YOUNGSTOWN YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

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8/1/2018

Youngstown Synod Surveys, Conclusion

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Following many years of success through parish and school programs as well as larger events such as World Youth Days, national youth conferences, diocesan youth conventions and other signs of the Church’s ministry by, with, for, and to youth and young adults, it is exciting that the Universal Church is taking this moment to focus on ministry to young people through a Synod and the accompanying consultation process.     

     In the Diocese of Youngstown surveys, it was encouraging to see the number and variety of responses representing ages from thirteen through adults, from all areas of the diocese, and representing all facets of the Church: priests, seminarians, staff and volunteers in addition to the direct input from high school youth and young adults.  The surveys also seem to represent the broad spectrum of Catholic beliefs and practices.


          The surveys clearly show that teens and young adults want “more” from the Church – more opportunities for leadership, service and relationship building.  However, it is surprising that the surveys did not reflect the view of many in the diocese who have expressed in other forums the importance of increasing the financial dedication of our diocese, parishes and schools for both youth ministries and young adult ministries.  Increased funding would allow for more full-time paid staff, more resources, more dedicated physical space, and more support for activities and faith experiences.  The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry has received many requests for financial assistance for young people to participate in local, regional, national, and international service, formation, spiritual and programs.

          Aside from the funding issues, the surveys did clearly indicate an important focus for youth ministry and young adult ministry: community.  The surveys of young people indicated they wanted a place where they belong and are listened to, as well as more welcoming communities in general.  What seems to be working is where committed adults – priests, youth ministers, staff, and other caring adults – are present to teens and young adults.  In these situations, the young people are more connected to the Church through these relationships. 

          It was interesting to note that the polarization in the American Church community was evident in our diocesan surveys, from a desire to greater access to the Extraordinary Form of the Mass and an emphasis on traditional teachings to a more engaging Mass and changing Church teachings in areas such as priestly celibacy and LGBTQ community tolerance.  Our diocese reflects the challenge of being a community rich in both unity and diversity.
​
          The challenges that young people face in the culture present both an area of a concern and an opportunity for youth ministry and young adult ministry.  Knowing the concerns of youth and young adults - especially peer-pressure, drugs (in particular heroin and alcohol), bullying, and anxiety – require a response of our faith communities to present an authentic witness of God’s love.  Discernment is a skill that we must both teach to our young people and practice as a community to empower missionary disciples of all ages.
 
+  Did anything you read here surprise you?  

+ Did anything affirm efforts you are already making for/with young people and their families? 

+ In what ways might your faith community do more to help young people in regards to their faith and vocational discernment? 



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    Cindee Case, MPS

    Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

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  • Welcome to OY&YAM
    • What is the OY&YAM?
    • Index of pages on this website
  • OY&YAM Calendar
  • For Coordinators of Youth Ministry
    • Recently Shared Fliers
    • Key Forms >
      • Youngstown Child Protection Policy
      • Driving Youth
    • YMOT- Youth Ministry Online Training
    • Continuing Education/Formation for CYMs >
      • CMD Workshop
      • Day of Prayer & Preparation
      • The Orientation Series
      • Youth Ministers Gatherings
    • Getting Started with Youth Ministries >
      • Considering Becoming a Youth Minister?
    • Youth Ministry Basics >
      • Adolescent Catechesis
      • Confirmation Preparation and Beyond
      • Engaging the Parish for YM
      • Youth and Evangelization
      • Evaluating and Improving YM
      • Fundraising
      • Helping Young People during Grief or Tragedy
      • Youth Retreats
      • Service and Justice with Teens
      • Summer YM Opportunities
      • DYC (Youth Convention) >
        • DYC 2016 Leader's Page
      • Youth Ministry Models
      • Youth Ministry Leadership
    • Youth with Special Needs
    • Strong Catholic Families/Strong Catholic Youth
    • Technology and Ministry
    • Recent Research
    • Resources for Ministry Seasons >
      • Year of Mercy
      • Papal Transitions and Traditions
      • Jesse Manibusan Concert
      • DOY Anniversary Youth Masses
    • March for Life with Youth
  • Cindee's Sessions
  • Synod on Youth 2018
    • Synod Survey Gatherings Resource Page
  • Young Adults (20s/30s)
    • Young Adult Ministry
    • Service Opportunities (Long Term)
    • Resources for Young Adult Ministry
  • Office Blog
  • Event Pictures/Files
    • Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
    • 2015 Evening of Reflection ( Young Adult Ministry)
    • Innovation Labs Pictures
  • Eagle of Cross Awards
    • Eagle of the Cross 2012-present
    • Eagle of the Cross, 1999 - 2011
  • For Teens and Parents
    • 2016 Papal Message for WYD
    • Holy Father's Messages to Youth 2014, 2013, 2012
  • DYC'18
    • DYC'18 Group Leader Page
  • World Youth Day
    • World Youth Day 2019 in Panama >
      • WYD Poland Pilgrims Info >
        • WYD 2016: Welcoming ceremony by the young people at Jordan Park in Kraków's Błonia
        • WYD 2016: Prayer Vigil with the young people in Campus Misericordiae
        • WYD 2016: Holy Mass on the occasion of the World Youth Day in Campus Misericordiae
        • 2016 Homily at Jubilee Mass for Young People
      • 2016 WYD Pilgrimages >
        • Tips for Managing Jet Lag
    • Holy Father's Message for 2015 WYD
  • Scouting
  • Resource Links/Prayers
    • Blessings & Prayers >
      • Marian Prayers
      • Going to Confession (Celebrating Reconciliation)
    • The Young Messiah